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2021 Volvo XC60

Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations

Similar to other model years

Owner complaints for the 2021 Volvo XC60 do not stand out strongly from the model-year median of 36.

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How this year compares

Owner complaints by model year

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Counts vary with age, sales and reporting. They are not failure rates.

What owners reported most

All reported categories

Tap a category to read its complaints. One report may name several components.

When problems were reported

Mileage at the reported incident

Limited mileage data: 3 of 46 reports include usable mileage. There isn’t enough coverage to show a useful chart.

NHTSA’s mileage field refers to the reported incident, not necessarily the filing date. This shows report counts, not the likelihood of a failure.

What to inspect

Issues worth paying extra attention to based on owner reports.

  • Electrical System. Review the 13 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Service Brakes. Review the 9 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Lane Departure. Review the 7 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →

NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.

4 crash reports0 fire reports4 injury reports

What owners actually said

46 reports
Mileage unknown · Nov 10, 2021
Steering

I purchased a brand new Volvo XC60 T5 AWD Inscription 7/04/2021. On 9/22/2021 I was driving in the middle lane on interstate 20 located in DFW TX and entering a curve when suddenly and without warning the steering wheel went stiff (as if I had NO power steering). I almost got into an accident, had I not been an experienced drive…

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I purchased a brand new Volvo XC60 T5 AWD Inscription 7/04/2021. On 9/22/2021 I was driving in the middle lane on interstate 20 located in DFW TX and entering a curve when suddenly and without warning the steering wheel went stiff (as if I had NO power steering). I almost got into an accident, had I not been an experienced driver. A warning then displayed in the driver's information center "Power Steering Service Urgent, Drive To Workshop". The steering wheel continued to function as if I had no power steering until I arrived at work. I immediately called the dealership where I purchased the my SUV and they got me scheduled with a loaner. It was a traumatic incident that caused me great deal of concern since my SUV in brand new. Apparently Volvo put out an advisory notice that the sub-battery attached to the power steering pump is having issues and the dealership replaced it. I have not had a similar experience since...

NHTSA ODI #11440071

Mileage unknown · Sep 21, 2021
Power TrainService BrakesCrashInjury

The contact owned a 2021 Volvo XC60. The contact stated that while driving approximately 25 mph, the vehicle suddenly began to accelerate and the brakes failed to stop. The vehicle crashed into a nearby fence causing the vehicle to flip. The air bags did deploy. The contact received injuries to their right shoulder and left knee…

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The contact owned a 2021 Volvo XC60. The contact stated that while driving approximately 25 mph, the vehicle suddenly began to accelerate and the brakes failed to stop. The vehicle crashed into a nearby fence causing the vehicle to flip. The air bags did deploy. The contact received injuries to their right shoulder and left knee. Medical attention was needed. A police report was filed. The vehicle was towed and had not been deemed totaled as of yet however, damage to the vehicle would be considered unrepairable. The dealer was informed of the incident however they were unable to assist. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was unknown.

NHTSA ODI #11433852

Mileage unknown · Sep 21, 2021
Unknown Or OtherInjury

I leased the vehicle in December, 2020. Periodically while the tailgate is open and I am underneath it, the tailgate has closed on me and hit me in the back. In February, 2021, the struts on the tailgate were replaced at Patrick Volvo, Fort Myers, Florida, after I received a recall letter from Volvo. On September 9, 2021 …

