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Your vehicleHome›Volvo›XC90› 2021
Volvo · Large SUV

2021 Volvo XC90

Plug-in hybrid Gas
Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD
4 EPA-rated configurations
Data refreshed 2026-10-26
F
Safety Signal
46 / 100 from the NHTSA recall record
Counts recalls, not crash safety — this vehicle earned 5 of 5 stars from NHTSA. A much-recalled best-seller scores low here; see the methodology.
Recalls3 critical 7
Complaints3 crash · 3 injured reported 42
Crash ratingNHTSA overall 5★
Fuel economybest combined, EPA 27 mpg
202720262025202420232022202120202019201820172016

The 2021 Volvo XC90 is sold in the U.S. as a plug-in hybrid and gas large SUV with 4 EPA-rated configurations. The most efficient version, the XC90 AWD PHEV, is EPA-rated at 27 mpg combined. NHTSA lists 7 recall campaigns for this model year, 3 rated critical, which gives it a Safety Signal grade of F. Owners have filed 42 complaints, most often about the electrical system. NHTSA crash-tested it at 5 stars overall.

Volvo XC90 — photograph via Wikimedia Commons
Volvo XC90 · Photo: Alexander Migl · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Wikimedia Commons

Specs & fuel economy

Source: EPA fueleconomy.gov
ConfigurationPowertrainDriveEngine / motorCityHwyCombRangekWh/100miCharge (240V)Annual fuel*
XC90 AWD PHEVPlug-in hybridAWD2.0L 4-cyl turbo + 34 and 65 kW 3-phase Sync.262827 (34 MPGe blended)18 mi electric583 h$3,050
XC90 FWDGasFWD2.0L 4-cyl turbo213025———$3,300
XC90 AWDGasAWD2.0L 4-cyl turbo202823———$3,550
XC90 AWDGasAWD2.0L 4-cyl turbo192822———$3,750

*EPA estimate at 15,000 miles/year at EPA reference fuel and electricity prices. fueleconomy.gov record ids: 42804, 42690, 42696, 42695.

Emissions & certification

Source: EPA emission certificates
ConfigurationSmog ratingEmission standardWhere it can be sold newSmartWay
XC90 AWD PHEV7 / 10California LEV-III SULEV30 / Federal Tier 3 Bin 30All 50 states (federal, all altitudes); California and states following California standardsSmartWay
XC90 AWD, XC90 FWD5 / 10Federal Tier 3 Bin 70All 50 states (federal, all altitudes)—
XC90 AWD7 / 10California LEV-III SULEV30 / Federal Tier 3 Bin 30All 50 states (federal, all altitudes); California and states following California standards—

Certified for all fifty states, so it can be registered new anywhere in the U.S.

The smog rating scores tailpipe pollutants other than greenhouse gases, 1 (worst) to 10 (best), and is comparable only within a model year. The standard is the federal bin or California tier the configuration was certified to. Both come from the EPA certificate behind the window sticker.

Specifications filed with NHTSA

Source: NHTSA vPIC

Dimensions Exterior

Body styleSport Utility Vehicle [SUV]/Multipurpose Vehicle [MPV]
GVWR classClass 2E: 6,001 - 7,000 lb (2,722 - 3,175 kg)

Engine Basics

Cylinders4
Displacement2 L

Engine Output

Horsepower250 hp

Fuel Economy

FuelGasoline

Seating

Seat rows3
Seating capacity7 seats

Transmission

DrivetrainAWD/All-Wheel Drive
TransmissionAutomatic
Transmission speeds8

Driver assistance

Standard: Adaptive cruise control, Anti-lock brakes, Automatic emergency braking, Backup camera, Blind-spot monitoring, Electronic stability control, Forward collision warning, Lane departure warning, Lane keeping assist, Pedestrian automatic emergency braking, Rear cross-traffic alert

Optional: Parking assist

Filed by the manufacturer with NHTSA under the federal vehicle-identification rule and decoded from the VIN pattern — not a manufacturer press kit, so it describes the configurations we could identify rather than every trim (seen: Inscription, Momentum). Figures for the trim you are looking at may differ.

