VolvoXC902011Overview/volvo/xc90/2011/base/

2011 Volvo XC90

Factory specifications, fluid capacities, torque values, EPA fuel economy and the federal safety record for the 2011 XC90.

Body SUV

The 2011 Volvo XC90 is a SUV whose engine holds 7.0 quarts of oil, with manufacturer recommendations covering 0W‑30, 0W‑40, or 5W‑30 API grades. Owner feedback recorded 19 complaints and a single recall, with engine‑related issues emerging as the most common grievance. Within the XC90’s 2003‑2015 complaint history, the 2011 total is a dramatic decline from the 462 logged in 2004 and sits just above the all‑time low of 3 complaints in 2012. Consequently, the 2011 model year ranks among the more dependable iterations of the nameplate, offering researchers a relatively strong data point in the model’s long‑term reliability arc.

Model year202620252024202320222021202020192011

Quick specs

Fluid capacities, tune-up values and fuel economy at a glance.

Engine oil capacity7.0 qtOEM · verified
Engine oil type0W-30 / 0W-40 / 5W-30 APIOEM · verified
Lug nut torque103 ft-lbsOEM · verified

Fitment & sizes

Replacement part sizes and factory part numbers — battery, bulbs, filters and belts.

From the factory this vehicle uses a BCI 48 · 600 CCA battery, OE oil filter 30750013. Each part links to every other vehicle that shares it, so a part you already stock may fit more of your fleet than you'd expect.

Battery groupBCI 48 · 600 CCAOEM · verified
Tail / brake / turnBRAKEOEM · verified
Tire sizeP235-60R18OEM · verified
Wheel / rim7 inOEM · verified

OE service part numbers OEM · verified

Engine oil filter30750013 alt 1275810
Engine air filter30680293 alt 30636551
Fuel filter32242189
Battery30772211 alt 30772221
Front wiper blades32341320
Thermostat30720083 alt 30720315
Cabin air filter30630752 alt 30630754

Full specifications

Engine, drivetrain, dimensions and economy.

Dimensions & weight NHTSA vPIC

Overall length189 in
Overall width74.8 in
Overall height70.1 in
Wheelbase112.6 in
Curb weight4542 lb
Track (front / rear)64.2 / 63.8 in
Weight distribution (front / rear)53/47

Performance & power Independent road tests

0–60 mph, quarter-mile, horsepower and torque from independent road tests.

Independent road tests for the XC90 of this era, listed by trim and engine — this page spans more than one engine, so no single horsepower figure is shown.

4.9–9.1 sec0–60 mph (tested)quickest 4.90 sec — 2020 T8 Inscription PHEV
YearTrim / engine0–60¼ mileHPDrivetrain
20143.2 3.2L Turbo I-69.00 sec16.90 sec240 hpAWD
2007V8 Sport 4.4L V87.20 sec15.50 sec311 hpAWD
20073.2 3.2L I-69.10 sec17.00 sec235 hpAWD
2006V8 4.4L V87.00 sec15.40 sec311 hpAWD
2016T8 Inscription PHEV 2.0L Turbo Supercharger I-4 + Elec 9.2-kWh5.30 sec14.00 sec400 hpAWD
2016T6 Inscription 2.0L Turbo Supercharger I-46.00 sec14.60 sec316 hpAWD
2016T6 Inscription 2.0L Turbo Supercharger I-46.40 sec15.00 sec316 hpAWD
2016T6 Inscription 2.0L Turbo Supercharger I-46.50 sec14.90 sec316 hpAWD

Service quick specs OEM factory data

Capacities, torques and tune-up values from the factory service manual.

This engine holds 7.0 qt of 0W-30 / 0W-40 / 5W-30 API engine oil, USE VOLVO PART NO. 1161620 OR EQUIVALENT in the differential. Torque lug nuts to 103 ft-lbs. The firing order is 1-8-4-3-6-5-7-2. Note the cylinder-head bolts finish on a torque angle (torque-to-yield) — they stretch permanently and should be replaced, not reused, during any head service.