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I leased the vehicle in December, 2020. Periodically while the tailgate is open and I am underneath it, the tailgate has closed on me and hit me in the back. In February, 2021, the struts on the tailgate were replaced at Patrick Volvo, Fort Myers, Florida, after I received a recall letter from Volvo. On September 9, 2021 at approximately 11:00 a.m. (CST) I was under the opened tailgate and it closed three times in a row and hit me in the back. Each time that it hit me, it reversed direction and went back into the open position. I was not injured but my back was sore for the rest of the day. I brought the SUV into Patrick Volvo, Shaumburg, Illinois. The service representative (SR) explained to me that there is a sensor under the rear bumper that will open and close the tailgate if you waive your foot under one specific location. Which is approximately two feet from the left edge of the bumper. The SR explained to me that I must have accidentally waived my foot under the bumper and the sensor caused the tailgate to close. He further advised that it could not be deactivated. On September 18, 2021, at approximately 10:00 a.m. I was sitting in the cargo area putting on my golf shoes. The tailgate started to close. I ran as fast I could and avoided getting hurt or injured. My feet were not capable of engaging the sensor as they were in front of the bumper. I have advised Volvo Customer Service and Patrick Volvo of this new safety concern. Patrick Volvo has stated to me that they have never had this problem on any of their SUVS. They also do not know what is causing it. They are waiting for a loaner SUV to come back to their dealership and then I will bring the vehicle in, so they can attempt to solve this safety issue. In the meantime, I have to be very cautious when the tailgate is open. My fear is not only that it will hit me, but more so that it will not reverse direction and close on me.

NHTSA ODI #11433850

Mileage unknown · Aug 17, 2021
Forward Collision AvoidanceLane DepartureUnknown Or Other

This is in regards to Pilot Assist. My husband and I purchased this vehicle in May of 2021. We have encountered several incidents (while using Pilot Assist). The car has directed us to different lanes, steered us to guardrails and other cars and has failed to break when cars have been stopped in front of us. We have taken the …

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This is in regards to Pilot Assist. My husband and I purchased this vehicle in May of 2021. We have encountered several incidents (while using Pilot Assist). The car has directed us to different lanes, steered us to guardrails and other cars and has failed to break when cars have been stopped in front of us. We have taken the car in to our local Volvo dealership multiple times and they have still not corrected the issues. The first time we took the car in to the dealership, we were told (by the mechanic) it’s not a good system and it will never operate correctly. They have checked the sensors and hooked the car up to the computer and said it’s not sending off any codes, therefore there is nothing they can do. They have also test driven the car. The latest test drive, the mechanic left notes saying the car did start to drift in to the other lane but was corrected by the driver. However, he claims this is normal operation.

NHTSA ODI #11429521

Mileage unknown · Aug 15, 2021
Steering

I purchased a brand new Volvo XC60 T6 on 7/18/2021. On 8/14/2021 I was driving on the far left lane on the 280S freeway and wanted to merge one lane to the right and as I was merging the steering wheel went stiff and caused me to lose control of the car. I almost get into a big accident with a Tesla. Then I heard a sound and not…

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I purchased a brand new Volvo XC60 T6 on 7/18/2021. On 8/14/2021 I was driving on the far left lane on the 280S freeway and wanted to merge one lane to the right and as I was merging the steering wheel went stiff and caused me to lose control of the car. I almost get into a big accident with a Tesla. Then I heard a sound and notice on the dash display "Power Steering service urgent drive to a workshop" sign. The steering wheel continue being stiff and I experienced pain in my left arm due to the steering wheel incident. I immediately called the dealership where I purchased the car from and unfortunately the service department is closed on weekends. I managed to drive slowly and drove back home with very limited control on the steering wheel. I used Volvo On Call and had the car towed to be brought back to the dealership. It was a quite traumatic incident that make me feel not confident to drive the car anymore. Is there any recall that I am not aware of for this car model? I emailed Volvo customer care regarding this issue on 8/15/2021.

NHTSA ODI #11429186

Mileage unknown · Jul 12, 2021
Forward Collision Avoidance

On two occasions the automatic breaking/city safety engaged on my Volvo XC60 2021 vehicle. In both incidences there was no need for this to happen. First incident (o/a June 25, 2021) occurred while changing lanes. There was traffic but said traffic was a safe distance in front of me. I was startled by the immediate hard stop bre…

