2021 Volvo S90 Problems: 6 Known Issues
2021 model year · 1,570+ owner reports · Updated November 2026
According to Au7o's analysis of 1,570+ owner reports, the 2021 Volvo S90 has 6 documented known issues, with 2 rated critical. The most serious are Integrated Brake System Hydraulic Unit Rotor/Shaft Weld Can Separate, Losing Boost, ABS and ESC — Recall 21V716 / Volvo R10120 ($0-$4,000 repair) and Recall 25V179000 — S90 Recharge High-Voltage Battery Short Circuit Fire Risk. The most commonly reported issue is Sensus Infotainment System Lag, Crashes, and Black Screen with 850 owner reports. Across all issues with published estimates, repair costs range from $100 to $4,000. DIY maintenance guides at au7o.io.
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All 6 Known Issues
NHTSA Recalls6 recalls
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:ENGINE CONTROL MODULE (ECU/ECM)
Volvo Car USA, LLC (Volvo Car) is recalling certain 2022-2023 S60, V60, S90L, XC60, and XC90 vehicles. An electronic control module (ECM) software error may prevent the combustion engine from starting, causing a loss of drive power.
BACK OVER PREVENTION:SOFTWARE
Volvo Car USA, LLC (Volvo Car) is recalling certain 2021-2025 XC40, 2022 V90, 2022-2025 S90, V90CC, C40, XC60, 2023-2025 S60, V60, V60CC, XC90, and 2025 EC40 and EX40 vehicles. The rearview camera image may not display when the vehicle is placed in reverse. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, "Rear Visibility."
BACK OVER PREVENTION:SOFTWARE
Volvo Car USA, LLC (Volvo Car) is recalling certain 2021-2025 XC40, 2022 V90, 2022-2024 C40BEV, 2022-2025 S90, V90CC, XC60, 2023-2025 S60, V60, V60CC, XC90, and 2025 EC40, and EX40 vehicles. The rearview camera image may not display when the vehicle is placed in reverse. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, "Rear Visibility."
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP
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.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE
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.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most common Volvo S90 problems?
According to Au7o's analysis of 1,570+ owner reports, the 2021 Volvo S90 has 6 documented issues. The most frequently reported are: Integrated Brake System Hydraulic Unit Rotor/Shaft Weld Can Separate, Losing Boost, ABS and ESC — Recall 21V716 / Volvo R10120, Recall 25V179000 — S90 Recharge High-Voltage Battery Short Circuit Fire Risk, Sensus Infotainment System Lag, Crashes, and Black Screen. Of these, 2 are rated critical and should be addressed promptly.
Is the Volvo S90 reliable?
The 2021 Volvo S90 has 6 known issues documented across 1,570+ owner reports. 2 issues are rated critical: Integrated Brake System Hydraulic Unit Rotor/Shaft Weld Can Separate, Losing Boost, ABS and ESC — Recall 21V716 / Volvo R10120 and Recall 25V179000 — S90 Recharge High-Voltage Battery Short Circuit Fire Risk. Prospective buyers should inspect for these issues and factor potential repair costs into their purchase decision. Regular maintenance following the manufacturer's schedule helps prevent many common problems.
How much does it cost to fix common Volvo S90 problems?
Repair costs for known Volvo S90 issues range from $0 to $4,000, depending on the specific problem and whether you choose DIY or professional repair. The most critical issue, Integrated Brake System Hydraulic Unit Rotor/Shaft Weld Can Separate, Losing Boost, ABS and ESC — Recall 21V716 / Volvo R10120, typically costs $0-$4,000 to repair. Au7o provides step-by-step DIY maintenance guides that can help reduce repair costs.
What is the 2021 Volvo S90 Integrated Brake System Hydraulic Unit Rotor/Shaft Weld Can Separate, Losing Boost, ABS and ESC — Recall 21V716 / Volvo R10120?
2021 S90L sedans (with 2020-2021 XC60 and XC90) built with the Continental integrated brake system (IBS) had hydraulic units in which the rotor and shaft were not welded to specification. Under a hard braking maneuver the rotor and shaft can separate inside the unit; the driver t… Repairs typically run $0-$4,000. Severity: high.
What is the 2020-2021 Volvo S90 Recall 25V179000 — S90 Recharge High-Voltage Battery Short Circuit Fire Risk?
Volvo Car USA recalled 2020-2021 S90 plug-in hybrid sedans under NHTSA campaign 25V179000 (Volvo reference R10312). On the affected S90 Recharge, the high-voltage battery may short circuit internally within a battery module when the battery has been charged to full and the car is… Severity: high.
What is the 2017-2021 Volvo S90 Sensus Infotainment System Lag, Crashes, and Black Screen?
The Sensus infotainment system in the S90 suffers from significant lag, screen freezes, and black screen episodes. Since the system controls climate, seat heating, navigation, and vehicle settings through the central touchscreen, a crash renders many vehicle functions inaccessibl… Repairs typically run $0-$2,000. Severity: medium.
What is the 2017-2024 Volvo S90 Rear Air Suspension Strut and Compressor Failure?
The S90 equipped with the optional rear air suspension (Premium Air Suspension in Rear with FOUR-C) experiences air spring leaks and compressor failure, typically after 50,000-70,000 miles. The rear air springs develop cracks in the rubber bladder, causing slow leaks that worsen… Repairs typically run $600-$3,500. Severity: medium.
What is the 2017-2021 Volvo S90 'Parking Brake Service Required' Message From Chafed EPB Caliper Wiring or Module Software — Volvo TJ 32525 / TJ 34647?
S90 and V90 owners across 2017-2021 report a recurring 'Parking brake service required' warning, sometimes with the electric parking brake refusing to release or apply. Volvo has issued multiple bulletins: TJ 34647 (2019, revised through 2024) directs a software upgrade for the m… Repairs typically run $100-$900. Severity: medium.
What is the 2017-2025 Volvo S90 Pilot Assist and Adaptive Cruise Control Malfunction?
The Pilot Assist semi-autonomous driving system and adaptive cruise control intermittently become unavailable, displaying error messages. Camera or radar sensor obstruction, calibration drift, or software bugs can trigger the issue. Heavy rain, snow, or direct sunlight may also c… Repairs typically run $0-$1,000. Severity: low.
Content on this page was compiled with AI assistance using NHTSA complaints, TSBs, owner reports, and public automotive data. While we strive for accuracy, this information may contain errors. Always verify repair procedures and specifications with your vehicle's service manual or a qualified mechanic.