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2011 Volvo XC70 problems

The most common problem on the 2011 Volvo XC70 is body and structure. It has fewer complaints than a typical XC70 model year.

Typical yearClose to a typical year
Year score
72/100
Owner complaints
15
Recalls
3
Service bulletins
260
Worst area
Body
Fuel economy
19-21mpg

The worst 2011 Volvo XC70 problems

Ranked by number of owner complaints. Mileage and cost come from what owners wrote.

  • Body
    2
  • Locks
    2
  • Seat belts
    2
  • Transmission
    2
  • Visibility
    2

Problems by type

Tap a problem to see which part fails, at what mileage and in which other years.

  • Body
    2
  • Locks
    2
  • Seat belts
    2
  • Transmission
    2
  • Visibility
    2
  • Wheels
    2
  • Brakes
    1
  • Driver assistance
    1
  • Steering
    1
  • Suspension
    1

Recalls 3

Seat belts: frontReported June 30, 2020 · 308,260 vehicles affected
What is wrong
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.
Remedy
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.

Recall number 20V378000 · Recall details

Engine and engine coolingReported November 17, 2010 · 6,046 vehicles affected
What is wrong
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.
Remedy
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].

Recall number 10V579000 · Recall details

Air bags: frontalReported October 13, 2010 · 9,746 vehicles affected
What is wrong
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.
Remedy
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 number 10V489000 · Recall details

See all 3 recalls for the 2011 Volvo XC70

Technical service bulletins for the 2011 Volvo XC70 260

Bulletins tell dealers how to fix known problems. A warranty extension means the manufacturer pays for that repair for longer.

See all 260 bulletins for the 2011 Volvo XC70

2011 Volvo XC70 fuel economy

Official EPA estimates in miles per gallon (MPGe for electric). Ranges cover trims that share the same engine.

EngineDriveCityHighwayCombined
3.2L 6‑cylFWD182521
3.2L 6‑cylAWD182420
3.0L 6‑cylAWD172219

What 2011 Volvo XC70 owners say

Most recent owner complaints, unedited.

Filed May 5, 2022 · Steering · NJ

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.

Filed Feb 14, 2022 · Body · IL

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

Filed Feb 10, 2022 · Visibility · MA

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.

Filed Jan 6, 2022 · Visibility · IL

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.

Filed Nov 2, 2021 · Body · VA

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 it’s that big of a problem volvo should take responsibility for it. I didn’t 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.

Filed Dec 6, 2019 · 31,519 miles · CA

Windshield leaking. Water on car floor. Car was parked. Windshield loose at top. Car was stationary.

Filed Apr 5, 2019 · Seat belts · 53,500 miles · RI

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, returning from relatives house.

Filed Apr 5, 2019 · Driver assistance, Suspension · 54,200 miles · RI

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 never driven faster than 65 MPH.

Filed Dec 4, 2018 · Transmission · 104,063 miles · NY

"takata recall" automatic transmission shifts are jerky. I took into volvo service white plains ny. They found error code TCM-p074468 and reset. They told me if problem persists I would need a new transmission. My vehicle is in great condition and well maintained with 104063 miles. The problem still persists. I then did further research and found that my vechicle was recalled for that same problem and error message. But my VIN # was not included in the recall. Volvo is not acknowleging responsibility for this problem. I've enclosed my vehicle service invoice which shows the code and the recall letter from volvo showing the same code. Please advise, thank you.

Filed Jan 12, 2018 · Seat belts · MI

I recently took my car in for service, 119,600 miles, and noted I was having a problem with the drivers seat belt latch not always releasing properly. The dealer contacted volvo about it and was told they do not accept any responsibility for the defective seat belt latch.

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Questions about the 2011 Volvo XC70

Is the 2011 Volvo XC70 reliable?

Owners have filed 15 complaints about the 2011 Volvo XC70, fewer than a typical XC70 model year.

What is the 2011 Volvo XC70 year score?

The 2011 Volvo XC70 scores 72 out of 100 (average). The score compares it with the other model years of the Volvo XC70: 75 is a typical year, 50 means twice the usual complaints, and serious complaints and recalls lower it.

What is the most common problem with the 2011 Volvo XC70?

Body and structure, with 2 complaints. Next is locks (2).

How many recalls does the 2011 Volvo XC70 have?

3 recalls, covering seat belts, engine and engine cooling and air bags.

What gas mileage does the 2011 Volvo XC70 get?

Official estimates for the 2011 Volvo XC70 range from 19 to 21 mpg combined. The most efficient version (3.2L 6-cyl, FWD) gets 18 city and 25 highway.

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