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2011 Volvo XC70 Owner Complaints

Updated May 30, 20262 Critical Recalls
Daniel Wilson
2011 Volvo XC70 Owner Complaints

Complaint Summary

The 2011 Volvo XC70 has 18 reported complaints.

  • Top issues involve latches/locks/linkages and unknown or other.

Reliability Score

Reliability Score

7.6/ 10

Based on 18 complaints

Most Frequent Issues

LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES

2 11.1%

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

2 11.1%

WHEELS

2 11.1%

POWER TRAIN

2 11.1%

SEAT BELTS

2 11.1%

Quick Insights

  • The top category is LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES, accounting for 11.1% of all complaints.

  • Owners have reported issues across 11 distinct vehicle systems.

  • Note: Complaint data reflects owner reports and may not always indicate a verified defect. Compare with Recalls and TSBs for a complete picture.

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Complaint Summary

What owners keep reporting on the 2011 Volvo XC70

The 2011 Volvo XC70 has 18 owner complaints in this dataset. LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES is the most common complaint category, representing about 11% of the reports shown here.

Most common complaint categories

The top complaint groups for the 2011 Volvo XC70 are LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES (2), UNKNOWN OR OTHER (2), WHEELS (2).

Are these complaints a serious red flag?

Potentially. 3 complaint reports involve higher-attention systems like brakes, steering, engine, powertrain, fuel, suspension, airbags, or electrical components, which is enough to justify a focused inspection.

What should buyers inspect on a used 2011 Volvo XC70?

Start with the top complaint systems, compare them against the recall report, then inspect service records for evidence that those same areas were already repaired or monitored.

Read the full buyer guideRecall report and remedy notesMaintenance costs and intervals2012 XC70 complaints2013 XC70 complaints2014 XC70 complaints

Detailed Complaint Log

Showing 11 of 11 systems

LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES

2 Reports11% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

BACK DOOR LATCH IS DEFECTIVE. *TT

8/26/2011

BACK DOOR LATCH IS DEFECTIVE *TT

8/26/2011

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

2 Reports11% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

ON NOVEMBER 8, 2011, MS. JANICE CERVELLI SUSTAINED MINOR PERSONAL INJURIES AND SEVERE DAMAGE TO HER VEHICLE AS THE RESULT OF AN UNINTENDED ACCELERATION. THE INCIDENT OCCURRED IMMEDIATELY AFTER MS. CERVELLI ACCIDENTLY BACKED INTO A UTILITY POLE IN THE PARKING AREA OF A PROFESSIONAL OFFICE PLAZA LOCATED AT 620 NORTH COUNTRY CLUB IN TUCSON, ARIZONA. IMMEDIATELY FOLLOWING THE LOW SPEED IMPACT WITH THE UTILITY POLE, MS. CERVELLI PUT THE VEHICLE IN DRIVE, AT WHICH TIME THE VEHICLE QUICKLY ACCELERATED, AND SURGED FORWARD DESPITE THE FACT THAT MS. CERVELLI WAS PRESSING ON THE BRAKE PEDAL WITH ALL HER STRENGTH. MS. CERVELLI REPORTS THAT SHE COULD FEEL THE BRAKE PEDAL SURGING UNDER HER FOOT WHILE THE ENGINE RPMS CONTINUED TO RISE. THE VEHICLE JUMPED THE PARKING BARRIER, CAUSING SEVERE DAMAGE TO THE LEFT FRONT WHEEL AND RELATED SUSPENSION. THE VEHICLE CONTINUED TO ACCELERATE FORWARD TO IMPACT THE PROFESSIONAL OFFICE BUILDING, CAUSING DAMAGE TO THE LEFT FRONT QUARTER AND LEFT SIDE OF THE VEHICLE. AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY.

11/18/2011

WINDSHIELD LEAKING. WATER ON CAR FLOOR. CAR WAS PARKED. WINDSHIELD LOOSE AT TOP. CAR WAS STATIONARY.

12/6/2019

WHEELS

2 Reports11% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

WENT TO THE LOCAL SERVICE STATION ABOUT A LOW TIRE PRESSURE WARNING. THE MECHANIC NOTED THAT CONTINENTAL AND MICHELIN TIRES HAVE HAD AN ISSUE OF TIRE ROT. THE AIR COMES RIGHT THROUGH THE SIDE WALL OF THE TIRES. HE RECOMMENDED NEW TIRES TO FIX THE PROBLEM. HE ALSO RECOMMENDED AND AMERICAN MANUFACTURED IN THE USA.

6/14/2016

THE CAR MAKES A LOUD ROARING SOUND AT ABOUT 45-50 MPH AND THE DEALERSHIP SAYS "PROBABLY THE TIRES" BUT DOING SOME RESEARCH THERE SEEMS TO BE A LOT OF PEOPLE WITH SIMILAR PROBLEMS AND ADD TO THIS IT RANDOMLY DOWNSHIFTS WHILE BRAKING (OR MAYBE IT IS THE BRAKES) WHEN COMING TO A STOP WHICH WOULD CAUSE THE CAR TO LOSE CONTROL ON A SNOW/ICE/SLIPPERY SITUATION, THIS HAPPENS AT A SLOWER SPEED AND ONLY WHEN SLOWING DOWN AT ABOUT 10-15 MPH. I AM NOT SURE WHAT IS CAUSING THIS AND THERE ARE MULTIPLE COMPLAINTS OUT ON THE INTERNET AND NO REAL SOLUTIONS.