Dimensions & weight

Source: Transport Canada
Length194.9 in
Width (body, without mirrors)79.1 in
Height70.1 in
Wheelbase117.3 in
Track, front65.7 in
Track, rear65.7 in
Curb weight4,524–5,095 lb
Weight distribution, front/rear53/47

Measured by Transport Canada for its Canadian Vehicle Specifications database, which covers the North American versions of each model — here 2 configurations: 4-door SUV AWD T5 / T6, Recharge 4-door SUV. Where a range is shown, those versions differ. Width is the body without mirrors, which is why it can read narrower than a brochure figure. Before we used it we checked it against the US manufacturer press kits we hold (27 Sep 2026): wheelbase agreed within 1% on every vehicle we could compare, length on 98%, and the curb weight fell inside the manufacturer's range on 96%. Source dataset. Contains information licensed under the Open Government Licence – Canada. Licence.

Also on file Beside the 2021 XC90
Other years The 2027 XC90 Recalls Volvo recalls
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Factory warranty running out?

The 2021 Volvo XC90 is in the years where high-voltage electronics and module repairs land on the owner. What an extended plan does and does not cover is worth reading before a dealer quotes you one.

What to check before you buy →

Affiliate disclosure: some links on this page are affiliate links. If you request a quote or buy through them we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Nothing on this page changes because of it.

Recalls (7)

Source: NHTSA recall database
!critical

Service Brakes, Hydraulic

R10329
11,469 vehicles 100% reported repaired
Problem Volvo Car USA, LLC (Volvo Car) is recalling certain 2023 Volvo C40 BEV, 2025 EC40, 2023-2024 XC40 BEV, 2020-2026 XC90 PHEV, 2022-2026 XC60 PHEV, 2023-2025 S60 PHEV, 2024-2025 V60 PHEV, and 2025-2026 EX40 and 2025 S90 PHEV vehicles. In certain driving scenarios while coasting down a hill and using "B" mode or "One Pedal Drive," the vehicle may lose brake function. Risk A loss of brake function increases the risk of a crash. Fix Owners are advised not to use "B" Mode (for plug-in hybrid vehicles) or "One Pedal Drive" (for pure electric vehicles) until the repair has been completed. The brake module software will be updated over-the-air (OTA) or by a dealer, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 15, 2025. Owners may contact Volvo Car's customer service at 1-800-458-1552. Volvo Car's number for this recall is R10329.
Filed with NHTSADefect report PDFOwner letter PDFRemedy instructions PDF
NHTSA campaign 25V392000 reported Jun 12, 2025 Volvo Car USA, LLC the full filing, and every vehicle covered →
!critical

Electrical System

R10312
7,483 vehicles 85% reported repaired built Jun 17, 2019 – Nov 29, 2021
Problem 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. Risk A short circuit in a high-voltage battery increases the risk of a fire. Fix Owners are advised not to charge their vehicles until the remedy has been completed. Dealers will inspect and replace the high-voltage battery module as necessary. In addition, dealers will update the software to monitor the battery. All repairs will be performed free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 28, 2025. Owners may contact Volvo Car's customer service at 1-800-458-1552. Volvo Car's number for this recall is R10312.
Filed with NHTSADefect report PDF
NHTSA campaign 25V179000 reported Mar 24, 2025 Volvo Car USA, LLC the full filing, and every vehicle covered →
▲high

Seat Belts

R10259
2,911 vehicles 78% reported repaired
Problem Volvo Car USA, LLC (Volvo Car) is recalling certain 2015-2024 XC90 vehicles. The second-row seat belt buckle and lower belt anchor bolts may not be tightened properly. Risk An improperly tightened seat belt buckle may not restrain an occupant as intended, increasing their risk of injury during a crash. Fix Dealers will inspect and tighten the second-row seat belt buckle anchorage bolts, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 19, 2024. Owners may contact Volvo Car customer service at 1-800-458-1552. Volvo Car's number for this recall is R10259.
Filed with NHTSARemedy instructions PDF
NHTSA campaign 23V827000 reported Dec 7, 2023 Volvo Car USA, LLC the full filing, and every vehicle covered →
!critical

