NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED
2021 Volvo Xc60 T5 Safety Ratings
The 2021 Volvo Xc60 T5 scores 91 out of 100 on the NHTSA Safety Index (Exceptional), with a 5-star overall NHTSA crash rating, 0 recalls, and 31 owner complaints on file.
Updated Oct 1, 2026 from NHTSA data · Reviewed by Ivanna Verstliar
The 2021 Volvo XC60 T5 has no recalls on record with NHTSA, a notable achievement for its model year. This absence of recalls, combined with strong federal crash-test results, underpins its NHTSA Safety Index of 91/100, an Exceptional rating. This SUV presents as a well-performing option in the used market, based on its published safety metrics.
The 2021 Volvo XC60 T5 earned a five-star overall NHTSA crash-test rating and a NHTSA Safety Index of 91/100, based on federal NHTSA data.
MotorCaliber Safety Desk // NHTSA data, verified Oct 1, 2026
Among the 118 SUVs from 2021 that NHTSA has crash-tested, the 2021 Volvo Xc60 T5 ranks 22 for overall NHTSA Safety Index.
- urban drivers exposed to side-impact risk
| NHTSA Safety Index | 91 / 100 (Exceptional) |
|---|---|
| Overall crash rating | 5 of 5 stars |
| Frontal / Side / Rollover | 5 / 5 / 4 stars |
| Rollover risk | 14.7% |
| Recalls on file | 0 |
| Owner complaints | 31 (unverified allegations) |
| Class rank | 22 of 118 SUVs tested for 2021 |
| Data verified | Oct 1, 2026 |
ANALYSISHow safe is the 2021 Volvo Xc60 T5?
The 2021 Volvo XC60 T5 holds a Safety Index of 91/100, identical to the 2020 model year's 91/100. That year-over-year stability is itself meaningful: the score did not slip despite the vehicle entering a new model-year cycle. The index breakdown shows where that score comes from: crash protection contributes 66 of a possible 70 points, the highest-weighted component, reflecting those five-star frontal and side results. Avoidance technology scores 7 out of 10, anchored by standard forward collision warning and standard electronic stability control, though the absence of a standard lane departure warning holds the tech sub-score below its ceiling. The defect record sub-score is 17.5 out of 20, a strong result driven entirely by the zero-recall outcome for this model year. The 31 owner complaints are a data point worth watching, particularly the seven alleged service-brake reports and six alleged forward collision avoidance reports, but complaint volume alone does not reduce the index when no recall has been issued. Taken together, the 2021 XC60 T5's numbers reflect a year in which Volvo carried forward strong crash-test performance without triggering any federal recall action.
NCAP // CRASH TESTHow did the 2021 Volvo Xc60 T5 perform in crash tests?
The 2021 Volvo XC60 T5 achieved an overall five-star safety rating from NHTSA, demonstrating strong performance in crash protection. The vehicle secured a perfect five stars in both the frontal and side impact assessments. While still a commendable four stars, rollover resistance presented the relative area for improvement within the ratings, with NHTSA calculating a 15 percent rollover risk and a "No Tip" outcome in the dynamic evaluation.
Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 15725
Index breakdown
NCAP // CRASH IMAGESCrash-test images
Crash-test images are US federal government works (NHTSA / NCAP), public domain.
NHTSA // RECALLSDoes the 2021 Volvo Xc60 T5 have any recalls?
The 2021 Volvo XC60 T5 has zero recall campaigns on file with NHTSA. No park-outside or do-not-drive advisory applies to this model year. Used-market shoppers should still run a VIN check, as campaigns can be added after a vehicle's initial sale.
NHTSA // COMPLAINTSWhat do owners report about the 2021 Volvo Xc60 T5?
Owners have filed 31 unverified complaints with NHTSA. The most frequently alleged problem areas are the Electrical System (9 reports), Unknown or Other (8), Service Brakes (7), Forward Collision Avoidance (6), Steering (5), and Engine (5). These are unverified consumer allegations, not established defects.
31 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.
USED BUYERWhat should used buyers know about the 2021 Volvo Xc60 T5?
Zero recall campaigns are on file for the 2021 XC60 T5 at this time. Purchasers should still run the VIN through NHTSA's recall database, as any future campaign would require confirming the remedy was completed by the prior owner.
- Zero NHTSA recall campaigns are on file for the 2021 Volvo XC60 T5, a clean defect record that contributes 17.5 out of 20 points to its Safety Index.
- NHTSA awarded this model year five stars in both frontal and side crash tests, with the only sub-five result being a four-star rollover rating at a 15 percent risk estimate.
- Lane departure warning is not standard on this model year's configuration, which is reflected in the avoidance-technology sub-score of 7 out of 10 rather than a higher figure.
- Thirty-one unverified owner complaints have been filed with NHTSA, with the Electrical System and Service Brakes among the most frequently alleged problem areas - shoppers should review the full complaint file by VIN before purchase.
RANKINGSWhere the 2021 Volvo Xc60 T5 places
The 2021 Volvo Xc60 T5 qualifies for these MotorCaliber safety rankings:
FAQ2021 Volvo Xc60 T5 safety questions
Was the 2021 Volvo Xc60 T5 crash-tested by NHTSA?
Yes. NHTSA crash-tested the 2021 Volvo Xc60 T5, and it earns a NHTSA Safety Index of 91 out of 100, placing it in the Exceptional band. The index combines federal crash-test stars, standard crash-avoidance tech, and the recall record.
What are the 2021 Volvo Xc60 T5 crash-test star ratings?
In NHTSA testing the 2021 Volvo Xc60 T5 earned 5 out of 5 stars for overall, 5 out of 5 stars for frontal, 5 out of 5 stars for side, and 4 out of 5 stars for rollover. Its measured rollover risk is 14.7%. Categories NHTSA did not test show as not rated.
How many recalls does the 2021 Volvo Xc60 T5 have?
According to NHTSA recall data, no vehicle recalls are on file for the 2021 Volvo Xc60 T5 as of Oct 1, 2026. Equipment recalls, if any, are excluded from the Safety Index. Run your VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup to confirm the status is current.
How many complaints have owners filed about the 2021 Volvo Xc60 T5?
According to NHTSA's complaint database, 31 owner complaints are on file for the 2021 Volvo Xc60 T5. These are unverified allegations submitted by owners, not confirmed defects, and include reports involving a crash.
Cross-check this record against independent expert reviews and the live NHTSA database before you buy.
Other Xc60 T5 years
Rivals in SUV (2021)
| Vehicle | NHTSA Safety Index | Overall stars | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 Tesla Model X 5-Seat | 98/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2021 Tesla Model X 6-Seat | 98/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2021 Tesla Model X 7-Seat | 98/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2021 Nissan Murano | 96/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2021 Audi Q5 Sportback | 95/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2021 Mazda CX-3 | 95/100 | 5 of 5 | 1 |
- DATA Pulled directly from NHTSA: New Car Assessment Program crash tests (VehicleId 15725), the recallsByVehicle and complaintsByVehicle records for the Volvo Xc60 T5 2021.
- SCORE The NHTSA Safety Index (0-100) weights crash protection, standard crash-avoidance tech, and the defect record. Full formula on the methodology page. It ranks 22 of 118 in the SUV class for 2021.
- EDITED Written by the MotorCaliber Safety Desk and reviewed for accuracy and plain-language clarity by Ivanna Verstliar, Editor, against the source figures on this page.
- VERIFIED Data last synced Oct 1, 2026. Recalls change; confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. See our corrections policy and disclosure.