Volvo · Known Issues
2021 Volvo S90 Problems: 8 Known Issues
2021 model year · 2,050+ owner reports · Updated September 2026
2021 · All trims · All engines
Choose the year and equipment for your written issues and visual request.
2021 model year · 2,050+ owner reports · Updated September 2026
2021 · All trims · All engines
Choose the year and equipment for your written issues and visual request.
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According to Au7o's analysis of 2,050+ owner reports, the 2021 Volvo S90 has 8 documented known issues, with 2 rated critical. The most serious are Recall 25V179000 — S90 Recharge High-Voltage Battery Short Circuit Fire Risk and Integrated Brake System Hydraulic Unit Rotor/Shaft Weld Can Separate, Losing Boost, ABS and ESC — Recall 21V716 / Volvo R10120 ($0-$4,000 repair). 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.
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."
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According to Au7o's analysis of 2,050+ owner reports, the 2021 Volvo S90 has 8 documented issues. The most frequently reported are: Recall 25V179000 — S90 Recharge High-Voltage Battery Short Circuit Fire Risk, Integrated Brake System Hydraulic Unit Rotor/Shaft Weld Can Separate, Losing Boost, ABS and ESC — Recall 21V716 / Volvo R10120, Sensus Infotainment System Lag, Crashes, and Black Screen. Of these, 2 are rated critical and should be addressed promptly.
The 2021 Volvo S90 has 8 known issues documented across 2,050+ owner reports. 2 issues are rated critical: Recall 25V179000 — S90 Recharge High-Voltage Battery Short Circuit Fire Risk and Integrated Brake System Hydraulic Unit Rotor/Shaft Weld Can Separate, Losing Boost, ABS and ESC — Recall 21V716 / Volvo R10120. 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.
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. Au7o provides step-by-step DIY maintenance guides that can help reduce repair costs.
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.
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.
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.
VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD
Volvo Car USA, LLC (Volvo) is recalling certain 2025 S90 vehicles. The windows may be improperly secured and detach.
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.
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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.
The S90 equipped with rear air suspension (standard on Inscription and optional on other trims) 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 in c… Repairs typically run $600-$3,500. Severity: medium.
The T6 twin-charged engine in the S90 has a coolant crossover pipe (also called the coolant bridge or manifold) that runs between the cylinder head and the turbocharger. This pipe develops leaks at the O-ring seals, causing coolant loss that can lead to overheating if not caught. Repairs typically run $300-$1,200. Severity: medium.
The electric auxiliary coolant pump develops a leak or fails, affecting cabin heating performance and turbo/supercharger cooling on T6 models. The pump circulates coolant to the heater core and turbo when the engine is off or at idle. Repairs typically run $200-$600. Severity: medium.
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.
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.