The 2011 Volvo XC70 has 3 safety recalls and 15 owner complaints on file with NHTSA. The most-reported problem area is latches/locks/linkages (2 complaints).
Recalls3safety recalls
Complaints15filed by owners
Crashes · fires1 · 0reported in complaints
Injuries · deaths1 · 0reported in complaints
Safety recalls
Seat belts › Front
NHTSA recall 20V378000 · Jun 30, 2020 · 308,260 vehicles
Problem: Volvo Cars of N.A., LLC (Volvo) is recalling certain 2008-2016 V70 and XC70, 2007-2016 S80, 2011-2018 S60 and V60, 2016-2018 S60 Cross Country, 2014-2020 S60L, 2009-2015 S80L, 2009-2016 XC60 and 2015-2018 V60 Cross Country vehicles. The flexible steel cable that connects the seat belt to the front outboard seating positions may fatigue over time, causing the seat belt to not secure the occupant in the event of a crash.
Risk: An unsecured occupant has an increased risk of injury in the event of a crash.
Fix: Volvo will notify owners, and dealers will replace the seat belt anchor cable for both front seats. The recall began December 10, 2020. Owners may contact Volvo customer service at 1-800-458-1552. Volvo's number for this recall is R10029.
Engine and engine cooling
NHTSA recall 10V579000 · Nov 17, 2010 · 6,046 vehicles
Problem: VOLVO IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2011, S80, S60, XC70 AND XC60 VEHICLES. THE SOFTWARE CALIBRATION FOR THE FUEL CUT-OFF FUNCTIONALITY IN THE ENGINE CONTROL MODULE (ECM) IS TOO SENSITIVE.
Risk: SUDDEN ENGINE STALL COULD OCCUR INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
Fix: DEALERS WILL UPDATE THE ECM AND TCM WITH NEW SOFTWARE FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN ON OR BEFORE DECEMBER 10, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT VOLVO AT 1-800-458-1552 OR AT CUSTOMERCARE@VOLVOFORLIFE.COM.
Air bags › Frontal
NHTSA recall 10V489000 · Oct 13, 2010 · 9,746 vehicles
Problem: VOLVO IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2010-2011 S80, XC70, MODEL YEAR 2011 XC60 AND MODEL YEAR 2010 V70 VEHICLES. THERE MAY BE AN INTERMITTENT FAULT IN THE DRIVER'S AIRBAG CLOCKSPRING WIRING CONNECTOR FOR THE SUPPLEMENTAL RESTRAINT SYSTEM.
Risk: IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH, THE DRIVER'S FRONTAL AIRBAG MAY NOT DEPLOY AS INTENDED OR AT ALL, AND THEREFORE WILL NOT BE ABLE TO PROPERLY PROTECT THE DRIVER, INCREASING THE RISK OF INJURIES.
Fix: DEALERS WILL INSTALL A METAL SHIM IN THE DRIVER'S AIR BAG CLOCKSPRING WIRING CONNECTOR. THIS SERVICE WILL BE PERFORMED FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON OCTOBER 20, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT VOLVO AT 1-800-458-1552.
Recall repairs are free at any authorised dealer. A recall listed here may already have been fixed on a particular car: enter its 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see open recalls.
Crash test ratings
2011 Volvo XC70 SW AWD
Overall
Not Rated
Frontal crash
Not Rated
Side crash
Not Rated
Rollover
Not Rated
Forward collision warning: Optional · Lane departure warning: Optional
2011 Volvo XC70 SW FWD
Overall
Not Rated
Frontal crash
Not Rated
Side crash
Not Rated
Rollover
Not Rated
Forward collision warning: Optional · Lane departure warning: Optional
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings (New Car Assessment Program). Ratings are comparable only between vehicles of similar size and weight, and ratings from 2011 on use tougher tests than earlier years. Photos: NHTSA.
Fuel economy
XC70 FWD
21mpg combined
City / highway
18 / 25 mpg
Fuel
Regular Gasoline
3.2 L · 6 cyl · Automatic (S6) · Front-Wheel Drive · about $3,200/year to fuel
XC70 AWD
20mpg combined
City / highway
18 / 24 mpg
Fuel
Regular Gasoline
3.2 L · 6 cyl · Automatic (S6) · All-Wheel Drive · about $3,350/year to fuel
XC70 AWD
19mpg combined
City / highway
17 / 22 mpg
Fuel
Regular Gasoline
3 L · 6 cyl · Automatic (S6) · All-Wheel Drive · about $3,550/year to fuel
EPA estimates from fueleconomy.gov for each engine and transmission sold. Annual cost is the EPA's estimate for 15,000 miles a year at its current fuel and electricity price assumptions. Your results will vary.
