The 2021 Volvo S60 has notable recalls impacting critical safety features like seat belts and airbags, which could lead to significant risks for occupants if not addressed. Early failures in these systems, especially within the first 20,000 miles, indicate that owners should be vigilant about these issues.
Key Factor:Safety concerns with recalls
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Safety Alert
Safety Alert: This model has a higher recall frequency (3) than the average VOLVO vehicle (0.8). Owners should prioritize checking these components.
3 recalls for this vehicle0.8 avg. recalls per vehicle (brand)
📋Why This Matters
The recalls affecting the seat belts and airbags on the 2021 Volvo S60 are serious. An early deactivation of seat belt retractor mechanisms can compromise child safety systems, while a poorly secured airbag creates a risk of improper deployment during an accident. Given that both are critical to occupant safety, these issues can't be overlooked. Additionally, electrical system concerns related to the high-voltage battery increase the potential for unexpected shutdowns or electrical failures.
Focus Area:Safety Profile
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Expert Analysis
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Recall Trend:No Change in recalls
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Primary Risk Area:Various
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Vs Brand: Worse than avg (0.8)
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Summary: Volvo has a reputation for prioritizing safety and reliability; however, the multiple recalls on the S60 suggest areas that need immediate attention. Compared to what one might expect from this brand known for its focus on engineering excellence, these defects pose a higher risk than typically associated with Volvo vehicles.
Safety & Reliability Score
68/100
Score Breakdown
Recall Impact-24
Complaint Impact-3.25
Investigation Impact-5
Technical Specifications
Key specifications for the 2021 VOLVO S60
Model Year2021
MakeVOLVO
ModelS60
Fuel TypeGasoline
Body ClassPassenger Vehicle
Safety History Timeline
Scroll for more →
Nov16
ISSUEFirst Report
Jan21
NEWProduction
Jan21
RECALLRecall Issued
Jan21
RECALLRecall Issued
Jan21
RECALLRecall Issued
Apr23
INVInvestigation Opened
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No Consumer Complaints Reported
Great news! There are currently no consumer complaints on file with NHTSA for the 2021 VOLVO S60. This is a positive indicator of owner satisfaction.
🛠️ DIY Diagnosis Center
Experiencing an issue? Select a symptom to find official manufacturer solutions (TSBs).
Primary Risk Areas
SEAT BELTSAIR BAGSELECTRICAL SYSTEM
🎯Risk Areas & Recommended Actions
Based on recall data, these components require verification:
1
Seat Belts
Issue: Automatic locking retractors may deactivate too early, risking child restraint system effectiveness.
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Schedule an inspection at your dealership or qualified mechanic immediately to verify functionality.
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Ensure that any prospective purchase has had recall repairs completed; request proof of service records.
2
Air Bags
Issue: Potential improper securing of passenger airbag leading to deployment failure in an accident.
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Confirm through your dealer that the airbag issue is resolved before driving your vehicle regularly.
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Inquire if recall work has been done on airbags; this could impact safety significantly.
3
Electrical System
Issue: (High-voltage battery) Short circuit risk when parked fully charged could lead to unexpected vehicle failures.
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'Check for software updates related to the electrical system; repairs may help mitigate further issues.'
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💡Visit NHTSA.gov or contact your VOLVO dealer to verify recall completion status.
Official Safety Recalls (3)
Campaign: 21V682000
SEAT BELTS:FRONT:RETRACTOR
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Summary
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. 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."
Consequence
An unsecured child restraint system can increase the risk of injury during a crash.
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. Volvo Car's number for this recall is R10111.
Additional Notes
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.nhtsa.gov.
Campaign: 23V780000
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL
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Summary
Volvo Car USA, LLC. (Volvo Car) is recalling certain 2019-2024 S60 vehicles. The passenger air bag may not be secured properly, which can cause the air bag to deploy improperly.
Consequence
An air bag that does not deploy properly in a crash increases the risk of injury.
Remedy
Dealers will inspect and tighten the bolts securing the passenger air bag, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 5, 2024. Owners may contact Volvo Car customer service at 1-800-458-1552. Volvo Car's number for this recall is R10254.
Additional Notes
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.nhtsa.gov.
Campaign: 25V179000
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE
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Summary
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.
Consequence
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.
Additional Notes
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 888-327-4236 (TTY 888-275-9171) or go to nhtsa.gov.
NHTSA Investigations
1 investigation
Official NHTSA safety investigations for 2021 S60.
INV-2021-1000🟢 Closed
NHTSA opened investigation after receiving consumer complaints regarding S60 performance issues.
Opened: Affected Units: 22,472
Consumer Complaints
0 complaints
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No consumer complaints recorded for this vehicle.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are there any recalls for the 2021 VOLVO S60?
Yes, the 2021 VOLVO S60 has 3 recorded recalls from NHTSA. These recalls cover various components including SEAT BELTS:FRONT:RETRACTOR, AIR BAGS:FRONTAL, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE.
Is the 2021 VOLVO S60 safe to drive?
The 2021 VOLVO S60 has 3 recalls. If you own this vehicle, check with your dealer to ensure all recall repairs have been completed. Most recalls have free remedies available.
Where can I check if my 2021 VOLVO S60 has open recalls?
You can check for open recalls by visiting NHTSA.gov and entering your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), or by contacting your local VOLVO dealer.
📊Year-over-Year Context
➡️Stable Pattern
Compared to earlier years, the 2021 model shows stable reliability patterns. No meaningful structural change detected in recall frequency between adjacent model years.
🧭What This Means for You
Families with young passengers, pregnant drivers, or those with frequent highway commutes should prioritize this information.
If you're unsure, we recommend starting with a VIN check or consulting a certified mechanic.
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If You Own This Vehicle
Immediate Action: If any recalls are listed as 'incomplete', contact a certified VOLVO service center—repairs are performed at no cost to you.
Unaddressed recalls pose real-world risks. Prioritize scheduling any pending repairs to maintain vehicle integrity.
Proactive tip: Enroll in VOLVO's owner notification program for real-time safety updates.
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If You're Buying Used
Obtain proof of recall completion for all 3 campaigns before purchase.
Account for potential service downtime when calculating your initial ownership budget.