2021 Volvo XC60 Problems
Compared with other Volvo XC60 years
More complaints than typical for this model
77/100 1.9× a typical year · 50 = typical
- Complaint rate is 1.9× that of a typical Volvo XC60 year, weighted for crashes, fires, injuries, recalls and mileage, and allowing for the era and for how long each year has had to collect complaints.
- 23 of its 49 complaints were filed by the end of 2023.
- Most reported part: Electrical system (14 complaints, median 18,000 mi).
- 5 recall campaigns on record. A VIN search at nhtsa.gov/recalls shows open recalls for a specific vehicle.
Nearby years with a typical complaint level and no open NHTSA investigation: 2018, 2019
Based only on NHTSA complaints, recalls and investigations. Not adjusted for how many vehicles were sold, and not a reliability rating. How this is calculated
- Complaints
- 49filed with NHTSA
- Median mileage
- 18,000miles, 3 complaints with mileage
- Recalls
- 5campaigns on record
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
- NHTSA crash rating
- 5 / 5stars overall, 3 rated versions
- EPA fuel economy
- 25 mpgcombined, 2.0L 4-cyl FWD · 22 city / 29 hwy
Sources: NHTSA records for the 2021 Volvo XC60 (complaints, recalls, investigations), NHTSA crash tests, EPA fuel economy. Report an error
NHTSA recorded 49 consumer complaints for the 2021 Volvo XC60. The part named most often is electrical system, with 14 complaints (29% of the total), followed by other or unknown (11) and brakes (9). 3 of the complaints include a mileage, and 100% of those were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the median is 18,000 miles. Of all complaints, 4 involved a crash, 4 an injury, according to the filers. NHTSA lists 5 recall campaigns and 232 technical service bulletins for this model year. Electrical system complaints overlap with 1 recall campaign covering the traction battery and 74 technical service bulletins filed under the same part. Other or unknown complaints overlap with 37 technical service bulletins filed under the same part. Compared with the other 10 Volvo XC60 model years that have at least 25 complaints and are old enough to compare, this one scores 77 out of 100, where 50 is a typical year for the model (more complaints than typical for this model). The comparison allows for the era and for how long each year has had to collect complaints, but not for how many vehicles were sold.
Which parts are reported most
Complaints can name more than one part, so the counts add up to more than the total. Select a part to see its complaints, recalls and bulletins.
- Electrical system14 29%
- Other or unknown11 22%
- Brakes9 18%
- Lane departure7 14%
- Steering7 14%
- Engine6 12%
- Fuel system5 10%
- Air bags2 4.1%
Also reported: Latches, locks and linkages (2), Seat belts (2), Transmission and drivetrain (2), Back-over prevention (rear camera) (1), Exterior lighting (1), Seats (1), Tires (1).
Example complaints
Electrical system: “Today, my Sensus in the center console, as well as my instrument panel that shows the map between the gauges, went black and switched my drive mode out of ECO, shutting off my adaptive cruise control. Rebooted 2 times before becoming stable. I have a video, but your system doesn't allow me to upload the file type”
NHTSA complaint #11453722, filed 2022-02Other or unknown: “August 23rd, 2024, the car started hesitating when gas was applied. The transmission light came on, then the parking brake light came on saying it was turned off, the check engine light came on, the volvo on call light came on, and the car wouldnt turn off. I moved the shift into different gears, and was able to turn the car off. I waited a while and started the car again. This time the on call, and check engine light stayed on. I called the dealership, was told it was probably a low battery. Had me come in Monday the 26th to have it checked. …”
NHTSA complaint #11613270, filed 2024-09Brakes: “After 5 times of phantom breaking at high speed I took the car to Betten Volvo. The did a system update to try to correct. The car has now 3 times in 2 weeks again triggered the break at highway speed. I have another appointment scheduled April 21, 2026. Having the brake applied for no reason at this speed is extremely jarring and dangerous.”
NHTSA complaint #11730370, filed 2026-04Lane departure: “The entire right ride of the car just stopped working. Back right door became permanently locked and could not open from outside or inside. When hitting lock/unlock buttons on key fob i) front passenger door would not lock/unlock and ii) right side mirror would not fold in/out. Blind spot monitor and TPMS said they needed service. Left side of car was fine and worked. Car would start normally. I checked all relevant fuses and none were blown. Then all of a sudden it all started working again. …”
NHTSA complaint #11747588, filed 2026-07Mileage when problems were reported
100% of the 3 complaints with a mileage were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the middle half falls between 17,000 and 45,000 miles.
