RoadVitals

2021 Volvo XC60

Recalls, owner-reported complaints, investigations and safety data

Data refreshed

Owner complaintsComplaints are reports submitted to NHTSA by owners and drivers. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a complaint does not establish that a defect exists. Volume is influenced by how many of a vehicle were sold, how long it has been on the road, and how much attention an issue has received.
44
+1 complaint in 30 days
Safety recallsA safety recall is issued when a manufacturer or NHTSA determines that a vehicle has a safety-related defect or does not comply with a federal motor vehicle safety standard. Recall repairs are free. Whether a specific vehicle is covered depends on its VIN — a recall listed for a model year does not necessarily apply to every vehicle of that year.
5
Latest Mar 24, 2025
InvestigationsNHTSA opens an investigation to examine whether a safety defect may exist. An open investigation is not a determination that a defect exists, and many investigations close without a recall. Investigations can, however, lead to one.
1
Crash or fire reportedComplaints whose submitter recorded that a crash or a fire occurred. These are the reporter's own answers on the NHTSA form, not verified findings.
4
4 injuries, 0 deaths reported

Overview

Our database contains 44 NHTSA owner-reported complaints for the 2021 Volvo XC60, most frequently naming the driver assistance, electrical and brakes categories. 5 safety recalls have been issued covering this model year; 1 NHTSA investigation names it; and 222 manufacturer communications are on file.

Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.

What owners report

Complaints grouped by the component NHTSA recorded

Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.

Safety recalls

5 campaigns cover this model year

Recalls apply to specific vehicles, not to every vehicle of a model year. Check your VIN with NHTSA or your manufacturer's dealer to confirm whether a recall affects your vehicle.

Check a VIN on NHTSA.gov

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:PROPULSION SYSTEM:TRACTION BATTERY; ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE

Mar 24, 2025
7,483 units potentially affected
The defect: 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.
The risk: A short circuit in a high-voltage battery increases the risk of a fire.
The 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.
Volvo Car USA, LLCManufacturer number R10312View on NHTSA.gov

STEERING

Jan 5, 2023
74 units potentially affected
The defect: 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.
The risk: A screw inside the gearbox housing can cause the steering wheel to lock up and increase the risk of a crash.
The 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.
Volvo Car USA, LLCManufacturer number R10213View on NHTSA.gov

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC; SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP

Sep 15, 2021
9 units potentially affected
The defect: 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.
The risk: 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.
The 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.
Volvo Car USA, LLCManufacturer number R10120View on NHTSA.gov

Safety investigations

NHTSA inquiries naming this vehicle. An investigation is not a finding of a defect.

DP22005ClosedDefect Petition

Pedestrian alert sounds

Opened Jan 27, 2023
Closed Aug 7, 2023

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.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:PROPULSION SYSTEMLed to recall 22V063000

Recent owner complaints

Reports submitted to NHTSA, shown in the owner's own words

Filed Jul 31, 2026

After backing up out of a parking space, the side mirror on the drivers side moves to an unpredictable position and does not return to its original position. This is potentially dangerous because the driver is not aware of this change in position, and when changing lanes may rely on mirror that is in a faulty position. This appears to be some sort of flaw in the logic that tilts the mirror down when backing up and returns to original position when the car is put back in drive. Regardless of whether I turn this feature on or off, the same malfunction occurs.

NHTSA ID
11753923
Incident
Jul 30, 2026
Driver assistanceInterior & seats
Filed Jul 1, 2026

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. My fear is that in the heat of summer what if all doors became locked somehow and i did not have the key fob with the manual key? I have 2 children

NHTSA ID
11747588
Incident
Jun 30, 2026
Electrical
Filed Jun 9, 2026

An intermittent electrical failure occurred to my wife causing my 2021 Volvo XC60 to stop and then later go into limp mode while driving. The service light went on immediately and was very startling to her and made it difficult for the drivers following as the car speed was significantly reduced/ I suspect limp mode though it was not on the dashboard. When I called Volvo and then brought the car in... it is a known issue to Volvo. They purposively produce a vehicle that is known for sunroof leaks which knowingly leads to electrical issues exposing their customers to harm. Volvo (Geely) inspected the car, found the electrical issues from the front interior to the battery compartment that had water over an inch deep. the VGM (Vehicle Gateway Module) was replaced and reloaded, all connectors were separate/dried and several had to be cut/spliced and rewired due to corrosion damage. Carpets were removed, the gasket was replaced, the front and rear sun roof drains were cleaned out. Aside from the safety concern the shrinking of the rubber gasket caused the issue. Not funny, but Volvo/Geely states that the repair now has a lifetime warranty after I was charged over $4,000 USD. The vehicle is only about 5 years old!!

