2021 Volvo XC90 recalls and problems
The 2021 Volvo XC90 has 6 safety recalls and 42 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any Volvo dealer.
Recalls may cover only some 2021 Volvo XC90 vehicles. Check your VIN at NHTSA ↗ to see open recalls for your exact car.
2021 Volvo XC90 recalls
Recall 25V-179: Electrical System
Problem: 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.
Risk: A short circuit in a high-voltage battery increases the risk of a fire.
Fix: 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.
Recall 23V-827: Seat Belts
Problem: 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.
Risk: An improperly tightened seat belt buckle may not restrain an occupant as intended, increasing their risk of injury during a crash.
Fix: 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.
Recall 23V-001: Steering
Problem: 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.
Risk: A screw inside the gearbox housing can cause the steering wheel to lock up and increase the risk of a crash.
Fix: 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.
Recall 21V-716: Service Brakes, Hydraulic
Problem: 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.
Risk: 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.
Fix: 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.
Recall 21V-682: Seat Belts
Problem: 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."
Risk: An unsecured child restraint system can increase the risk of injury during a crash.
Fix: 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.
Recall 21V-001: Air Bags, Seat Belts
Problem: 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.
Risk: 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.
Fix: 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 problems reported by owners
| Problem area | Reports | |
|---|---|---|
| Electrical System | 15 | |
| Engine | 9 | |
| Service Brakes | 7 | |
| Unknown or Other | 6 | |
| Fuel/Propulsion System | 5 | |
| Forward Collision Avoidance | 3 | |
| Power Train | 3 | |
| Seat Belts | 3 | |
| Back Over Prevention | 2 | |
| Steering | 2 | |
| Chest Clip, Buckle, Harness | 2 | |
| Structure | 2 |
Most reported parts
- Forward Collision Avoidance › Automatic Emergency Braking — 2
- Back Over Prevention › Sensing System › Camera — 1
- Tires › Sidewall — 1
- Back Over Prevention › Warnings — 1
- Visibility › Sun/Moon Roof Assembly — 1
- Forward Collision Avoidance › Warnings — 1
- Electrical System › Propulsion System › Hybrid Management › Power Control Unit/Module (Hpcu) — 1
- Structure › Body — 1
Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 40,000 miles (median of owner reports).
Problems that are not covered by a recall are paid repairs; labor rates follow local mechanic pay — see what auto mechanics earn in each state.
Recent 2021 Volvo XC90 complaints
Owner reports filed with NHTSA, as written (personal details removed). Complaints are not verified by NHTSA.
Other Volvo XC90 years
Frequently asked questions
Does the 2021 Volvo XC90 have any recalls?
Yes — NHTSA lists 6 recalls for the 2021 Volvo XC90: 25V-179 (electrical system), 23V-827 (seat belts), 23V-001 (steering), 21V-716 (service brakes, hydraulic), 21V-682 (seat belts) and more. Not every vehicle is affected, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What is the most common problem with the 2021 Volvo XC90?
Owners report electrical system problems most often (15 reports), followed by engine (9). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 40,000 miles.
Are Volvo recall repairs free?
Yes. Safety recall repairs are free at authorized Volvo dealers, whether you are the first owner or bought the car used.