2021 Volvo S60 Reliability Data: Problems & Recalls
Best The 2021 Volvo S60 has a Complaint Index of 21, the second-lowest among 20 model years, earning a Best verdict. NHTSA logged 8 complaints and 3 recalls, with no crashes, fires, injuries, or deaths reported.
Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology
YearToAvoid Scorecard
- Complaint Index
- 21/100
- #16 of 20 S60 years
- Verdict
- Best
- vs. other years of this model
- Complaints
- 8
- unique NHTSA reports
- Recalls
- 3
- distinct NHTSA campaigns
- Crashes
- 0
- reported in complaints
- Fires
- 0
- Injuries
- 0
- Top issue
- Electrical System
- NHTSA overall rating
- Not rated
- EPA combined MPG
- 26.5
- 22.5 city / 33 hwy
- Injuries / deaths
- 0 / 0
Top 2021 Volvo S60 problems
Share of this year’s NHTSA complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.
- Electrical System4 (50%)
- Other3 (38%)
- Visibility & Wipers3 (38%)
- Brakes2 (25%)
- Engine1 (13%)
- Steering1 (13%)
A complaint can list more than one component, so shares add up to more than 100%. Shares are % of complaints.
What owners report
- Front brake rotors reportedly warp and need replacement early in ownership, with one owner citing two rotor replacements within the first 15,000 miles.
- The high-voltage coolant heater has failed to warm up when the vehicle runs on battery power alone, leaving the defroster unable to clear the windshield.
- Electrical system issues make up half of all complaints for this model year, more than any other problem area.
2021 Volvo S60 recalls
3 NHTSA recall campaigns list this model year.
- NHTSA 25V179000Mar 24, 2025Electrical System7,483 vehicles
Electrical system:propulsion system:traction battery
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.
Risk: 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.
- NHTSA 23V780000Nov 21, 2023Airbags346 vehicles
Air bags:frontal
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.
Risk: 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.
- NHTSA 21V682000Sep 1, 2021Seat Belts19,149 vehicles
Seat belts:rear/other:retractor
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."
Risk: 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.
2021 Volvo S60 fuel economy and fuel cost
- City
- 22.5 MPG
- Highway
- 33 MPG
- Combined
- 26.5 MPG
- Annual fuel cost (EPA)
- $3,000
- 15,000 mi/yr
- Fuel
- Premium
- Current regular gas
- $4.32/gal
- national avg.
EPA figures; median across configurations of this model year. Estimate your own cost with the fuel cost calculator.
2021 compared with other S60 years
Frequently asked questions
- Is the 2021 Volvo S60 reliable?
- Based on NHTSA data, the 2021 S60 ranks among the better years, with a Complaint Index of 21 and only 8 complaints total, ranked 16th worst out of 20 model years, and no crashes, fires, or injuries reported.
- What problems does the 2021 Volvo S60 have?
- Owners most often report electrical system issues, which make up half of the complaints, followed by visibility/wiper problems and brake concerns like premature rotor warping.
- Does the 2021 Volvo S60 have any recalls?
- Yes, NHTSA lists 3 recalls for the 2021 S60, covering a high-voltage battery short-circuit risk, a passenger airbag mounting issue, and seat belt retractors that could deactivate early.
- How does the 2021 S60 compare to other Volvo S60 years?
- The 2021 model earns a Best verdict with a Complaint Index of 21, well below Avoid-rated years like 2012 (100), 2013 (95), and 2015 (84).