2011 Volvo Xc90 problems, complaints & recalls
Most-reported problem areas: Engine (4) · Electrical System (3) · Steering (2)
🧭 Reliability snapshot
Compared against other Volvo Xc90 model years — complaint volume vs the model's median year, recalls and severity. How we score →
Safety recalls (1)
Steering 2011-05-18 · campaign 11V286000 · 350 vehicles
Defect: 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.
Risk: THIS CONDITION COULD LEAD TO A SUDDEN LOSS OF POWER STEERING, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
Fix: 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.
Service bulletins (221)
Technical service bulletins are repair instructions manufacturers send dealers for known issues. Unlike recalls, the fix is not automatically free — but naming the bulletin at the service desk can save diagnosis time and support goodwill repairs.
Engine 2026-04-23 · 35526.1.8 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
this is a technical journal: text plus 2 pdfs and 1 .png oil consumption test. perform the test. follow service procedure description and service sections updated to clarify that vehicle reports are not required.
Unknown Or Other 2026-04-07 · 37809.1.1 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
this is a tj text only - the purpose of this tj is to be a master reference list to easily identify any components that are on prior approval. this tj will be regularily updated as items are added or removed from prior approval. current items under prior approval are listed in the "service" sec
Unknown Or Other 2025-12-06 · 19245 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
this is a technical journal. vehicle type and platform identification.
Exterior Lighting 2025-04-10 · 8501 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
this is a technical journal: remote connection, bomgar application. before joining a remote session: •connect a suitable battery maintainer/charger and verify that the battery voltage indicated in vida is between 12.5v and 14.9v. •connect to the vehicle over a wired connection using a voe
Unknown Or Other 2025-02-21 · S10303 · Service Campaign
volvo cars usa llc and volvo car canada ltd on behalf of the volvo car corporation has decided to launch service action s10303 on certain model year 2025 ex90 vehicles. volvo car investigations have identified that there is a pairing issue with the key fob. as a result, there is a possibil
Unknown Or Other 2025-02-13 · S10303 · Service Campaign
volvo cars usa llc and volvo car canada ltd on behalf of the volvo car corporation has decided to launch service action s10303 on certain model year 2025 ex90 vehicles. volvo car investigations have identified that there is a pairing issue with the key fob. as a result, there is a possibil
Showing the 6 most recent of 221 bulletins. Search all of them free at nhtsa.gov.
What owners report
2026-02-05 · Engine“the catillatic converter exploded as we started the vehicle .was a very loud explosion..no fire but lots of smoke. …”
2022-02-24 · Engine · 128,000 mi“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.…”
2022-02-17 · Service Brakes“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…”
2021-04-20 · Electrical System · 94,000 mi · 🔥 fire“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…”
2020-12-15 · Seat Belts · 127,200 mi“driver seat belt does not fully retract after every release. it will be loose until you guide it up to the hole. it is kind of okay for now but i have no doubt this issue could get worse. i am also almost certain this is similar to recall #r10029 that affects our 2011 xc60. the part must be worn. it still retracts around people but if it gets worse…”
2020-02-24 · Unknown Or Other“the built-in child safety seat in the middle cracked after the first time i opened it so i can't put it back down and don't know if it affects the child airbag. i asked volvo about it and they told me it would be $500 just to simply look at it before deciding whether to fix it or if covered by the warranty. this isn't safe and i now have a child se…”
2019-06-10 · Suspension“spring broke on front strut and sliced into the inner sidewall of tire causing the tire to blowout. vehicle has being driven on a dirt lane when this happened (10 mph). if this would have happened on a main road, the volvo xc90 would have been out-of-control !…”
2018-07-23 · Wheels · 142,000 mi“spare wheel winch cable separated from wheel hub retainer hook. the hook device is held in place by a compression ring over the cable. compression failed causing separation and dropping spare wheel on roadway while vehicle was in motion. spare wheel became a 30 lbs uncontrolled projectile/hazard to other motorists. no rust or corrosion detected…”
2017-11-10 · Steering · 100,000 mi“whining noise in steering..... i checked and leaking power steering fluid in 2015... also in 2016, and now again in 2017... i added fluid each time....…”
2017-07-18 · Electrical System · 77,010 mi“this is a known defect in several volvo car models since 2008. there is currently a class action lawsuit in place due to this defect. the defect involves the volvo xm/sirius radio system installed in many volvo models and resulting battery drain, battery replacement costs, volvo firmware upgrade costs and the additional inability to pass california…”
Excerpts of consumer complaints filed with NHTSA, lightly truncated. They are owner statements, not verified findings.