Steering

R10213
74 vehicles 96% reported repaired
Problem 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. Risk A screw inside the gearbox housing can cause the steering wheel to lock up and increase the risk of a crash. Fix Dealers will replace the steering gear, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed March 1, 2023. Owners may contact Volvo Car's customer service at 1-800-458-1552. Volvo Car's number for this recall is R10213.
Filed with NHTSARemedy instructions PDF
NHTSA campaign 23V001000 reported Jan 5, 2023 Volvo Car USA, LLC the full filing, and every vehicle covered →
▲high

Service Brakes, Hydraulic

R10120
9 vehicles 100% reported repaired
Problem 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. Risk Separation of the rotor and shaft may cause a reduction in braking assistance and a loss of the Antilock Brake System (ABS) and Electronic Stability Control (ESC), increasing the risk of a crash. Fix Dealers will replace the hydraulic unit, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed October 22, 2021. Owners may contact Volvo Car customer service at 1-888-458-1552. Volvo Car's number for this recall is R10120.
Filed with NHTSARemedy instructions PDF
NHTSA campaign 21V716000 reported Sep 15, 2021 Volvo Car USA, LLC the full filing, and every vehicle covered →
▲high

Seat Belts

R10111
19,149 vehicles 98% reported repaired
Problem 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. Fix 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.
Filed with NHTSAOwner letter PDFRemedy instructions PDF
NHTSA campaign 21V682000 reported Sep 1, 2021 Volvo Car USA, LLC the full filing, and every vehicle covered →
▲high

Air Bags

R10068
2,883 vehicles 99% reported repaired
Problem 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. Fix 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.
Filed with NHTSAOwner letter PDFRemedy instructions PDF
NHTSA campaign 21V001000 reported Jan 7, 2021 Volvo Car USA, LLC the full filing, and every vehicle covered →

These are vehicle campaigns — the ones the automaker filed against this model. NHTSA also records equipment recalls, filed by a parts maker against a component (a tyre, a child seat, an aftermarket part), and those are not listed here or counted above. nhtsa.gov/recalls shows both for a VIN.

NHTSA defect investigations

Electrical System:Propulsion System — Pedestrian alert sounds closed

NHTSA received a petition on or about July 18, 2022, requesting that Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) 141 be applied to all electric and hybrid vehicles operating in the United States. The petition can be reviewed at NHTSA.gov under ODI Number 11486072. FMVSS 141 establishes performance requirements for pedestrian alert sounds for motor vehicles. The standard applies to hybrid and electric vehicles that have a gross vehicle weight rating of 4,536 KG or less or are defined as low-speed vehicles. The standard became fully applicable to all such vehicles manufactured on or after March 1, 2021. On January 27, 2023, NHTSA opened Defect Petition (DP) 22-005 to evaluate the subject mat

Opened Jan 27, 2023 · closed Aug 7, 2023 · action DP22005 · the investigation’s page →

Whether any of this applies to one specific XC90

A campaign covers a build range, not a model year, so two identical-looking cars from 2021 can differ. Both of these check a VIN against the manufacturer’s own list, free, in about ten seconds. Volvo publishes its own lookup because federal rule 49 CFR 573.15 requires it to, and to keep it current to within seven days.

NHTSA VIN check →Volvo’s own VIN lookup →

Hear about a recall before the letter does

The manufacturer’s letter is the last step of a recall: it has up to 60 days after filing to mail owners, at the address on the registration. We email you the day NHTSA posts a recall on the 2021 Volvo XC90, with what to do next. Nothing else, ever — no newsletter, no marketing, one-click unsubscribe in every message.

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Parts & accessories for the 2021 Volvo XC90

Search by fitment on eBay Motors — OEM take-offs, aftermarket, and the trim pieces dealers no longer stock. The listing and the price are the seller's.

