2021 Volvo XC90 recalls and problems

6 recalls and 40 owner complaints on file with NHTSA for the 2021 Volvo XC90.

6
recalls
40
owner complaints
3
complaints mentioning a crash
0
mentioning a fire

Recalls apply to specific production ranges. To see whether a particular car still has an open recall, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Repairs for safety recalls are free at authorised dealers.

2021 Volvo XC90 recalls

Electrical system: propulsion system, traction battery · Electrical system: software

NHTSA campaign 25V179000 · reported March 24, 2025 · Volvo Car USA, LLC · 7,483 vehicles potentially affected

The 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.
The risk
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 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.

Seat belts: critical fasteners

NHTSA campaign 23V827000 · reported December 7, 2023 · Volvo Car USA, LLC · 2,911 vehicles potentially affected

The problem
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.
The risk
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. Owners may contact Volvo Car customer service at 1-800-458-1552. Volvo Car's number for this recall is R10259.

Steering

NHTSA campaign 23V001000 · reported January 5, 2023 · Volvo Car USA, LLC · 74 vehicles potentially affected

The 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.
The risk
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. 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 · Service brakes, hydraulic

NHTSA campaign 21V716000 · reported September 15, 2021 · Volvo Car USA, LLC · 9 vehicles potentially affected

The 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.
The 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.
The 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 · Seat belts

NHTSA campaign 21V682000 · reported September 1, 2021 · Volvo Car USA, LLC · 19,149 vehicles potentially affected

The 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."
The risk
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. Owners may contact Volvo Car customer service at 1-888-458-1552. Volvo Car's number for this recall is R10111.

Air bags: air bag/restraint control module · Seat belts: pretensioner · Air bags

NHTSA campaign 21V001000 · reported January 7, 2021 · Volvo Car USA, LLC · 2,883 vehicles potentially affected

The 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.
The 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.
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. Owners may contact Volvo Car customer service at 1-888-458-1552. Volvo Car's number for this recall is R10068.

Most reported problems

Areas named in owner complaints to NHTSA. One complaint can name several areas.

What owners report

Recent complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. These are unverified accounts from owners, not findings.

Oct 16, 2026 · Electrical system

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.

Oct 11, 2026 · Unknown or other

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…

Oct 5, 2026 · Seat belts

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…

Sep 25, 2026 · Electrical system

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…

Sep 25, 2026 · Electrical system

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…

XC90 model years compared

YearRecallsComplaintsCrashesFires
2018 35221
2019 64223
2020 73422
2021 64030
2022 43101
2023 64100
2024 33740

Across all years, the 2004 XC90 has the most complaints (462). All Volvo XC90 years →

Questions

Does the 2021 Volvo XC90 have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 6 recalls for the 2021 Volvo XC90, the most recent reported on March 24, 2025 (Electrical system: propulsion system, traction battery, Electrical system: software). Check a specific car by its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common problems with the 2021 Volvo XC90?
Owners have filed 40 complaints with NHTSA. The most frequently reported area is electrical system (13 complaints), followed by engine (8).
How many 2021 Volvo XC90 complaints mention a crash or fire?
3 of 40 complaints report a crash and 0 a fire; 3 injuries were reported in total. Complaints are unverified reports from owners.

Source: NHTSA recall and complaint data, updated October 27, 2026. Latest complaint received October 16, 2026.