2011 Volvo XC90
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
Have the VIN?
Vehicles › Volvo › XC90 › 2011
These records cover every 2011 Volvo XC90. To see whether one car still needs a recall repair, decode its VIN or check it with NHTSA.
Recalls
1 recall names the 2011 Volvo XC90. Newest first.
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 and remedy
Risk
This condition could lead to a sudden loss of power steering, increasing the risk of a crash.
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.
Owner complaints
19 complaints1 involved a fire2 injuries
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- Engine
The catillatic converter exploded as we started the vehicle .was a very loud explosion..no fire but lots of smoke.
- Engine
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 · Exterior lighting · 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
- Electrical system
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…
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.
- Seat belts
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.…
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, it could be fatal down the line if it does not retract properly with a smaller driver. passenger belt IS fine. Rigid and firm as pictures show unlike the driver side.
- Air bags · Seats · 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…
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 seat I can't use and a seat I can't put down. This isn't the first of complaints I have seen about this and am worried about the safety of my children aka sons. My vin IS: [xxx] and it's a 2011 volvo XC90. Thanks, [xxx] information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(B)(6). *tr
- 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 !
- Wheels
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, see pictures
- Steering
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....
- Electrical system
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…
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 smog tests. The problem: when an affected volvo vehicle does not have an active subscription to xm/sirius radio, the integrated volvo radio system continually and constantly checks for xm/sirius account reactivation, even when the vehicle IS turned off. This constant electronic searching drains a new and fully charged battery within two to three days. This has left many vehicle owners stranded and has cost owners thousands in unnecessary repairs, battery replacements and towing charges. (This frequently occurs to volvo owners leaving their vehicles at airport parking for a few days.) volvo has been slow to acknowledge the problem and has been charging car owners for battery replacements and firmware upgrades. Furthermore, when the battery dies, it resets the computer systems including the obdii which IS required for smog test readiness. The onerous drive cycle required to get the obdii system into readiness state prevents users from being able to complete smog certifications in california. Volvo dealers want to charge $500 to complete this smog test readiness drive cycle, even though there IS nothing else wrong with the vehicle except for the manufacturer's defective and battery draining xm/sirius system and the onerous drive cycle that IS nearly impossible to complete on southern california roads & highways. (Our mechanic, my wife and I have all tried to complete the drive cycle and have been unsuccessful.) this IS clearly a defect in design and usability which volvo should be repairing without cost to the car owner.
- Electrical system · Engine · Steering
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…
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.
- Engine
The problem IS exactly as described in the nhtsa campaign number: 10v579000 my car stalled and check engine light came on as transmission went into protection mode. It started fine again with no issues and since then running fine and I put close to 800 miles. however, the manufacturer did not…
The problem IS exactly as described in the nhtsa campaign number: 10v579000 my car stalled and check engine light came on as transmission went into protection mode. It started fine again with no issues and since then running fine and I put close to 800 miles. however, the manufacturer did not include XC90 in the list of cars affected for model year 2011. Dealer simply suggested to replace the transmission ($ 6681) and volvo denied any help. I called the dealer regarding upgrading software on the modules and they suggested it would cost few hundres to do it.
- Electrical system
The battery in the vehicle fails due to a drain in the power systems because of a failure in software systems ,this fault IS known to volvo and they refuse to repair .if the car IS not driven every day the electronic systems search for blue tooth phone signals and satellite radio signals causing a…
The battery in the vehicle fails due to a drain in the power systems because of a failure in software systems ,this fault IS known to volvo and they refuse to repair .if the car IS not driven every day the electronic systems search for blue tooth phone signals and satellite radio signals causing a drain on the electrical systems enough to kill the battery on a daily basis. Volvo says they have a repair for this and say that I must pay. This IS a known defect to volvo they should repair this. *tr
- Structure › Body
Tailgate strut mounting bolt became detached from car body as I opened the tail gate.the tailgate started to fall closed but I was able to stop it before it hit me. *tr
- Engine
Every time I do not turn my car on for 2 or more consecutive days my car battery dies. This has happened to me 7 times in the course of my 2 year lease. Each time it IS towed and sent to volvo for service they report that they have solved the problem. One time they claimed it was my blue tooth…