Find parts for this XC90 →

Owner complaints

Source: NHTSA complaint database
42complaints filed

3 involved a crash · 0 a fire · 3 injuries · 0 deaths reported

9.0 per 10,000 built · Volvo reported 46,602 XC90 built (its Early Warning production report to NHTSA)

Filed per year: 2020: 1 · 2021: 4 · 2022: 4 · 2023: 4 · 2024: 3 · 2025: 4 · 2026: 22

Most-cited components

Electrical System 15
Service Brakes 8
Engine 8
Unspecified 6
Fuel/Propulsion System 5
Forward Collision Avoidance 4

In owners' own words

Filed with NHTSA by the people who own these cars, one per problem area. Quoted as written, with anything identifying removed.

The vehicle’s Start/Stop system began displaying warning messages and malfunctioning prior to the expiration of the factory warranty. The issue first appeared before 50,000 miles and reappeared at 49,997 miles, when a warning was displayed on the dashboard. The vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer for inspection.
Electrical System Aug 3, 2025 NHTSA owner report · ODI 11678085
The contact owns a 2021 Volvo XC90. The contact stated that while retrieving items from the trunk, the contact became aware that there was water leaking into the cargo area. The contact stated that the holders were full of water. There were no warning lights illuminated.
Visibility/Wiper at 40,000 miles Mar 16, 2026 NHTSA owner report · ODI 11724553
The contact owns a 2021 Volvo XC90. The contact stated that upon shifting to Drive(D) while the vehicle was on an incline, the vehicle rolled back before moving forward as intended. The contact stated that the failure had been recurring, causing the vehicle to hit a garage door and a brick mailbox on two different occasions.
Power Train Mar 13, 2026 NHTSA owner report · ODI 11724066
Driving on a 45 mph road and brakes felt squishy, like air was going out of them. It was slow to stop and had to pump then stomp to get it to stop before crashing. Was fortunate to not hit anything. Pulled into gas station and had it towed to Volvo. There were no warning lights or other indication of problem- the brakes just failed.
Service Brakes Mar 10, 2026 NHTSA owner report · ODI 11723187
My 2021 Volvo XC90 Recharge has experienced multiple hybrid system failures under Volvo's factory 8-year/100,000-mile hybrid warranty, with fewer than 45,000 miles on the odometer.
Fuel/Propulsion System Mar 7, 2026 NHTSA owner report · ODI 11722681
The ERAD (Electric Rear Axle Drive) transmission on my 2021 XC90 T8 Recharge has suffered an internal failure at approximately 112,550 miles. The vehicle makes loud grinding and slamming noises from the rear drivetrain and locks up when attempting to drive, making the vehicle completely undrivable.
Engine Feb 13, 2026 NHTSA owner report · ODI 11717923

Complaint counts are raw owner reports to NHTSA, not verified defects, and scale with how many were sold. Use them to spot patterns, not to rank.

Reported by Volvo itself: 5 death-or-injury claims on this model year in its quarterly Early Warning reports to NHTSA (49 CFR 579.21): 1 killed, 4 injured, as claimed, not verified — about 11 per 100,000 built. Every XC90 model year, by year and system → Dated and by system, they are exhibit F of the defect dossier.

Crash ratings

Source: NHTSA NCAP
ConfigurationOverallFrontalSideRolloverRollover risk
SUV AWD★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★☆18%
SUV AWD★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★☆18%
SUV AWD★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★☆16%
SUV FWD★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★☆19%

NHTSA New Car Assessment Program. Standard driver-assist: forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking.

Service bulletins & campaigns

Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications
Communicationsfiled with NHTSA 388
Most recentmanufacturer date 2026-07-28
Kindsas classified by NHTSA 378 service bulletins, 6 others, 4 service campaigns

Most often about: Electrical System, Equipment, Unknown Or Other, Engine, Exterior Lighting.

