Research · Midsize Station Wagons · 3 NHTSA variants

2021 Volvo V90Recalls, problems, MPG & safety

NHTSA lists 2 safety recalls and 1 owner complaint for the 2021 Volvo V90. Most complaints involve electrical system (1). The EPA rates it 24–26 mpg combined.

Combined MPG
24–26mpg
EPA · 3 versions
NHTSA overall
—
Not rated by NCAP
Safety recalls
2campaigns
Latest Sep 2021
Owner complaints
1
Top: electrical system
Fuel cost / yr
$3,000est.
EPA estimate, best version
01 —Recalls

Safety recalls

2 NHTSA campaigns · applies to some vehicles, check your VIN

Seat belts: retractor

Free remedy

Volvo Car USA, LLC (Volvo Car) is recalling certain 2021 XC40, XC 40 Recharge, V60CC, V90, V90CC, XC90, and 2021-2022 V60, XC60, S60 vehicles. The seat belt automatic locking retractors may deactivate early, which can prevent the child restraint system from securing properly. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."

Seat beltsReported Sep 1, 2021NHTSA 21V682000

Air bags

Free remedy

Volvo Cars USA, LLC (Volvo Car) is recalling certain 2021 Volvo V60, V60 Cross Country, V90, V90 Cross Country, XC60, and XC90 vehicles. The Supplementary Restraint System (SRS) control unit may not have been properly attached to the car body and may detach during a crash.

Air bagsReported Jan 7, 2021NHTSA 21V001000
Data from NHTSA Recalls API · synced Nov 10, 2026 · All recall detailsNHTSA vehicle page
02 —Complaints

Owner complaints by component

1 complaints filed with NHTSA · Mar 2026 – Mar 2026
  1. Electrical system1

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 V90 model year we’ve synced.

View as table
Model yearNHTSA complaints
199810
20182
20191
20201
20211
Crashes reported
0
Fires reported
0
Injuries reported
0
Deaths reported
0
Data from NHTSA Complaints API · synced Nov 10, 2026NHTSA vehicle page
03 —Common problems

What owners report most

Verbatim excerpts from NHTSA complaints, by component

Electrical system

1 report
“In our 2021 Volvo XC90, the hybrid battery has completely failed, which I suspect is a common issue in this model. The error message is Hybrid System Failure, and the dealership has confirmed that the entire battery will need replacement. Volvo has not listed this car as subject to a recall over this issue, and I suspect they are underplaying its frequency. We have been waiting weeks for a replacement to become available.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Mar 10, 2026Electrical systemODI 11723274
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Nov 10, 2026
04 —Key specs

Engines, transmissions & drive

3 versions rated by the EPA
EPA class
Midsize Station Wagons
Engines
2.0L 4-cyl turbo · 2.0L 4-cyl turbo supercharged
Transmissions
Automatic (S8)
Drive
Front-Wheel Drive · All-Wheel Drive
Fuel
Premium Gasoline

Towing, payload and dimensions aren’t in the EPA or NHTSA data, so we don’t list them.

Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Nov 10, 2026EPA listing
05 —Fuel economy

EPA fuel economy by version

City / highway / combined, annual fuel cost and CO₂
EPA
VersionCityHwyComb.Fuel / yrCO₂ g/mi
V90 FWD
Auto (S8), 4 cyl, 2.0 L, Turbo · Front-Wheel Drive
223326$3,000339
V90 AWD
Auto (S8), 4 cyl, 2.0 L, Turbo, Sup Charg · All-Wheel Drive
213225$3,100356
V90 CC AWD
Auto (S8), 4 cyl, 2.0 L, Turbo, Sup Charg · All-Wheel Drive
203024$3,200373
  • V90 FWD
    Auto (S8), 4 cyl, 2.0 L, Turbo
    22 city · 33 hwy · $3,000/yr
    26
    mpg comb.
  • V90 AWD
    Auto (S8), 4 cyl, 2.0 L, Turbo, Sup Charg
    21 city · 32 hwy · $3,100/yr
    25
    mpg comb.
  • V90 CC AWD
    Auto (S8), 4 cyl, 2.0 L, Turbo, Sup Charg
    20 city · 30 hwy · $3,200/yr
    24
    mpg comb.
Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Nov 10, 2026 · Fuel cost is EPA’s annual estimate (15,000 mi, 55% city)
06 —Safety

NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings

2 tested variants
NHTSA has not published 5-Star Safety Ratings for the 2021 Volvo V90 as of Nov 10, 2026.
Data from NHTSA NCAP Safety Ratings API · synced Nov 10, 2026Vehicle 15716Vehicle 15717
07 —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.
09 —FAQ

2021 V90 questions

How many recalls does the 2021 Volvo V90 have?

2 safety recalls as of Nov 10, 2026, according to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at a dealer. Check your VIN to see whether your car is included and whether the repair was done.

What are the most common 2021 Volvo V90 problems?

Owners filed 1 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are electrical system (1). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.

What MPG does the 2021 Volvo V90 get?

The EPA rates the 2021 Volvo V90 at 24–26 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (3 versions rated).

Data from NHTSA & EPA · synced Nov 10, 2026