Is the 2021 Volvo XC90 reliable?

The 2021 Volvo XC90 has 56 complaints filed with NHTSA (1.2x the segment average). Our reliability verdict: average. Most common issue: ELECTRICAL problems.

What are common problems with the 2021 Volvo XC90?

Top problems: ELECTRICAL (8 complaints, avg repair $500); BRAKES (8 complaints, avg repair $500); ENGINE (7 complaints, avg repair $500). Issues typically appear around 50K miles.

Are there any recalls on the 2021 Volvo XC90?

Yes, there are 6 recall(s): SEAT BELTS:FRONT:RETRACTOR, SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP, AIR BAGS, STEERING, SEAT BELTS:CRITICAL FASTENERS, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE. Contact any Volvo dealer to verify if recalls have been completed on your specific vehicle.

How much does it cost to fuel a 2021 Volvo XC90?

The 2021 Volvo XC90 gets 23 MPG combined. At current US average gas prices, driving 12,000 miles per year costs roughly $2087. See the interactive fuel cost calculator on this page for state-specific pricing.

How much does it cost to insure a 2021 Volvo XC90?

Estimated US average full-coverage insurance for the 2021 Volvo XC90 is approximately $2,250/year (sedan-luxury class). Actual quotes vary heavily by state, driver age, driving record, and credit — see the interactive insurance estimator on this page for state-specific pricing.

2021 Volvo XC90

Problems, Recalls & Reliability Report

Average

Quick Summary

The 2021 Volvo XC90 has 56 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — that's 1.2x the segment average of 46. The most common issue is electrical problems (14% of all complaints), specifically: *with the bowers & wilkins sound system* twice within 1400 miles, there was a loud "pop" sound from the speakers followed by no sound from any portion of the vehicle. the pop sounded like a window or the sunroof shattered. all sound was lost: sensus feedback, turn signals, parking sensors, phone, et. There are 6 recalls issued for this model year.

4 crash reports

Total Complaints

Recalls Issued

—/5

Safety Stars

1.2x

vs Segment Avg

Known Problems(top 5 of 8)

ELECTRICAL

8 complaints

14%

• *WITH THE BOWERS & WILKINS SOUND SYSTEM* TWICE WITHIN 1400 MILES, THERE WAS A LOUD "POP" SOUND FROM THE SPEAKERS FOLLOWED BY NO SOUND FROM ANY PORTION OF THE VEHICLE. THE POP SOUNDED LIKE A WINDOW OR THE SUNROOF SHATTERED. ALL SOUND WAS LOST: SENSUS FEEDBACK, TURN SIGNALS, PARKING SENSORS, PHONE, ET
• Check engine light illuminated at 11,000 miles. Diagnostics showed a software update was needed but the software update did not fix the problem. Volvo corporate said the IEM module needed to be replaced. The IEM module controls the rear axle / propulsion and this is a serious safety issue because su
• The infotainment system has locked up and has shut completely off while driving. When it shuts down (screen goes black) or glitches, the car actually loses power. Luckily it powered right back on but it was scary and could happen again and be much worse. The screen/ infotainment system has had this

Typical onset: 50K miles Est. repair: $500💥 1 crashes

“*WITH THE BOWERS & WILKINS SOUND SYSTEM* TWICE WITHIN 1400 MILES, THERE WAS A LOUD "POP" SOUND FROM THE SPEAKERS FOLLOWED BY NO SOUND FROM ANY PORTION OF THE VEHICLE. THE POP SOUNDED LIKE A WINDOW OR THE SUNROOF SHATTERED. ALL SOUND WAS LOST: SENSUS FEEDBACK, TURN SIGNALS, PARKING SENSORS, PHONE, ET”

— NHTSA complaint filing

Recalls (6)

SEAT BELTS:FRONT:RETRACTOR01/09/2021

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.

Fuel Cost Calculator for 2021 Volvo XC90

Live EIA prices

Annual miles driven: 12,000

Your state (affects local gasoline price)

Per year

$2,087

Per month

$174

Per mile

17.4¢

MPG

City driving (worst-case MPG)

$2,527/yr

Highway driving (best-case MPG)

$1,715/yr

Based on EPA fuel-economy ratings and EIA weekly retail prices (2026-07-20). Real-world cost varies with driving style, trim/engine, terrain, and traffic.