  • 36863.4.0 Service bulletin
    2026-07-28 · Electrical System
  • This is a Technical Journal: DIM Message and DTC IEM P0C0500. 1. Erase the DTC 2. Test drive the vehicle in electrical mode and accelerate until the vehicle reaches a minimum of 30 km/h (19 mph). 3. Perform a new VIDA readout If the DTC IEM P0C0500 does not return, do not replace any parts. Release the car to customer.
  • 32010.3.0 Service bulletin
    2026-06-10 · Unknown Or Other
  • This is a Technical Journal: Plus 2 attachments 1- TJI-497587-1 and 1 MP4 Speaker Grill -It may be possible for the rear door lock switch to get stuck in the speaker grille. This can lead to a drained battery. Applies only for cars with Premium or High Performance stereo. Service: Check for/remove edges in the hole for the button in the speaker grille. Follow attached method "TJ 32010.pdf" or the
  • 33031.6.0 Service bulletin
    2026-05-23 · Unknown Or Other
  • This is a Technical Journal: Text plus 1 .jpg attachment - If remote control key is not detected by the car and shows message in DIM "Car key not found" or if functions such as lock/unlock are not working, please follow advice for detecting key
  • 37545.4.0 Service bulletin
    2026-05-20 · Unknown Or Other
  • This is a TJ no attachments - If customer complains of creaking or squeaking noise coming from the door stop when opening/closing the door, follow advice under "Service". Before replacing any parts, follow the instruction below.
  • 37545.4.0 Service bulletin
    2026-05-07 · Unknown Or Other
  • This is a TJ no attachments - If customer complains of creaking or squeaking noise coming from the door stop when opening/closing the door, follow advice under "Service". Before replacing any parts, follow the instruction below.
  • 36496.10.0 Service bulletin
    2026-05-07 · Power Train
  • This is a Technical Journal: Intermittent knocking noise during acceleration. If the sound corresponds to attached sound file, change front drive shafts to the below part numbers.
  • 36376.6.0 Service bulletin
    2026-05-07 · Unknown Or Other
  • This is a Technical Journal: Text only no attachments - Before replacing a cell module, make sure the latest BECM software is downloaded. This is important for utilizing the VIDA method described here and receiving the correct cell balancing diagnostics after the replacement.
  • 34521.11.1 Service bulletin
    2026-05-07 · Exterior Lighting
  • This is a Technical Journal: Headlamp condensation inside lens - information/leak test. If the result is not ok (air leak), it is ok to replace the headlamp

A service bulletin is the manufacturer telling its dealers how to diagnose or repair a known condition. It is not a recall, not a finding that the vehicle is defective, and the work is not automatically free — though a bulletin is often what a dealer works from when you describe a symptom, so quoting the document number can save a diagnosis. The count is every communication filed; the list shows the most recent, one entry per campaign, because a single campaign is usually filed as several documents on the same day. The summaries are NHTSA's; the full documents come from the manufacturer.

Diagnostic trouble codes on file

Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications and complaints

Codes documented against this model year in the federal record. A code appearing here does not mean this vehicle will set it — it means the code is part of this nameplate-year's documented history.

CodeWhat it meansMost often filed underWhere it appears
U029D
U029D on Volvo →		Manufacturer-defined — the meaning is set by the automaker, not the standard.Engine2 bulletins
U029EManufacturer-defined — the meaning is set by the automaker, not the standard.Engine2 bulletins
U02A3Manufacturer-defined — the meaning is set by the automaker, not the standard.Engine2 bulletins

Generic codes (the second character is 0 or 2) mean the same thing on every vehicle sold in the United States. Manufacturer-specific codes (1 or 3) mean whatever the automaker assigned, and no honest source can define them for you — which is why the ones here carry the evidence instead of a definition. A code is a link when enough separate federal documents name it across the catalogue to be worth a page of its own; the rest are listed here, where the vehicle is the context that makes them mean something.

Affiliate disclosure: some links on this page are affiliate links. If you request a quote or buy through them we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Nothing on this page changes because of it.

At the New York inspection station

Source: New York State DMV

In New York’s inspection lanes over the 12 months to Oct 10, 2026, the 2021 Volvo XC90 failed the emissions check on 1.6% of first inspections — close to the 1.9% for every 2021 model-year vehicle inspected; and the safety inspection on 0.91% (every 2021 vehicle: 1.5%).

New York inspections 1.6%

failed emissions

1,643 initial inspections of 1,606 vehicles.

