The 2021 Volvo XC60 displays significant concerns due to multiple recalls focusing on critical safety components like seat belts, brakes, and airbags. Owners should be vigilant, especially given the early failure mileage range of 0-20k miles.
Key Factor:Multiple critical recalls
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Safety Alert
Safety Alert: This model has a higher recall frequency (5) than the average VOLVO vehicle (0.8). Owners should prioritize checking these components.
5 recalls for this vehicle0.8 avg. recalls per vehicle (brand)
๐Why This Matters
Recalls for a vehicle's safety components are serious red flags. The issues with the seat belt retractors could mean that in an accident, a child restraint system might not secure properly, posing grave risks. Similarly, problems with the brake system and potential airbag detachment during a crash highlight the importance of thorough inspections and repairs to ensure that both driver and passengers are well-protected.
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: Overall, the safety trend for the 2021 XC60 is concerning due to these recalls affecting essential systems that are vital for occupant safety. Compared to expectations for this luxury brand known for its commitment to safety, these defects put it at a greater risk than one would hope.
Safety & Reliability Score
50/100
Score Breakdown
Recall Impact-40
Complaint Impact-4.75
Investigation Impact-5
Technical Specifications
Key specifications for the 2021 VOLVO XC60
Model Year2021
MakeVOLVO
ModelXC60
Fuel TypeGasoline
Body ClassPassenger Vehicle
Safety History Timeline
Scroll for more โ
Mar16
ISSUEFirst Report
Jan21
NEWProduction
Jan21
RECALLRecall Issued
Jan21
RECALLRecall Issued
Jan21
RECALLRecall Issued
Jul21
RECALLRecall Issued
Apr23
INVInvestigation Opened
May23
RECALLRecall Issued
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No Consumer Complaints Reported
Great news! There are currently no consumer complaints on file with NHTSA for the 2021 VOLVO XC60. This is a positive indicator of owner satisfaction.
๐ ๏ธ DIY Diagnosis Center
Experiencing an issue? Select a symptom to find official manufacturer solutions (TSBs).
Primary Risk Areas
SEAT BELTSSERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULICAIR BAGSSTEERINGELECTRICAL SYSTEM
๐ฏRisk Areas & Recommended Actions
Based on recall data, these components require verification:
1
Seat Belts
Issue: Early deactivation of automatic locking retractors can fail child restraints.
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Verify recall status and have seat belts inspected immediately.
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Check if all recalls have been addressed before purchasing.
2
Brakes
Issue: Improperly welded rotor may cause brake failure.
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'Ensure brake inspection and repairs are up-to-date as per recall notices.'
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'Request documentation on brake system repairs from prior ownership.'
3
Air Bags
Issue: 'SRS control unit detachment during a crash.'
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'Confirm airbag system has been checked and complies with recall fixes.'
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'Inquire about airbag system status before making any purchase decision.'
๐กVisit NHTSA.gov or contact your VOLVO dealer to verify recall completion status.
Official Safety Recalls (5)
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: 21V716000
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP
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Summary
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.
Consequence
Separation of the rotor and shaft may cause a reduction in braking assistance and a loss of the Antilock Brake System (ABS) and Electronic Stability Control (ESC), increasing the risk of a crash.
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.
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: 21V001000
AIR BAGS
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Summary
Volvo 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.
Consequence
A detached SRS control unit can decrease the performance of occupant protection systems such as air bags, seat belts, and high voltage battery disconnect, increasing the risk of injury during a crash.
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. Volvo Car's number for this recall is R10068.
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.safercar.gov.
Campaign: 23V001000
STEERING
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Summary
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.
Consequence
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.
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 XC60.
INV-2021-1000๐ข Closed
NHTSA opened investigation after receiving consumer complaints regarding XC60 performance issues.
Opened: Affected Units: 44,747
Consumer Complaints
0 complaints
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No consumer complaints recorded for this vehicle.
Frequently Asked Questions
'What are the most common issues reported for the 2021 Volvo XC60?'
'The most significant concerns revolve around critical safety features including seat belts, braking systems, and airbags due to recent recalls. It's essential for owners or prospective buyers to address these areas proactively to ensure maximum safety.'
'How does the reliability of the 2021 Volvo XC60 compare with its competitors?'
'While Volvo generally holds a strong reputation for reliability in terms of build quality and engineering prowess, the presence of multiple recalls in this model year raises red flags compared to competitors who may not have such issues at this level.'
๐Year-over-Year Context
โก๏ธStable Pattern
Compared to earlier years, the 2021 model shows stable reliability patterns. No meaningful structural change detected in recall frequency between adjacent model years.
๐งญWhat 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 centerโrepairs 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
Critical: Demand official documentation showing every VOLVO recall has been satisfied.
Investigate whether later XC60 iterations (2022+) rectified these persistent issues.
A pre-purchase inspection by a VOLVO specialist is mandatory given the recorded failure patterns.