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2021 Volvo XC90: common problems and reliability
An average XC90 year.
53 owner complaints, most about electrical system. 7 recalls.
Should I buy a 2021 XC90?The 2021 Volvo XC90 has 53 owner-filed NHTSA complaints and 7 recalls on record. The most-reported areas are electrical system and service brakes.
Safety record for the 2021 model year
Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls filed for 2021 Volvo XC90 vehicles (US, public record).
The Year Score compares this year with other XC90 years only. How we score it
Is 2021 a good year for the XC90?
Across the 23 XC90 model years we track, complaint volume runs from 3 (2012) to 592 (2016). With 53 complaints, the 2021 XC90 sits about the same as the model's median of 58.
These are raw NHTSA complaint totals, not adjusted for how many cars sold or how long each model year has been on the road. Older and higher-selling years accumulate more complaints.
Where owners report problems
Recalls affecting the 2021 XC90
seat belts:front:retractor
Campaign 21V682000Volvo 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."
service brakes, hydraulic:antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip
Campaign 21V716000Volvo 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.
air bags
Campaign 21V001000Volvo Cars USA, LLC (Volvo Car) is recalling certain 2021 Volvo V60, V60 Cross Country, V90, V90 Cross Country, XC60, and XC90 vehicles. The Supplementary Restraint System (SRS) control unit may not have been properly attached to the car body and may detach during a crash.
steering
Campaign 23V001000Volvo 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.
Show 3 more recalls
seat belts:critical fasteners
Campaign 23V827000Volvo 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.
electrical system:software
Campaign 25V179000Volvo 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.
service brakes, hydraulic:power assist:electric:control module:software
Campaign 25V392000Volvo Car USA, LLC (Volvo Car) is recalling certain 2023 Volvo C40 BEV, 2025 EC40, 2023-2024 XC40 BEV, 2020-2026 XC90 PHEV, 2022-2026 XC60 PHEV, 2023-2025 S60 PHEV, 2024-2025 V60 PHEV, and 2025-2026 EX40 and 2025 S90 PHEV vehicles. In certain driving scenarios while coasting down a hill and using "B" mode or "One Pedal Drive," the vehicle may lose brake function.
What owners say across generations
Sentiment is mixed and heavily dependent on generation and powertrain.
Owner insights cover all generations of the XC90. See the full XC90 owner picture and every model year.
Typical used price
Used XC90 listings typically run $19,496–$39,767.
Other XC90 model years
Compare every XC90 year side by side to see how 2021 ranks against the rest.
Compare the XC90 against its rivals
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