Most common 2011 Volvo XC60 problems
Share of the 36 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.
Volvo XC60 complaints by model year
Best XC60 years: 2014, 2017, 2012. Years to avoid: 2022, 2023, 2025, 2024, 2021. Compare all years →
2011 Volvo XC60 recalls (4)
Seat belts › Front
Volvo Cars of N.A., LLC (Volvo) is recalling certain 2008-2016 V70 and XC70, 2007-2016 S80, 2011-2018 S60 and V60, 2016-2018 S60 Cross Country, 2014-2020 S60L, 2009-2015 S80L, 2009-2016 XC60 and 2015-2018 V60 Cross Country vehicles.
Remedy: Volvo will notify owners, and dealers will replace the seat belt anchor cable for both front seats. The recall began December 10, 2020. Owners may contact Volvo customer service at 1-800-458-1552.
Seats
Volvo is recalling certain passenger vehicles equipped with power front passenger seats. The front seat rail's detection system was manufactured incorrectly and May permit the passenger to forward the seat beyond the intended maximum.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect the front power seat stops for both front seats for the presence of an "end stop" and repair the vehicles as necessary free of charge. The safety recall began on December 23, 2010.
Engine and engine cooling
Volvo is recalling certain model year 2011, s80, s60, xc70 and xc60 vehicles. The software calibration for the fuel cut-off functionality in the engine control module (ECM) is too sensitive.
Remedy: Dealers will update the ECM and TCM with new software free of charge. The safety recall is expected to begin on or before December 10, 2010. Owners May contact Volvo at 1-800-458-1552 or at customercare@volvoforlife.com.
Air bags › Frontal
Volvo is recalling certain model year 2010-2011 s80, xc70, model year 2011 xc60 and model year 2010 v70 vehicles. There May be an intermittent fault in the driver's airbag clockspring wiring connector for the supplemental restraint system.
Remedy: Dealers will install a metal shim in the driver's air bag clockspring wiring connector. This service will be performed free of charge. The safety recall began on October 20, 2010.
What 2011 Volvo XC60 owners say
Windows, wipers & sunroof
The contact owns a 2011 Volvo XC60. The contact stated that the front driver's side belt was restraining her extremely tightly and failed to release as needed. No warning light was illuminated. The contact also stated that water had leaked from around the windshield into the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where the contact was informed that water was in the vehicle and the sunroof drain needed to be flushed out however, the contact stated that she was denied service unless the sunroof drain was flushed out. The vehicle was repaired however, the failure recurred, and the contact was concerned for her safety. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and the contact was informed that the VIN was not included in a recall. The failure mileage was approximately 49,000.
Original OEM front windshield developed a leak causing water to start dripping onto my hands on the steering wheel and on my lap during a rainstorm. seems to be numerous accounts of the front windshield bonding failing, definitely can be hazardous when driving in an already higher-risk situation rain causes. Not to mention the dripping runs down the inside of the windshield they don't make windshield wipers for the inside of the car and you have to wipe it away while driving to help with the visibility.
Seat belts
The contact owns a 2011 Volvo XC60. The contact stated that the front driver's side belt was restraining her extremely tightly and failed to release as needed. No warning light was illuminated. The contact also stated that water had leaked from around the windshield into the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where the contact was informed that water was in the vehicle and the sunroof drain needed to be flushed out however, the contact stated that she was denied service unless the sunroof drain was flushed out. The vehicle was repaired however, the failure recurred, and the contact was concerned for her safety. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and the contact was informed that the VIN was not included in a recall. The failure mileage was approximately 49,000.
This SUV. 2011 Volvo XC60 is our family travel vehicle. I had a bad scenario, The drivers side seat belt Buckle got stuck. Would not release, My girlfriend was in car trying to release buckle. This is not normal. its scary felling she told me. In a MVA. this may be a risk of stuck in car. The Dealer had replaced shoulder harness under recall. But My complaint was the seat belt buckle get stuck wont release. It seems to sit too close to seat I don't know why It was not replaced as an assembly. Does any record show seat belt buckle stuck issues and wont release.? Other than the Seat belt gets stuck wont release. My issue I think the buckle should be at a higher above lower seat to accommodate average size people.
Electrical system
The car has needed 4 battery changes and the last two were in July and October. On one occasion the car died and would not start at all. On October 3, like the multiple times before, the low battery sign came up. When the car was taken in the dealer finally found that there software glitch in their words that was keeping certain modules of the car on despite the car being turned off. We were told a software patch was applied and that would take care of the issue. Today, 11/6/2015, the low battery sign has come on again and the car has automatically decided to switch the radio off to conserve power twice already. This seems to happen every time we are trying to start the car. The first time this happened we were parked and had to get the vehicle towed. The second time the low battery sign came on and we were able to drive the car to the dealer where the battery was replaced. …
Tl* the contact owns a 2011 Volvo XC60. While the vehicle was parked, the key failed to release from the ignition switch without warning. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, but was not diagnosed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 60,000. The VIN was unavailable.
2011 Volvo XC60 engines & fuel economy
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG city / hwy / combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3.2L 6-cyl | 6-speed automatic | FWD | 18 / 25 / 21 |
| 3.2L 6-cyl | 6-speed automatic | AWD | 18 / 24 / 20 |
| 3.0L 6-cyl turbo | 6-speed automatic | AWD | 17 / 22 / 19 |
EPA ratings. Class: SUV.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2011 Volvo XC60 a good car?
Based on 36 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2011 XC60 rates average: about as many complaints as a typical year of the XC60 at the same age. Complaint counts don't account for sales volume or individual maintenance, so have any used car inspected before buying.
What is the most common problem with the 2011 Volvo XC60?
The windows, wipers & sunroof — 8 complaints, 22% of all complaints for this model year, most often about rearview mirrors/devices › interior. Next are the seat belts (8) and electrical system (6).
How many recalls does the 2011 Volvo XC60 have?
There are 4 recalls for the 2011 Volvo XC60, the most recent from June 30, 2020 (front). Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer — check whether yours has been done with the VIN recall check.
What are the best and worst years of the Volvo XC60?
The best years by complaints, compared at the same age, are 2014, 2017 and 2012. Years to avoid or approach with caution: 2022, 2023, 2025, 2024 and 2021. See the full Volvo XC60 years comparison.
At what mileage do 2011 Volvo XC60 problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 50,000 miles; 50% of problems with a recorded mileage started before 50,000 miles.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.