Large SUV
2021 Volvo XC90: problems, recalls and fuel economy
Not rated yet
Owners have filed 71 complaints about the 2021 Volvo XC90 with NHTSA, and it has 7 recalls. We don't rate it yet: a rating needs sales figures to turn complaints into rates.
Owner complaints
71
filed with NHTSA
Recalls
7
on record
Fuel economy
27 mpg
best version, EPA combined
Fuel, 5 years
$7,556
12,000 mi a year, $3.40/gal
What owners complain about most
Engines and fuel economy
| Version | Drive | Combined |
|---|---|---|
| Automatic (S8), 4 cyl, 2.0 L | Front-Wheel Drive | 25 mpg |
| Automatic (S8), 4 cyl, 2.0 L | All-Wheel Drive | 23 mpg |
| Automatic (S8), 4 cyl, 2.0 L | All-Wheel Drive | 27 mpg |
Recalls
Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Power Assist › Electric › Control Module › SoftwareJun 12, 2025 · campaign 25V392000
Volvo Car USA, LLC (Volvo Car) is recalling certain 2023 Volvo C40 BEV, 2025 EC40, 2023-2024 XC40 BEV, 2020-2026 XC90 PHEV, 2022-2026 XC60 PHEV, 2023-2025 S60 PHEV, 2024-2025 V60 PHEV, and 2025-2026 EX40 and 2025 S90 PHEV vehicles. In certain driving scenarios while coasting down a hill and using "B" mode or "One Pedal Drive," the vehicle may lose brake function.
Electrical System › Propulsion System › Traction BatteryMar 24, 2025 · campaign 25V179000
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.
Seat Belts › Critical FastenersDec 7, 2023 · campaign 23V827000
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.
SteeringJan 5, 2023 · campaign 23V001000
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.
Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited SlipSep 15, 2021 · campaign 21V716000
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.
Seat Belts › Rear/Other › RetractorSep 1, 2021 · campaign 21V682000
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
Air Bags › Air Bag/Restraint Control ModuleJan 7, 2021 · campaign 21V001000
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.
Check whether a specific car still has open recalls with its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Before you buy
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Other years of the Volvo XC90
| Year | Reliability |
|---|---|
| 2027 | Not rated yet |
| 2026 | Not rated yet |
| 2025 | Not rated yet |
| 2024 | Not rated yet |
| 2023 | Not rated yet |
| 2022 | Not rated yet |
| 2021 | Not rated yet |
| 2020 | Not rated yet |
| 2019 | Not rated yet |
| 2018 | Not rated yet |
| 2017 | Not rated yet |
| 2016 | Not rated yet |
Questions people ask
What problems does the 2021 Volvo XC90 have?
Owners have filed 71 complaints with NHTSA: electrical system (15), driver-assist & stability (10), brakes (8). We don't rate it yet, so this count isn't a reliability score: popular cars get more complaints.
How many recalls does the 2021 Volvo XC90 have?
7 recalls on record with NHTSA.
What gas mileage does the 2021 Volvo XC90 get?
Up to 27 mpg combined (EPA), depending on the engine.