Most common 2011 Volvo XC90 problems
Share of the 19 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.
Volvo XC90 complaints by model year
Best XC90 years: 2010, 2013, 2011. Years to avoid: 2016, 2025, 2023, 2017, 2024. Compare all years →
2011 Volvo XC90 recalls (1)
Steering
Volvo is recalling certain model year 2010-2011 xc90 vehicles manufactured from January 29, 2010, through August 16, 2010. The power steering fluid May leak from the oil pipe connection at the steering gear valve housing.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the oil pipes on the power steering rack free of charge. The recall is scheduled to begin during June 2011. Owners May contact Volvo at 1-800-458-1552.
What 2011 Volvo XC90 owners say
Engine & cooling
The contact owns a 2011 Volvo XC90. The contact stated that the check engine warning lights was illuminated. The vehicle was not taken to a local dealer. The manufacturer was informed of the failure and suggested that the vehicle be taken to a dealer to be diagnosed. The failure mileage was approximately 128,000.
Recently we lost the serpentine belt without knowing it. No warning lights or computer message called our attention to the fact that we were running on battery. The only indication of a problem was the loss of power steering. We drove a short distance to a Volvo repair facility and learned we lost the serpentine belt, thus the alternator, water pump,power steering and air conditioner were inoperative. We were informed that the computer controls everything and would not issue a warning until the engine overheated and/or the battery was close to failing. This is a recipe for disaster for a driver or family who might drive into a dangerous situation or at the very least harm the engine through overheating. The loss of the alternator should send a warning to the driver that there is a serious engine malfunction and to stop at the earliest safe place and seek assistance.
Electrical system
Electrical, Brake lights suddenly stopped working on both sides at once. I checked the fuse only to be told a relay may be the issue. The location of said relay is vague and not serviceable by owner. Risk of rear end collision. Of following traffic
94,000 miles 2011 Volvo XC90 purchased 4 months ago. Vehicle was parked stationary in driveway. In the middle of the night water intruded the front passenger cabin and dashboard of the vehicle through a sunroof drainagedefect in this year and model of Volvo XC90. Six inches of water pooled in the front passenger floor and permeated the dash causing the cem to short and start an electrical fire. The cabin of the vehicle filled with thick smoke from the electrical fire and the car alarm began to go off. The electrical fire began in the driver compartment housing the cem. The cem wires were completely melted away. Multiple electrical systems effected and require replacement plus smoke/fire/water remediation. Per mechanic repairs exceed value of vehicle. Total loss.
Transmission & drivetrain
Shortly after we purchased our 2011 Volvo XC90 brand new we have experienced a lags in acceleration. When accelerating the car would roll very slowly unless the accelerator pedal was completely floored. We waited until our routine oil change was due to have it checked out, and we were told by the dealer that they could not recreate the circumstance. They told us they would update the car's computer which seemed to work briefly, but shortly after the lagging began again. It eventually became more and more common and now it is happening many times a week. After observing these lags in acceleration we have come to the conclusion that this occurs whenever you stop to make a turn. I have been doing research for some time now and reports are just now starting to appear. It is definitely something that needs to be looked into.
From the beginning this vehicle has delayed acceleration, very dangerous to drive when pulling out in front of on-coming traffic, or making left hand turn with on-coming traffic. Brakes make loud cracking popping sound when braking and turning the wheel, do not feel safe with it making such awful sounds.
2011 Volvo XC90 engines & fuel economy
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG city / hwy / combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3.2L 6-cyl | 6-speed automatic | FWD | 16 / 22 / 18 |
| 3.2L 6-cyl | 6-speed automatic | AWD | 16 / 22 / 18 |
| 4.4L 8-cyl | 6-speed automatic | AWD | 14 / 21 / 16 |
EPA ratings. Class: SUV.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2011 Volvo XC90 a good car?
Based on 19 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2011 XC90 rates better than average: 56% fewer complaints than a typical year of the XC90 at the same age. It is one of the best XC90 years by this measure. 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 XC90?
The engine & cooling — 7 complaints, 37% of all complaints for this model year. Next are the electrical system (5) and transmission & drivetrain (3).
How many recalls does the 2011 Volvo XC90 have?
There is 1 recall for the 2011 Volvo XC90, the most recent from May 18, 2011 (steering). 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 XC90?
The best years by complaints, compared at the same age, are 2010, 2013 and 2011. Years to avoid or approach with caution: 2016, 2025, 2023, 2017 and 2024. See the full Volvo XC90 years comparison.
At what mileage do 2011 Volvo XC90 problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 94,000 miles; 31% 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.