2021 Volvo XC60 Problems: 3 Known Issues
2021 model year · 890+ owner reports · Updated November 2026
According to Au7o's analysis of 890+ owner reports, the 2021 Volvo XC60 has 3 documented known issues, with 2 rated critical. The most serious are Plug-in hybrid battery module may short circuit when fully charged — recall 25V179 and Seat belt child-seat locking mode may switch off early — recall 21V682. The most commonly reported issue is Rough, jerky or hesitant automatic gear changes at low speed (owner reports) with 890 owner reports. DIY maintenance guides at au7o.io.
2021 · All trims · All engines
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All 3 Known Issues
NHTSA Recalls16 recalls
SEAT BELTS:FRONT:RETRACTOR
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."
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.
STEERING
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.
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.
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."
+ 11 more recalls. Check all on NHTSA.gov
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most common Volvo XC60 problems?
According to Au7o's analysis of 890+ owner reports, the 2021 Volvo XC60 has 3 documented issues. The most frequently reported are: Plug-in hybrid battery module may short circuit when fully charged — recall 25V179, Seat belt child-seat locking mode may switch off early — recall 21V682, Rough, jerky or hesitant automatic gear changes at low speed (owner reports). Of these, 2 are rated critical and should be addressed promptly.
Is the Volvo XC60 reliable?
The 2021 Volvo XC60 has 3 known issues documented across 890+ owner reports. 2 issues are rated critical: Plug-in hybrid battery module may short circuit when fully charged — recall 25V179 and Seat belt child-seat locking mode may switch off early — recall 21V682. 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.
What is the 2020-2022 Volvo XC60 Plug-in hybrid battery module may short circuit when fully charged — recall 25V179?
A supplier process deviation in LG high-voltage battery cell modules can cause an internal short circuit when the battery is fully charged and the car is parked, which can overheat the cells and increases the risk of a fire. Volvo reports no incidents while driving. It affects on… Severity: high.
What is the 2021-2022 Volvo XC60 Seat belt child-seat locking mode may switch off early — recall 21V682?
On some seat belts, the automatic locking mode (engaged by pulling the belt all the way out to hold a child seat) can switch off before the belt is fully retracted, so a child seat installed with the seat belt may not be held tightly. This fails Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Stand… Severity: high.
What is the 2018-2022 Volvo XC60 Rough, jerky or hesitant automatic gear changes at low speed (owner reports)?
Owners report jerky or hesitant gear changes at low speed, rough 1st-to-2nd shifts and, on cold mornings, a shift into 3rd that drops back to 2nd and slips. One 2022 B5 owner reports the car holding 1st gear and then showing "Transmission acceleration performance reduced". It aff… Severity: medium.
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.