repaired · 2026 Q3
Propulsion system: traction battery
Risk. A short circuit in a high-voltage battery increases the risk of a fire.
2021 Volvo XC90Problems, recalls & complaints
NHTSA has logged 42 owner complaints about the 2021 Volvo XC90, most often about the electrical system. It is covered by 6 safety recalls, and for recall 23V-827 the manufacturer reports only 78% of affected cars repaired.
Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through November 4, 2026. Updated daily. Photo: Vauxford, CC BY-SA 4.0.
Complaints by system
Where the 2021 Volvo XC90 has problems
42 complaints grouped by the system owners reported.
15Electrical system1 crash/fire/injury
9Engine1 crash/fire/injury
7Service brakes
5Fuel/propulsion system1 crash/fire/injury
3Power train
3Seat belts
3Forward collision avoidance
2Steering
2Back over prevention
1512 other systems3 crash/fire/injury
| System | Complaints | Crash, fire or injury |
|---|---|---|
| Electrical system | 15 | 1 |
| Engine | 9 | 1 |
| Service brakes | 7 | 0 |
| Fuel/propulsion system | 5 | 1 |
| Power train | 3 | 1 |
| Seat belts | 3 | 0 |
| Forward collision avoidance | 3 | 0 |
| Steering | 2 | 0 |
| Back over prevention | 2 | 0 |
| 12 other systems | 15 | 3 |
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Complaints are submitted by the public and are not verified by NHTSA.
6 recalls
2021 Volvo XC90 recalls and how many were fixed
Each ring shows the share of affected cars repaired, from the manufacturer’s latest quarterly report to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
repaired · 2025 Q4
Seat belts: critical fasteners
Risk. An improperly tightened seat belt buckle may not restrain an occupant as intended, increasing their risk of injury during a crash.
repaired · 2024 Q4
Steering
Risk. A screw inside the gearbox housing can cause the steering wheel to lock up and increase the risk of a crash.
repaired · 2022 Q3
Service brakes, hydraulic
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…
Show 2 more recalls
repaired · 2023 Q3
Seat belts
Risk. An unsecured child restraint system can increase the risk of injury during a crash.
repaired · 2022 Q4
Air bags
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,…
Recalls apply to specific cars. To see whether a recall is still open on yours, enter the 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or with Volvo.
Best & worst years
2021 vs. every other XC90 year
Bars show complaints per model year. Colors show the CarFlaw verdict: complaints weighted for crashes, fires and injuries, adjusted for years on the road and compared with the XC90 median. How we score
'03'04'05'06'07'08'09'10'11'12'13'14'15'16'17'18'19'20'21'22'23'24'25
- Avoid
- Caution
- Solid
- Best
- Not rated
1 investigation
NHTSA defect investigations
Federal investigations that included the 2021 Volvo XC90, and the recalls they led to.
- Pedestrian alert soundsLed to recall 22V-063
In owners' words
What XC90 owners report
Recent electrical system complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.
Electrical system shutdown during use rendering car unable to shift out of park. According to dealer, the extensive electrical and wiring damage resulted from a clogged sunroof drain. This issue is well documented for a decade or longer and is clearly a safety problem (vs "maintenance" or "wear &…
The rear passenger-side door latch on my 2021 Volvo XC90 failed, and the door will not open from inside or outside. This prevents an occupant from exiting through that door, including in an emergency or after a crash. The failure occurred on XXX at approximately 45,000 miles while the vehicle was…
The check engine light on our Volvo XC90 Plug-in Hybrid came on stating "Hybrid System Failure Service Required". The vehicle would no longer accept a charge. A service appointment was made and the technician found that there was a fault with cell module A. A case was started but we were told the…
Own a 2021 XC90?
Decode your VIN to see the recalls for your exact car, then confirm open recalls with NHTSA.