2021 Volvo Xc90 problems

General information about Volvo-Xc90
Overview of popular issues
Recalls list
Negative car reviews
Positive car reviews

The Volvo XC90 is a mid-size luxury SUV manufactured and marketed by Volvo Cars since 2002 and now in its second generation.

The first generation was introduced at the 2002 North American International Auto Show and used the Volvo P2 platform shared with the first generation Volvo S80 and other large Volvo cars. It was manufactured at Volvo's Torslandaverken. Volvo moved production equipment of the first generation to China and ended Swedish production at the end of 2014, renaming the car as the Volvo XC Classic (or Volvo XC90 Classic).

At the end of 2014, the second generation XC90 was introduced. It is based on a new global platform, the Scalable Product Architecture (SPA). Both generations of the XC90 have won Motor Trend's SUV of the Year award in their debuts.

In late 2022, the electric-only EX90 was introduced as the successor of the XC90.

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Common 2021 Volvo Xc90 problems

The 2021 Volvo XC90 has been reported to have several common problems by its owners. These issues span across various categories, including brakes, electrical systems, engine, seat belts/air bags, steering, fuel system, drivetrain, and wheels/hubs. Here, we will delve into the details of these problems based on the search results.

Forward Collision Avoidance Problems: A number of Volvo XC90 owners have reported problems with the forward collision avoidance system. One owner complained that the electric parking brake engaged violently at highway speeds, resulting in abrupt stops in moving traffic. Volvo has acknowledged the problem and has recalled XC90s in the past for similar braking issues. The company blamed the problem on a software-hardware incompatibility glitch, which may cause the automatic braking system to malfunction.

Backup Camera Display and Radio Problems: The electrical system for the backup camera has caused problems for the 2021 XC90. Owners have reported blurry and distorted images on the backup camera display, which can create a visibility hazard for the driver. Additionally, many owners have experienced radio problems, such as loud popping sounds from the speakers, loss of sound from various portions of the vehicle, and static electricity prior to the pops. Volvo has issued a Technical Service Bulletin (TJ 32044.4.0) to dealers for XC90 radio and electrical problems, suggesting that a software update will fix the issues.

Brake Problems: Apart from the forward collision avoidance problem, owners of the 2021 XC90 have experienced braking issues. Some have reported shaking and shuttering at interstate speeds, while others have experienced problems with the electric parking brake engaging violently at highway speeds, causing abrupt stops in moving traffic. These issues may be related to warped rotors or faulty modules responsible for switching between electric and fuel modes.

Other Issues: While not as prevalent, other problems reported by owners include steering issues, fuel system problems, drivetrain problems, and wheels/hubs problems. These issues may range from difficulty in turning the steering wheel to fuel smell inside the vehicle, vibrations while driving, and wheel balance problems.

In conclusion, the 2021 Volvo XC90 has been reported to have various problems, with the most common ones affecting the brakes, electrical systems, and engine. While Volvo has acknowledged some of these issues and has taken steps to address them, it is essential for potential buyers to be aware of these problems and consider them when making a purchasing decision.

How reliable is the Volvo XC90 2021?

The 2021 Volvo XC90 has a predicted reliability score of 70 out of 100. A J.D. Power predicted reliability score of 91-100 is considered the Best, 81-90 is Great, 70-80 is Average and 0-69 is Fair and considered below average.

Does Volvo XC90 have issues?

Used Volvo XC90: the owners' view

Several owners praised the XC90 for its dependable performance, noting few issues within the first years of ownership. However, others reported recurring problems, including faulty warning lights, electronic glitches and drivetrain malfunctions.

What year did Volvo XC90 have transmission problems?

2003-2005

A federal judge has approved a settlement agreement reached between Volvo and 95,000 owners of XC90 vehicles that had defective transmissions. In 2009, a class action lawsuit was filed on behalf of owners of 2003-2005 Volve XC90 T6 sports utility vehicles (SUV).

Is Volvo XC90 high maintenance?

The average annual repair cost for a Volvo is $769, which means it has above average ownership costs.

How reliable is the Volvo XC90 2021?

What is the most common problem of Volvo XC90?

Is Volvo XC90 a reliable car?

Is the Volvo XC90 a reliable car? The XC90 was the most reliable seven-seat SUV in the 2023 What Car? Reliability Survey, proving more dependable than the Audi Q7 and Land Rover Discovery.

Is Volvo XC90 high maintenance?

The average annual repair cost for a Volvo is $769, which means it has above average ownership costs.

2021 Volvo Xc90 complaints

The NHTSA has received 0 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 2021 Volvo Xc90.

You can leave your car complaint via the special form below.

2021 Volvo Xc90 recalls

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 5 recalls for different components of the 2021 Volvo Xc90.

2023-12-07

Manufacturer: Volvo Car USA, LLC
Components: SEAT BELTS:CRITICAL FASTENERS
Summary: 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.
Consequence: An improperly tightened seat belt buckle may not restrain an occupant as intended, increasing their risk of injury during a crash.
Remedy: 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.