MeasureThe 2021 XC90Every 2021 vehicleBehind it
Failed the emissions check1.6%1.9%1,640
Failed the safety inspection0.91%1.5%1,643
Air-bag warning lamp stayed lit0.12%0.19%1,643
Miles driven a year11,01410,343odometer at inspection
Average odometer58,14754,681odometer at inspection

New York’s emissions test on these model years is an on-board diagnostics check: it fails a car whose check-engine light is on or whose self-tests have not finished. First inspections only, so a car that failed and came back is counted once; private and special plates, not taxis, livery or commercial plates. A rate appears only where at least 200 inspections stand behind it. “Every 2021 vehicle” is every 2021 model-year car, SUV and pickup inspected in the same window, all makes. This is the state’s record of test results, not a reliability score by itself. Source: New York State Department of Motor Vehicles, Vehicle Inspections (data.ny.gov, Open NY terms).

XC90 by model year

all years, side by side →
Year Safety Recalls Complaints
2027 A 0 0 25 mpg2026 B 1 8 27 mpg2025 C 3 29 27 mpg2024 C 4 37 27 mpg2023 D 7 41 27 mpg2022 F 5 30 27 mpg2021 this page F 7 42 27 mpg2020 F 9 34 27 mpg2019 D 6 42 25 mpg2018 B 3 51 27 mpg2017 D 7 81 25 mpg2016 F 8 198 25 mpg

Common questions about the 2021 XC90

Source: EPA, NHTSA and manufacturer press kits

Does the 2021 Volvo XC90 have any recalls?

NHTSA has posted 7 recall campaigns for the 2021 Volvo XC90, 3 of them rated critical. The most serious on file is 25V392000, covering Service Brakes, Hydraulic. Check your own VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls; a recall applies to specific build ranges, not every car.

How safe is the 2021 Volvo XC90?

NHTSA gave the 2021 Volvo XC90 5 stars overall in its New Car Assessment Program tests — 5-star frontal crash, 5-star side crash, 4-star rollover. WhichTrim also grades it F (46/100) on its recall record, which is a different question from crash protection.

What is the fuel economy of the 2021 Volvo XC90?

Across the 4 EPA-rated configurations of the 2021 Volvo XC90, the best EPA combined figure is 27 mpg (MPGe on the electrified versions). Figures are the EPA's own, per configuration, and every one is listed above.

What are the dimensions of the 2021 Volvo XC90?

Transport Canada measured it at 194.9 in long, 79.1 in wide (body, without mirrors), 70.1 in tall, on a 117.3 in wheelbase. Curb weight: 4,524–5,095 lb depending on configuration. Those are its measurements of the North American versions; every figure is in the table above.

What do owners complain about on the 2021 Volvo XC90?

Owners have filed 42 complaints with NHTSA about the 2021 Volvo XC90, most often about electrical system, service brakes, engine. Of those, 3 involved a crash, 3 reported injuries. Complaints are unverified owner reports, so treat the pattern as a signal and the individual report as an anecdote.

How clean is the 2021 Volvo XC90?

The EPA smog rating for the 2021 Volvo XC90 runs 5 to 7 out of 10 across its configurations. That score covers tailpipe pollutants other than greenhouse gases, and it only compares vehicles within the same model year. It is certified for all fifty states, so it can be registered new anywhere in the U.S. Its configurations were certified to different standards — California LEV-III SULEV30, Federal Tier 3 Bin 30, Federal Tier 3 Bin 70 — which the table above lists per configuration.

Are there service bulletins for the 2021 Volvo XC90?

The manufacturer has filed 388 service bulletins and related communications with NHTSA for the 2021 Volvo XC90, most often covering electrical system, equipment, unknown or other. The most recent is dated 2026-07-28. A bulletin is not a recall: it is the repair procedure a manufacturer sends its dealers for a condition it knows about, and the work is not automatically paid for. It is still worth knowing — if the symptom matches, quoting the bulletin number at the service desk can save a diagnosis. The document numbers and summaries are listed above.

How does the 2021 Volvo XC90 do at state inspection?

In New York’s inspection lanes over the 12 months to Oct 10, 2026, the 2021 Volvo XC90 failed the emissions check on 1.6% of first inspections — close to the 1.9% for every 2021 model-year vehicle inspected; and the safety inspection on 0.91% (every 2021 vehicle: 1.5%). The figures are New York State DMV’s own inspection records, first inspections only, and the table above sets each one against every vehicle of the same model year.

