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.
The worst 2021 Volvo V90 problems
Ranked by number of owner complaints. Mileage and cost come from what owners wrote.
- Electrical1
Problems by type
Tap a problem to see which part fails, at what mileage and in which other years.
- Electrical1
Recalls 2
Seat belts: rear/other: retractor
- What is wrong
- 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."
- Risk
- An unsecured child restraint system can increase the risk of injury during a crash.
- Remedy
- Dealers will inspect and replace the seat belt assemblies, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed October 13, 2021. Owners may contact Volvo Car customer service at 1‑888‑458‑1552. Volvo Car's number for this recall is R10111.
Recall number 21V682000 · Recall details
Air bags: air bag/restraint control module
- What is wrong
- 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.
- Risk
- A detached SRS control unit can decrease the performance of occupant protection systems such as air bags, seat belts, and high voltage battery disconnect, increasing the risk of injury during a crash.
- Remedy
- Volvo Car will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and, as necessary, tighten the SRS control unit mounting screws, free of charge. The recall began February 12, 2021. Owners may contact Volvo Car customer service at 1‑888‑458‑1552. Volvo Car's number for this recall is R10068.
Recall number 21V001000 · Recall details
Technical service bulletins for the 2021 Volvo V90 185
Bulletins tell dealers how to fix known problems. A warranty extension means the manufacturer pays for that repair for longer.
- This is a Technical Journal: Text only no attachments
- This is a Technical Journal text only no attachments : Improved 12V battery test in VIDA. The 12V battery...
- This is a Technical Journal: Text plus 1 .jpg attachment
- This is a Technical Journal: Headlamp condensation inside lens
- This is a Technical Journal: Intermittent knocking noise during acceleration
- This is a Technical Journal: Text plus 2 PDFs and 1 .PNG Oil Consumption test
- This is a TJ text only
- This is a TJ
- This is a Technical Journal: Text plus 1 jpg and 1 mp4 file -- If there is a strange chafing or creaking...
- This is a Technical Journal: Text plus TJI-516730-1_1_0 Headliner, squeak/rattle noise If a squeaking...
What 2021 Volvo V90 owners say
Most recent owner complaints, unedited.
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Questions about the 2021 Volvo V90
Is the 2021 Volvo V90 reliable?
Owners have filed 1 complaint about the 2021 Volvo V90, close to a typical V90 model year.
What is the most common problem with the 2021 Volvo V90?
Electrical system, with 1 complaint.
How many recalls does the 2021 Volvo V90 have?
2 recalls, covering seat belts and air bags.
Is there a class action lawsuit over the Volvo V90?
Yes. New class action says Volvo's Google-based infotainment screens freeze and take climate and rearview camera with them (November 9, 2026).
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