VehicleVerdict

2021 Volvo XC90 problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Worth extra scrutiny

The 2021 Volvo XC90 sits mid-pack among XC90 years: 56 NHTSA complaints against a model median of roughly 52, with 6 recalls and one closed investigation.

No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across electrical system (8), brakes (8), and engine (7), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect.

56

NHTSA complaints

6

Recalls

1

Investigations

7

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

2

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2021 compare to other XC90 years?

XC90 NHTSA complaints by model year, 2021 highlighted669 complaints2003: 149 complaints2004: 669 complaints2005: 304 complaints2006: 73 complaints2007: 59 complaints2008: 44 complaints2009: 11 complaints2010: 16 complaints2011: 30 complaints2012: 6 complaints2013: 13 complaints2014: 7 complaints2015: 0 complaints2016: 307 complaints2017: 114 complaints2018: 64 complaints2019: 53 complaints2020: 45 complaints2021: 56 complaints2022: 46 complaints2023: 69 complaints2024: 52 complaints2025: 34 complaints
XC90 NHTSA complaints by model year, 2021 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all XC90 years to avoid →

What are the most common 2021 Volvo XC90 problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Electrical System814%
Brakes814%
Engine713%
Other611%
Fuel System611%
Driver Assistance59%
Transmission35%
Visibility & Wipers24%
Seat Belts24%
Steering24%
Tires & Wheels24%
Lighting12%
Body & Structure12%
Airbags12%
Seats12%
Speed Control12%

Does the 2021 Volvo XC90 have recalls?

6 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.

23V827000Seat BeltsDecember 7, 2023 · 2,911 units

Defect

Volvo Car USA, LLC (Volvo Car) is recalling certain 2015-2024 XC90 vehicles. The second-row seat belt buckle and lower belt anchor bolts may not be tightened properly.

Consequence

An improperly tightened seat belt buckle may not restrain an occupant as intended, increasing their risk of injury during a crash.

Remedy

Dealers will inspect and tighten the second-row seat belt buckle anchorage bolts, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 19, 2024. Owners may contact Volvo Car customer service at 1-800-458-1552. Volvo Car's number for this recall is R10259.

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.

“My Xc90 is shuttering at interstate speeds as well as below. When I purchased, they had to machine the rotors and said they balanced the front tires. It did not help much. The brakes shake less. I'm sure the entire rotors are warped. All this with 12k miles on the vehicle. ”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · September 16, 2022

“Check engine light illuminated at 11,000 miles. Diagnostics showed a software update was needed but the software update did not fix the problem. Volvo corporate said the IEM module needed to be replaced. The IEM module controls the rear axle / propulsion and this is a serious safety issue because…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · October 5, 2021

“Unintentional acceleration.First, I was in line at car wash proceeding slowly ahead as directed in line. Foot on accelerator lightly moving, when car surged rapidly hitting back end of Tesla about 6-8 ft ahead (2/26/26 12:30pm) Impact strong enough to push Tesla into truck hitch damaging it front…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · February 26, 2026 · crash

“The aluminum trim on the center console of my 2022 Volvo xc90 has started peeling. The exposed edges are sharp and cut my fingers whenever I move my hands near the console. This issue is very common among this model and presents a serious safety hazard during normal vehicle use.”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Other · January 16, 2026

“Unintentional acceleration.First, I was in line at car wash proceeding slowly ahead as directed in line. Foot on accelerator lightly moving, when car surged rapidly hitting back end of Tesla about 6-8 ft ahead (2/26/26 12:30pm) Impact strong enough to push Tesla into truck hitch damaging it front…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Fuel System · February 26, 2026 · crash

2021 Volvo XC90 — common questions

Is the 2021 Volvo XC90 reliable?

It is close to typical for the XC90: 56 NHTSA complaints, 6 recalls, and 1 investigation on file.

What are the most common 2021 XC90 problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are electrical system (8 complaints), brakes (8 complaints), engine (7 complaints).

Does the 2021 Volvo XC90 have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 6 recall campaigns affecting the 2021 Volvo XC90. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 2021 Volvo XC90 under NHTSA investigation?

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

Which Volvo XC90 years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the XC90 years to avoid are 2004, 2016, 2005, 2003, 2017. The cleanest record among XC90 years belongs to 2015.

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.