This page covers 8 recalls, 31 owner complaints and EPA fuel economy for the 2021 Volvo Xc90.
22–27 mpg combined
8.7–10.7 L/100km
Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD
Fuel economy data from fueleconomy.gov (EPA / U.S. Dept. of Energy). Annual cost based on 15,000 mi/yr at 55% city driving and current fuel prices. MPG is U.S. gallons; L/100km converted. Ranges reflect the 4 tested variants for this model year.
Complaints for the 2021 XC90 spread fairly evenly across three systems, brakes, electrical, and the fuel/propulsion system, each drawing the same number of reports. On the brake side, owners describe sudden loss of power assist while driving, resulting in a stiff, hard-to-press pedal and reduced stopping ability; a few also report the vehicle continuing to move or creeping forward even with the brake pedal depressed. The fuel/propulsion complaints include reports of unintended acceleration and fuel pump failures diagnosed by dealerships as requiring replacement. Electrical complaints round out the picture, with owners describing various system faults, and at least one isolated report mentions a driver's seatback folding forward on its own and locking in an undrivable position.
31
Total Complaints
3
Crash-Related
1
With Injuries
By System
The 2021 Volvo XC90 has 8 recalls, the most serious being a steering defect where a loose screw inside the steering gearbox can cause the steering wheel to lock up, and a plug-in hybrid battery that can short-circuit while parked and fully charged, raising the risk of fire.
On the braking side, a rotor and shaft inside the integrated brake system can separate, reducing braking assistance and disabling both the anti-lock brakes and electronic stability control. Several recalls involve occupant restraints: the airbag system's control unit may not be properly secured and can break free in a crash, potentially preventing airbags, seatbelt pretensioners, and the high-voltage battery disconnect from working when needed. Separately from that, rear seatbelt retractors may deactivate too early, which can prevent a child safety seat secured by the belt from staying in place during a crash. The second-row seatbelt buckle and lower anchor bolts may also be insufficiently tightened, which can allow the belt to fail to hold an occupant in a crash.
At a glance
What can fail
The high-voltage battery module may short circuit when the battery is fully charged and the vehicle is parked.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect and replace the battery module if needed, and update software to monitor battery performance.
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Complaints are owner-reported and reflect individual experiences, not confirmed defects. They are distinct from recalls. Data sourced from the national vehicle safety complaint database. See trending complaints →
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The bolts securing the second-row seat belt buckle and lower belt anchor may not be properly tightened, affecting their stability.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect and tighten the second-row seat belt buckle anchorage bolts as needed, at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
During assembly, two screws may have been stacked on top of each other in the steering gear. One screw can fall loose into the gearbox housing.
What the fix does
The steering gear will be replaced at no cost to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The rotor and shaft in the brake system may be improperly welded and separate, affecting brake performance.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the hydraulic unit at no cost to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The seat belt automatic locking retractor may stop working too early, preventing child car seats from being secured properly.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect and replace the seat belt assemblies as needed at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The passenger seat belt's automatic locking retractor may be defective, preventing the seat belt from properly locking to secure a child seat. The vehicle's lower anchor system is not affected.
What the fix does
Volvo will mail you instructions to have a dealer inspect the passenger seat belts and replace them if needed.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The Supplemental Restraint System control unit may not be securely fastened to the vehicle body and could detach during a crash.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect and tighten the SRS control unit mounting screws as needed at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The screws securing the supplemental restraint system control unit may not be tight enough. This can cause the control unit to loosen during a crash, preventing seat belt pretensioners, airbags, and the high-voltage battery disconnect from working properly.
What the fix does
A dealer will inspect and tighten the SRS control unit mounting screws as needed.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