2023-01-05

Manufacturer: Volvo Car USA, LLC
Components: STEERING
Summary: 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.
Consequence: A screw inside the gearbox housing can cause the steering wheel to lock up and increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy: 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.

2021-09-15

Manufacturer: Volvo Car USA, LLC
Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP
Summary: 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.
Consequence: 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.
Remedy: 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.

2021-09-01

Manufacturer: Volvo Car USA, LLC
Components: SEAT BELTS:FRONT:RETRACTOR
Summary: 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."
Consequence: An unsecured child restraint system can increase the risk of injury during a crash.
Remedy: 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.

2021-01-07

Manufacturer: Volvo Car USA, LLC
Components: AIR BAGS
Summary: 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.
Consequence: 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.
Remedy: 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.

Negative 2021 Volvo Xc90 car reviews

Woodrow Hermiston 2024-10-08

Since being owned by Chinese investors, some people feel that the quality of Volvo cars has decreased while profits have increased. Some believe that the XC-90 does not have the same level of safety and quality as earlier models produced under Ford. It has been reported that starting in 2022, all XC-90's will be assembled in South Carolina. We are currently exploring alternative options to replace our 2020 model in 2022.
Kenneth Schaden 2024-10-08

The XC90's performance left me disappointed after my test drive. While it is a nice looking ride, I found it to be unresponsive and underpowered. In my opinion, the trade-off for a 4-cylinder engine to save gas is not worth it. A V6 engine would greatly improve this SUV's performance. Perhaps Volvo will consider this for future models.
Ignacio Wehner 2024-08-22

If you're looking for precise control of your car, this might not be the best option for you. While it's sleek and aesthetically pleasing, it may not be the most practical choice in a bad storm due to its top-heavy and loose handling. However, I would recommend taking it for a test drive on city roads during a storm to see if you feel comfortable behind the wheel.
Napoleon Effertz 2024-08-22

The car's performance was very disappointing. The headlights were very dim, which made driving dangerous due to almost no visibility. Additionally, the brakes were not strong enough for this car, and it did not handle well. As a result, I almost had three accidents rear-ending people. For an expensive car, better engineering is needed. These issues led me to trade the car in after only six months.
Hank Stoltenberg 2024-06-08

I recently rented a XC90 T6 for a 10 day family trip. As someone who usually drives a 2018 BMW 3 series, I was hoping for a similar experience, but unfortunately, I found the Volvo to be a bit disappointing. The seat adjustments were not very comfortable for me, as the seat bottom pinched my 32I noticed that many previous renters, including myself, have trouble deleting their Bluetooth profiles from the car. Perhaps there is a secret method to delete them, but it seems that many of us have not been able to figure it out. Additionally, the trunk has a button that can only be used if you have the keyfob on you, which limits its usefulness. Unfortunately, there is no way to 'pre-lock' the trunk before all other doors are closed. The door mirrors automatically fold in when the car is turned off, but there is no manual button to fold them in. The keyfob has buttons on both the left and right edges, which can be confusing to use without looking at it. Despite being a proper 3-row vehicle, the middle row seats only recline slightly, making it uncomfortable to recline compared to other 3-row vehicles. It seems like the engineers were only focused on adding features to the car without considering their usability or user-friendliness. However, I hope that future models will address these issues and make the car more user-friendly.

Positive 2021 Volvo Xc90 car reviews

Marley Wolff 2025-04-22

We recently purchased the XC90 T8 6 Seat Inscription and I must say, Volvo has truly outdone themselves with this one. The design of the interior is a significant improvement from the previous model, giving it a luxurious feel. The seats are incredibly comfortable, the leather is supple, and the inlays and trim are elegant. The shift knob made of Swedish Crystal is a nice touch. In my opinion, the exterior styling is at the top of its class, not too rounded off or too boxy. The refreshed grill looks elegant without being too gaudy, unlike some other manufacturers. The pure electric mode is perfect for short trips, giving me a range of over 20 miles. However, acceleration is a bit sluggish in pure electric mode. But, when in hybrid mode, it is remarkably quick. The primary reason for purchasing this car was to keep my family safe. The independent crash tests by IIHS prove that the XC90 is safer than its competitors like BMW or Audi. Volvo has also released a marketing video showcasing the engineering that went into making this the safest SUV on the road. I have owned Audi's, BMW's, and Lexus vehicles, but this is hands down the best car I have ever owned. It perfectly balances styling, eco-driving, and comfort without sacrificing safety. The only downside I have noticed is that the passenger cup holders in the six-seat configuration seem like an afterthought and may be broken by my kids. However, this should not deter anyone from seriously considering the 2020 XC90.
Darrell Johnston 2025-04-21

