2021 Volvo XC60 Problems, Complaints & Recalls
- Compared with other XC60 years
- More complaints than other years 5th of 17 for complaints
- Safety recalls
- 5 recalls: check your VIN
- NHTSA crash rating
- Not rated
Owners have filed 49 complaints with NHTSA about the 2021 Volvo XC60. That ranks 5th out of 17 XC60 model years for complaints. The most reported problem area is electrical system (14 complaints, 29%), typically at around 18,000 miles. Complaints mention 4 crashes, 4 injuries. There are 5 safety recalls covering this model year. NHTSA has opened 1 defect investigation involving it.
- 49owner complaints
- 5safety recalls
- 1NHTSA investigations
- 4complaints mentioning a crash
Complaints are unverified owner reports and are not adjusted for sales volume.
Most common 2021 Volvo XC60 problems
Complaints grouped by the part of the car owners reported, with the median mileage when the problem happened.
| Problem area | Complaints | Share | Median miles | Owners mention most | Typical repair cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Electrical System | 14 | 29% | 18,000 | — | — |
| Unknown or Other | 11 | 22% | — | — | — |
| Service Brakes | 9 | 18% | — | — | — |
| Lane Departure | 7 | 14% | — | — | — |
| Steering | 7 | 14% | 45,000 | — | — |
| Engine | 6 | 12% | 18,000 | — | — |
| Forward Collision Avoidance | 6 | 12% | — | — | — |
| Fuel/propulsion System | 5 | 10% | — | — | — |
| Air Bags | 2 | 4% | — | — | — |
| Latches/locks/linkages | 2 | 4% | — | — | — |
| Power Train | 2 | 4% | — | — | — |
| Seat Belts | 2 | 4% | — | — | — |
| Visibility/wiper | 2 | 4% | — | — | — |
| Back Over Prevention | 1 | 2% | — | — | — |
| Exterior Lighting | 1 | 2% | — | — | — |
| Seats | 1 | 2% | — | — | — |
| Tires | 1 | 2% | 17,000 | — | — |
| Visibility | 1 | 2% | — | — | — |
One complaint can list several problem areas, so shares can add up to more than 100%.
Complaints by year received
2021 Volvo XC60 recalls (5)
Tap a recall to see the problem, the risk and the fix.
Electrical system:propulsion system:traction battery; electrical system:software
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.
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.
Service brakes, hydraulic:antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip
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.
Seat belts:rear/other:retractor; seat belts:front:retractor
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.
Seat belts:pretensioner; air bags; air bags: air bag/restraint control module
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.
To see whether a specific car still has an open recall, enter its VIN on NHTSA's official recall lookup. You can also decode a VIN here.
NHTSA defect investigations
- Pedestrian alert sounds (DP22005) — opened Jan 27, 2023, closed Aug 7, 2023, led to recall 22V063000.
Recent owner reports
Short excerpts of the latest complaints filed with NHTSA, with personal details removed. Full reports can be searched on NHTSA.gov.
I am writing to urge NHTSA to address the serious safety problem caused by excessively bright headlights on American roads. Many LED, HID, high-mounted, improperly aimed, and aftermarket headlights produce such intense glare that oncoming drivers can be temporarily blinded. This can make it…
The air conditioning system in my 2021 Volvo XC60 failed, blowing hot air instead of cold. A Volvo dealer diagnosed the cause as a failed A/C evaporator core and quoted $7,800 to replace it. Volvo Cars North America has declined to provide any goodwill assistance despite this being a widely…
The A/C evaporator core on my 2021 Volvo XC60 suffered a premature structural failure, creating an immediate and severe safety hazard while driving. The component failed precisely five weeks after the Certified Pre-Owned (CPO) warranty wrapper expired. An authorized Volvo dealership service…
Hood latch assembly corrodes making it impossible to open hood or service the vehicle.
My SUV has a had the check engine light on from a failed battery cell for my 2021 grey Volvo XC60 recharge (VIN [XXX]). I have been without the electric functionality (to charge the hybrid car or use electric power) since mid December and waiting on a warranty part since Dec. 23, 2025. I have been…
Other Volvo XC60 years
| Year | Complaints | Recalls |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 XC60 | 36 | 3 |
| 2024 XC60 | 24 | 2 |
| 2023 XC60 | 54 | 5 |
| 2022 XC60 | 75 | 6 |
| 2021 | 49 | 5 |
| 2020 XC60 | 22 | 6 |
| 2019 XC60 | 37 | 8 |
| 2018 XC60 | 36 | 5 |
| 2017 XC60 | 16 | 4 |
| 2016 XC60 | 38 | 3 |
| 2015 XC60 | 47 | 1 |
| 2014 XC60 | 16 | 2 |
| 2013 XC60 | 66 | 3 |
| 2012 XC60 | 46 | 3 |
| 2011 XC60 | 36 | 4 |
| 2010 XC60 | 56 | 7 |
| 2009 XC60 | 0 | 1 |
See all Volvo XC60 problems by year, every Volvo model, or the Volvo VIN decoder.
Similar Volvo models
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Frequently asked questions
What are the most common problems with the 2021 Volvo XC60?
Owners most often report electrical system, unknown or other, service brakes problems. The top one, electrical system, accounts for 14 complaints.
Was there a recall on the 2021 Volvo XC60?
Yes, 5 safety recalls. Enter your VIN at NHTSA.gov to check whether the repairs were done on your car.
Was the 2021 Volvo XC60 a good year?
Complaint data can't fully answer that, because counts aren't adjusted for sales. Compared with other XC60 model years, the 2021 has more complaints than most years. Always get a pre-purchase inspection and check the VIN for open recalls.