Lubricants & capacities

Automatic Transmission FluidVolvo part number 31256774
Automatic Transmission Fluid Capacity7.4
Differential Gear OilUSE VOLVO PART NO. 1161620 OR EQUIVALENT
Differential Gear Oil Capacity1.5 Pints
Engine Oil0W-30 · 0W-40 · API · 5W-30 · 5W-40
Engine Oil Capacity7.0 qt
Engine Oil0W-30 · 0W-40 · API · 5W-30 · 5W-40
Engine Oil Capacity7.2 qt

Engine torques

Engine Flywheel Bolts59 ft-lbs
Engine Flywheel Bolts26 ft-lbs
Intake Manifold to Engine Bolts12.5 ft-lbs
Exhaust Manifold to Cylinder Head Bolts17.7 ft-lbs
Intake Manifold to Engine Bolts18 ft-lbs
Exhaust Manifold to Cylinder Head Bolts17.7 ft-lbs
Main Bearings59 ft-lbs

Chassis torques

Lug Nuts103 ft-lbs
Transfer Case Fill Plug27.0 ft-lbs
Front Wheel Hub26 ft-lbs

Ignition

Cylinder Firing Order1-5-3-6-2-4
Cylinder Firing Order1-8-4-3-6-5-7-2
Curb Idle Speed (No Load)590 rpm
Curb Idle Speed (No Load)675 rpm
Ignition Coil Primary Resistance0.98 ohms
Ignition Coil Primary Resistance0.98 ohms

Battery & A/C

RefrigerantR134a
Refrigerant Capacity2.00-3.00 lbs
Oil GroupPAG
Standard BCI Group Number48
Standard BCI Cranking Performance600 cca
Optional BCI Group Number49
Optional BCI Cranking Performance760 cca
Standard BCI Group Number48

Service checks

Pressure Test22 psi
Radiator Cap Pressure Relief22 psi
Thermostat Opening Temperature194 °F
Fuel Pump Pressure Minimum32 psi
Fuel Pump Pressure Maximum55 psi
Fuel Pump Pressure Minimum51 psi
Fuel Pump Pressure Maximum59 psi
Injector Primary Resistance12 ohms

Brakes

Torque Caliper to Bracket44 ft-lbs / 22 ft-lbs
Minimum Pad ThicknessFront: 0.118; Rear: 0.118 in
Rotor Max Parallel Variation0.0003 in
Rotor Runout Limit0.0016 in / 0.002 in
Rotor Nominal Thickness From1.102 in / 0.787 in / 1.181 in
Rotor Nominal Thickness To1.102 in / 0.787 in / 1.181 in
Rotor Minimum Machining1.015 in / 0.696 in / 1.094 in
Rotor Discard at or Under0.984 in / 0.669 in / 1.063 in

Multi-step torque procedures OEM · verified

Torque to Knuckle — tightening sequence 1 stages
160
Connecting Rod (Large End) Bearings — tightening sequence 1 stages
122 ft. lbs., Step 2: 9022 ft. lbs
Crankshaft Pulley and/or Damper Bolts — tightening sequence 1 stages
189 ft. lbs., step 2: 360 degrees, step 3: 37 ft. lbs., step 4: 9089 ft. lbs
Cylinder Head — tightening sequence 4 stages
133 ft. lbs.33 ft. lbs
233 ft. lbs.33 ft. lbs
390 degrees.90 degrees
4180 degrees.180 degrees

Factory maintenance schedule OEM · verified

Normal service, condensed from the factory interval matrix.

Under the factory schedule, replace the spark plugs every 75,000 mi.

Every 7,500 miBrake Linings (inspect) · Brake Rotor (inspect) · CV Joint Boot (inspect) · Driveshaft (inspect) · Driveshaft Support Bearing (inspect) · Engine Coolant System (inspect fluid level)
Every 15,000 miCabin Air Filter (replace) · Parking Brake System (adjust) · Transfer Case Assembly (leak inspection) · Underbody (inspect)
Every 30,000 miBrake Line (inspect) · Fuel Line (inspect)
Every 37,500 miBrake Hydraulic System (drain, refill & bleed) · Engine Air Filter Element (replace)
At 60,000 miCV Joint Boot (inspect) · Driveshaft (inspect) · Driveshaft Support Bearing (inspect) · Driveshaft U-Joint (inspect) · Exhaust System (Complete) (inspect) · Steering System (inspect)
Every 67,500 miDriveshaft U-Joint (inspect)
Every 75,000 miSpark Plugs (replace)
At 120,000 miDrive Belt (replace) · Fuel Filter (replace)
At 150,000 miVehicle Wiring Harnesses (inspect)

Reliability & federal safety record

Owner-reported issues, recalls, investigations and service bulletins on record with NHTSA — an unfiltered look at what owners actually experience.

