The 2021 XC60 on Volvo's SPA platform is generally solid, but the 2.0L turbo/supercharged engines have catastrophic internal failures that can occur without warning, often related to low-speed pre-ignition (LSPI) and oil contamination issues.
Symptoms: Sudden loss of power with metallic knocking, Check engine light with misfire codes, Metal shavings in oil, Complete engine seizure in worst cases
Fix: Low-speed pre-ignition events cause piston crown/ring land damage and connecting rod bearing failure. Requires complete engine rebuild or short-block replacement. 18-25 labor hours depending on damage extent and whether turbos need replacement. Some cases covered under extended warranty.
Estimated cost: $12,000-18,000
Transmission Oil Cooler Leak
Common · medium severity
Typical onset: 40,000-70,000 mi
Symptoms: Transmission fluid puddle under vehicle (pink/red fluid), Low transmission fluid warning, Harsh shifting if fluid level drops significantly
Fix: External oil cooler develops leaks at crimp joints or internal seepage. Requires cooler replacement and system flush. 3-4 hours labor. Often caught early during routine service.
Estimated cost: $800-1,200
Transmission Mount Failure
Common · low severity
Typical onset: 50,000-90,000 mi
Symptoms: Clunk or thud on acceleration or deceleration, Excessive vibration at idle in Drive, Visible tears or separation in rubber mount
Fix: Hydraulic transmission mount deteriorates from engine torque cycling. Single mount replacement takes 1.5-2 hours. Often done with other drivetrain work.
Estimated cost: $400-600
Fuel System Contamination / Filter Clogging
Occasional · medium severity
Symptoms: Poor fuel economy and sluggish acceleration, Extended cranking before start, Limp mode or reduced power warnings
Fix: Fuel filter and high-pressure pump can become contaminated from poor fuel quality or internal tank debris. Filter is integrated with pump module in some configurations. 2-3 hours for pump/filter assembly replacement.
Estimated cost: $600-1,000
Steering Assist System Faults (Recall-Related)
Occasional · high severity
Symptoms: "Steering assistance fault" message on dash, Heavy steering feel or complete power assist loss, Intermittent failure that may reset with key cycle
Fix: Software glitch or EPS motor/controller failure. Recall addresses software calibration issues. If hardware failure, requires steering column EPS module replacement. 2-3 hours for module, but check for open recalls first.
Estimated cost: $1,200-2,000
ABS Module Software Glitch
Occasional · medium severity
Symptoms: ABS/Traction control warning lights, Loss of stability control functions, Normal braking remains but no ABS intervention
Fix: Software bug in ABS control module causes false faults. Usually resolved with software update (1 hour), but some units require module replacement if corrupted. Recall issued for some VINs.
Estimated cost: $150-1,800
Owner tips
Use only Top Tier gasoline and avoid lugging the engine below 2,000 RPM under heavy load to minimize LSPI risk
Check transmission fluid color annually — should be bright red, not brown or burnt-smelling
Verify all software recalls are completed, especially steering and ABS modules
Monitor oil consumption closely; excessive use (>1 qt per 3,000 mi) can indicate early ring damage
Avoid unless you have comprehensive warranty coverage — the engine grenade risk is real and financially devastating.
AI-assisted summary drawn from NHTSA recall data, our labor-times database, and platform knowledge. Not a substitute for a pre-purchase inspection on a specific vehicle.
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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.
Consequence: A short circuit in a high-voltage battery increases the risk of a fire.
Remedy: Owners are advised not to charge their vehicles until the remedy has been completed. Dealers will inspect and replace the high-voltage battery module as necessary. In addition, dealers will update the software to monitor the battery. All repairs will be performed free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 28, 2025. Owners may contact Volvo Car's customer service at 1-800-458-1552. Volvo Car's number for this recall is R10312.
STEERING · 23V001000
2023-01-05
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.
Consequence: A screw inside the gearbox housing can cause the steering wheel to lock up and increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the steering gear, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed March 1, 2023. Owners may contact Volvo Car's customer service at 1-800-458-1552. Volvo Car's number for this recall is R10213.
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP · 21V716000
2021-09-15
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.
Consequence: Separation of the rotor and shaft may cause a reduction in braking assistance and a loss of the Antilock Brake System (ABS) and Electronic Stability Control (ESC), increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the hydraulic unit, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed October 22, 2021. Owners may contact Volvo Car customer service at 1-888-458-1552. Volvo Car's number for this recall is R10120.
SEAT BELTS:FRONT:RETRACTOR · 21V682000
2021-09-01
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."
Consequence: An unsecured child restraint system can increase the risk of injury during a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect and replace the seat belt assemblies, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed October 13, 2021. Owners may contact Volvo Car customer service at 1-888-458-1552. Volvo Car's number for this recall is R10111.
AIR BAGS · 21V001000
2021-01-07
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.
Consequence: A detached SRS control unit can decrease the performance of occupant protection systems such as air bags, seat belts, and high voltage battery disconnect, increasing the risk of injury during a crash.
Remedy: Volvo Car will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and, as necessary, tighten the SRS control unit mounting screws, free of charge. The recall began February 12, 2021. Owners may contact Volvo Car customer service at 1-888-458-1552. Volvo Car's number for this recall is R10068.
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