What owners report
Problem area
Complaints
Crashes
Fires
Injuries
Typical mileage*
Latches/locks/linkages
2
0
0
0
—
Unknown or other
2
1
0
1
—
Wheels
2
0
0
0
—
Power train
2
0
0
0
—
Seat belts
2
0
0
0
—
Structure Body
2
0
0
0
—
Visibility/wiper
2
0
0
0
—
Service brakes
1
0
0
0
—
Electronic stability control (esc)
1
0
0
0
—
Suspension
1
0
0
0
—
Steering
1
0
0
0
—
*Median odometer reading when the problem happened, where owners gave one. One complaint can name several problem areas.
Recent owner complaints
Jul 17, 2021Steering The steering would randomly lock (or at least become very stiff). This occurred when the vehicle was warm and seemed to be mostly low speed sharper turns. Turning the wheel in the opposite direction freed it up. I replaced the steering rack to solve the problem.
Feb 10, 2022Structure › Body Front Passenger side door is opening while driving. Has happened numerous times in the last couple weeks
Feb 8, 2022Visibility/wiper The windshield seal has failed causing rain water and melting snow and ice to come in the car and flow down the windshield and impair vision through the windshield. This has become a safety concern when driving in snow and rain. The water dripping down on the controls is also a safety concern and distraction while driving.
Dec 26, 2021Visibility/wiper Windshield sealant is deteriorating and glass is no longer fully attached to frame. Water is coming directly in from openings along driver's side roof and pooling under pedals.
Oct 28, 2021Structure › Body It started raining and then it started leaking into my car through my windshield because my windshield started become unsealed and unattached from the rest of my car. When I went to find out about this issue and how to get it fixed I was told by three different mechanics and auto shop workers and windshield glass professionals That they find this very common involve others and I feel that if itâs that big of a problem volvo should take responsibility for it. I didnât have the money to replace my windshield but it was either that or let water leak into my car and grow mold or cause even bigger electrical issues.
Dec 4, 2019 · 31,519 milesUnknown or other WINDSHIELD LEAKING. WATER ON CAR FLOOR. CAR WAS PARKED. WINDSHIELD LOOSE AT TOP. CAR WAS STATIONARY.
Dec 15, 2018 · 53,500 milesSeat belts WIFE WAS RIDING IN PASSENGER SEAT. WE HAD TAKEN HER CAR AND I WAS DRIVING. SUDDENLY THE SHOULDER HARNESS GOT TIGHT, SHE TRIED TO ROLL IT BACK TO RELEASE IT AS IS NORMAL BUT, IT STUCK HALFWAY OUT, TOO SHORT TO USE AND CANNOT BE EXTENDED. DEALER SAID IT WAS A BAD SEAT BELT RE TRACTOR. PRICE TO FIX $700. THIS IS THE PASSENGER SIDE FRONT SEAT BELT ON A 54K MILE CAR. IT RARELY GETS USED AS WIFE IS USUALLY THE DRIVER AN SOLE OCCUPANT. THAT BELT PROBABLY HASN'T BEEN USED 500 TIMES. CAR WAS BOUGHT NEW, NO CRASHES, WELL MAINTAINED. THIS SHOULD NEVER FAIL, LET ALONE WITH HARDLY ANY USE. AT THE TIME OF HAPPENING I WAS DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY AT 65 MPH ON THE FREEWAY. . WE WERE ON AN HOUR'S DRIVE,…
Apr 4, 2019 · 54,200 milesElectronic stability control (esc) THIS CAR HAS ONLY 54K MILES! AND IS DRIVEN BY A SENIOR CITIZEN LADY, BOUGHT NEW, NO CRASHES ETC. 1. ABS AND DTSC WARNING APPEARS ON DASH. CAR TRAVELING ABOUT 25 MPH AND STOPS IN MIDDLE OF INTERSECTION, ENGINE STILL RUNNING, WILL NOT MOVE DESPITE FLOORING ACCELERATOR. IT'S AS THOUGHT THE ABS HAS APPLIED THE BRAKES AND WONT LET THE CAR MOVE. TAP BRAKES, MOVE SHIFT TO MANUAL MODE AFTER NOT MOVING FOR ABOUT 30 SECONDS CAR FREES UP AND DRIVES NORMALLY BUT ABS/DTSC LIGHTS STILL ON. WENT STRAIGHT TO DEALER, WHICH WAS NEARBY. DEALER SAYS REAR ABS SENSOR IS BAD WILL ORDER PART. 2. ALSO INFORMS ME THAT THE FRONT COIL SPRING HAS BROKEN???. WHAT? IT'S 54K MILES!... IT HASN'T HIT ANYTHING AND SHE HAS…
Owner complaints are submitted to NHTSA by the public and are not verified. Shown as filed (NHTSA removes personal details); long reports are shortened.