Complaints by year filed
Trend: stable. Complaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
Crash test ratings
NHTSA's 5-Star Safety Ratings for the 2021 Volvo XC60. Frontal results are shown driver / passenger; rollover shows the star rating and NHTSA's estimated risk of rolling over in a single-vehicle crash.
| Version | Overall | Frontal | Side | Side pole | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| XC60 T5 · SUV AWD | ★★★★★ | 5 / 5 | 5 | 5 | 4 · 14.7% risk |
| XC60 T5 · SUV FWD | ★★★★★ | 5 / 5 | 5 | 5 | 4 · 15.5% risk |
| XC60 T6 · SUV AWD | ★★★★★ | 5 / 5 | 5 | 5 | 4 · 14.7% risk |
Driver aids listed by NHTSA for the 2021 model year: forward collision warning standard, lane departure warning not available, automatic emergency braking standard.
Neighbouring years: 2020: same overall rating; 2022: same overall rating. A redesign between years can change both the car and the test.
Source: NHTSA New Car Assessment Program (5-Star Safety Ratings), nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Fuel economy and running cost
EPA ratings for each 2021 Volvo XC60 version. Annual fuel cost is the EPA's estimate at its current fuel prices for 15,000 miles a year (55% city driving); plug-in hybrid figures are for gasoline-only (hybrid mode) driving, so no annual cost is shown.
| Version | Engine | Transmission | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| XC60 AWD | 2.0L 4-cyl | 8-speed automatic | 21 | 28 | 24 | $3,400 |
| XC60 AWD | 2.0L 4-cyl | 8-speed automatic | 20 | 27 | 23 | $3,550 |
| XC60 FWD | 2.0L 4-cyl | 8-speed automatic | 22 | 29 | 25 | $3,300 |
| XC60 AWD PHEV | 2.0L 4-cyl · plug-in hybrid | 8-speed automatic | 26 | 28 | 27 gas only | — |
Source: U.S. EPA and Department of Energy, fueleconomy.gov. Ratings are for comparing vehicles; real-world mileage varies with driving and conditions.
Recalls and investigations
- 25V179000Mar 24, 2025Electrical system › Propulsion system › Traction batteryCovers: Volvo XC60 2020–2022, S60 2020–2022, XC90 2020–2022 +3 more
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…
- 23V001000Jan 5, 2023SteeringCovers: Volvo XC60 2019–2022, XC90 2019–2022, V60CC 2019–2022
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.
- 21V716000Sep 15, 2021Service brakes, hydraulic › Antilock/traction control/electronic limited slipCovers: Volvo XC60 2020–2021, XC90 2020–2021, S90 2021
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.
- 21V682000Sep 1, 2021Seat belts › Rear/other › RetractorCovers: Volvo XC60 2021–2022, S60 2021–2022, V60 2021–2022 +5 more
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…
- 21V001000Jan 7, 2021Air bags › Air bag/restraint control moduleCovers: Volvo XC60 2021, XC90 2021, V60CC 2021 +3 more
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…
Recall details for the 2021 Volvo XC60 → · Check a VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls
Technical service bulletins
TSBs are manufacturer notes to dealers about known repair procedures. They are not recalls and do not by themselves mean a vehicle has a fault. 232 on record; the latest 10 are shown.
- 11036250Jul 28, 2026Exterior lighting. This is a TJ - text only no attachments - If customer complains of a headlamp error message in DIM, in combination with any of the DTCs stated below, follow advice under "Service".
- 11033746May 23, 2026Other or unknown. This is a Technical Journal: Text plus 1 .jpg attachment - If remote control key is not detected by the car and shows message in DIM "Car key not found" or if functions such as lock/unlock are not…
- 11033734May 7, 2026Transmission and drivetrain. This is a Technical Journal: Intermittent knocking noise during acceleration. If the sound corresponds to attached sound file, change front drive shafts to the below part numbers.
