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
01 —Recalls

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
02 —Complaints

Owner complaints by component

8 complaints filed with NHTSA · May 2021 – Aug 2026
  1. Electrical system4
  2. Visibility/wiper3
  3. Service brakes2
  4. Steering1
  5. Engine1
  6. 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 yearNHTSA complaints
1998251
1999415
2000628
2001322
2002216
2003141
2004298
2005140
2006102
200770
200852
200933
201036
201115
2012129
201394
201426
201567
201635
201726
201816
201923
20209
20218
Crashes reported
0
Fires reported
0
Injuries reported
0
Deaths reported
0
Data from NHTSA Complaints API · synced Oct 31, 2026NHTSA vehicle page
03 —Common problems

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…”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Aug 19, 2026Electrical system, Visibility/wiperODI 11758056

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”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Feb 27, 2026Electrical system, Visibility/wiperODI 11721000

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…”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Dec 14, 2023Service brakesODI 11560138
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Oct 31, 2026
04 —Safety

NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings

5 tested variants
Overall rating
5/ 5
5 of 5
Volvo 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
05 —Maintenance

Maintenance basics

General guidance, not the OEM schedule. Check your owner’s manual.
General guidance
ItemMilesTimeNote
Engine oil & filter5,000–10,000 mi6–12 monthsFollow the oil-life monitor if fitted
Tire rotation5,000–7,500 miEvery oil changeCheck pressure monthly
Engine air filter15,000–30,000 mi1–2 yearsSooner in dusty areas
Cabin air filter15,000–25,000 mi1–2 years
Brake fluid—2–3 yearsAbsorbs moisture over time
Coolant60,000–100,000 mi5–10 yearsLong-life coolants last longer
Spark plugs60,000–100,000 mi—Iridium/platinum plugs at the long end
12V battery—3–5 yearsHeat 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.
07 —FAQ

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