VehicleVerdict

2021 Volvo S60 problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just 12 complaints on file for the 2021 Volvo S60 — too few to judge reliability from owner reports alone — but 3 recall campaigns apply to this year, so any used example should have its VIN checked for completed recall work.

12

NHTSA complaints

3

Recalls

1

Investigations

0

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

0

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2021 compare to other S60 years?

S60 NHTSA complaints by model year, 2021 highlighted262 complaints1999: 0 complaints2000: 1 complaints2001: 262 complaints2002: 248 complaints2003: 168 complaints2004: 262 complaints2005: 57 complaints2006: 42 complaints2007: 34 complaints2008: 14 complaints2009: 9 complaints2011: 5 complaints2012: 167 complaints2013: 105 complaints2014: 35 complaints2015: 81 complaints2016: 34 complaints2017: 17 complaints2018: 5 complaints2019: 31 complaints2020: 22 complaints2021: 12 complaints2022: 28 complaints2023: 3 complaints2024: 31 complaints2025: 0 complaints
S60 NHTSA complaints by model year, 2021 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all S60 years to avoid →

What are the most common 2021 Volvo S60 problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Electrical System325%
Other325%
Brakes217%
Visibility & Wipers217%
Engine18%
Steering18%

Does the 2021 Volvo S60 have recalls?

3 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

25V179000Electrical SystemMarch 24, 2025 · 7,483 units

Defect

Volvo Car USA, LLC (Volvo Car) is recalling certain 2020-2021 S90, 2020-2022 S60, V60, XC60, XC90, and 2022 V90 plug-in hybrid vehicles. The high-voltage battery may experience a short circuit within the battery module when the battery is fully charged and the vehicle is parked.

Consequence

A short circuit in a high-voltage battery increases the risk of a fire.

Remedy

Owners are advised not to charge their vehicles until the remedy has been completed. Dealers will inspect and replace the high-voltage battery module as necessary. In addition, dealers will update the software to monitor the battery. All repairs will be performed free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 28, 2025. Owners may contact Volvo Car's customer service at 1-800-458-1552. Volvo Car's number for this recall is R10312.

23V780000AirbagsNovember 21, 2023 · 346 units

Defect

Volvo Car USA, LLC. (Volvo Car) is recalling certain 2019-2024 S60 vehicles. The passenger air bag may not be secured properly, which can cause the air bag to deploy improperly.

Consequence

An air bag that does not deploy properly in a crash increases the risk of injury.

Remedy

Dealers will inspect and tighten the bolts securing the passenger air bag, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 5, 2024. Owners may contact Volvo Car customer service at 1-800-458-1552. Volvo Car's number for this recall is R10254.

21V682000Seat BeltsSeptember 1, 2021 · 19,149 units

Defect

Volvo Car USA, LLC (Volvo Car) is recalling certain 2021 XC40, XC 40 Recharge, V60CC, V90, V90CC, XC90, and 2021-2022 V60, XC60, S60 vehicles. The seat belt automatic locking retractors may deactivate early, which can prevent the child restraint system from securing properly. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."

Consequence

An unsecured child restraint system can increase the risk of injury during a crash.

Remedy

Dealers will inspect and replace the seat belt assemblies, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed October 13, 2021. Owners may contact Volvo Car customer service at 1-888-458-1552. Volvo Car's number for this recall is R10111.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“The high voltage coolant heater failed. It will not heat when running solely on battery. Defrost therefore will not get warm to clear windshield”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · October 30, 2025

“I believe that there is a material or design defect in the front brakes of this car that is leading to the premature failure of the front brake rotors. Two sets of front brake rotors have been replaced on the car due to excessive warping in the first 15K miles of operation. I purchased the car in…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · December 13, 2023

“The high voltage coolant heater failed. It will not heat when running solely on battery. Defrost therefore will not get warm to clear windshield”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Visibility & Wipers · October 30, 2025

“While I was going down a small side street that is a hill, the air conditioning system suddenly went off and immediately the entire car's mechanisms ceased. The engine stopped and the car was unstearable and the brakes were not working. I had my foot on the brake and that was not responsive, the…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · May 20, 2021

2021 Volvo S60 — common questions

Is the 2021 Volvo S60 reliable?

The record is thin — 12 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 3 recalls should be verified as completed.

What are the most common 2021 S60 problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are electrical system (3 complaints), other (3 complaints), visibility & wipers (2 complaints).

Does the 2021 Volvo S60 have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns affecting the 2021 Volvo S60. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 2021 Volvo S60 under NHTSA investigation?

NHTSA opened one investigation into this model year; all are now closed.

Which Volvo S60 years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the S60 years to avoid are 2004, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2012, 2013, 2015, 2005. The cleanest record among S60 years belongs to 2025.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.