2011 Volvo XC70 Problems, Complaints & Recalls

Source: NHTSA · Updated May 5, 2022 · 15 owner complaints analyzed

Compared with other XC70 years
About as many complaints as other years 9th of 16 for complaints
NHTSA crash rating
Not rated

Owners have filed 15 complaints with NHTSA about the 2011 Volvo XC70. That ranks 9th out of 16 XC70 model years for complaints. The most reported problem area is latches/locks/linkages (2 complaints, 13%), typically at around 6,900 miles. Complaints mention 1 crash, 1 injury. There are 3 safety recalls covering this model year.

Volvo XC70
2003 Volvo XC70 Description Volvo XC70 de 2003 Source Photo faite par moi-même. Representative photo; appearance varies by model year. Photo: The original uploader was Zouzzou at French Wikipedia ., CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons.

Complaints are unverified owner reports and are not adjusted for sales volume.

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Most common 2011 Volvo XC70 problems

Complaints grouped by the part of the car owners reported, with the median mileage when the problem happened.

Latches/locks/linkages2 · ~6,900 mi
Power Train2 · ~85,032 mi
Seat Belts2 · ~53,500 mi
Structure2
Unknown or Other2 · ~18,760 mi
Visibility/wiper2
Wheels2 · ~52,000 mi
Electronic Stability Control (esc)1 · ~54,200 mi
Service Brakes1 · ~66,000 mi
Steering1
Problem areaComplaintsShareMedian milesOwners mention mostTypical repair cost
Latches/locks/linkages213%6,900——
Power Train213%85,032——
Seat Belts213%53,500——
Structure213%———
Unknown or Other213%18,760——
Visibility/wiper213%———
Wheels213%52,000——
Electronic Stability Control (esc)17%54,200——
Service Brakes17%66,000——
Steering17%———
Suspension17%54,200——

One complaint can list several problem areas, so shares can add up to more than 100%.

Complaints by year received

Peak: 2022, with 4 complaints
2011: 3201132016: 1201612017: 1201712018: 2201822019: 3201932021: 1202112022: 420224

n = 15 complaints · Source: NHTSA

2011 Volvo XC70 recalls (3)

Tap a recall to see the problem, the risk and the fix.

Seat belts:frontJun 30, 2020 · NHTSA campaign 20V378000 · 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 coolingNov 17, 2010 · NHTSA campaign 10V579000 · 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 [email protected].

Air bags:frontalOct 13, 2010 · NHTSA campaign 10V489000 · 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.

To see whether a specific car still has an open recall, enter its VIN on NHTSA's official recall lookup. You can also decode a VIN here.

Recent owner reports

Short excerpts of the latest complaints filed with NHTSA, with personal details removed. Full reports can be searched on NHTSA.gov.

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.

Steering · received May 5, 2022 · NHTSA complaint 11463439

Front Passenger side door is opening while driving. Has happened numerous times in the last couple weeks

Structure · received Feb 14, 2022 · NHTSA complaint 11451853

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…

Visibility/wiper · received Feb 10, 2022 · NHTSA complaint 11451398

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.

Visibility/wiper · received Jan 6, 2022 · NHTSA complaint 11446438

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…

Structure · received Nov 2, 2021 · NHTSA complaint 11439093

Other Volvo XC70 years

← 2010 XC70 · 2012 XC70 →

See all Volvo XC70 problems by year, every Volvo model, or the Volvo VIN decoder.

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Frequently asked questions

What are the most common problems with the 2011 Volvo XC70?

Owners most often report latches/locks/linkages, power train, seat belts problems. The top one, latches/locks/linkages, accounts for 2 complaints.

Was there a recall on the 2011 Volvo XC70?

Yes, 3 safety recalls. Enter your VIN at NHTSA.gov to check whether the repairs were done on your car.

Was the 2011 Volvo XC70 a good year?

Complaint data can't fully answer that, because counts aren't adjusted for sales. Compared with other XC70 model years, the 2011 has about as many complaints as a typical year. Always get a pre-purchase inspection and check the VIN for open recalls.