Recall 11V286 covers 350 2010-2011 Volvo XC90 SUVs for a power-steering oil-pipe leak. Repair is free at any franchised Volvo dealer.
Volvo is recalling 350 2010-2011 XC90 SUVs because power steering fluid can leak from the oil pipe connection at the steering gear valve housing. A leak can cause a sudden loss of power steering and raise crash risk; the Volvo dealer repair will be free once available.
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What's wrong?
The power steering system on the 2010-2011 Volvo XC90 uses hydraulic fluid to help turn the front wheels with less effort. A pump pressurizes that fluid, and lines carry it to the steering gear. At the steering gear valve housing, the fluid is directed as you turn the wheel so the system can add assist.
On affected XC90 vehicles, power steering fluid can leak from the oil pipe connection at that valve housing. The connection is supposed to stay sealed while the fluid is under pressure. If it leaks, the fluid level drops and the steering system loses some of the pressure it needs to help you turn the vehicle.
There is no warning sign before failure. If the leak has already started, you can notice fluid under the front of the vehicle or heavier steering, but the recall filing does not identify a reliable early warning sign.
Who's affected?
Both listed XC90 model years name the same steering system component.
| 2010 Volvo XC90 | steering system |
|---|---|
| 2011 Volvo XC90 | steering system |
| Units affected | 350 |
A matching year and model does not guarantee inclusion. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific SUV is included.
What's the safety risk?
Sudden power steering loss makes the XC90 harder to steer and increases the risk of a crash. There is no listed warning sign before the steering assist is lost, so schedule the recall repair soon and stay alert for heavier steering. Repair will be free at any franchised Volvo dealer once available.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2010-2011 Volvo XC90 is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Volvo dealer and ask whether the free power-steering oil-pipe replacement is open for your VIN.
- Schedule the repair that fixes the power-steering fluid leak at the steering gear valve housing.
- Bring the recall notice if Volvo mailed one. If not, reference recall number 11V286 when you call.
- Drive with extra care until the repair is complete because a sudden loss of power steering increases crash risk.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Volvo technician replaces the oil pipes on the power steering rack where the fluid leak occurs at the steering gear valve housing. The remedy is the pipe replacement, not an adjustment or inspection visit. Parts and labor are covered under the recall once the dealer repair is available. After the work is done, ask the service desk to confirm the power steering fluid level and note the completed recall on your repair order.
Timeline
| May 18, 2011 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| June 7, 2011 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 11V286?
Recall 11V286 covers 350 2010-2011 Volvo XC90 vehicles with a power-steering fluid leak at the steering gear valve housing oil pipe connection. The leak can lead to sudden loss of power steering and increased crash risk. Volvo dealers replace the oil pipes for free.
What should I do if my 2010-2011 Volvo XC90 is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific XC90 is included in recall 11V286. If it is, contact a franchised Volvo dealer and ask for the power-steering rack oil pipe replacement. Reference recall number 11V286 when you call. The repair is free.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to repair the defect at no cost. For recall 11V286, Volvo dealers replace the power-steering rack oil pipes free of charge at any franchised Volvo dealer.
What is the safety risk?
The risk is sudden loss of power steering from a power-steering fluid leak. Recall 11V286 says that condition increases crash risk because the vehicle becomes harder to steer. Confirm your VIN, then have a Volvo dealer complete the free oil pipe replacement.
What if I bought my Volvo XC90 used?
The free recall repair still applies. Recall eligibility follows the VIN, not the original owner. If you never received a Volvo owner letter, check your VIN to confirm whether your 2010-2011 XC90 is included, then call a franchised Volvo dealer with recall number 11V286.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/11V286000 |
|---|---|
| Volvo customer service | 1-800-458-1552 |
| NHTSA recall # | 11V286 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 11V286000 |
Source documents
-
Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF) - Download Owner Notification Letter (PDF)
- Download Defect / Noncompliance Notice (PDF) (PDF)
This article is generated from NHTSA's primary recall filings and reviewed against the source on June 2, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →