2011 Volvo XC90 problems

Filed Feb 5, 2026 · Engine · MN · 2 injuries

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

Filed Feb 24, 2022 · Engine · 128,000 miles · MD

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.

Filed Feb 17, 2022 · Brakes, Electrical · TX

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

Filed Apr 20, 2021 · Electrical · 94,000 miles · AK · fire

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 smoke/fire/water remediation. Per mechanic repairs exceed value of vehicle. Total loss.

Filed Dec 15, 2020 · Seat belts · 127,200 miles · VA

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.

Filed Feb 24, 2020 · Airbags, Seats · PA

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).

Filed Jun 10, 2019 · Suspension · PA

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 !

Filed Jul 23, 2018 · Wheels · 142,000 miles · FL

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

Filed Nov 10, 2017 · Steering · 100,000 miles · TN

Whining noise in steering..... I checked and leaking power steering fluid in 2015... Also in 2016, and now again in 2017... I added fluid each time....

Filed Jul 18, 2017 · Electrical · 77,010 miles · CA

This is a known defect in several volvo car models since 2008. There is currently a class action lawsuit in place due to this defect. The defect involves the volvo xm/sirius radio system installed in many volvo models and resulting battery drain, battery replacement costs, volvo firmware upgrade costs and the additional inability to pass california smog tests. The problem: when an affected volvo vehicle does not have an active subscription to xm/sirius radio, the integrated volvo radio system continually and constantly checks for xm/sirius account reactivation, even when the vehicle is turned off. This constant electronic searching drains a new and fully charged battery within two to three days. This has left many vehicle owners stranded and has cost owners thousands in unnecessary repairs, battery replacements and towing charges. (this frequently occurs to volvo owners leaving their vehicles at airport parking for a few days.) volvo has been slow to acknowledge the problem and has been charging car owners for battery replacements and firmware upgrades. Furthermore, when the battery dies, it resets the computer systems including the obdii which is required for smog test readiness. The onerous drive cycle required to get the obdii system into readiness state prevents users from being able to complete smog certifications in california. Volvo dealers want to charge $500 to complete this smog test readiness drive cycle, even though there is nothing else wrong with the vehicle except for the manufacturer's defective and battery draining xm/sirius system and the onerous drive cycle that is nearly impossible to complete on southern california roads & highways. (our mechanic, my wife and I have all tried to complete the drive cycle and have been unsuccessful.) this is clearly a defect in design and usability which volvo should be repairing without cost to the car owner.