What we hold, and what an empty row means

Paid vehicle-history reports will not tell you the difference between “nothing happened to this car” and “we never received that record” — both of the big two say as much in their own help pages. Most of what is on this page comes from complete federal registers, so we can tell you which is which, row by row.

DataHeldSourceWhat it covers — or what empty means
Fuel economy & configurations4 configurationsEPA certification recordsEvery configuration the EPA certified for sale, with its own test figures.
Emission certificates4 configurationsEPA emission certificatesSmog rating, standard and the sales area that decides where the car can be sold new.
Recalls7NHTSA recall campaignsA complete federal register: every campaign covering this model year, with severity and advisory flags.
Owner complaints42NHTSA complaint databaseAlso complete, but unverified: these are reports owners filed, not findings. Counts scale with how many were sold.
Crash ratings4 testedNHTSA NCAPOnly the configurations NHTSA chose to crash-test, which is never all of them.
Service bulletins388NHTSA manufacturer communicationsEverything the manufacturer told its dealers about a defect or malfunction, short of a recall.
Investigations1NHTSA Office of Defects InvestigationOpen and closed defect investigations, with the agency's own narrative.
Driver-assist crash reportsnoneNHTSA Standing General Order 2021-01No report has been filed. Only entities named in the order report, and only crashes they hear of — so this is also what an unequipped car, or a manufacturer without telematics, looks like.
Specifications filed with NHTSA11 fieldsNHTSA vPIC, decoded from VIN patternsWhat the manufacturer filed under the federal VIN rule — a configuration, not the full trim ladder.
Measured dimensions7 fieldsTransport Canada, Canadian Vehicle SpecificationsLength, width, height, wheelbase, track and curb weight, measured on the North American versions.
Trims, pricing & equipmentnoneManufacturer press kitWe have not transcribed a press kit for this model year yet. This is our gap, not the manufacturer's — the one row here where an empty cell means we are behind.

Rebuilt nightly; this page was generated 2026-10-26. Every figure above is traceable to the source named beside it, and the JSON for this page carries the same values with their identifiers.

Where to go next

pages beside this one
Other years The 2027 XC90 The XC90 model year with the cleanest record on file — grade A, 0 recalls.Recalls Every Volvo recall on file All campaigns filed against Volvo vehicles, newest first, with the manufacturer's own number.Recall Watch Watch this XC90 by VIN Give it the VIN and you hear the night a campaign is filed — from $29 a month for a lot, free for ten.

Sources & method

Safety Signal starts every model-year at 100 and subtracts points per open NHTSA recall campaign by severity: critical 15 (fire risk, park-outside or do-not-drive advisories), high 8 (brakes, steering, airbags, loss of drive power, structure, battery), moderate 6, minor 3 (software, labels, lighting fixed by an update). The most serious recall counts in full and each further one counts 85% of the one before, because a vehicle sold in millions is recalled more often than a rare one without being more dangerous — and because a flat subtraction bottomed the scale out, scoring a vehicle with 22 recalls within a point of one with six. A ≥ 90, B ≥ 80, C ≥ 70, D ≥ 60, otherwise F. Read it as what it counts: recall campaigns on the federal record, weighted by severity. The damping reduces the sales bias by roughly 40% but does not remove it: like our complaint counts, this is not normalized by how many were sold, so a best-seller still scores somewhat worse than an obscure model with the same real risk. NHTSA crash ratings, do-not-drive and park-outside advisories, and the crash, fire, injury and death counts in owner complaints are reported separately on every page and never blended into the letter — a vehicle can hold five stars and a poor letter at once, and where that happens we say so rather than leave you to notice. Because the scale subtracts from a clean sheet, a model year too new to have been recalled, complained about or bulletined scores full marks on an empty record; we label those grades provisional rather than present them as earned.

EPA figures come from fueleconomy.gov vehicle records. Recalls, complaints, investigations and crash ratings come from NHTSA's public flat files, refreshed nightly.

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