NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED
2021 Volvo Xc90 T5 Safety Ratings
The 2021 Volvo Xc90 T5 scores 93 out of 100 on the NHTSA Safety Index (Exceptional), with a 5-star overall NHTSA crash rating, 0 recalls, and 17 owner complaints on file.
Updated Oct 1, 2026 from NHTSA data · Reviewed by Ivanna Verstliar
The 2021 Volvo XC90 T5 achieves an exceptional NHTSA Safety Index of 93/100. This strong safety profile is underscored by its five-star overall NHTSA crash protection rating. Furthermore, the 2021 XC90 T5 shows zero active recalls, contributing to its perfect defect-record sub-score. For used-market shoppers, these metrics indicate a notably robust safety performance.
The 2021 Volvo XC90 T5 SUV AWD received a five-star overall crash-test rating and a NHTSA Safety Index of 93/100 based on 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 Xc90 T5 ranks 11 for overall NHTSA Safety Index.
- urban drivers exposed to side-impact risk
| NHTSA Safety Index | 93 / 100 (Exceptional) |
|---|---|
| Overall crash rating | 5 of 5 stars |
| Frontal / Side / Rollover | 5 / 5 / 4 stars |
| Rollover risk | 17.9% |
| Recalls on file | 0 |
| Owner complaints | 17 (unverified allegations) |
| Class rank | 11 of 118 SUVs tested for 2021 |
| Data verified | Oct 1, 2026 |
ANALYSISHow safe is the 2021 Volvo Xc90 T5?
The 2021 Volvo XC90 T5 holds a Safety Index of 93/100, matching its 2020 predecessor exactly, meaning this model year neither gained nor lost ground year over year. That stability at the Exceptional level is itself noteworthy: the vehicle entered the used market without any erosion in its safety standing. The score rests on three pillars. Crash protection contributes 66 of a possible 70 points, anchored by five-star frontal and side ratings from NHTSA. The four-star rollover result and 18 percent rollover risk figure account for the modest gap in that sub-score. Avoidance technology earns 7 of 10, reflecting standard forward collision warning and electronic stability control but the absence of a standard lane departure warning system, a gap worth noting for shoppers who prioritize that feature. Most significantly, the defect record sub-score is a perfect 20/20, a direct consequence of zero recall campaigns attached to this model year. The 17 owner-reported complaints, while unverified, cluster around the Electrical System and Service Brakes, two areas a pre-purchase inspection should address.
NCAP // CRASH TESTHow did the 2021 Volvo Xc90 T5 perform in crash tests?
For the 2021 model year, the Volvo XC90 T5 received an overall five-star safety rating from NHTSA. Both frontal and side impact protection achieved the maximum five stars in federal crash testing. The rollover assessment registered as the vehicle's relative weakness, earning four out of five stars with an 18 percent rollover risk estimate. It did, however, achieve a 'No Tip' result in dynamic testing.
Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 15730
Index breakdown
NCAP // CRASH IMAGESCrash-test images
Crash-test images are US federal government works (NHTSA / NCAP), public domain.
NHTSA // RECALLSDoes the 2021 Volvo Xc90 T5 have any recalls?
The 2021 Volvo XC90 T5 carries zero NHTSA recall campaigns on file. No park-outside or do-not-drive advisory has been issued for this model year. That clean record directly supports the perfect 20/20 defect-record sub-score within the Safety Index calculation.
NHTSA // COMPLAINTSWhat do owners report about the 2021 Volvo Xc90 T5?
Owners have filed 17 unverified allegations with NHTSA. The top reported components are the Electrical System (5 reports) and Service Brakes (4 reports), followed by alleged issues with the Engine (3) and Forward Collision Avoidance system (2). No crashes, fires, injuries, or deaths are alleged.
17 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.
USED BUYERWhat should used buyers know about the 2021 Volvo Xc90 T5?
The 2021 XC90 T5 has no open safety recalls on file with NHTSA. As a used vehicle, verifying this status with its VIN, and ensuring any completed campaigns were remedied, remains a prudent step for buyers.
- Zero recall campaigns are on file for the 2021 XC90 T5, producing a perfect 20/20 defect-record sub-score and distinguishing this model year from any prior or subsequent year that carried active campaigns.
- The Safety Index held at 93/100 from the 2020 to the 2021 model year, indicating no safety-profile regression between generations of this vehicle.
- Lane departure warning is not standard on this model year, a specific avoidance-tech gap that contributes to the 7/10 sub-score and separates it from vehicles with a full standard safety-tech suite.
- Seventeen unverified owner complaints on file cite the Electrical System (5 reports) and Service Brakes (4 reports) most frequently, making those two areas practical focal points for any pre-purchase mechanical inspection.
RANKINGSWhere the 2021 Volvo Xc90 T5 places
The 2021 Volvo Xc90 T5 qualifies for these MotorCaliber safety rankings:
FAQ2021 Volvo Xc90 T5 safety questions
Was the 2021 Volvo Xc90 T5 crash-tested by NHTSA?
Yes. NHTSA crash-tested the 2021 Volvo Xc90 T5, and it earns a NHTSA Safety Index of 93 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 Xc90 T5 crash-test star ratings?
In NHTSA testing the 2021 Volvo Xc90 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 17.9%. Categories NHTSA did not test show as not rated.
How many recalls does the 2021 Volvo Xc90 T5 have?
According to NHTSA recall data, no vehicle recalls are on file for the 2021 Volvo Xc90 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 Xc90 T5?
According to NHTSA's complaint database, 17 owner complaints are on file for the 2021 Volvo Xc90 T5. These are unverified allegations submitted by owners, not confirmed defects.
Cross-check this record against independent expert reviews and the live NHTSA database before you buy.
Other Xc90 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 15730), the recallsByVehicle and complaintsByVehicle records for the Volvo Xc90 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 11 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.