The 2011 Volvo XC90 sits near the low‑point of the model’s federal complaint curve, with only 19 complaints—well below the 2004 peak of 462 and comparable to the 2009‑2012 range (7‑12 complaints). Recall activity also hits a trough in 2011, recording just one recall versus the early‑generation highs of five to six recalls per year (2003‑2005) and the occasional spikes in 2006‑2008. Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs) remain steady around the low‑220s, showing no dramatic increase in service‑related advisories for this year. The top complaint categories in 2011 are modest (four engine issues, three electrical system issues, and two seat‑belt concerns) and there were no crash‑related complaints, though a single fire complaint was logged. Overall, the data suggests 2011 is a relatively clean year within the generation, making it a solid candidate for purchase.

1
Open recalls
NHTSA campaigns
221
Service bulletins
Manufacturer communications
0
ODI investigations
Office of Defects Investigation
19
Owner complaints
0 involved a crash · 1 a fire
NHTSA crash-test rating federal NCAP · out of 5 stars
Rollover★★★★
Owner complaints by model year NHTSA · this generation & adjacent

Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component

All 19 complaints on record, top 8 components.

Engine4
Electrical System3
Seat Belts2
Electrical System,Exterior Lighting,Service Brakes1
Air Bags,Seats,Unknown Or Other1
Suspension1
Wheels1
Steering1

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation complaint database.

Recalls NHTSA · verified

Showing 1 of 1 campaigns on record for this vehicle.

11V286000SteeringReported 18/05/2011

VOLVO IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2010-2011 XC90 VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM JANUARY 29, 2010, THROUGH AUGUST 16, 2010. THE POWER STEERING FLUID MAY LEAK FROM THE OIL PIPE CONNECTION AT THE STEERING GEAR VALVE… Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE OIL PIPES ON THE POWER STEERING RACK FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL IS SCHEDULED TO BEGIN DURING JUNE 2011. OWNERS MAY CONTACT VOLVO AT 1-800-458-1552.

Technical service bulletins NHTSA · verified

Showing 5 of 221 bulletins on record with NHTSA.

BulletinDateComponentSummary
35526.1.82026-04-23EngineThis is a Technical Journal: Text plus 2 PDFs and 1 .PNG Oil Consumption test. Perform…
37809.1.12026-04-07Unknown Or OtherThis is a TJ text only - The purpose of this TJ is to be a master reference list to…
192452025-12-06Unknown Or OtherThis is a Technical Journal. Vehicle type and platform identification.
85012025-04-10Exterior LightingThis is a Technical Journal: Remote connection, BOMGAR application. Before joining a…
S103032025-02-21Unknown Or OtherVolvo Cars USA LLC and Volvo Car Canada LTD on behalf of the Volvo Car Corporation has…

Common OBD-II trouble codes

The most common OBD-II codes for this vehicle's emissions system. These are standardized SAE J2012 definitions, not vehicle-specific fault reports.

P0420
Catalyst system efficiency below threshold — Bank 1
P0300
Random / multiple cylinder misfire detected
P0171
System too lean — Bank 1
P0455
Evaporative emission system leak detected — large leak
P0128
Coolant thermostat below regulating temperature
P0442
Evaporative emission system leak detected — small leak

VIN tools

Decode factory build data for a specific vehicle by VIN.

VIN
Decode a VIN to confirm the transmission and build data for a specific XC90. OEM
Build data
Plant, GVWR class, engine and body data for any 17-character VIN.
Recalls
Check open recall campaigns against a specific vehicle by VIN.

Vehicles with shared specs

Find every vehicle that shares this one's battery, bulbs, oil capacity, platform or parts.

Reference guides

Cross-vehicle references for the kinds of data on this page.

Frequently asked

How much oil does the 2011 XC90 take?

7.0 qt of BELOW 104 degrees F,: 0W-30 OR 0W-40 API SL, -22 degrees F TO 104 degrees F: 5W-30 API SL, -13 degrees F TO 104 degrees F: 5W-40 API SL, per the factory manual.

Does the 2011 XC90 have open recalls?

NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign(s) for this model year. Check your specific vehicle by VIN.