2021 Volvo XC90
This year's complaint volume is within 30% of this model's typical year.
This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.
- Complaints
- 38
- Recalls
- 6
- Investigations
- 1
- Top problem
- Electrical system
Campaigns on file for 2021
Opened by NHTSA
29% of complaints
Complaints per year
2021: 38 complaints
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 2003 | 93 |
| 2004 | 462 |
| 2005 | 223 |
| 2006 | 53 |
| 2007 | 38 |
| 2008 | 29 |
| 2009 | 7 |
| 2010 | 12 |
| 2011 | 19 |
| 2012 | 3 |
| 2013 | 11 |
| 2014 | 4 |
| 2015 | 0 |
| 2016 | 197 |
| 2017 | 81 |
| 2018 | 52 |
| 2019 | 42 |
| 2020 | 34 |
| 2021 | 38 |
| 2022 | 31 |
| 2023 | 41 |
| 2024 | 38 |
| 2025 | 28 |
Known problem areas
Percentages can add to more than 100% — a complaint can name more than one system.
Electrical system
29% · 11 reportsShow complaint excerpts
My 2021 Volvo XC90 Recharge (plug-in hybrid) has been at Volvo Cars Dublin, Dublin CA since June 15, 2026 for a failed high-voltage battery cell module requiring replacement.
NHTSA ODI report, 2026-09-25
*with the bowers & wilkins sound system* twice within 1400 miles, there was a loud "Pop" Sound from the speakers followed by no sound from any portion of the vehicle. The pop sounded like a window or the sunroof shattered.
NHTSA ODI report, 2021-01-14
Service brakes
21% · 8 reportsMost commonly citing hydraulic.
Show complaint excerpts
Electric parking brake engaging violently at highway speeds at least. 3 times. Resulting in abrupt stop in moveing traffic! Dealer in no hurry to repair suggesting bring back when they are able!
NHTSA ODI report, 2021-01-20
Engine
18% · 7 reportsFuel/propulsion system
13% · 5 reportsSeat belts
8% · 3 reportsSafety timeline
6 recalls · 1 investigation · oldest first
To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →
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2021-02-15Air bags, seat belts21V001000 Volvo Cars USA, LLC (Volvo Car) is recalling certain 2021 Volvo V60, V60 Cross Country, V90, V90 Cross Country, XC60, and XC90 vehicles.
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.
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2021-10-12Seat belts21V682000 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.
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.
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2021-10-22Service brakes, hydraulic21V716000 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.
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.
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2023-01-27Defect petitionClosed 2023-08-07 Pedestrian alert sounds
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2023-01-31Steering23V001000 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.
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.
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2024-01-19Seat belts23V827000 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.
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.
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2025-05-14Electrical system25V179000 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.
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.
Buy-smart checklist
2021 Volvo XC90 — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Electrical system: 11 reports on file for this year.
- Service brakes: 8 reports on file for this year.
- Engine: 7 reports on file for this year.
Verify these recalls were completed
- Recall 21V001000 · Air bags, seat belts
- Recall 21V682000 · Seat belts
- Recall 21V716000 · Service brakes, hydraulic
- Recall 23V001000 · Steering
- Recall 23V827000 · Seat belts
- Recall 25V179000 · Electrical system
Other years of this model
See all years ranked →FAQ
- Is the 2021 Volvo XC90 reliable?
- Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2021 Volvo XC90 is rated "typical".
- What are the most common problems with the 2021 Volvo XC90?
- The most-reported component is electrical system, accounting for 29% of complaints on file.
- How many recalls does the 2021 Volvo XC90 have?
- 6 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-11-01 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.