5-Year Gas Price History

EIA weekly retail data · 2021 → today

Show:

Current

$4.00

5-year low

$2.78

5-year high

$5.01

Since 2021

+27%

Source: US Energy Information Administration weekly retail gasoline prices.

Estimated Insurance Cost for 2021 Volvo XC90

Estimate only, not a quote. Modeled from NAIC + HLDI averages for a hypothetical 35-year-old driver with clean record + full coverage. Your actual quote depends heavily on your age, driving history, credit, ZIP code, and insurer.

Your state (affects local premium average)

Full coverage / year

$2,250

Full coverage / month

$188

Liability only / year

$710

vs US avg

+34%

How this estimate is calculated

US base full-coverage premium$1674

× state (US)1.00x

× vehicle class (sedan-luxury)1.28x

× theft risk1.00x

× safety rating1.00x

× vehicle age1.05x

= Full coverage estimate$2250

Coverage assumed: 100/300/100 liability + comprehensive/collision, $500 deductibles. Data sources: NAIC 2024 + HLDI loss studies.

Maintenance & Warranty

Recommended Volvo XC90 Service Intervals

Oil change

10K mi / 12 mo

Tire rotation

10K mi

Brake fluid

24 months

Transmission fluid

60K mi

Engine coolant

100K mi

Spark plugs

60K mi

Cabin air filter

15K mi

Engine air filter

30K mi

Differential (AWD/4WD)

40K mi

T5/T6/T8 all use 4-cylinder engines. T8 plug-in hybrids: battery cooling system serviced with engine coolant.

"Severe service" conditions (heavy towing, extreme temps, city stop-and-go) typically halve these intervals. Always consult your vehicle's owner's manual for the authoritative schedule.

Volvo New-Vehicle Warranty Coverage

Bumper-to-bumper (basic)

4 yr / 50K mi

Powertrain

4 yr / 50K mi

Hybrid/EV battery

8 yr / 100K mi

Corrosion (rust perforation)

12 yr / unlimited mi

Roadside assistance

4 yr / unlimited mi

Corrosion unlimited miles for 12 years

These are the terms for a new Volvo. If you're buying a used 2021 XC90, remaining coverage is usually pro-rated from the vehicle's original in-service date. Not all coverage transfers between owners — check with a Volvo dealer for VIN-specific remaining warranty.

Estimated Repair Costs

ELECTRICAL(~50K mi)

$500

BRAKES(~50K mi)

$500

ENGINE(~50K mi)

$500

OTHER(~50K mi)

$500

DRIVER ASSIST/CAMERAS(~50K mi)

$500

Estimates based on average reported repair costs. Actual costs vary by location, shop, and severity.

🔍 Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist

Based on 56 owner complaints for this specific year, here's what to check or ask about:

☐
ELECTRICAL: *WITH THE BOWERS & WILKINS SOUND SYSTEM* TWICE WITHIN 1400 MILES, THERE WAS A LOUD "POP" SOUND FROM THE SPEAKERS FOLLOWED BY NO SOUND FROM ANY PORTION OF THE VEHICLE. THE POP SOUNDED LIKE A WINDOW OR THE SUNROOF SHATTERED. ALL SOUND WAS LOST: SENSUS FEEDBACK, TURN SIGNALS, PARKING SENSORS, PHONE, ET
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
BRAKES: ELECTRIC PARKING BRAKE ENGAGING VIOLENTLY AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS AT LEAST. 3 TIMES. RESULTING IN ABRUPT STOP IN MOVEING TRAFFIC! DEALER IN NO HURRY TO REPAIR SUGGESTING BRING BACK WHEN THEY ARE ABLE! AM NOTIFYING VOLVO, DEALER , THEY WILL ASSUME ALL LIABILITY FOR INJURY OR DEATH FOR THIS DEFECT AND
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
ENGINE: Vehicle is lurching on slow acceleration in Hybrid Mode. For example, lurching occurs when pulling away from a stop sign, pulling out into traffic, pulling into a parking spot. Issue started beginning of January 2023. In February Fields Volvo Service diagnosed issue as a software problem (Code IEM-P
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
OTHER: The harness can be loosened by lightly pulling on it without use of the harness release button. The harness is not holding the child in place and the car seat is therefore unsafe for use.
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
RECALLS: Verify all 6 recalls have been completed — free at any Volvo dealer
☐
General: Get a pre-purchase inspection from an independent mechanic ($100-$200)