Every time I do not turn my car on for 2 or more consecutive days my car battery dies. This has happened to me 7 times in the course of my 2 year lease. Each time it IS towed and sent to volvo for service they report that they have solved the problem. One time they claimed it was my blue tooth draining the battery. The next time it was sirius radio draining the battery. The lost goes on and on. Clearly there IS a problem with no solution as my var battery dies every time it IS left unattended. Without fail! *tr
- Power train · Service brakes
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
- Seat belts › Front › Warning light/devices
2011 volvo XC90. Consumer writes in regards seat belt audio system defect *tgw the consumer stated according to the owner's manual, the seat belt reminder consisted of an audible signal, an indicator light above the rear view mirror, and a symbol on the instrument panel that would alert the…
2011 volvo XC90. Consumer writes in regards seat belt audio system defect *tgw the consumer stated according to the owner's manual, the seat belt reminder consisted of an audible signal, an indicator light above the rear view mirror, and a symbol on the instrument panel that would alert the driver and front seat passenger if their seat belts were not fastened. However, the audible signal only occurred when the vehicle was first started, which was virtually inaudible and did not occur thereafter even if the driver or passenger disconnected their seat belts during the drive. The indicator on the rear view mirror and symbol on the instrument panel were only momentary. the consumer stated the seat belt warning was inadequate and all too easily missed especially by senior citizens, whether they are the passenger or the driver. *Jb
- Engine and engine cooling · Power train
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…
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. *tr
- Engine and engine cooling · Fuel system, gasoline · Power train › Automatic transmission · Vehicle speed control
I first experienced the delay in re-acceleration one morning on my way to work. After coming to a complete stop @ a stop sign, I stepped on the gas to take a turn and the car hesitated at a very slow pace to take off. I chalked it up as the car being cold early in the morning. it continued to…
I first experienced the delay in re-acceleration one morning on my way to work. After coming to a complete stop @ a stop sign, I stepped on the gas to take a turn and the car hesitated at a very slow pace to take off. I chalked it up as the car being cold early in the morning. it continued to happen periodically until one day it happened as I was stopped at a busy intersection waiting to turn left. when the intersection was cleared of oncoming traffic from a reasonable distance I pressed the gas to go and the car literally dragged in slow motion into the intersection. The acceleration was so slow that it allowed time for the oncoming traffic to reach me. with the front of my car in the intersection and the oncoming traffic coming directly at me at full speed I had to floor the gas pedal to jump kick the car into speed to get across the intersection safely. after that near death experience I called my dealer immediately. they were able to get me in the next day, gave me a loaner vehicle and kept my car overnight. I got a call from my service advisor the next afternoon stating that they could not duplicate the problem, however they will reset the cars computer to see if that helps. Well it didn't. I now don't drive the car unless I absolutely have to. it's still happening and I don't feel completely safe when driving my car. our daughter will be getting her license soon and we thought out of our two cars that the volvo XC90 will be the safest for her to drive. now I don't see it as even being an option for her. I've been online researching similar complaints by other 2011 volvo XC90 owners and didn't find much of anything. perhaps there were just a few bad apples out of the bunch and I just happened to get one of them. My 2011 was purchased new off the showroom's floor june 2011 with 550 miles at delivery. I now have a little over 4000 miles. *kb
Service bulletins
Technical service bulletins and other communications the manufacturer sent dealers about this vehicle. Ask a dealer for the full document by its number.
- 11007925Information about valid Software partnumbers to order and download Software for "PDS" Pre-Delivery Service
- 10249191This is a Technical Journal: 12V Battery Testing Method
- 10241661Complimentary upgrade c00009 description.
- 10241651Rubber cushion
- 10234826Left front LED flickers after turning car off
- 10234760Customer may experience ?Low oil pressure light? coming on. No external leakage. High engine oil consumption may occur. Follow the instructions under ?Service?.
- 10219421Engine Control Module (EMS) Software (MSW) Information August 2022; Improvement List (Change Log) - US21+OBD22 (13L VGT, TC) And US17+OBD22 (11L) Emissions
- 10219302Part information for AMT input shaft repair kits and the shim kit that is required for repair.
- 10213885The Deutronic DBL-1200 is an advanced battery maintainer/charger with the flexibility to be updated as products and repair methods evolve.
- 10213883ICUP/Google Built-In Diagnostic Operations
- 10213882Battery Charger/maintainer requirement
- 10212892Shipping and Handling of Volvo Lithium-ion 48V Mild Hybrid Battery to Global Battery Solutions (GBS)
- 10212891VIDA QR Scanner Mobile App
- 10205670XC90 Noise/Squeal from rear brakes
- 10203167Volvo Chassis 2008 And Up LED Headlight Conversion Programming Procedure
- 10202436New Software Products (SP) have been developed to convert a Care Key to a standard key.
- 10197371This is a Service Manager Bulletin : Volvo Electric Vehicle Technical De-Energization Permit to Work Form
- 10192879The front MMS (MMS2) is no longer available as spare part. The vehicle can be adapted to use an IMS instead.
- 10192878The front MMS (MMS2) is no longer available as spare part. The vehicle can be adapted to use an IMS instead.
