Steering
Free remedy
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.
Research · Sport Utility Vehicle - 4WD
2011 Volvo XC90Recalls, problems, MPG & safety
NHTSA lists 1 safety recall and 19 owner complaints for the 2011 Volvo XC90. Most complaints involve engine (5) and electrical system (5). The EPA rates it 16–18 mpg combined.
Combined MPG
16–18mpg
EPA · 3 versions
NHTSA overall
—
Not rated by NCAP
Safety recalls
1campaigns
Latest May 2011
Owner complaints
19
Top: engine
Fuel cost / yr
$3,550est.
EPA estimate, best version
Safety recalls
1 NHTSA campaign · applies to some vehicles, check your VIN
Data from NHTSA Recalls API · synced Oct 29, 2026 · All recall detailsNHTSA vehicle page
Owner complaints by component
19 complaints filed with NHTSA · Sep 2011 – Feb 2026
- Engine5
- Electrical system5
- Power train3
- Service brakes2
- Seat belts2
- Steering2
- Engine and engine cooling2
- Exterior lighting1
- Air bags1
Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.
By model year
Complaints for each XC90 model year we’ve synced.
View as table
| Model year | NHTSA complaints |
|---|---|
| 2003 | 96 |
| 2004 | 462 |
| 2005 | 223 |
| 2006 | 53 |
| 2007 | 38 |
| 2008 | 29 |
| 2009 | 7 |
| 2010 | 12 |
| 2011 | 19 |
| 2012 | 3 |
| 2013 | 11 |
| 2014 | 4 |
| 2016 | 197 |
| 2017 | 81 |
| 2018 | 52 |
| 2019 | 42 |
| 2020 | 34 |
| 2021 | 17 |
- Crashes reported
- 0
- Fires reported
- 1
- Injuries reported
- 2
- Deaths reported
- 0
Data from NHTSA Complaints API · synced Oct 29, 2026 · Full problem breakdownNHTSA vehicle page
What owners report most
Verbatim excerpts from NHTSA complaints, by component
Engine
5 reports
“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.”
Electrical system
5 reports1 fire
“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”
Power train
3 reports
“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. *TR”
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Oct 29, 2026
Engines, transmissions & drive
3 versions rated by the EPA
- EPA class
- Sport Utility Vehicle - 4WD, Sport Utility Vehicle - 2WD
- Engines
- 3.2L 6-cyl · 4.4L 8-cyl
- Transmissions
- Automatic (S6)
- Drive
- All-Wheel Drive · Front-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Regular Gasoline
Towing, payload and dimensions aren’t in the EPA or NHTSA data, so we don’t list them.
Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Oct 29, 2026EPA listing
EPA fuel economy by version
City / highway / combined, annual fuel cost and CO₂
EPA
| Version | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| XC90 AWD Auto (S6), 6 cyl, 3.2 L · All-Wheel Drive | 16 | 22 | 18 | $3,550 | 494 |
| XC90 FWD Auto (S6), 6 cyl, 3.2 L · Front-Wheel Drive | 16 | 22 | 18 | $3,550 | 494 |
| XC90 AWD Auto (S6), 8 cyl, 4.4 L · All-Wheel Drive | 14 | 21 | 16 | $4,000 | 555 |
- 18mpg comb.
- 18mpg comb.
- 16mpg comb.
Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Oct 29, 2026 · Fuel cost is EPA’s annual estimate (15,000 mi, 55% city)
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings
2 tested variants
NHTSA has not published 5-Star Safety Ratings for the 2011 Volvo XC90 as of Oct 29, 2026.
Maintenance basics
General guidance, not the OEM schedule. Check your owner’s manual.
General guidance
| Item | Miles | Time | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine oil & filter | 5,000–10,000 mi | 6–12 months | Follow the oil-life monitor if fitted |
| Tire rotation | 5,000–7,500 mi | Every oil change | Check pressure monthly |
| Engine air filter | 15,000–30,000 mi | 1–2 years | Sooner in dusty areas |
| Cabin air filter | 15,000–25,000 mi | 1–2 years | |
| Brake fluid | — | 2–3 years | Absorbs moisture over time |
| Coolant | 60,000–100,000 mi | 5–10 years | Long-life coolants last longer |
| Spark plugs | 60,000–100,000 mi | — | Iridium/platinum plugs at the long end |
| 12V battery | — | 3–5 years | Heat shortens battery life |
- Engine oil & filter5,000–10,000 mi
6–12 months - Tire rotation5,000–7,500 mi
Every oil change - Engine air filter15,000–30,000 mi
1–2 years - Cabin air filter15,000–25,000 mi
1–2 years - Brake fluid—
2–3 years - Coolant60,000–100,000 mi
5–10 years - Spark plugs60,000–100,000 mi
— - 12V battery—
3–5 years
Typical intervals for modern cars. Severe service (towing, short trips, extreme heat or cold) shortens them.
2011 XC90 questions
How many recalls does the 2011 Volvo XC90 have?
1 safety recall as of Oct 29, 2026, according to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at a dealer. Check your VIN to see whether your car is included and whether the repair was done.
What are the most common 2011 Volvo XC90 problems?
Owners filed 19 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are engine (5), electrical system (5), power train (3). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.
What MPG does the 2011 Volvo XC90 get?
The EPA rates the 2011 Volvo XC90 at 16–18 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (3 versions rated).
Data from NHTSA & EPA · synced Oct 29, 2026