VehicleVerdict

2021 Volvo S90 problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just 0 complaints on file for the 2021 Volvo S90 — too few to judge reliability from owner reports alone — but 2 recall campaigns apply to this year, so any used example should have its VIN checked for completed recall work.

0

NHTSA complaints

2

Recalls

1

Investigations

0

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

0

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2021 compare to other S90 years?

S90 NHTSA complaints by model year, 2021 highlighted38 complaints1997: 8 complaints1998: 38 complaints1999: 1 complaints2016: 0 complaints2017: 8 complaints2018: 23 complaints2019: 3 complaints2020: 5 complaints2021: 0 complaints2022: 1 complaints2023: 2 complaints2024: 2 complaints2025: 0 complaints
S90 NHTSA complaints by model year, 2021 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all S90 years to avoid →

Does the 2021 Volvo S90 have recalls?

2 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.

21V716000BrakesSeptember 15, 2021 · 9 units

Defect

Volvo Car USA, LLC (Volvo Car) is recalling certain 2021 S90L, 2020-2021 XC60, and XC90 vehicles. An improperly welded rotor and shaft may separate within the integrated brake system.

Consequence

Separation of the rotor and shaft may cause a reduction in braking assistance and a loss of the Antilock Brake System (ABS) and Electronic Stability Control (ESC), increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Dealers will replace the hydraulic unit, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed October 22, 2021. Owners may contact Volvo Car customer service at 1-888-458-1552. Volvo Car's number for this recall is R10120.

2021 Volvo S90 — common questions

Is the 2021 Volvo S90 reliable?

The record is thin — 0 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 2 recalls should be verified as completed.

Does the 2021 Volvo S90 have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns affecting the 2021 Volvo S90. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 2021 Volvo S90 under NHTSA investigation?

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

Which Volvo S90 years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the S90 years to avoid are 1998. The cleanest record among S90 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.