- 10188881Volvo?s Warranty Department tracks Retailer warranty spending by utilizing the Warranty Retailer Counseling Process (WRCP). The WRCP is used to gauge individual retailer performance on objective measures over time. By setting clear performance expectations and parameters and assisting retailers in focusing on individual processes and procedures, all retailers are provided with adequate tools to help achieve the ultimate goal of qualifying for self-authorization status.
- 10182494This is a Service Manager Bulletin : Volvo Electric Vehicle Technical De-Energization Permit to Work Form
- 10182493This is a Service Manager Bulletin : Volvo Electric Vehicle Technical De-Energization Permit to Work Form
- 10181041Mandatory Tool List bulletin: Volvo mandatory Special Tools are necessary for technicians to properly diagnose and repair Volvo cars. They are used in development of Volvo labor operations and repair methods, and promote safety and quality repairs in a timely manner. Tools are classified as mandatory because associated repairs and/or diagnostics cannot be completed properly without them.
- 10179681This is a Service Manager Bulletin: Service 2.0 Software & Total Upgrade Reminder
- 10173760This is a Service Manager Bulletin: Service 2.0 Software & Total Upgrade Reminder
- 10172464This is a Service Journal: Coolant Filling Equipment Tool
- 10171688This is a Technical Journal: 4 Cylinder VEP engine: Castrol Edge Professional V 0W-20 Synthetic oil.
- 10171676Mandatory Tool List bulletin: Volvo mandatory Special Tools are necessary for technicians to properly diagnose and repair Volvo cars. They are used in development of Volvo labor operations and repair methods, and promote safety and quality repairs in a timely manner. Tools are classified as mandatory because associated repairs and/or diagnostics cannot be completed properly without them.
- 10170147Service Manager Bulletin TITLE : Service Action Notification Re - Mails GROUP : NO : ISSUING DEPARTMENT : CAR MARKET : Product Safety & Compliance United States and Canada 00 325 REFERENCE BULLETINS : DATE : SMB00 - 323 and SMB00 - 323A YEAR MONTH DAY SERVICE SERVICE WARRANTY 2013 02 15 MANAGER WRITER ADMINISTRATOR Service Personnel : Read and initial Page 1 of 1 Volvo monitors completion rates for all service actions and will complete notification re - mails to vehicle owners when necessary . Listed below are the latest notification re - mails . Please refer to SMB 00 - 323 and SMB 00 - 323A for information on how and where to find the related Service Action documents in VRC2 and TIE . FEBRUARY RE - MAILS Action Description # of Re - Mails Service Campaign 236 Washer Reservoir Sensor Canada ? 295 Recall 129 Brake Vacuum Pump U.S . ? 3,430 Recall 245 Replace Fuel Lines U.S . ? 48 MARCH RE - MAILS Action Description # of Re - Mails Recall 246 Inspect P / S Return Hose U.S . ? 1,367 Recall 246 Inspect P / S Return Hose Canada ? 95 Recall 251 Inspect Underbody Coating Canada ? 54 Recall 255 TCM Software Upgrade U.S . ? 499 Recall 256 TPMS Warning Message U.S . ? 123 Please be prepared to accommodate vehicle owners that may contact you regarding these actions . ? Fixed Right ? First Time ? Produced in the USA and available as an electronic document . Hard copy documents are printed in USA on recycled paper containing a minimum of 50 % wastepaper and 10 % post - consumer waste . 2013 VOLVO CARS OF NORTH AMERICA , LLC
- 10169394This is a Technical Journal: Swapping control modules from vehicle to vehicle for diagnostics should be avoided. Swapping control modules may result in consequential damage to the swapped control module and in certain cases several other control modules in the vehicle. Swapping the Driver Information Module (DIM) is strictly forbidden as the DIM it is the main carrier of the odometer function, and will, in case of swapping, result in manipulated odometer value. Service: Please do NOT swap any control modules from vehicle to vehicle for testing, unless instructed to do so in a Vehicle Report by the Technical Helpdesk
- 10169393This is a Technical Journal: Swapping control modules from vehicle to vehicle for diagnostics should be avoided. Swapping control modules may result in consequential damage to the swapped control module and in certain cases several other control modules in the vehicle. Swapping the Driver Information Module (DIM) is strictly forbidden as the DIM it is the main carrier of the odometer function, and will, in case of swapping, result in manipulated odometer value. Service: Please do NOT swap any control modules from vehicle to vehicle for testing, unless instructed to do so in a Vehicle Report by the Technical Helpdesk
- 10169391Software Installation Policy changes.
- 10169389This is a Service Manager Bulletin: Technician Skillset Requirments
- 10169388This is a Technical Journal: This Journal is a guide for performing Software Downloads. Service: *See guide updated Oct. 12, 2016 for relevant P5/SPA Software Download information: P5_SPA_SW_Guide.pdf See VIDA Software tab for all other vehicles.The attached checklists can be used for restoring customer settings, where applicable.
