Research · 4 NHTSA variants
2021 Volvo S-ClassRecalls, problems, MPG & safety
NHTSA lists 0 safety recalls and 8 owner complaints for the 2021 Volvo S-Class. Most complaints involve electrical system (4) and visibility/wiper (3). NHTSA gives it 5 stars overall.
Combined MPG
—
No EPA rating found
NHTSA overall
5of 5 stars
NCAP crash tests
Safety recalls
0campaigns
NHTSA
Owner complaints
8
Top: electrical system
Fuel cost / yr
—
No EPA estimate
Safety recalls
NHTSA campaigns for this model year
0 recalls found in NHTSA data for the 2021 Volvo S-Class as of Oct 31, 2026.
Data from NHTSA Recalls API · synced Oct 31, 2026NHTSA vehicle page
Owner complaints by component
8 complaints filed with NHTSA · May 2021 – Aug 2026
- Electrical system4
- Visibility/wiper3
- Service brakes2
- Steering1
- Engine1
- Other / unknown3
Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.
By model year
Complaints for each S-Class model year we’ve synced.
View as table
| Model year | NHTSA complaints |
|---|---|
| 1998 | 251 |
| 1999 | 415 |
| 2000 | 628 |
| 2001 | 322 |
| 2002 | 216 |
| 2003 | 141 |
| 2004 | 298 |
| 2005 | 140 |
| 2006 | 102 |
| 2007 | 70 |
| 2008 | 52 |
| 2009 | 33 |
| 2010 | 36 |
| 2011 | 15 |
| 2012 | 129 |
| 2013 | 94 |
| 2014 | 26 |
| 2015 | 67 |
| 2016 | 35 |
| 2017 | 26 |
| 2018 | 16 |
| 2019 | 23 |
| 2020 | 9 |
| 2021 | 8 |
- Crashes reported
- 0
- Fires reported
- 0
- Injuries reported
- 0
- Deaths reported
- 0
Data from NHTSA Complaints API · synced Oct 31, 2026NHTSA vehicle page
What owners report most
Verbatim excerpts from NHTSA complaints, by component
Electrical system
4 reports
“The "Maintenance Mode" required to change the wiper blades malfunctioned, and the wipers- without the rubber blades attached- suddenly smashed onto the windshield, creating a large star crack/shatter, which spread across the entire windshield in two long cracks by the next day. If someone's hand had been in the path of the wipers, it would have been cut or broken by the force/sharp edge. The "Maintenance Mode" should not disengage unless the car is seriously jostled or put into gear (did not occur). This malfunction of the system is a safety concern in itself and has created a secondary safety concern with the severely damaged windshield. A case was opened with Volvo Corporate on XXX (case #XXX). Volvo has NEVER contacted me regarding this. I have called [XXX] and [XXX]) each week to check in and have been told that my case manager is not available, I can not change case managers to someone available or speak to anyone other than the phone operator. I have waited up to 1.5 hours on hold or received an automated return call 2+ hours later, often missing it. I emailed ([XXX]) as recommended by an operator with pictures and video of the incident and damage. I…”
Visibility/wiper
3 reports
“The high voltage coolant heater failed. It will not heat when running solely on battery. Defrost therefore will not get warm to clear windshield”
Service brakes
2 reports
“I believe that there is a material or design defect in the front brakes of this car that is leading to the premature failure of the front brake rotors. Two sets of front brake rotors have been replaced on the car due to excessive warping in the first 15K miles of operation. I purchased the car in June 2022 as a certified used car with roughly 9K miles on it. As soon as I drove it I could tell the brakes had a problem due to a high vibration level in steering wheel and throughout the car upon brake application above 30 mph. The dealer agreed and replaced the front rotors. The replaced parts were retained by the dealers under Volvo's warranty terms In November 2023, after roughly 4500 miles on the new rotors, the car again developed a noticable, although less severe, steering wheel vibration upon braking. In December 2023, with 6K miles on the front rotors, a dealer (different from the original one) again replaced them under warranty due to warping. I can't speak to the care given in operating the car prior to my acquiring it, but my wife and I are very gentle drivers. For comparison, we owned a 2001 Volvo S80, purchased new, for 16 years and about 120K miles and…”
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Oct 31, 2026
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings
5 tested variants
Overall rating
5/ 5
5 of 5Volvo S60 T5 4 DR AWD
- Frontal crash
- 4 of 5
- Side crash
- 5 of 5
- Side pole
- 5 of 5
- Rollover
- 5 of 5
- Rollover risk
- 9.9%
Overall
5 / 5
Volvo S60 T5 4 DR FWD
- Frontal crash
- 4 of 5
- Side crash
- 5 of 5
- Side pole
- 5 of 5
- Rollover
- 5 of 5
- Rollover risk
- 9.9%
Overall
5 / 5
Volvo S60 T6 4 DR AWD
- Frontal crash
- 4 of 5
- Side crash
- 5 of 5
- Side pole
- 5 of 5
- Rollover
- 5 of 5
- Rollover risk
- 9.9%
Data from NHTSA NCAP Safety Ratings API · synced Oct 31, 2026Vehicle 15705Vehicle 15704Vehicle 15706
Maintenance basics
General guidance, not the OEM schedule. Check your owner’s manual.
General guidance
| Item | Miles | Time | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine oil & filter | 5,000–10,000 mi | 6–12 months | Follow the oil-life monitor if fitted |
| Tire rotation | 5,000–7,500 mi | Every oil change | Check pressure monthly |
| Engine air filter | 15,000–30,000 mi | 1–2 years | Sooner in dusty areas |
| Cabin air filter | 15,000–25,000 mi | 1–2 years | |
| Brake fluid | — | 2–3 years | Absorbs moisture over time |
| Coolant | 60,000–100,000 mi | 5–10 years | Long-life coolants last longer |
| Spark plugs | 60,000–100,000 mi | — | Iridium/platinum plugs at the long end |
| 12V battery | — | 3–5 years | Heat shortens battery life |
- Engine oil & filter5,000–10,000 mi
6–12 months - Tire rotation5,000–7,500 mi
Every oil change - Engine air filter15,000–30,000 mi
1–2 years - Cabin air filter15,000–25,000 mi
1–2 years - Brake fluid—
2–3 years - Coolant60,000–100,000 mi
5–10 years - Spark plugs60,000–100,000 mi
— - 12V battery—
3–5 years
Typical intervals for modern cars. Severe service (towing, short trips, extreme heat or cold) shortens them.
2021 S-Class questions
How many recalls does the 2021 Volvo S-Class have?
0 recalls found in NHTSA data as of Oct 31, 2026.
What are the most common 2021 Volvo S-Class problems?
Owners filed 8 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are electrical system (4), visibility/wiper (3), service brakes (2). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.
How safe is the 2021 Volvo S-Class?
NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program gives the 2021 Volvo S-Class 5 out of 5 stars overall.
Data from NHTSA & EPA · synced Oct 31, 2026