2021 Volvo V90 Problems: 5 Known Issues
2021 model year · 580+ owner reports · Updated September 2026
According to Au7o's analysis of 580+ owner reports, the 2021 Volvo V90 has 5 documented known issues, with 1 rated critical. The most serious is V90 Seat Belt Automatic Locking Retractor Deactivates Early (Recall 21V682000). The most commonly reported issue is Rear Air Suspension Air Spring Leak and Compressor Failure with 580 owner reports. Across all issues with published estimates, repair costs range from $100 to $3,500. DIY maintenance guides at au7o.io.
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All 5 Known Issues
NHTSA Recalls5 recalls
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."
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."
AIR BAGS
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.
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."
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most common Volvo V90 problems?
According to Au7o's analysis of 580+ owner reports, the 2021 Volvo V90 has 5 documented issues. The most frequently reported are: V90 Seat Belt Automatic Locking Retractor Deactivates Early (Recall 21V682000), Rear Air Suspension Air Spring Leak and Compressor Failure, Power Tailgate Wiring Harness Chafing. Of these, 1 is rated critical and should be addressed promptly.
Is the Volvo V90 reliable?
The 2021 Volvo V90 has 5 known issues documented across 580+ owner reports. 1 issue is rated critical: V90 Seat Belt Automatic Locking Retractor Deactivates Early (Recall 21V682000). 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 V90 problems?
Repair costs for known Volvo V90 issues range from $0 to $3,500, 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.
What is the 2021 Volvo V90 V90 Seat Belt Automatic Locking Retractor Deactivates Early (Recall 21V682000)?
The 2021 Volvo V90 — the wagon and, per NHTSA's listing, the V90 Cross Country — is included in Volvo Car USA's recall 21V682000. The defect is in the front seat belt automatic locking retractor, the mechanism that locks the belt once it is drawn fully out so it can clamp a child… Severity: high.
What is the 2017-2024 Volvo V90 Rear Air Suspension Air Spring Leak and Compressor Failure?
The V90 with optional rear air suspension (standard on Cross Country) develops air spring leaks and compressor failure following the same pattern as the S90 and XC90. The rear air springs crack from thermal cycling and UV exposure, leaking air slowly. The compressor then overwork… Repairs typically run $600-$3,500. Severity: medium.
What is the 2017-2025 Volvo V90 Power Tailgate Wiring Harness Chafing?
The wiring harness that flexes through the tailgate hinge area chafes and breaks wires from repeated opening and closing. This causes the rear wiper, license plate lights, rear camera, or power tailgate to malfunction intermittently. Repairs typically run $100-$400. Severity: medium.
What is the 2017-2025 Volvo V90 Sensus Infotainment System Freezing and Rebooting?
The Sensus touchscreen infotainment system freezes, goes black, or reboots randomly. This affects navigation, climate control (which is controlled through the screen), and media. Early models are most affected, but it persists to some degree across model years. Repairs typically run $0-$1,500. Severity: medium.
What is the 2017-2021 Volvo V90 T6 Supercharger Intercooler Condensation and Hesitation?
The T6 compound-charged (turbo + supercharger) engine can accumulate condensation in the intercooler, causing a stumble or misfire on initial acceleration, especially in humid conditions. The charge air cooler design traps moisture at the bottom. Repairs typically run $0-$500. 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.