2011 Volvo XC90 recalls & problems

Safety recalls

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

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

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

*Median odometer reading when the problem happened, where owners gave one. One complaint can name several problem areas.

Recent owner complaints

• Engine2 injuries

  The catillatic converter exploded as we started the vehicle .was a very loud explosion..no fire but lots of smoke.

  Feb 4, 2026
• 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.

  Feb 24, 2022 · 128,000 miles
• Electrical system

  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

  Feb 17, 2022
• Electrical systemFire

  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…

  Jan 25, 2021 · 94,000 miles
• 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. 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.

  Dec 10, 2020 · 127,200 miles
• Air bags

  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

  Jul 8, 2018
• 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 !

  Jun 2, 2019
• 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

  Jul 22, 2018 · 142,000 miles

Owner complaints are submitted to NHTSA by the public and are not verified. Shown as filed (NHTSA removes personal details); long reports are shortened.