CarRecallWatchThe 2021 Volvo XC90 has 6 safety recalls on file with NHTSA.
Owners have filed 41 complaints with NHTSA, including 3 crashes, 3 injuries.
The most-reported problem area is Electrical System (14 reports).
2021 Volvo XC90 recalls
High-Voltage Battery Short Circuit Can Cause Fire
The high-voltage traction battery may experience an internal short circuit within a battery module when the battery is fully charged and the vehicle is parked.
Loose Rear Seat Belt Buckle May Not Restrain Riders
Some Volvo XC90 SUVs from model years 2015 through 2022 may have second-row seat belt buckle and lower belt anchor bolts that were not tightened properly.
Steering Can Lock Up, Raising Crash Risk
Certain 2019-2021 Volvo V60CC, XC60, and XC90 vehicles may have been built with double screws stacked on top of each other during steering gear assembly.
Brake Assist and ABS May Fail, Raising Crash Risk
A welding defect in the brake system's integrated hydraulic unit means the rotor and shaft can separate.
Seat Belts May Not Lock Child Seats Securely
Certain seat belt retractors can deactivate early, which may stop the automatic locking feature from holding a child restraint system firmly in place.
Airbag Control Unit May Detach in a Crash
The airbag control module (the unit that manages the airbags, seat belt pretensioners and high-voltage battery disconnect) may not be properly secured to the vehicle body.
Most common 2021 Volvo XC90 problems
Problem areas named in the 41 complaints owners filed with NHTSA.
| Problem area | Reports |
|---|---|
| Electrical System | 14 |
| Engine | 8 |
| 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 |
What owners report
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 in normal use. I have small children and they are now not able to get out of the car so this is a major safety issue. There was no crash or injury. Borton Volvo ([XXX]) diagnosed a failed door latch assembly and quoted $1,106 to replace it. Volvo declined goodwill coverage. Owner reports indicate door latch failures are common on 2016+ XC90 models INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF
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 part was on backorder.
The chrome trim on the center console, immediately to the right of the gear selector, deteriorates and peels away, leaving razor-sharp edges capable of cutting skin. This appears to be a widespread issue, with numerous owner reports and photographs online dating back to the 2016 Volvo XC90. The same defect is present on my 2021 model, suggesting Volvo has continued using a component prone to this failure for multiple model years. The location is particularly concerning because drivers frequently place their hands near this trim when operating the gear selector and using the center console. Owners have reported cuts and bleeding from the sharp edges, creating a potential risk of sudden driv
This is 2021 volvo xc90 purchased new in 2021. A few weeks ago, my wife asked me to look at the middle row seatbelt as it wouldnt buckle. I could see that it was broken. I checked the seatbelt next to it and same thing. Plastic buckle broken in same place. I took it to the dealer where we get serviced and they told me it would cost $900. I told them this should not be my expense as this is a manufacture defect. Car was bought new 5 years ago. I brought the car home and then checked all seatbelts. 4 out 6 (have a third row) all have the same issue! I created a case with Volvo corporate. I was offered a 20% discount on parts only. I told them this was unacceptable and t
My 2021 Volvo XC90 Recharge (plug-in hybrid) has been at Volvo Cars Dublin, Dublin CA since June 15, 2026 for a failed high-voltage battery cell module requiring replacement. The replacement part is on national backorder with no estimated availability. The vehicle has been out of service for over 100 days and remains undrivable. A failed high-voltage battery cell module in a plug-in hybrid is a safety concern, and the indefinite nationwide backorder suggests this defect and parts shortage may affect other owners. Volvo corporate (case 07207782) has provided no repair date.
2021 Volvo XC90 questions
Does the 2021 Volvo XC90 have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 6 safety recalls for the 2021 Volvo XC90: High-Voltage Battery Short Circuit Can Cause Fire; Loose Rear Seat Belt Buckle May Not Restrain Riders; Steering Can Lock Up, Raising Crash Risk; Brake Assist and ABS May Fail, Raising Crash Risk; Seat Belts May Not Lock Child Seats Securely. Recall repairs are normally free at an authorized dealer.
What are the most common problems with the 2021 Volvo XC90?
Based on 41 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported problem areas are Electrical System (14), Engine (8), Service Brakes (7).
How do I check if a recall on my 2021 Volvo XC90 has been fixed?
Enter your 17-character VIN in our VIN recall check. It shows open recalls that have not been repaired on your specific vehicle. Recall repairs are normally free at an authorized dealer.