2021 Volvo S60 Safety Report

2021 Volvo S60: Low complaint volume, but significant recalls for battery, airbag, and seat belts.

6Complaints
3Recalls
75/100Reliability Score
Most reported components: Service Brakes (2)Electrical System,Visibility/Wiper (1)Electrical System,Unknown Or Other,Visibility/Wiper (1)Unknown Or Other (1)Steering,Electrical System,Engine (1)

AI Safety Analysis for the 2021 Volvo S60

The 2021 Volvo S60 presents a mixed safety picture, characterized by a low volume of consumer complaints but several significant recalls. With only 6 total complaints to NHTSA, and no reported crashes, fires, injuries, or deaths, the vehicle appears to have a relatively low incidence of immediate safety failures reported by owners. However, the presence of three recalls, addressing critical safety components like the high-voltage battery, passenger airbag, and seat belt retractors, indicates potential design or manufacturing flaws that could compromise safety if not rectified. The most common complaint patterns, though few in number, point towards issues with 'SERVICE BRAKES' (2 complaints) and various 'ELECTRICAL SYSTEM' related problems (3 complaints across different categories). Specific complaints mention premature brake rotor warping and electrical failures affecting the high-voltage coolant heater and even leading to a complete vehicle shutdown. The recalls reinforce concerns about the electrical system, specifically a short circuit risk in the high-voltage battery for plug-in hybrid models, which increases fire risk. The airbag recall, affecting 2019-2024 S60s, highlights a potential for improper deployment, increasing injury risk in a crash. The seat belt recall, impacting 2021-2022 S60s, could lead to unsecured child restraints, also increasing injury risk. NHTSA crash test ratings are not available for the 2021 Volvo S60, making it difficult to assess its performance in controlled crash scenarios. Despite the low complaint volume, the nature of the recalls and some reported issues, such as sudden vehicle cessation, suggest that while rare, some problems could be severe. Owners should ensure all recall remedies have been performed to mitigate the identified risks.

Reliability Score

The 2021 Volvo S60 receives a reliability score of 75 out of 100 based on analysis of NHTSA complaint data, recall history, crash reports, and safety ratings. This indicates above-average reliability relative to comparable vehicles.

Known Issues for the 2021 Volvo S60

The following issues have been identified from NHTSA complaint data and owner reports for the 2021 Volvo S60:

IssueSeverityFrequencyTypical Mileage
High-Voltage Battery Short Circuit
Recall for plug-in hybrid models where the high-voltage battery may short circuit, increasing fire risk.		 High Occasional N/A miles
Improper Passenger Airbag Deployment
Recall due to passenger airbag not being secured properly, potentially leading to improper deployment and increased injury risk.		 High Occasional N/A miles
Seat Belt Automatic Locking Retractors Deactivation
Recall where seat belt automatic locking retractors may deactivate, leading to unsecured child restraints and increased injury risk.		 High Occasional N/A miles
Premature Brake Rotor Warping
Multiple complaints about front brake rotors warping prematurely, causing severe shake and pulsing during braking.		 Medium Occasional 0-15000 miles
Electrical System Failures (E.G., Coolant Heater, Wam)
Complaints include high voltage coolant heater failure and water intrusion through sunroof drains causing catastrophic failure of the wide angle module (WAM).		 High Occasional N/A miles
Sudden Vehicle Shutdown
One complaint describes the entire car's mechanisms ceasing, including engine, steering, and brakes, while driving.		 High Rare N/A miles

Common Problems Reported by Owners

Based on NHTSA complaint data, the following components account for the majority of reported issues with the 2021 Volvo S60:

Service Brakes 33% of complaints

Two out of six complaints relate to service brakes, specifically premature warping of front brake rotors.

Electrical System 50% of complaints

Three complaints mention electrical system issues, including high voltage coolant heater failure, wide angle module failure due to water, and a complete vehicle shutdown.

Air Bags 0% of complaints

No direct complaints, but a significant recall exists for improper passenger airbag deployment.

Seat Belts 0% of complaints

No direct complaints, but a significant recall exists for seat belt automatic locking retractors deactivation.

Frequently Asked Questions About the 2021 Volvo S60

Is the 2021 VOLVO S60 safe?

Based on NHTSA data, the 2021 Volvo S60 has a very low number of consumer complaints (6 total) with no reported crashes, fires, injuries, or deaths. However, it has three significant safety recalls concerning the high-voltage battery (fire risk), passenger airbag (improper deployment), and seat belt retractors (unsecured child restraints). While direct owner-reported incidents are low, these recalls highlight critical safety vulnerabilities that must be addressed.

What are common problems for the 2021 VOLVO S60?

The most reported issues from consumer complaints are related to 'SERVICE BRAKES' (2 complaints, often premature rotor warping) and various 'ELECTRICAL SYSTEM' problems (3 complaints, including high voltage coolant heater failure and module failures). Additionally, there are recalls for potential high-voltage battery short circuits, improper passenger airbag deployment, and seat belt automatic locking retractors deactivation.

Are there any recalls for the 2021 VOLVO S60?

Yes, the 2021 Volvo S60 has three recalls. These include a recall for the 'ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE' due to a high-voltage battery short circuit risk, an 'AIR BAGS:FRONTAL' recall for improper passenger airbag deployment, and a 'SEAT BELTS:FRONT:RETRACTOR' recall for deactivating automatic locking retractors.

How does the 2021 VOLVO S60 perform in crash tests?

NHTSA crash test ratings for the 2021 Volvo S60 are not available for Overall, Frontal, Side, or Rollover categories. Therefore, its performance in controlled crash scenarios cannot be assessed based on NHTSA data.

What should I do if I own a 2021 VOLVO S60?

If you own a 2021 Volvo S60, it is crucial to ensure that all three outstanding safety recalls have been addressed by a Volvo dealership. Check your VIN on the NHTSA recall website or contact a Volvo service center to confirm all necessary repairs have been completed to mitigate risks associated with the high-voltage battery, airbags, and seat belts.

Buyer Advice

Our recommendation: Given the low complaint volume but critical safety recalls, prospective buyers should verify all recall remedies have been completed and consider a pre-purchase inspection focusing on brakes and electrical systems.

NHTSA Data Summary for 2021 Volvo S60

This safety report is based on a comprehensive analysis of data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for the 2021 Volvo S60. The data includes 6 consumer complaints filed by vehicle owners, 3 manufacturer-initiated safety recalls, and safety rating assessments associated with this vehicle.

All data presented in this report is sourced from public NHTSA databases. Our AI analysis identifies patterns across complaint narratives, correlates them with recall history, and produces the safety assessment above. This analysis is updated as new complaints and recalls are filed with the NHTSA.

Consumers are encouraged to report vehicle safety problems to the NHTSA at nhtsa.gov. If your vehicle is subject to a recall, contact your dealer to schedule the free repair.