2021 Volvo XC90
This year had at least 30% fewer complaints than 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 PER YEAR
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 | 195 |
| 2017 | 73 |
| 2018 | 46 |
| 2019 | 37 |
| 2020 | 28 |
| 2021 | 32 |
| 2022 | 28 |
| 2023 | 39 |
| 2024 | 30 |
| 2025 | 26 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
25% of complaints: electrical system — 8 distinct reports on file.
CRASHShow complaint excerpts
*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, 20210114
22% of complaints: service brakes — 7 distinct reports on file.
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, 20210120
22% of complaints: engine — 7 distinct reports on file.
CRASH16% of complaints: fuel/propulsion system — 5 distinct reports on file.
CRASH9% of complaints: power train — 3 distinct reports on file.
CRASHShow complaint excerpts
The contact owns a 2021 Volvo XC90. The contact stated that upon shifting to Drive(D) while the vehicle was on an incline, the vehicle rolled back before moving forward as intended.
NHTSA ODI report, 20260313
SAFETY TIMELINE
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.
Campaign 21V001000 — check if this car was fixed
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.
Campaign 21V682000 — check if this car was fixed
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.
Campaign 21V716000 — check if this car was fixed
Pedestrian alert sounds
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.
Campaign 23V001000 — check if this car was fixed
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.
Campaign 23V827000 — check if this car was fixed
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.
Campaign 25V179000 — check if this car was fixed
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
2021 Volvo XC90 — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for electrical system issues (8 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for service brakes issues (7 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for engine issues (7 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 21V001000 (air bags, seat belts) has been completed.
- Verify recall 21V682000 (seat belts) has been completed.
- Verify recall 21V716000 (service brakes, hydraulic) has been completed.
- Verify recall 23V001000 (steering) has been completed.
- Verify recall 23V827000 (seat belts) has been completed.
- Verify recall 25V179000 (electrical system) has been completed.
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST YEARS
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 "better than typical".
What are the most common problems with the 2021 Volvo XC90?
The most-reported component is electrical system, accounting for 25% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2021 Volvo XC90 have?
6 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.