This page covers 3 recalls, 15 owner complaints and EPA fuel economy for the 2011 Volvo Xc70.
19–21 mpg combined
11.2–12.4 L/100km
Sport Utility Vehicle - 4WD
Fuel economy data from fueleconomy.gov (EPA / U.S. Dept. of Energy). Annual cost based on 15,000 mi/yr at 55% city driving and current fuel prices. MPG is U.S. gallons; L/100km converted. Ranges reflect the 3 tested variants for this model year.
With only 15 complaints on file, the 2011 XC70 doesn't show a single dominant pattern, but a few themes surface across multiple reports. Windshield sealing is the most consistently described structural issue, owners report the seal deteriorating and separating from the frame, allowing water to enter the cabin, run down the glass, and pool near the pedals and controls. Seatbelts and wheels each draw a pair of complaints, though the narratives don't cluster around a single clear symptom. One issue worth noting individually: more than one owner describes the power steering becoming very stiff or locking up momentarily during low-speed turns when the vehicle is warm, with normal feel returning after turning the wheel back the other direction. At least one owner replaced the steering rack to resolve it.
15
Total Complaints
1
Crash-Related
1
With Injuries
By System
The 2011 Volvo XC70 has 3 recalls, the most serious being a software calibration issue that can cause the engine to stall suddenly without warning during city driving, leaving the driver without power at low speeds.
The remaining two recalls both involve occupant protection. The front seatbelts on certain vehicles have a defect in the pretensioner or related hardware that can leave the belt unable to properly restrain the occupant in a crash, raising the risk of injury. On the airbag side, a fault in the wiring connector for the driver's airbag clockspring can prevent the frontal airbag from deploying in a crash, meaning the driver may receive no cushioning protection in a collision where the airbag would normally fire.
At a glance
What can fail
The flexible steel cable connecting the seat belt to front seats can weaken over time, potentially preventing the seat belt from properly securing an occupant during a crash.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the seat belt anchor cable in both front seats.
We may earn a commission for purchases made through these links.
Complaints are owner-reported and reflect individual experiences, not confirmed defects. They are distinct from recalls. Data sourced from the national vehicle safety complaint database. See trending complaints →
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The engine and transmission software can be overly sensitive. When you brake or release the gas pedal during city driving, the engine idle speed may drop unexpectedly, causing the engine to stall without warning.
What the fix does
Dealers will update the engine control module and transmission control module software to correct the sensitivity issue.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The driver's airbag clockspring wiring connector may have an intermittent electrical fault in the supplemental restraint system.
What the fix does
Dealers will install a metal shim in the driver's airbag clockspring wiring connector at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
