The Lemon Index
202020222nd generation
One of the most reliable · most complaints: brakes
15 owner complaints, first 3 years 22–27 mpg combined, EPA
Similar cars, same year
2021 Lexus RX 362021 Mercedes-Benz M/GLE 762021 Tesla Model X 124
Lemon Index: 100 = the average car, lower is better.
When problems show up
No complaints for this year listed a mileage, so we can't say when problems show up.
Questions to ask the seller
- Were recalls 25V179000 (electrical), 23V827000 (seat belts) and 23V001000 (steering) done? It has 6 recalls in all. Ask for the dealer printout, or check the VIN.
- Do the brakes feel even, with no ABS or brake warning light? When were the pads and brake fluid last done?
- Do all the lights, screens and power features work? Has the battery, alternator or any wiring been replaced?
- Has it ever braked hard for no reason? Ask whether the safety-system software was updated.
- Volvo sent dealers 219 repair notes for this car. Was this one done: “This is a Technical Journal: Creaking noise from Steering Wheel Module”?
From this year's own recalls, top problems, top repair bills and Volvo's repair notes. Recall repairs are free at any dealer.
How serious. Out of all 15 owner complaints filed so far (every year since it was sold, not just the first 3), owners reported:
“Average car” = what the same number of complaints would include at the rate across every model year we track. Owners report these themselves; NHTSA doesn't confirm the cause.
What owners complain about most. From owner complaints to the government.
Share of this year's owner complaints filed with NHTSA, not the share of cars that break. One complaint can name more than one area.
Check engine light on? Look up any code →
Problems Volvo told dealers about
Volvo sent dealers 219 repair notes for this car. The ones about its biggest problems:
- This is a Technical Journal: Creaking noise from Steering Wheel Module
- Creaking noise from Steering Wheel Module (SWM)
- This is a Technical Journal
Ask a seller or mechanic if these were done. Some are free under warranty or a special program.
Recalls 6
- Electrical · recall issued 2025
The high-voltage battery may experience a short circuit within the battery module when the battery is fully charged and the vehicle is parked.
- Seat belts · recall issued 2023
The second-row seat belt buckle and lower belt anchor bolts may not be tightened properly.
- Steering · recall issued 2023
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.
Show all 6 recalls
- Brakes · recall issued 2021
An improperly welded rotor and shaft may separate within the integrated brake system.
- Seat belts · recall issued 2021
The seat belt automatic locking retractors may deactivate early, which can prevent the child restraint system from securing properly.
- Airbags · recall issued 2021
The Supplementary Restraint System (SRS) control unit may not have been properly attached to the car body and may detach during a crash.
Recall repairs are free at any dealer. A recall only matters if it's still open on that exact car, so check its VIN.
Canada? See recalls at Transport Canada
Government investigations
- ClosedPedestrian alert sounds2023
NHTSA looks into a problem when enough owners report it. Many end in a recall.
Safety
Crash test details
| Version | Overall | Front | Side | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Volvo XC90 T5 SUV AWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ |
| Volvo XC90 T5 SUV FWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ |
| Volvo XC90 T6 SUV AWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ |
Fuel cost and engines
About $2,800–$3,400 (USD) a year in fuel (EPA estimate at U.S. prices, 15,000 miles or 24,000 km a year). Engines: 2.0L 4-cyl.
Every Volvo XC90 year. 2021 is highlighted. Lower is better.
Newest year first. Red = worse than average, gray = about average, too new (2023+: a partial score, marked “partial”) or too few complaints to score.
Embed this chart
Put this chart on your site, blog or forum. Free, with the credit line built in; the 2021 bar is highlighted.
<iframe src="https://lemonindex.com/embed/cars/volvo-xc90/?y=2021" title="Volvo XC90 reliability by model year (The Lemon Index)" width="100%" height="514" style="border:0;max-width:720px" loading="lazy"></iframe><p style="font-size:13px;margin:4px 0 0">Data: <a href="https://lemonindex.com/cars/volvo-xc90/2021/">Lemon Index</a> (2021 Volvo XC90 reliability)</p>Quick answers
Is the 2021 Volvo XC90 reliable?
Yes, it is one of the most reliable by government complaints. It drew a bit under half as many complaints as the average car filed with NHTSA in its first 3 years, per car sold (Lemon Index 40; 100 is average, lower is better). The Volvo XC90 year with the fewest complaints per car sold since 2010 is 2019.
What are the most common 2021 Volvo XC90 problems?
In owner complaints to the government, the parts named most are brakes (27%), electrical (20%) and automatic emergency braking (13%). That is the share of complaints, not the share of cars that break.
How many recalls does the 2021 Volvo XC90 have?
6 safety recalls (latest: electrical). Recall repairs are free at any dealer; check a specific car's VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What gas mileage does the 2021 Volvo XC90 get?
22 to 27 mpg combined, depending on the engine (EPA estimate).
Is the 2021 Volvo XC90 safe?
NHTSA gave it 5 out of 5 stars overall in its best tested version. Ratings differ by body style, and the full table is on the advanced page.
Does the 2021 Volvo XC90 have transmission problems?
Transmission and drivetrain issues make up 13% of its owner complaints.
How much does the 2021 Volvo XC90 cost in fuel a year?
About $2,800 to $3,400 a year, by the EPA's current estimate.
What engines does the 2021 Volvo XC90 have?
2.0L 4-cyl.
What Volvo XC90 year is better than the 2021?
Nearby, the 2019 drew fewer owner complaints per car sold (about a fifth as many complaints as the average car).
The Lemon Index counts owner complaints filed with the U.S. government (NHTSA) in a car's first 3 years, per car sold, against the average car of the same model years (100 = average, lower is better). It measures complaints, not crash safety. A complaint is an owner's report, not a confirmed defect. How it works