VehicleVerdict

2021 Volvo V90 problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just one complaint on file for the 2021 Volvo V90 — 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.

1

NHTSA complaints

2

Recalls

0

Investigations

0

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

0

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2021 compare to other V90 years?

V90 NHTSA complaints by model year, 2021 highlighted31 complaints1993: 1 complaints1997: 1 complaints1998: 31 complaints1999: 0 complaints2017: 0 complaints2018: 3 complaints2019: 1 complaints2020: 1 complaints2021: 1 complaints2022: 0 complaints
V90 NHTSA complaints by model year, 2021 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all V90 years to avoid →

What are the most common 2021 Volvo V90 problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Electrical System1100%

Does the 2021 Volvo V90 have recalls?

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

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.

21V001000AirbagsJanuary 7, 2021 · 2,883 units

Defect

Volvo Cars USA, LLC (Volvo Car) is recalling certain 2021 Volvo V60, V60 Cross Country, V90, V90 Cross Country, XC60, and XC90 vehicles. The Supplementary Restraint System (SRS) control unit may not have been properly attached to the car body and may detach during a crash.

Consequence

A detached SRS control unit can decrease the performance of occupant protection systems such as air bags, seat belts, and high voltage battery disconnect, increasing the risk of injury during a crash.

Remedy

Volvo Car will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and, as necessary, tighten the SRS control unit mounting screws, free of charge. The recall began February 12, 2021. Owners may contact Volvo Car customer service at 1-888-458-1552. Volvo Car's number for this recall is R10068.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

“In our 2021 Volvo XC90, the hybrid battery has completely failed, which I suspect is a common issue in this model. The error message is Hybrid System Failure, and the dealership has confirmed that the entire battery will need replacement. Volvo has not listed this car as subject to a recall over…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · January 31, 2026

2021 Volvo V90 — common questions

Is the 2021 Volvo V90 reliable?

The record is thin — 1 NHTSA complaint — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 2 recalls should be verified as completed.

Does the 2021 Volvo V90 have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns affecting the 2021 Volvo V90. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Which Volvo V90 years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the V90 years to avoid are 1998. The cleanest record among V90 years belongs to 2022.

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.