When we were looking for a three-row luxury or non-luxury SUV, we considered several options such as BMW X5/X7, Atlas, Audi Q7, Lexus RX/GX and Mercedes. However, we found that Volvo struck the perfect balance between luxury, affordability and functionality. The leather seats are supportive and comfortable, and the tablet functions are easy to customize. The car is spacious, yet it doesn't feel too big even on the busy streets of NYC. We were particularly impressed with the integrated center booster, which our little one loves. Additionally, the car has a real anchored middle seat, which is a rare feature that allows us to fit three kids/car seats across. The moonroof adds airiness to the cabin, and the in-door shades in the second row are great. The sound system is excellent, even though it's not the $3,200 B&W option. The safety features of the Volvo are also a huge plus for us. Although there are a few things we would like to see improved, such as the road noise and gas mileage, we believe that the overall value of the car is unbeatable.We always enjoy driving this car, even though it's a 3-row SUV. It puts a smile on our face, which means a lot to me as a former GTI driver. I'm a very satisfied customer so far.
Norris Kulas 2025-03-28

The car drives well, although it could benefit from a bit more power, perhaps a V6 (I have the T6). Some design features could be improved - a few more buttons instead of a tablet, and larger cup holders in a family vehicle would be helpful. Visibility can be challenging when merging right due to the headrest in the second row. While the Park Assist is a fun gadget, it may not be practical for everyday use. The Pilot Assist can be buggy and is a bit scary to use on roads with traffic lights or on roads where the lines are even slightly ambiguous, so it's best to keep it for highways. The tablet looks similar to Tesla's, but it's not the most practical way to control air and other functions while driving. The Hands-Free Tailgate is not the most intuitive design and takes some getting used to. However, the child booster seat is well-designed. It would be great if rear sunshades were an option. It's surprising that a car costing 62k_ doesn't have power tilt and telescopic steering and more controls on the seats.
Laverna Turner 2025-03-07

I recently purchased a 2019 T5 with only 6000 miles on it. As a train commuter, I don't drive much, but I needed a luxury SUV that could seat 7 and had a stellar safety reputation. I'm happy to say that my experience as an owner has been nothing short of immaculate. I opted for a special remotely arranged buying experience to avoid the typical haggling and lies at the dealership. Overseas delivery provided me with no-haggle pricing and a preferred buying experience. The seller's communication was excellent and instilled confidence in me. The app is fantastic and allows me to do everything from remote start to monitoring and security. The Swedish ideals of 'lagom' are evident in the simple console design with just 1 screen and 6 buttons. The Sensus system is speedy and fully integrated, enhancing the lovely seats, spacious cabin, panorama sunroof, and superior build quality. The drive experience is great both in the city and on the highway. The 2.0L turbo-charged engine with a 10-speed transmission provides snappy and significant power, and the self-tuning drivetrain adds to the smartness of the vehicle. Overall, it's a superb vehicle that I highly recommend.
Newton Lehner 2025-02-18

Volvo cars are truly impressive. They are beautiful inside and out, fast, extremely comfortable and functional. Unlike some other brands, Volvo doesn't follow the juvenile play book of the Germans with exhaust that fart & pop under hard acceleration. There is no glow in the dark logo on a ridiculously over sized grill or with in dash distracting screens everywhere. Yet, Volvo has the on board tech that some other brands haven't managed to integrate in their designs. The build quality is flawless. If I sound like I'm sold on the brand, you're right. This is my second Volvo in three years after leasing six Audi. I will never go back. Update: I have a new EX90 Twin Performance EV on order. Still #VolvoForLife.

Additional sources

More sources of information about 2021 Volvo Xc90 problems:

Should I buy 2021 XC90 T6?? | SwedeSpeed - Volvo Performance ...

https://www.swedespeed.com/threads/should-i-buy-2021-xc90-t6.665992/

Apr 24, 2023 ... List of all repairs and mechanical issues: -Rear passenger door was repainted and the outer skin replaced. -Start stop system had a couple of ...

Volvo XC90 - What Common Issues Are There? : r/Volvo

https://www.reddit.com/r/Volvo/comments/n9hc6q/volvo_xc90_what_common_issues_are_there/

May 10, 2021 ... Hey Everyone,. I am looking at purchasing a used Volvo XC90, and wanted to know if there are any common issues with the SUV?

2021 Volvo XC90 Problems | Kelley Blue Book

https://www.kbb.com/volvo/xc90/2021/common-problems/

How reliable is the 2021 Volvo XC90? See the most common repairs performed and learn if your vehicle is at risk for major repairs in the next 12 months.

Considering a used 2021 Volvo XC90 T8 Recharge - reliability ...

https://www.reddit.com/r/VolvoXC90/comments/16rv68w/considering_a_used_2021_volvo_xc90_t8_recharge/

Sep 25, 2023 ... It runs like a "typical" hybrid in that the regen is always working so it will charge the battery when you brake (or slow down in B-mode). You ...