MotorCaliberNHTSA Safety Index
NHTSA crash test of the 2021 Volvo Xc90 T5

NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED

2021 Volvo Xc90 T5

Federal crash-test performance, recalls, and complaints, scored into one NHTSA Safety Index.

0Recalls
17Complaints
1Investigations
ABOUT THE VOLVO XC90 T5

The Volvo XC90 T5 is a three-row luxury midsize SUV that has long positioned itself as the safety-first choice for upscale family buyers. Competing against German and Japanese rivals in a crowded premium segment, the XC90 carries Volvo's well-established reputation for occupant protection into a practical, road-focused package aimed at safety-conscious households who refuse to compromise on refinement.

VERDICT

The 2021 Volvo Xc90 T5 earns an NHTSA Safety Index of 93 out of 100, an exceptional result driven by its federal crash-test stars and its recall record. Both frontal and side crash protection reached the full 5 stars. No vehicle recalls are on file for this model year.

WHO IT IS FOR
  • urban drivers exposed to side-impact risk
WHAT REVIEWERS SAY

Reviewers generally regard the XC90 as a benchmark in the luxury SUV segment, praising its sophisticated ride quality, upscale interior execution, and strong emphasis on occupant safety technology. Most acknowledge it competes well on refinement and family practicality, though some note the powertrain options in lower trims feel modest relative to the vehicle's premium positioning.

NCAP // CRASH TESTCrash-test breakdown

Overall
Frontal
Side
Rollover
Rollover risk 17.9%

Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 15730

Index breakdown

Crash protection66/70
Avoidance tech7/10
Defect record20/20
Forward collision warning: StandardLane departure warning: NoStability control: Standard

NCAP // CRASH IMAGESCrash-test images

Crash-test images are US federal government works (NHTSA / NCAP), public domain.

NHTSA // RECALLSRecall record

No vehicle recalls are on file for the 2021 Volvo Xc90 T5 at NHTSA as of 2026-07-02. Equipment recalls, if any, are excluded from the safety score.

NHTSA // COMPLAINTSOwner complaints

17 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.

0reported crash
0reported fire
0reported injuries
0reported deaths
Most-reported systemsElectrical System 5Service Brakes 4Unknown Or Other 3Engine 3Back Over Prevention 2Forward Collision Avoidance 2

Other Xc90 T5 years

Rivals in SUV (2021)

Last verified 2026-07-02. Sources: NHTSA SafetyRatings (VehicleId 15730), recallsByVehicle, complaintsByVehicle for Volvo Xc90 T5 2021. Class rank 11 of 118 in SUV 2021. Methodology · Disclosure