The 2021 Volvo XC90 faces significant reliability concerns due to multiple recalls, particularly affecting critical safety components like seat belts and hydraulic brakes. With such a high recall count, prospective buyers should be cautious and well-informed.
Key Factor:High recall frequency
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Safety Alert
Safety Alert: This model has a higher recall frequency (6) than the average VOLVO vehicle (0.8). Owners should prioritize checking these components.
6 recalls for this vehicle0.8 avg. recalls per vehicle (brand)
📋Why This Matters
Safety-related defects in vehicles like the XC90 can have severe implications for occupants, especially when they pertain to essential systems such as seat belts and airbags. The recalls indicate potential risks of improper securing during a crash or brake failure, which could compromise the vehicle's ability to protect its passengers effectively. This is particularly alarming in a luxury SUV brand that prides itself on safety engineering and innovation.
For a model year within this segment, high recall counts are not typical. Generally, Volvo vehicles have an image of solid manufacturing quality. However, the presence of these recalls raises questions about assembly precision and thoroughness in quality control during production runs.
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: Year-over-year safety trends indicate that while Volvo has maintained a strong reputation for safety, the 2021 XC90's high number of recalls diverges from this legacy. Prospective buyers should weigh these risks against traditional expectations for reliability within this class of vehicle.
Safety & Reliability Score
37/100
Score Breakdown
Recall Impact-48
Complaint Impact-5
Investigation Impact-10
Technical Specifications
Key specifications for the 2021 VOLVO XC90
Model Year2021
MakeVOLVO
ModelXC90
Fuel TypeGasoline
Body ClassPassenger Vehicle
Safety History Timeline
Scroll for more →
Mar16
ISSUEFirst Report
Jan21
NEWProduction
Jan21
RECALLRecall Issued
Jan21
RECALLRecall Issued
Jan21
RECALLRecall Issued
Jul21
RECALLRecall Issued
Apr23
INVInvestigation Opened
Apr23
INVInvestigation Opened
May23
RECALLRecall Issued
Jul23
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 XC90. 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 BELTSSERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULICAIR BAGSSTEERINGELECTRICAL SYSTEM
🎯Risk Areas & Recommended Actions
Based on recall data, these components require verification:
Verify that seat belts engage correctly and have not experienced any issues before driving.
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Request service history regarding potential repairs related to seat belts.
Campaign:21V125000
2
Service Brakes
Issue: Improperly welded rotor may separate within the integrated brake system.
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Have brakes inspected by a certified technician immediately to ensure functionality.
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Check if brake components have been repaired or replaced as part of recall corrections.
Campaign:21V126000
3
Air Bags
Issue: 'SRS' control unit may detach during a crash, risking passenger safety.
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'Ensure that airbag systems are fully operational; consult with a dealer for checks on installation integrity.'
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'Inquire if the airbag system has been properly secured or repaired according to recall guidelines.'
Campaign:21V127000
💡Visit NHTSA.gov or contact your VOLVO dealer to verify recall completion status.
Official Safety Recalls (6)
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: 23V827000
SEAT BELTS:CRITICAL FASTENERS
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Summary
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.
Consequence
An improperly tightened seat belt buckle may not restrain an occupant as intended, increasing their risk of injury during a crash.
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. Volvo Car's number for this recall is R10259.
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
2 investigations
Official NHTSA safety investigations for 2021 XC90.
INV-2021-1000🟢 Closed
NHTSA opened investigation after receiving consumer complaints regarding XC90 performance issues.
Opened: Affected Units: 22,133
INV-2021-1001🟢 Closed
NHTSA opened investigation after receiving consumer complaints regarding XC90 performance issues.
Opened: Affected Units: 44,078
Consumer Complaints
0 complaints
✓
No consumer complaints recorded for this vehicle.
Frequently Asked Questions
'What are common issues with the 2021 Volvo XC90?'
'The most pressing issues reported involve critical components such as seat belts failing to function properly due to faults in their locking mechanisms, along with potential failures in the hydraulic braking system and airbag deployment integrity. Prospective owners should seriously consider these factors when evaluating their purchase.'
'How does the XC90 compare in terms of safety ratings?'
'While Volvo historically excels in safety ratings across its lineup due to rigorous engineering standards, the numerous recalls associated with the 2021 XC90 suggest caution. Buyers must ensure all recalled components have been adequately addressed before finalizing their decision.'
📊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
Critical: Demand official documentation showing every VOLVO recall has been satisfied.
Investigate whether later XC90 iterations (2022+) rectified these persistent issues.
A pre-purchase inspection by a VOLVO specialist is mandatory given the recorded failure patterns.