Free Preview
#BS-2021-VOLS60-710F2021 Volvo S60Problems, Recalls & Reliability
Based on reports from 14 owners and 3 recalls for this exact model.
Data updated ·checked October 21, 2026 · NHTSA complaints through October 19, 2026
Preliminary Verdict
Green Light
Based on 14 complaints, 0 crashes, 0 fires, and 3 recalls.
Top reported problems
shuffling rattling noise
1 complaints • Severity 4/10
whirring shuffling noise upon shutoff
1 complaints • Severity 6/10
Preview: What's in your full report
Each card shows a real sample from your report — unlock all 10 sections from $2.00
Mechanic Inspection Checklist
4 owners reported electrical issues.
30,000-Mile Cost Projection
Best Case
Most Likely
Worst Case
Top cost driver: Electrical (4 reports).
Also in your report
Owner Intelligence
AI-synthesized themes from real complaints
Buyer Lot Checklist
Questions, test drive checks, walk-away triggers
Negotiation Talking Points
Data-backed dollar deductions
Buy / Skip Verdict
Final recommendation with conditions
Where the complaints fall
2021 Volvo S60: Known Issues & Problem Areas
Electrical Issues
Electrical complaints account for 29% of all reports filed for the 2021 Volvo S60, with 4 owners filing complaints with NHTSA.
Visibility Issues
Visibility complaints account for 21% of all reports filed for the 2021 Volvo S60, with 3 owners filing complaints with NHTSA. Owners should pay attention to visibility-related symptoms during test drives and pre-purchase inspections.
Brakes Issues
Brakes complaints account for 14% of all reports filed for the 2021 Volvo S60, with 2 owners filing complaints with NHTSA. Owners should pay attention to brakes-related symptoms during test drives and pre-purchase inspections.
Engine Issues
Engine complaints account for 7% of all reports filed for the 2021 Volvo S60, with 1 owners filing complaints with NHTSA. Owners should pay attention to engine-related symptoms during test drives and pre-purchase inspections.
Data sourced from NHTSA owner complaints and community reports. The full report analyzes severity, repair costs, and failure patterns for each category.
Complaint trend by year
Complaints filed with NHTSA by year for the 2021 Volvo S60. Recent trend: stable.
Don't negotiate blind — know what this car costs to own
Repair costs • Negotiation scripts • Mechanic checklist • Buy/skip verdict
Recall History (3 recalls)
SEAT BELTS:REAR/OTHER: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."
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL
Volvo Car USA, LLC. (Volvo Car) is recalling certain 2019-2024 S60 vehicles. The passenger air bag may not be secured properly, which can cause the air bag to deploy improperly.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:PROPULSION SYSTEM:TRACTION BATTERY
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.
Recall severity analysis & seller scripts
The full report rates each recall's severity and gives you scripts for asking the seller about recall completion.
2021 Volvo S60 NHTSA Safety Ratings
Overall
★★★★★5 of 5 stars
Frontal crash
★★★★★4 of 5 stars
Side crash
★★★★★5 of 5 stars
Rollover
★★★★★5 of 5 stars
From NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program (5-Star Safety Ratings). Where NHTSA tested more than one version of this vehicle, the lowest rating is shown.
NHTSA Defect Investigations (1)
All closed. Investigations are how NHTSA decides whether a defect needs a recall.
Pedestrian alert sounds
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:PROPULSION SYSTEM
The worst model year for the Volvo S60 is the 2012 — worth knowing if you're cross-shopping years. The biggest problem area is engine.
2021 Volvo S60 vs. Class Average (Compact Cars)
This vehicle
14
Class avg
20
Below the class average — fewer complaints than typical compact cars vehicles. A good sign.
Complaint counts correlate with sales volume — popular vehicles naturally generate more reports. The full report normalizes for this.
About this data
NHTSA Complaints
Federal database of owner-filed safety complaints. 14 records for this vehicle.
NHTSA Recalls
Manufacturer-issued safety recalls. 3 recalls found for this vehicle.
Repair Cost Data
Real-world repair costs from owner reports and independent databases.
Last updated (checked October 21, 2026). NHTSA complaints received through October 19, 2026; safety ratings from NHTSA's 5-Star program.
Other Volvo S60 Model Years
View all Volvo S60 years →2021 Volvo S60: Frequently Asked Questions
What is the most common problem with the 2021 Volvo S60?
Is the 2021 Volvo S60 reliable?
How safe is the 2021 Volvo S60?
How much does it cost to fix 2021 Volvo S60 problems?
Does the 2021 Volvo S60 have any recalls?
What mileage do Volvo S60 problems start?
When was the 2021 Volvo S60 data last updated?
What’s in the full report?
How is this different from free NHTSA data?
How is this different from Carfax?
What if the report isn’t useful?
Get the Full 2021 Volvo S60 Report
10 sections of AI analysis based on 14 owner reports. Know before you buy.