NHTSA lists 5 safety recalls and 31 owner complaints for the 2021 Volvo XC60. Most complaints involve electrical system (9) and service brakes (7). The EPA rates it 23–27 mpg combined, and NHTSA gives it 5 stars overall.
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.
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.
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.
Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.
“The contact owns a 2021 Volvo XC60. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle inadvertently lost motive power. The contact pulled over to the shoulder, and the vehicle continuously turned on and off independently. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, who determined that the auxiliary battery power was low and that the vehicle needed a software update. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, and a case was opened. The failure mileage was 18,000.”
“Around 10/26/2024 I purchased a 2021 Volvo XC60 from Carvana. Carvana sells vehicles with a 100 day limited warranty. The manufacturer warranty was expired at this time. Carvana states they do an inspection of the vehicle prior to delivery. When I received the vehicle, I noticed the steering wheel would vibrate hard when I came to a stop. I took the Volvo to the local Volvo dealership to perform a full multi-point inspection. They found that the brake pads were at 1-2 MM with warped rotors on the front wheels. The back wheels had 3 MM brake pads. I called Carvana on 11/22/2024 to discuss the brake issue and inquired about the 100 day warranty to cover the brake repair because I was sold a very unsafe vehicle. I was told their warranty would not cover the cost to repair the brakes. I asked for the inspection report they did prior to delivering the Volvo. They will not release the inspection report to me. So I asked for the details of the inspection on the brakes. They told me their inspection showed front wheels with 6m on both and the rotors were at 29 (LF) and 28.02 (RF). They told me the rear wheels had 6M on brake pads for both wheels and the rotors were 11…”
“My car continued to move even with the brake pedal pressed, and collision avoidance systems did not turn on. This is very unsafe - a car that doesn’t respond when the driver brakes puts everyone else on the road in danger. The first time this happened was on Sep. 6, 2022. I was driving on the highway when the car in front of me stopped abruptly. I started to brake. The distance between our cars was large enough that I should have been able to stop safely, but my car continued to move. I was unable to stop the vehicle and crashed into the car in front of me. At the time, I thought it was my fault. Although there was damage to my car, luckily no one was injured. (This was resolved, and my car was repaired, with help from Shelter Insurance.) On June 13, 2023, I was pulling up to a red light behind another vehicle. I stepped on the brakes and my car jolted to a stop (I had to push the pedal down very hard to get my car to start slowing down). Then my car began to move again, even though I had not released the brake pedal. It was moving at about 1-2 mph. My car got so close to the car in front of us that the parking sensors began to beep. We would have run into the…”
Towing, payload and dimensions aren’t in the EPA or NHTSA data, so we don’t list them.
| Version | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| XC60 AWD PHEV Auto (S8), 4 cyl, 2.0 L, Turbo, Sup Charg · All-Wheel Drive | 26 | 28 | 27 | $2,850 | 196 |
| XC60 FWD Auto (S8), 4 cyl, 2.0 L, Turbo · Front-Wheel Drive | 22 | 29 | 25 | $3,100 | 359 |
| XC60 AWD Auto (S8), 4 cyl, 2.0 L, Turbo · All-Wheel Drive | 21 | 28 | 24 | $3,200 | 375 |
| XC60 AWD Auto (S8), 4 cyl, 2.0 L, Turbo, Sup Charg · All-Wheel Drive | 20 | 27 | 23 | $3,350 | 386 |
| 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 |
5 safety recalls as of Nov 9, 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.
Owners filed 31 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are electrical system (9), service brakes (7), forward collision avoidance (6). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.
The EPA rates the 2021 Volvo XC60 at 23–27 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (4 versions rated).
NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program gives the 2021 Volvo XC60 5 out of 5 stars overall.