The 2021 Volvo XC90 has good reliability. There are 5 recalls and 17 owner complaints on file for the 2021 Volvo XC90. The most commonly reported problem areas are: Electrical System (4), Steering (2), Service Brakes (2).
XC90 reliability snapshot
72/100
Latest model-year reliability score
3.5/5
RepairPal rating (medium)
$851
Avg annual repair cost vs $807 category avg
#8/14
Ranking in luxury midsize SUVs · better than 43% of peers
Data sourced from Auto Reliability Index, aggregating NHTSA recalls, owner complaints, and RepairPal repair-cost records.
Used-car research
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Owner-reported problem categories from NHTSA complaint filings. Counts reflect complaints per category for the most-recent model year on file.
Electrical System4
Steering2
Service Brakes2
Wheels1
Visibility Wiper1
Chest Clip, Buckle, Harness1
Pre-purchase inspection checklist for the 2021 Volvo XC90
Hands-on checks distilled from real NHTSA complaint patterns and recall histories. Bring this list to a test drive or mechanic inspection.
☐Test Start/Stop system for reliable operation
☐Check infotainment system for screen glitches or power loss
☐Inspect brakes for shaking or shuttering at various speeds
☐Verify electric parking brake does not engage unexpectedly
☐Ensure hybrid mode functions properly without lurching
What owners reported
2021 Volvo XC90 owner complaints in detail
Owner complaints4
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Owners of the 2021 Volvo XC90 frequently report issues with the vehicle's electrical system, particularly involving the infotainment and Start/Stop systems. Common symptoms include the infotainment screen going blank or glitching, which sometimes leads to a temporary loss of vehicle power, as well as a loud popping sound from the speakers resulting in a complete audio failure. These issues are reported to occur at various mileages, with one owner noting the Start/Stop issue appearing before 50,000 miles. Safety implications are noted in the complaints, with concerns about the car stalling unexpectedly due to Start/Stop system malfunctions and the potential for collisions if Park Assist features fail. Buyers considering a used XC90 should be aware of these electrical system issues and may want to verify if any software updates or repairs have been completed.
Owner complaints2
STEERING
Owners report issues with the steering system of the 2021 Volvo XC90, particularly when using the pilot assist feature. Complaints frequently mention the vehicle entering a shutdown mode at highway speeds, indicated by a turtle icon on the dashboard, which limits the speed to 35 mph and causes a rapid reduction in vehicle function. This results in a sudden loss of control and requires drivers to maneuver to the roadside at low speeds, posing a potential safety risk. Both incidents are linked to software issues, according to dealership feedback, and have occurred multiple times, suggesting a recurring problem. These issues are reported in vehicles with unspecified mileage, but the pattern indicates potential risks during high-speed travel.
Owner complaints2
SERVICE BRAKES
Owners report issues with the brakes on the 2021 Volvo XC90, including shaking and shuttering at both interstate and lower speeds, often attributed to warped rotors, with symptoms appearing as early as 12,000 miles. Another significant problem involves the electric parking brake engaging violently while driving at highway speeds, leading to abrupt stops in traffic. This issue is described as occurring at least three times by one owner, who also highlights a lack of urgency from the dealer in addressing the problem. The complaints suggest potential safety implications, as sudden stops in moving traffic could pose a risk of injury or accident. These patterns provide important considerations for prospective buyers assessing the reliability of this model's braking system.
2021 XC90 recalls (5)
Every NHTSA safety recall logged against the 2021 XC90. A VIN check confirms whether any recall remains unrepaired on a specific vehicle.
SEAT BELTSNHTSA 23V827000Dec 7, 2023
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.
STEERINGNHTSA 23V001000Jan 5, 2023
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.
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULICNHTSA 21V716000Sep 15, 2021
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.
SEAT BELTSNHTSA 21V682000Sep 1, 2021
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.
AIR BAGS, SEAT BELTSNHTSA 21V001000Jan 7, 2021
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.
2021 Volvo XC90 on the road
38,657 2021 Volvo XC90 units were sold new in the US — a key signal for the size of today's used-market inventory.
How the 2021 Volvo XC90 stacks up against rivals
The most-shopped alternatives in the same segment. Each link opens a side-by-side reliability and cost comparison.
The 2021 Volvo XC90 scores slightly above the segment average, indicating moderate reliability. With five recalls, the recall count is elevated, suggesting some concerns, though not necessarily widespread. The distribution of 17 complaints across multiple categories, with a slight concentration in the electrical system, further supports a mixed reliability profile.
Entering its sixth year in the current generation, the model shows some signs of aging, as evidenced by the variety of issues reported. However, the relatively low number of complaints suggests that these issues may not be pervasive across all units.
Overall, the 2021 Volvo XC90 presents a moderate risk level for potential buyers, with reliability that is neither a standout strength nor a significant weakness.
What you get in a 2021 Volvo XC90 report
✓Available title brand history
✓Odometer readings & rollback detection
✓Accident & damage records
✓Auction sales with photos
✓Open safety recalls
✓Theft & stolen vehicle check
Check a 2021 Volvo XC90 now
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2021 Volvo XC90 — Frequently asked questions
Is the 2021 Volvo XC90 reliable?
The 2021 Volvo XC90 scores slightly above the segment average, indicating moderate reliability. With five recalls, the recall count is elevated, suggesting some concerns, though not necessarily widespread. The distribution of 17 complaints across multiple categories, with a slight concentration in the electrical system, further supports a mixed reliability profile.
How many recalls does the 2021 Volvo XC90 have?
5 NHTSA safety recalls have been issued for the 2021 Volvo XC90. A VIN check confirms whether any remain unrepaired on a specific vehicle.
What are the most common 2021 Volvo XC90 problems?
The most-reported 2021 Volvo XC90 problem areas are: Electrical System (4), Steering (2), Service Brakes (2).
Should I run a VIN check on a 2021 Volvo XC90?
Yes. A VIN report verifies title brands, odometer history, accident records, and recall completion on a specific 2021 Volvo XC90, complementing the model-year reliability data on this page.
