2021 Volvo XC60 Reliability Data: Problems & Recalls
Avoid The 2021 Volvo XC60 has a Complaint Index of 81, ranks 4th worst of 17 model years, and carries an Avoid verdict. Electrical System issues lead with 14 complaints (29% share), backed by 5 recalls covering batteries, steering, brakes, seat belts, and airbags.
Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology
YearToAvoid Scorecard
- Complaint Index
- 81/100
- #4 of 17 XC60 years
- Verdict
- Avoid
- vs. other years of this model
- Complaints
- 48
- unique NHTSA reports
- Recalls
- 5
- distinct NHTSA campaigns
- Crashes
- 4
- reported in complaints
- Fires
- 0
- Injuries
- 4
- Top issue
- Electrical System
- NHTSA overall rating
- Not rated
- EPA combined MPG
- 24.5
- 21.5 city / 28 hwy
- Injuries / deaths
- 4 / 0
Top 2021 Volvo XC60 problems
Share of this year’s NHTSA complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.
- Electrical System14 (29%)
- Other11 (23%)
- Brakes9 (19%)
- Collision Avoidance & Cameras7 (15%)
- Lane Departure7 (15%)
- Steering7 (15%)
- Engine6 (13%)
- Fuel System5 (10%)
- Structure & Body3 (6%)
- Visibility & Wipers3 (6%)
A complaint can list more than one component, so shares add up to more than 100%. Shares are % of complaints.
What owners report
- Steering wheel suddenly goes stiff or locks up at low speed, sometimes with a power steering warning on the dash.
- Sensus infotainment and instrument panel screens go black and reboot, disabling cruise control and Bluetooth.
- Pilot Assist steers the vehicle toward guardrails or other vehicles and fails to brake for stopped traffic.
- Brakes fail to stop the vehicle during sudden acceleration, leading to a crash in one reported case.
- Side curtain airbags fail to deploy on the impact side during a collision.
- Blind spot warning (BLIS) light malfunctions intermittently, with dealers unable to duplicate the issue.
2021 Volvo XC60 recalls
5 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 23V001000Jan 5, 2023Steering74 vehicles
Steering
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.
Risk: 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.
- NHTSA 21V716000Sep 15, 2021Brakes9 vehicles
Service brakes, hydraulic:antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip
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.
Risk: 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 XC60 fuel economy and fuel cost
- City
- 21.5 MPG
- Highway
- 28 MPG
- Combined
- 24.5 MPG
- Annual fuel cost (EPA)
- $3,250
- 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 XC60 years
Frequently asked questions
- Is the 2021 Volvo XC60 reliable?
- Compared to other XC60 model years, 2021 ranks 4th worst out of 17 years tracked, with a Complaint Index of 81 and an Avoid verdict based on NHTSA owner complaints and recalls.
- What is the most common problem with the 2021 Volvo XC60?
- Electrical System issues are the top problem area, with 14 complaints making up 29% of all reported issues, at a median mileage of 18,000 miles.
- Does the 2021 Volvo XC60 have any recalls?
- NHTSA lists 5 recalls for the 2021 XC60, covering the high-voltage battery, a steering gear defect, a brake hydraulic unit weld issue, seat belt retractors, and airbag control unit mounting screws.
- How does the 2021 XC60 compare to other years?
- The 2021 XC60 (Complaint Index 81) ranks better than 2025 (100), 2022 (94), and 2023 (88), but worse than most other years, including 2014 and 2017, which both earned a Best verdict with indexes of 6 and 13.