NHTSA ID
11743000
Incident
May 29, 2026
Fuel system
Filed May 30, 2026

My 2021 Volvo XC60 experienced a fuel system failure at approximately 53,500 miles. Prior to the failure, the vehicle displayed multiple warning messages and entered reduced-power (limp mode), including the turtle symbol on the instrument cluster. The vehicle unexpectedly would not start despite multiple attempts. The failure occurred while I was at a physical therapy appointment approximately 25 minutes from my home. After approximately 10 minutes, the vehicle started and was able to be driven. Because of the warning messages, limp mode, and failure-to-start condition, the vehicle was taken to a Volvo dealership for diagnosis. The Volvo dealership diagnosed the vehicle with ECM fault code P008A00 (Low Fuel Pressure). According to the repair invoice, testing confirmed that fuel pressure was intermittently low, and the dealership determined that the in-tank fuel pump was faulty. The fuel pump was replaced to correct the condition. This failure created a safety concern because the vehicle became unexpectedly inoperable and would not start when needed. Had the failure occurred in a remote location, during extreme weather conditions, at night, or in an emergency situation, it could have left the vehicle occupants stranded without reliable transportation. The inability to start the vehicle occurred without warning and could have resulted in a more serious safety risk under different circumstances. The issue was reproduced and confirmed by an authorized Volvo dealership, which inspected the vehicle, diagnosed the fault, and replaced the fuel pump. Repair records are available for inspection upon request. The failure occurred at approximately 53,500 miles, which is relatively low mileage for a major fuel system component. Because fuel pump failures can render a vehicle unexpectedly inoperable, I am submitting this complaint for review and investigation.

NHTSA ID
11741045
Incident
May 11, 2026
Driver assistanceSteering
Filed Apr 16, 2026

Multiple times, with the Pilot Assist system engaged, the vehicle has pulled me out of my intended travel lane when on a curve, near an on / off ramp, and generally tends to drift from the left to right of the intended lane of travel on straight sections of road. It will drift to the rumble strip and sometimes into the next lane with both hands firmly on the wheel. I find myself fighting the system at these times. When it gets confused, with corners or merges, and on / off ramps, it will abruptly change lanes which is very dangerous. Twice it almost caused an accident. I have had it looked at many times now by Gengras Volvo in East Hartford where I bought the car. I was provided a loaner each time but the car has been in their shop for close to a month over these visits. It happend on one test drive with their repair tech driving the car, so the issue has been verified and recorded by Gengras. Multiple components of the system have been changed out and Volvo has downloaded and reviewed the telemetry twice. Volvo's stance is that the system is functioning correctly, and in times if inclement weather it may not work as intended. Most of my incidents happened on dry roads. Upon researching this on the internet, there are many other owners of Volvos of my year and others complaining of the exact same issues and behavior of the car. I feel it may be a design flaw but in my opinion the system is not safe to use. Volvo went to a completely different system soon after 2021. This was a very expensive option to purchase on the vehicle. We have a similar system in our Acura that works flawlessly on the same roads in any weather condition. I bought this vehicle certified by Volvo with roughly 15K miles for my son to drive when he had just gotten his license as Volvo has an incredible reputation for safely. I do not feel safe with him driving this vehicle as was intended. Latest diagnosis attached, Remainder available from Gengras Volvo, East Hartford CT.

NHTSA ID
11731535
Incident
Mar 23, 2026
Brakes
Filed Apr 10, 2026

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 ID
11730370
Incident
Apr 8, 2026
Visibility
Filed Mar 13, 2026

The driver's side mirror repositions itself downward, upward, or outward when unlocking and opening a door. It infrequently repositions while driving as well. These occurrences put me and others at risk by increasing my blind spot when I need to change lanes. Two Volvo dealers have reproduced the mirror changing positions when unlocking and opening the door, but a few times they were not able to get the car to reproduce it. Technicians have performed software updates, deleted and reprogrammed the keys to the car, and performed a factory reset on the infotainment center to no avail.

NHTSA ID
11724198
Incident
Dec 5, 2024
Filed Mar 7, 2026
Crash reported

Exiting a parking lot, attempting to break. The plastic break pedal cover fell off and was unable to break in time to avoid a front end accident.

NHTSA ID
11722722
Incident
Mar 7, 2026

Manufacturer communications

A bulletin sent by a manufacturer to its dealers. Not a recall, and repairs are not necessarily free.

33031.6.0

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 working, please follow advice for detecting key

34521.11.1

EXTERIOR 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

36496.10.0

POWER TRAIN

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.

35503.4.0

STRUCTURE:BODY

This is a Technical Journal: Panoramic sunroof, sealing strip has a gap

35526.1.8

ENGINE

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 reports are not required.

37809.1.1

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 or removed from prior approval.
 Current items under prior approval are listed in the "Service" section

Manufacturers file copies of the bulletins they send to dealers with NHTSA. These often describe diagnostic or repair procedures for a known condition. They are not recalls: repairs described in a bulletin are usually only free if the vehicle is still under warranty or the manufacturer has extended coverage.

Compare model years

Complaint and recall counts across every year of this model

Volvo XC60 by model year
YearComplaintsRecallsInvestigationsIssue Index
2025313064.1
2024232061.3
2023515057.0
2022696161.9
2021Viewing445166.8
2020216163.0
2019348164.7
2018365162.8
2017154058.6
2016383058.5
2015471048.3
2014162052.5
2013663051.9
2012463047.2
2011364045.9
2010567048.9
2009010
2008000

Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers. Older model years have had longer for reports to accumulate.