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On two occasions the automatic breaking/city safety engaged on my Volvo XC60 2021 vehicle. In both incidences there was no need for this to happen. First incident (o/a June 25, 2021) occurred while changing lanes. There was traffic but said traffic was a safe distance in front of me. I was startled by the immediate hard stop breaking and safety belts tightening around me. No accident occurred. Only traffic behind me needing to break to avoid rear ending me. Even though shaken I continued on my way and put it behind me. Second incident (Jul 7,2021) occurred in the I95 tunnel heading to Baltimore. There was no vehicle directly in front of me. Only a vehicle vehicle at least 6 car lengths or more ahead. There was a tractor trailer beside me and vehicles behind me. Again the automatic breaking/city safety engaged. The vehicle came to a hard stop. I was shaken and even more frightened by what happened. No accident occurred. However, the vehicles behind me had to immediately break. I can’t express enough how horrifying these incidents were, especially in the I95 tunnel. I called the Volvo dealership where I bought the vehicle and took it in for service the next day. They ran diagnostics on the vehicle. No codes were shown during testing. I am afraid to drive this vehicle. I was told the automatic breaking/city safety cannot be turned off. I don’t want to sound over dramatic but I fear for my life, my family and others. I don’t want this vehicle. I want a vehicle that I have control over. This safety system has failed!! This system puts my life and others in danger!! The only explanation I received from dealer was that this system works on a camera and radar. I was nonchalantly told a glare from a vehicle or road sign could cause this. This all is alarming to me. What is my recourse?!?! I am aware there were problems with the automatic breaking in Volvos in 2019 & 2020. This was said to have been resolved through recalls. Im worried and afraid of Volvo XC60 2021!

NHTSA ODI #11424387

Official recalls

5

25V179000 · Electrical System:propulsion System:traction Battery; Electrical System:software

Mar 24, 2025

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.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: A short circuit in a high-voltage battery increases the risk of a fire.

Remedy: 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.

Additional source detail variants (2)

Electrical System:propulsion System:traction Battery

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.

Consequence: A short circuit in a high-voltage battery increases the risk of a fire.

Remedy: 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.

Electrical System:software

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.

Consequence: A short circuit in a high-voltage battery increases the risk of a fire.

Remedy: 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.

23V001000 · Steering

Jan 5, 2023

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 & remedy

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.

21V716000 · Service Brakes, Hydraulic; Service Brakes, Hydraulic:antilock/traction Control/electronic Limited Slip

Sep 15, 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.

Consequence & remedy

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.

Additional source detail variants (2)

Service Brakes, Hydraulic:antilock/traction Control/electronic Limited Slip

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.

Service Brakes, Hydraulic

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.

21V682000 · Seat Belts; Seat Belts:front:retractor; Seat Belts:rear/other:retractor

Sep 1, 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."

Consequence & remedy

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.

Additional source detail variants (3)

Seat Belts:rear/other:retractor

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.

Seat Belts:front:retractor

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.

Seat Belts

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.

21V001000 · Air Bags; Air Bags: Air Bag/restraint Control Module; Seat Belts:pretensioner

Jan 7, 2021

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 & remedy

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.

Additional source detail variants (3)

Air Bags: Air Bag/restraint Control Module

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.

Seat Belts:pretensioner

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.

Air Bags

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.

Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗

NHTSA investigations

1

DP22005 · Pedestrian Alert Sounds

Opened Jan 27, 2023 · Closed Aug 7, 2023

Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Electrical System:propulsion System

NHTSA received a petition on or about July 18, 2022, requesting that Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) 141 be applied to all electric and hybrid vehicles operating in the United States. The petition can be reviewed at NHTSA.gov under ODI Number 11486072. FMVSS 141 establishes performance requirements for pedestrian alert sounds for motor vehicles. The standard applies to hybrid and electric vehicles that have a gross vehicle weight rating of 4,536 KG or less or are defined as low-speed vehicles. The standard became fully applicable to all such vehicles manufactured on or after March 1, 2021.On January 27, 2023, NHTSA opened Defect Petition (DP) 22-005 to evaluate the subject matter described in the petition. On June 24, 2023 and as supplemented on June 25, 2023, the petitioner notified NHTSA he was withdrawing his petition. The petitioner indicated that, based on his review of data, there is no justification for asserting potential benefits that could be derived from actions sought by my petition. Based on the petitioner's withdrawal, DP22-005 is closed. Closure of this DP does not represent a determination by NHTSA regarding the subject matter of the petition.