9/23/2017

POWER TRAIN

2 Reports11% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

THE CAR MAKES A LOUD ROARING SOUND AT ABOUT 45-50 MPH AND THE DEALERSHIP SAYS "PROBABLY THE TIRES" BUT DOING SOME RESEARCH THERE SEEMS TO BE A LOT OF PEOPLE WITH SIMILAR PROBLEMS AND ADD TO THIS IT RANDOMLY DOWNSHIFTS WHILE BRAKING (OR MAYBE IT IS THE BRAKES) WHEN COMING TO A STOP WHICH WOULD CAUSE THE CAR TO LOSE CONTROL ON A SNOW/ICE/SLIPPERY SITUATION, THIS HAPPENS AT A SLOWER SPEED AND ONLY WHEN SLOWING DOWN AT ABOUT 10-15 MPH. I AM NOT SURE WHAT IS CAUSING THIS AND THERE ARE MULTIPLE COMPLAINTS OUT ON THE INTERNET AND NO REAL SOLUTIONS.

9/23/2017

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.

12/4/2018

SEAT BELTS

2 Reports11% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

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.

1/12/2018

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.

4/5/2019

STRUCTURE:BODY

2 Reports11% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

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.

11/2/2021

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

2/14/2022

VISIBILITY/WIPER

2 Reports11% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

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.

1/6/2022

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.

2/10/2022

SERVICE BRAKES

1 Report6% of total

Previewing the first 1 complaint summaries.

THE CAR MAKES A LOUD ROARING SOUND AT ABOUT 45-50 MPH AND THE DEALERSHIP SAYS "PROBABLY THE TIRES" BUT DOING SOME RESEARCH THERE SEEMS TO BE A LOT OF PEOPLE WITH SIMILAR PROBLEMS AND ADD TO THIS IT RANDOMLY DOWNSHIFTS WHILE BRAKING (OR MAYBE IT IS THE BRAKES) WHEN COMING TO A STOP WHICH WOULD CAUSE THE CAR TO LOSE CONTROL ON A SNOW/ICE/SLIPPERY SITUATION, THIS HAPPENS AT A SLOWER SPEED AND ONLY WHEN SLOWING DOWN AT ABOUT 10-15 MPH. I AM NOT SURE WHAT IS CAUSING THIS AND THERE ARE MULTIPLE COMPLAINTS OUT ON THE INTERNET AND NO REAL SOLUTIONS.

9/23/2017

ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)

1 Report6% of total

Previewing the first 1 complaint summaries.

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.

4/5/2019

SUSPENSION

1 Report6% of total

Previewing the first 1 complaint summaries.

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.

4/5/2019

STEERING

1 Report6% of total

Previewing the first 1 complaint summaries.

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.

5/5/2022

About This Data

Data and Methodology

MethodologyHow we score →

Scores are derived from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints, normalized by vehicle segment averages.

FAQ

What are the most common owner complaints for the 2011 Volvo XC70?

The most reported complaint category for the 2011 Volvo XC70 is LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES, with 2 owner reports. That is about 11% of all complaints logged here. Other recurring themes include LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES, UNKNOWN OR OTHER, WHEELS.

Are complaints about the 2011 Volvo XC70 a serious warning sign?

Potentially. 3 complaint reports fall into higher-attention systems such as brakes, steering, engine, powertrain, fuel, suspension, airbags, or electrical components. That does not prove every vehicle has a defect, but repeated complaints in those systems justify a more careful pre-purchase inspection.

How should buyers use complaint data for the 2011 Volvo XC70?

Use complaints as an early pattern to investigate, not a standalone verdict. Start with the top complaint categories, compare those themes against the recall report and maintenance guide, then inspect service records for evidence that the same problem areas were already addressed. If the same issue appears repeatedly across complaints and recalls, treat it as a real ownership-risk flag.

Are complaints about the 2011 Volvo XC70 severe?

3 complaint reports involve higher-attention systems such as brakes, steering, engine, powertrain, fuel, suspension, airbags, or electrical components, which is enough to justify a focused inspection before purchase.

Complaint list entries are sourced from owner-submitted NHTSA ODI records.

Read complaint summaries

Volvo XC70: How should complaint data influence buying decisions?

Use complaint patterns together with recalls and maintenance guidance to estimate ownership risk and inspection priorities.

Carfocal links complaint data directly to recall and maintenance routes for the same model year.

Return to full vehicle report
Complaint entries
18
Top-topic view
5 grouped topics shown
Primary source
NHTSA ODI owner complaint records

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In this guide

  1. 01Overview
  2. 02Common Problems
  3. 03Owner Complaints
  4. 04Data and Methodology

Start here

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