- 10169036Mandatory Tool List bulletin: Volvo mandatory Special Tools are necessary for technicians to properly diagnose and repair Volvo cars. They are used in development of Volvo labor operations and repair methods, and promote safety and quality repairs in a timely manner. Tools are classified as mandatory because associated repairs and/or diagnostics cannot be completed properly without them.
- 10169030This is a Technical Journal: Oil in cooling system. New cleaning method developed.
- 10169022This is a Technical Journal: In case of complaint of Noise, some "tools" have been created to help you to do a better and more precise fault tracing
- 10169021Service Manager Bulletin TITLE : Service Action Notification Re - Mails GROUP : NO : ISSUING DEPARTMENT : CAR MARKET : Product Safety & Compliance United States and Canada 00 325 REFERENCE BULLETINS : DATE : SMB00 - 323 and SMB00 - 323A YEAR MONTH DAY SERVICE SERVICE WARRANTY 2013 02 15 MANAGER WRITER ADMINISTRATOR Service Personnel : Read and initial Page 1 of 1 Volvo monitors completion rates for all service actions and will complete notification re - mails to vehicle owners when necessary . Listed below are the latest notification re - mails . Please refer to SMB 00 - 323 and SMB 00 - 323A for information on how and where to find the related Service Action documents in VRC2 and TIE . FEBRUARY RE - MAILS Action Description # of Re - Mails Service Campaign 236 Washer Reservoir Sensor Canada ? 295 Recall 129 Brake Vacuum Pump U.S . ? 3,430 Recall 245 Replace Fuel Lines U.S . ? 48 MARCH RE - MAILS Action Description # of Re - Mails Recall 246 Inspect P / S Return Hose U.S . ? 1,367 Recall 246 Inspect P / S Return Hose Canada ? 95 Recall 251 Inspect Underbody Coating Canada ? 54 Recall 255 TCM Software Upgrade U.S . ? 499 Recall 256 TPMS Warning Message U.S . ? 123 Please be prepared to accommodate vehicle owners that may contact you regarding these actions . ? Fixed Right ? First Time ? Produced in the USA and available as an electronic document . Hard copy documents are printed in USA on recycled paper containing a minimum of 50 % wastepaper and 10 % post - consumer waste . 2013 VOLVO CARS OF NORTH AMERICA , LLC
- 10168247VOLVO CARS SERVICE AND PARTS BUSINESS Service Manager Bulletin TITLE : Workshop Systems Requirements and Guidelines VIDA in 2015 , Peer - to - Peer Infrastructure GROUP : NO : ISSUING DEPARTMENT : CAR MARKET : United States and Canada 00 337 REFERENCE BULLETINS : DATE : YEAR MONTH DAY SERVICE SERVICE WARRANTY 2015 01 19 MANAGER WRITER ADMINISTRATOR Service Personnel : Read and initial Page 1 of 17 ? Right first time in Time ? Produced in the USA and available as an electronic document . Hard copy documents are printed in USA on recycled paper containing a minimum of 50 % wastepaper and 10 % post - consumer waste . 2015 VOLVO CARS OF NORTH AMERICA , LLC Service Manager Bulletin 00 - 337 Page 2 of 17 2015 - 01 - 19 Service Manager Bulletin 00 - 337 2015 - 01 - 19 Page 3 of 17 Service Manager Bulletin 00 - 337 Page 4 of 17 2015 - 01 - 19 Service Manager Bulletin 00 - 337 2015 - 01 - 19 Page 5 of 17 Service Manager Bulletin 00 - 337 Page 6 of 17 2015 - 01 - 19 Service Manager Bulletin 00 - 337 2015 - 01 - 19 Page 7 of 17 Service Manager Bulletin 00 - 337 Page 8 of 17 2015 - 01 - 19 Service Manager Bulletin 00 - 337 2015 - 01 - 19 Page 9 of 17 Service Manager Bulletin 00 - 337 Page 10 of 17 2015 - 01 - 19 Service Manager Bulletin 00 - 337 2015 - 01 - 19 Page 11 of 17 Service Manager Bulletin 00 - 337 Page 12 of 17 2015 - 01 - 19 Service Manager Bulletin 00 - 337 2015 - 01 - 19 Page 13 of 17 Service Manager Bulletin 00 - 337 Page 14 of 17 2015 - 01 - 19 Service Manager Bulletin 00 - 337 2015 - 01 - 19 Page 15 of 17 Service Manager Bulletin 00 - 337 Page 16 of 17 2015 - 01 - 19 Service Manager Bulletin 00 - 337 2015 - 01 - 19 Page 17 of 17
- 10168245This is a Technical Journal: In case of complaint of Noise, some "tools" have been created to help you to do a better and more precise fault tracing
Every Volvo XC90 model year
Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.