Problems · NHTSA complaints

2021 Volvo S-Class problems

Owners filed 8 complaints about the 2021 Volvo S-Class with NHTSA between May 2021 and Aug 2026. The most-cited component is electrical system (4).

Complaints
8
Filed with NHTSA
Crashes
0
Reported by owners
Fires
0
Reported by owners
Injuries
0
People reported injured
Deaths
0
Reported to NHTSA
01 —By component

Complaints by component

One complaint can cite several components
  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.

Data from NHTSA Complaints API · synced Oct 31, 2026NHTSA vehicle page
02 —Trend

When complaints were filed

Does it get worse with age? Complaints per calendar year filed
View as table
Model yearComplaints filed per calendar year
20211
20221
20231
20240
20252
20263

Mileage at failure isn’t a structured field in NHTSA complaint data, so we don’t chart it. Some owners mention it in their reports below.

03 —Owner reports

Top problems in owners’ words

Verbatim from NHTSA complaints, newest first

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

Steering

1 report
“While I was going down a small side street that is a hill, the air conditioning system suddenly went off and immediately the entire car's mechanisms ceased. The engine stopped and the car was unstearable and the brakes were not working. I had my foot on the brake and that was not responsive, the car slid with all electrical systems not working and the brake not holding the car or stopping the movement of the car. I could not start the car to get the engine going.I could not stop nor start the car that slid into a major street that is a thoroughfare for a hospital. I had no control of the car at all. I attempted at least 7 times to start the Volvo that requires keeping your foot on the brake and turning a small switch that is located right next to the cup holder. Nothing would work. I called Volvo On Call who instead of immediately helping told me to call 911 since the car slid into the middle of the major street and it was an emergency regarding my safetly . A police officer came after a few minutes and blocked the traffic. Meanwhile, I was suddenly able by the 9 or 10th time to start the car and move it to the side of the road. The police officer drove in back…”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled May 29, 2021Steering, Electrical system, EngineODI 11418969

Engine

1 report
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Oct 31, 2026

Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.