2021 Volvo XC60 problems and owner complaints
Explore the records behind recurring owner reports.
Key facts
46 owner complaints analyzed
5 distinct recall campaigns
18,000 mi median reported failure mileage
Scope: 2021 model year. Data snapshot: . 3 complaints include usable failure mileage.
Most common problems
Electrical System is the most frequently named component, appearing in 13 of 46 complaints (28.3%). A complaint can name multiple components.
| Topic | Matching reports | Share of complaints |
|---|---|---|
| Braking behavior | 12 | 26.1% |
| Electrical and battery issues | 9 | 19.6% |
| Steering behavior | 9 | 19.6% |
| Fuel system concerns | 3 | 6.5% |
| Transmission and shifting | 1 | 2.2% |
Topic matches use published keyword rules. They describe mentions, including negations or comparisons, and do not confirm a diagnosis. Read the matching rules.
Component breakdown
Number of unique complaints naming each component. Top eight shown.
| Category | Count |
|---|---|
| Electrical System | 13 |
| Unknown Or Other | 11 |
| Service Brakes | 9 |
| Steering | 7 |
| Engine | 6 |
| Fuel/Propulsion System | 5 |
| Lane Departure: Blind Spot Detection | 5 |
| Forward Collision Avoidance: Adaptive Cruise Control | 3 |
Electrical System: 13; Unknown Or Other: 11; Service Brakes: 9; Steering: 7; Engine: 6; Fuel/Propulsion System: 5; Lane Departure: Blind Spot Detection: 5; Forward Collision Avoidance: Adaptive Cruise Control: 3
Reported problems by failure mileage
Complaint counts in mileage bands. These are not failure rates per vehicle or mile.
| Category | Count |
|---|---|
| Under 25,000 | 2 |
| 25,000 to 49,999 | 1 |
| 50,000 to 74,999 | 0 |
| 75,000 to 99,999 | 0 |
| 100,000 to 149,999 | 0 |
| 150,000 and above | 0 |
Under 25,000: 2; 25,000 to 49,999: 1; 50,000 to 74,999: 0; 75,000 to 99,999: 0; 100,000 to 149,999: 0; 150,000 and above: 0
Under 25,000 miles has the most reports with usable mileage (2). 43 complaints have missing, zero or invalid mileage.
Complaints over time
Year the complaint was filed, not the vehicle model year or incident year. The snapshot year is partial.
| Category | Count |
|---|---|
| 2021 | 6 |
| 2022 | 13 |
| 2023 | 4 |
| 2024 | 7 |
| 2025 | 5 |
| 2026 | 11 |
2021: 6; 2022: 13; 2023: 4; 2024: 7; 2025: 5; 2026: 11
Pattern summary
Electrical System leads the component reports. Braking behavior appears in 12 complaint narratives. Electrical and battery issues appears in 9 complaint narratives. Steering behavior appears in 9 complaint narratives. Use these patterns to inspect individual reports and prepare questions for a mechanic.
Calculated from recorded counts. An AI narrative has not been published for this selection.
Complaint evidence
Examples provide context, not a representative sample or a verified diagnosis.
Owner report 11433852 · 2021-09-21 (September 21, 2021)
The contact owned a 2021 Volvo XC60. The contact stated that while driving approximately 25 mph, the vehicle suddenly began to accelerate and the brakes failed to stop. The vehicle crashed into a nearby fence causing the vehicle to flip. The air bags did deploy. The contact received injuries to their right shoulder and left knee. Medical attention was needed. A police report was filed. The vehicle was towed and had not been deemed totaled as of yet however, damage to the vehicle would be considered unrepairable. The dealer was informed of the i…
Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 11433852 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 11461792 · 2022-04-22 (April 22, 2022)
The car started to move and accelerate with brake pressed. Accident prevention system did not activate itself. It did not display any warnings as it typically do during parking and being close to other cars. The car caused an accident with mild injuries to the driver of the other car, but could have hit a pedestrian or go to the intersection and involved with an accident with a car moving perpendicularly at a higher speed. I am waiting for an investigator from Volvo and Travelers Insurance. Prior to the accident the electronic display of t…
Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 11461792 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 11440071 · 2021-11-10 (November 10, 2021)
I purchased a brand new Volvo XC60 T5 AWD Inscription 7/04/2021. On 9/22/2021 I was driving in the middle lane on interstate 20 located in DFW TX and entering a curve when suddenly and without warning the steering wheel went stiff (as if I had NO power steering). I almost got into an accident, had I not been an experienced driver. A warning then displayed in the driver's information center "Power Steering Service Urgent, Drive To Workshop". The steering wheel continued to function as if I had no power steering until I arrived at work. I immedia…
Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 11440071 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 11474232 · 2022-07-16 (July 16, 2022)
On three occasions in September 2021 the car's steering locked up while driving so that I was unable to unwind the wheel, nearly sending me into stationary objects or the opposing lane. After slamming on the brakes, the wheel released. These all happened at low speeds, around 10mph. No signals or warnings popped up on my display. This was very upsetting. The dealer could not reproduce, could find nothing wrong, and advised me to keep all lane keeping aids off. They have since been off. FOUR times last week of July 2022 this happened again, th…
Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 11474232 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 11429186 · 2021-08-15 (August 15, 2021)
I purchased a brand new Volvo XC60 T6 on 7/18/2021. On 8/14/2021 I was driving on the far left lane on the 280S freeway and wanted to merge one lane to the right and as I was merging the steering wheel went stiff and caused me to lose control of the car. I almost get into a big accident with a Tesla. Then I heard a sound and notice on the dash display "Power Steering service urgent drive to a workshop" sign. The steering wheel continue being stiff and I experienced pain in my left arm due to the steering wheel incident. I immediately called the…
Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 11429186 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 11473455 · 2022-07-11 (July 11, 2022)
On June 30, 2022 our Volvo XC60 was driven at high speed on I-80 in western NE at dusk in heavy truck traffic before a holiday weekend. With semi’s on 3 sides, and NO WARNING, the vehicle LOST COMPLETE POWER. Driver fought the rapidly slowing car out of the left lane and limped onto right shoulder dodging semi’s. Scary. Only a turtle 🐢 icon appeared on the dash. Online owner’s manual was not avail. There was no response to pressing On call or SOS buttons. Using a phone, the Volvo website said the turtle meant “Reduced Engine Performance” to…
Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 11473455 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 11630286 · 2024-12-12 (December 12, 2024)
Driving as normal through a major intersection and the car began to jerk and stutter when trying to accelerate. there was no warning or symptom prior to this issue, but upon it happening, the turtle warning light appeared and had the display had an engine system message saying "reduced performance". I was able to pull over. Then turned the car off and back on, which then allowed me to pull in to the nearest parking lot. The warning light remained on. The car was towed to the nearest Volvo dealership. They confirmed the issue was a failure of th…
Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 11630286 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 11613270 · 2024-09-07 (September 7, 2024)
August 23rd, 2024, the car started hesitating when gas was applied. The transmission light came on, then the parking brake light came on saying it was turned off, the check engine light came on, the volvo on call light came on, and the car wouldnt turn off. I moved the shift into different gears, and was able to turn the car off. I waited a while and started the car again. This time the on call, and check engine light stayed on. I called the dealership, was told it was probably a low battery. Had me come in Monday the 26th to have it checked. B…
Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 11613270 at NHTSA ↗