VehicleVerdict

2021 Volvo XC60 problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Worth extra scrutiny

The 2021 Volvo XC60 sits mid-pack among XC60 years: 74 NHTSA complaints against a model median of roughly 55, with 5 recalls and one closed investigation.

No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across driver assistance (15), electrical system (12), and other (9), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect.

74

NHTSA complaints

5

Recalls

1

Investigations

7

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

7

Injuries

0

Deaths

NCAP overall

How does 2021 compare to other XC60 years?

See all XC60 years to avoid →

What are the most common 2021 Volvo XC60 problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Driver Assistance1520%
Electrical System1216%
Brakes912%
Other912%
Steering79%
Engine68%
Fuel System57%
Visibility & Wipers23%
Seat Belts23%
Transmission23%
Airbags23%
Tires & Wheels11%
Seats11%
Latches & Locks11%

Does the 2021 Volvo XC60 have recalls?

5 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.

23V001000SteeringJanuary 5, 2023 · 74 units

Defect

Volvo Car USA, LLC (Volvo Car) is recalling certain 2019-2022 V60CC, XC60, and XC90 vehicles. During steering gear assembly, double screws may have been assembled on top of each other, which can cause a screw to fall into the gearbox housing.

Consequence

A screw inside the gearbox housing can cause the steering wheel to lock up and increase the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Dealers will replace the steering gear, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed March 1, 2023. Owners may contact Volvo Car's customer service at 1-800-458-1552. Volvo Car's number for this recall is R10213.

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.

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.

The car started to move and accelerate with brake pressed. Accident prevention system did not activate itself. It did not display any warnings as it typically do during parking and being close to other cars. The car caused an accident with mild injuries to the driver of the other car, but could…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Driver Assistance · April 18, 2022 · crash

The car started to move and accelerate with brake pressed. Accident prevention system did not activate itself. It did not display any warnings as it typically do during parking and being close to other cars. The car caused an accident with mild injuries to the driver of the other car, but could…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · April 18, 2022 · crash

The contact owned a 2021 Volvo XC60. The contact stated that while driving approximately 25 mph, the vehicle suddenly began to accelerate and the brakes failed to stop. The vehicle crashed into a nearby fence causing the vehicle to flip. The air bags did deploy. The contact received injuries to…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · September 7, 2021 · crash

Exiting a parking lot, attempting to break. The plastic break pedal cover fell off and was unable to break in time to avoid a front end accident.

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Other · March 7, 2026 · crash

Rotor seems to have worn out much quicker than expected. When I break, I can feel certain vibration / bumps. When breaking while going down on a hill, front break also has made screeching noise. Steering feels stiff at times. generally, I have always been topping up gas more than the advertised…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Steering · August 1, 2021

2021 Volvo XC60 — common questions

Is the 2021 Volvo XC60 reliable?

It is close to typical for the XC60: 74 NHTSA complaints, 5 recalls, and 1 investigation on file.

What are the most common 2021 XC60 problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are driver assistance (15 complaints), electrical system (12 complaints), other (9 complaints).

Does the 2021 Volvo XC60 have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 5 recall campaigns affecting the 2021 Volvo XC60. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 2021 Volvo XC60 under NHTSA investigation?

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

Which Volvo XC60 years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the XC60 years to avoid are 2022. The cleanest record among XC60 years belongs to 2009.

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.