2011 Volvo XC90: Recalls, Problems & MPG
Here are the deets on the 2011 Volvo XC90: 1 recall, 19 owner complaints and up to 18 mpg combined.

Recalls
1 vehicle recall from the manufacturer. Repairs are free. Check your VIN to see if one is still open on your car.
Steering Vehicle recall #11V286000 · 2011 · 350 vehicles
What's wrong: The power steering fluid May leak from the oil pipe connection at the steering gear valve housing.
Why it matters: This condition could lead to a sudden loss of power steering, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will replace the oil pipes on the power steering rack free of charge. The recall is scheduled to begin during June 2011.
Most-reported problems
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component. One complaint can list several components. 1 mention a fire, 2 injuries and 0 deaths were reported.
What owners describe
- Engine (5): the most common themes are warning light on (3), electrical failure (2), stalls / loses power (2).
- Electrical (5): the most common themes are electrical failure (5), stalls / loses power (2).
- Transmission & drivetrain (3): the most common themes are hard / delayed shifting (2).
- Engine & cooling (2): no single recurring theme in the descriptions.
The 2011 Volvo XC90 has 19 owner complaints, ranking #17 of 23 XC90 model years for complaints (well below the 66 average). Complaints peaked in 2017 (3 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 6 years old, at a median of 94,000 miles. Neighboring years: 2010 (12 complaints, 3 recalls), 2012 (3 complaints, 0 recalls).
Engines & fuel economy (EPA)
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.2 L 6-cyl | Automatic (S6) | Front-Wheel Drive | 16 | 22 | 18 | Regular |
| 3.2 L 6-cyl | Automatic (S6) | All-Wheel Drive | 16 | 22 | 18 | Regular |
| 4.4 L 8-cyl | Automatic (S6) | All-Wheel Drive | 14 | 21 | 16 | Regular |
Want the full repair deets? Get the factory manual.
Recall and complaint data tells you what goes wrong. A service manual tells you how to fix it: torque specs, wiring diagrams, fluid capacities and step-by-step procedures for the 2011 Volvo XC90.
Closest thing to the factory manual for most years. Pay once, keep it.
Most $25–$78, one-timePro-shop repair procedures, wiring diagrams and TSBs for your exact car.
From $19.99/mo · $39.99/yrOEM procedures, specs and recall/TSB info, the same source many shops use.
From $19.99/mo · $59.99/yrStep-by-step photos written from a real teardown. Great for first-timers.
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FAQ
Does the 2011 Volvo XC90 have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 1 vehicle recall for the 2011 Volvo XC90. Recall repairs are free at any dealer, no matter how old the car is. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common 2011 Volvo XC90 problems?
Owners have filed 19 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are engine (5), electrical (5), transmission & drivetrain (3).
What gas mileage does the 2011 Volvo XC90 get?
EPA ratings run up to 18 mpg combined (3.2 L, Automatic (S6)), across 3 engine and transmission combos.
Where can I get a 2011 Volvo XC90 repair manual?
eManualOnline sells downloadable manuals, Mitchell 1 DIY and ALLDATAdiy sell online access to factory repair data, and Haynes sells printed guides and online access. Pick a download if you want to keep it, or a subscription for wiring diagrams and TSBs.