- 11033732May 7, 2026Exterior lighting. This is a Technical Journal: Headlamp condensation inside lens - information/leak test. If the result is not ok (air leak), it is ok to replace the headlamp
- 11033729May 6, 2026Body and structure. This is a Technical Journal: Panoramic sunroof, sealing strip has a gap
- 11032678Apr 23, 2026Engine. This is a Technical Journal: Text plus 2 PDFs and 1 .PNG Oil Consumption test. Perform the test. Follow service procedure Description and Service sections updated to clarify that vehicle…
- 11032671Apr 7, 2026Other or unknown. This is a TJ text only - The purpose of this TJ is to be a master reference list to easily identify any components that are on prior approval. This TJ will be regularily updated as items are added…
- 11031109Mar 21, 2026Exterior lighting. This is a Technical Journal: Headlamp condensation inside lens - information/leak test. If the result is not ok (air leak), it is ok to replace the headlamp
- 11031095Mar 7, 2026Body and structure. This is a Technical Journal: If a vehicle with panorama roof shows symptom of a rattling noise when opening, follow the description under Service. If the analysis shows that the rattling noise comes…
- 11028386Jan 13, 2026Other or unknown. This is a Technical Journal: Text plus 1 jpg and 1 mp4 file -- If there is a strange chafing or creaking noise when turning the steering wheel, follow the advice under Service.
Other model years of the Volvo XC60
| Year | Complaints | Median mi | Recalls | Crash ★ | MPG | Score (50 = typical) | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 36 | 19,000 | 3 | 5 | 28 | Too new to compare | Too new |
| 2024 | 24 | 9,324 | 2 | 5 | 28 | — | Too new |
| 2023 | 54 | 400 | 5 | 5 | 26 | 85 · More | Too new |
| 2022 | 75 | 27,000 | 6 | 5 | 26 | 97 · More | Stable |
| 2021 | 49 | 18,000 | 5 | 5 | 25 | 77 · More | Stable |
| 2020 | 22 | 11,850 | 6 | 5 | 24 | — | Stable |
| 2019 | 37 | 10,800 | 8 | — | 24 | 50 · Typical | Rising |
| 2018 | 36 | 15,635 | 5 | — | 24 | 51 · Typical | Stable |
| 2017 | 16 | 19,800 | 4 | 5 | 26 | — | Stable |
| 2016 | 38 | 44,000 | 3 | 5 | 26 | 3 · Fewer | Rising |
| 2015 | 47 | 26,680 | 1 | 5 | 27 | 20 · Fewer | Stable |
| 2014 | 16 | 6,844 | 2 | 5 | 21 | — | Falling |
| 2013 | 66 | 60,000 | 3 | 5 | 21 | 0 · Fewer | Falling |
| 2012 | 46 | 60,587 | 3 | 5 | 21 | 4 · Fewer | Falling |
| 2011 | 36 | 49,963 | 4 | 5 | 21 | 20 · Fewer | Falling |
| 2010 | 56 | 69,813 | 7 | — | 21 | 53 · Typical | Stable |
All Volvo XC60 model years · Best and worst years by complaints
Frequently asked questions
How many NHTSA complaints does the 2021 Volvo XC60 have?
NHTSA recorded 49 consumer complaints for the 2021 Volvo XC60 as of Oct 27, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
What part of the 2021 Volvo XC60 is reported most often?
Electrical system is named most often, in 14 complaints (29% of the total), followed by other or unknown with 11.
Has the 2021 Volvo XC60 been recalled?
NHTSA lists 5 recall campaigns for this model year. To check a specific vehicle, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
How did the 2021 Volvo XC60 do in NHTSA crash tests?
NHTSA's 5-Star Safety Ratings give the 2021 Volvo XC60 5 out of 5 stars overall, across 3 rated versions (body style and drive). Ratings from different model years are only comparable when the vehicle was not redesigned in between.
What gas mileage does the 2021 Volvo XC60 get?
The EPA rates the 2021 Volvo XC60 (XC60 FWD, 2.0L 4-cyl) at 25 mpg combined, 22 city and 29 highway, with an estimated annual fuel cost of $3,300 at 15,000 miles a year. Other engine and drive versions are rated differently.
At what mileage are problems with the 2021 Volvo XC60 reported?
Among the 3 complaints that include a mileage, the median is 18,000 miles and the middle half falls between 17,000 and 45,000 miles; 100% were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles.
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 27, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate. Crash ratings are from NHTSA’s New Car Assessment Program. Fuel economy is from the EPA and DOE (fueleconomy.gov).
Complaint counts come from NHTSA’s public complaint database; we count each complaint once. The source records for this vehicle are on nhtsa.gov. Scores and trends are our own summaries of that data, described in the methodology. This page is not legal, safety or repair advice: for a specific vehicle, check its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls and ask a qualified mechanic. See an error? Tell us.