2021 Volvo XC90 Reliability Data: Problems & Recalls
Caution The 2021 Volvo XC90 has a complaint index of 65, ranking 8th worst among 21 model years, with a Caution verdict. NHTSA lists 35 complaints, 6 recalls, and 3 crashes, led by electrical system issues at 31% of complaints.
Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology
YearToAvoid Scorecard
- Complaint Index
- 65/100
- #8 of 21 XC90 years
- Verdict
- Caution
- vs. other years of this model
- Complaints
- 35
- unique NHTSA reports
- Recalls
- 6
- distinct NHTSA campaigns
- Crashes
- 3
- reported in complaints
- Fires
- 0
- Injuries
- 2
- Top issue
- Electrical System
- NHTSA overall rating
- Not rated
- EPA combined MPG
- 24
- 20.5 city / 28 hwy
- Injuries / deaths
- 2 / 0
Top 2021 Volvo XC90 problems
Share of this year’s NHTSA complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.
- Electrical System11 (31%)
- Engine8 (23%)
- Brakes7 (20%)
- Other7 (20%)
- Fuel System6 (17%)
- Collision Avoidance & Cameras5 (14%)
- Transmission & Powertrain3 (9%)
- Seat Belts2 (6%)
- Steering2 (6%)
- Structure & Body2 (6%)
A complaint can list more than one component, so shares add up to more than 100%. Shares are % of complaints.
What owners report
- Backup camera display appears blurry or distorted when reversing, creating a visibility hazard.
- Infotainment and Bowers & Wilkins sound system suddenly cuts out or shuts off while driving, sometimes with a loud pop from the speakers.
- Electric parking brake has engaged abruptly at highway speed, causing sudden stops in moving traffic.
- The IEM module controlling rear axle propulsion has failed, triggering a check engine light and raising concern about sudden loss of propulsion.
- Hybrid models have lurched during slow acceleration from stops or when pulling into traffic, attributed to a software issue.
- Vehicle has entered a reduced-power 'turtle mode' at highway speed, cutting top speed to 35 mph without warning.
2021 Volvo XC90 recalls
6 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 23V827000Dec 7, 2023Seat Belts2,911 vehicles
Seat belts:critical fasteners
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.
Risk: 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.
- 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.
2021 Volvo XC90 fuel economy and fuel cost
- City
- 20.5 MPG
- Highway
- 28 MPG
- Combined
- 24 MPG
- Annual fuel cost (EPA)
- $3,325
- 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 XC90 years
Frequently asked questions
- Is the 2021 Volvo XC90 reliable?
- Compared with other XC90 model years, 2021 carries a Caution verdict based on NHTSA owner complaints and recalls. It has a complaint index of 65 and ranks 8th worst out of 21 model years covered.
- What are the most common problems with the 2021 Volvo XC90?
- Electrical system issues are the top problem area, making up 31% of complaints, followed by engine issues at 23% and brakes at 20%. Electrical complaints had a median failure mileage of 30,350 miles.
- Does the 2021 Volvo XC90 have any recalls?
- NHTSA lists 6 recalls for the 2021 Volvo XC90, covering the electrical system, seat belts, steering, brakes, and airbags. None of these recalls are do-not-drive recalls.
- How does the 2021 XC90 compare to other years?
- The 2021 model's complaint index of 65 is worse than years like 2022 (45, Good) and 2010 (20, Best), but better than 2016 (100, Avoid) and 2025 (95, Avoid).
- What is the fuel economy of the 2021 Volvo XC90?
- The 2021 XC90 gets an EPA-rated 24 mpg combined, 20.5 mpg city and 28 mpg highway, with an estimated annual fuel cost of $3,325.