2021 Volvo XC90: Recalls, Problems & MPG
Here are the deets on the 2021 Volvo XC90: 6 recalls, 38 owner complaints and up to 25 mpg combined.
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Recalls
6 vehicle recalls from the manufacturer. Repairs are free. Check your VIN to see if one is still open on your car.
Airbags, Seat belts Vehicle recall #21V001000 · 2021 · 2,883 vehicles
What's wrong: The supplementary restraint system (SRS) control unit May not have been properly attached to the car body and May detach during a crash.
Why it matters: 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.
The 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.
Seat belts, Seat belts Vehicle recall #21V682000 · 2021 · 19,149 vehicles
What's wrong: 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."
Why it matters: An unsecured child restraint system can increase the risk of injury during a crash.
The fix: Dealers will inspect and replace the seat belt assemblies, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed October 13, 2021.
Brakes (hydraulic), Brakes (hydraulic) Vehicle recall #21V716000 · 2021 · 9 vehicles
What's wrong: An improperly welded rotor and shaft May separate within the integrated brake system.
Why it matters: 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.
The fix: Dealers will replace the hydraulic unit, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed October 22, 2021.
Steering Vehicle recall #23V001000 · 2023 · 74 vehicles
What's wrong: 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.
Why it matters: A screw inside the gearbox housing can cause the steering wheel to lock up and increase the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will replace the steering gear, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed March 1, 2023.
Seat belts Vehicle recall #23V827000 · 2023 · 2,911 vehicles
What's wrong: The second-row seat belt buckle and lower belt anchor bolts May not be tightened properly.
Why it matters: An improperly tightened seat belt buckle May not restrain an occupant as intended, increasing their risk of injury during a crash.
The 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.
Electrical, Electrical Vehicle recall #25V179000 · 2025 · 7,483 vehicles
What's wrong: The high-voltage battery May experience a short circuit within the battery module when the battery is fully charged and the vehicle is parked.
Why it matters: A short circuit in a high-voltage battery increases the risk of a fire.
The 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…
Most-reported problems
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component. One complaint can list several components. 0 mention a fire, 2 injuries and 0 deaths were reported.
What owners describe
- Electrical (12): the most common themes are electrical failure (7), door / lock issues (3).
- Engine (8): the most common themes are electrical failure (4), fire / smoke (3).
- Brakes (7): no single recurring theme in the descriptions.
- Fuel & propulsion (5): the most common themes are electrical failure (3), fire / smoke (2).
The 2021 Volvo XC90 has 38 owner complaints, ranking #11 of 23 XC90 model years for complaints (well below the 66 average). Complaints peaked in 2026 (19 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 4 years old, at a median of 21,000 miles. Neighboring years: 2020 (32 complaints, 7 recalls), 2022 (29 complaints, 4 recalls).
Engines & fuel economy (EPA)
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2.0 L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (S8) | Front-Wheel Drive | 21 | 30 | 25 | Premium |
| 2.0 L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (S8) | All-Wheel Drive | 20 | 28 | 23 | Premium |
| 2.0 L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (S8) | All-Wheel Drive | 19 | 28 | 22 | Premium |
Want the full repair deets? Get the factory manual.
Recall and complaint data tells you what goes wrong. A service manual tells you how to fix it: torque specs, wiring diagrams, fluid capacities and step-by-step procedures for the 2021 Volvo XC90.
Closest thing to the factory manual for most years. Pay once, keep it.
Most $25–$78, one-timePro-shop repair procedures, wiring diagrams and TSBs for your exact car.
From $19.99/mo · $39.99/yrOEM procedures, specs and recall/TSB info, the same source many shops use.
From $19.99/mo · $59.99/yrStep-by-step photos written from a real teardown. Great for first-timers.
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FAQ
Does the 2021 Volvo XC90 have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 6 vehicle recalls for the 2021 Volvo XC90. Recall repairs are free at any dealer, no matter how old the car is. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common 2021 Volvo XC90 problems?
Owners have filed 38 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are electrical (12), engine (8), brakes (7).
What gas mileage does the 2021 Volvo XC90 get?
EPA ratings run up to 25 mpg combined (2.0 L, Automatic (S8)), across 3 engine and transmission combos.
Where can I get a 2021 Volvo XC90 repair manual?
eManualOnline sells downloadable manuals, Mitchell 1 DIY and ALLDATAdiy sell online access to factory repair data, and Haynes sells printed guides and online access. Pick a download if you want to keep it, or a subscription for wiring diagrams and TSBs.