Is the 2021 Volvo XC90 a good car?
An honest AI verdict — reliability, common problems, and real cost to own.
The 2021 Volvo XC90 offers a blend of luxury, safety, and performance, making it a strong candidate, especially for families needing a safe and comfortable SUV. However, ensure you have a bit of budget set aside for potentially higher maintenance and repair costs.
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Pros
- Luxurious interior
- Advanced safety features
- Comfortable ride
Cons
- High repair costs
- Average fuel economy for its class
- Infotainment system can be laggy
Ownership at a glance
Common problems to watch for
- Infotainment system glitches
- Electrical system malfunctions
- Air suspension problems
CarsJudge exclusive data
Active recalls (6)
The 2021 Volvo Xc90 has 6 NHTSA recalls on record. Most recent: Electrical System — Software (campaign 25V179000). All recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer.
- 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 a…
- 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 in…
- Seat Belts — Critical Fasteners — Volvo Car USA, LLC (Volvo Car) is recalling certain 2015-2024 XC90 vehicles. The second-row seat belt buckle and lower belt anchor bolts may not be tightened properly.…
- 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 …
Recall data: NHTSA. Owner costs & MPG: anonymized aggregates from CarsJudge users who track this vehicle. Updated 2026-07-05.
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This AI-generated assessment is general guidance only, not a substitute for a professional inspection. Always inspect a used vehicle before purchase.