2011 Volvo XC90
Only 19 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict.
This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.
Only 19 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict. The data below is complete but unranked.
COMPLAINTS PER YEAR
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 2003 | 93 |
| 2004 | 462 |
| 2005 | 223 |
| 2006 | 53 |
| 2007 | 38 |
| 2008 | 29 |
| 2009 | 7 |
| 2010 | 12 |
| 2011 | 19 |
| 2012 | 3 |
| 2013 | 11 |
| 2014 | 4 |
| 2015 | 0 |
| 2016 | 195 |
| 2017 | 73 |
| 2018 | 46 |
| 2019 | 37 |
| 2020 | 28 |
| 2021 | 32 |
| 2022 | 28 |
| 2023 | 39 |
| 2024 | 30 |
| 2025 | 26 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
Only 19 complaints on file for this model year -- too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.
5 of 19 total reports mention: engine.
INJURYShow complaint excerpts
The catillatic converter exploded as we started the vehicle .was a very loud explosion..no fire but lots of smoke.
NHTSA ODI report, 20260205
5 of 19 total reports mention: electrical system.
FIREShow complaint excerpts
94,000 MILES 2011 VOLVO XC90 PURCHASED 4 MONTHS AGO. VEHICLE WAS PARKED STATIONARY IN DRIVEWAY.
NHTSA ODI report, 20210420
2 of 19 total reports mention: steering.
Show complaint excerpts
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....
NHTSA ODI report, 20171110
2 of 19 total reports mention: service brakes.
Show complaint excerpts
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.
NHTSA ODI report, 20120824
2 of 19 total reports mention: power train.
Show complaint excerpts
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.
NHTSA ODI report, 20120824
SAFETY TIMELINE
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 STEERI
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.
Campaign 11V286000 — check if this car was fixed
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
2011 Volvo XC90 — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for engine issues (5 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for electrical system issues (5 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for steering issues (2 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 11V286000 (steering) has been completed.
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST YEARS
FAQ
Is the 2011 Volvo XC90 reliable?
There isn't enough NHTSA complaint data on file yet to give this model year a verdict.
What are the most common problems with the 2011 Volvo XC90?
The most-reported component is engine, accounting for 26% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2011 Volvo XC90 have?
1 recall on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.