NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED
2021 Volvo Xc90 T8 Safety Ratings
The 2021 Volvo Xc90 T8 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 T8 presents an exceptional safety profile, earning a NHTSA Safety Index of 93 out of 100. This places it firmly in our highest safety band. Notably, the vehicle has no recalls on file with federal authorities. This, combined with consistently strong crash-test scores from NHTSA across every evaluated category, positions the 2021 XC90 T8 as a compelling option in the used SUV market.
The 2021 Volvo XC90 T8 SUV AWD earned a NHTSA Safety Index of 93/100 and an NHTSA overall crash-test rating of 5 out of 5 stars, sourced from NHTSA federal safety 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 T8 ranks 13 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 | 15.9% |
| Recalls on file | 0 |
| Owner complaints | 17 (unverified allegations) |
| Class rank | 13 of 118 SUVs tested for 2021 |
| Data verified | Oct 1, 2026 |
ANALYSISHow safe is the 2021 Volvo Xc90 T8?
The 2021 Volvo XC90 T8 maintains an exceptional Safety Index of 93 out of 100, mirroring its 2020 predecessor. This score is significantly bolstered by a flawless defect record, achieving the maximum 20 out of 20 points due to zero active recall campaigns for this model year. Crash protection ratings contribute 66 of a possible 70 points, derived from NHTSA's 5-star overall, 5-star frontal, and 5-star side impact assessments. The 4-star rollover rating, alongside a 16 percent rollover risk and a "No Tip" dynamic result, prevents a perfect crash-protection score. While forward collision warning and electronic stability control are standard, the omission of standard lane departure warning limits the avoidance technology sub-score to 7 out of 10. The 17 unverified owner complaints on file are few for a vehicle of this age, with no allegations of crash or injury. The 2021 XC90 T8 presents a consistent safety profile across all federal data points.
NCAP // CRASH TESTHow did the 2021 Volvo Xc90 T8 perform in crash tests?
The 2021 Volvo XC90 T8 achieved a 5 out of 5-star overall safety rating from NHTSA. This includes perfect 5-star scores for both frontal and side impact protection. The vehicle's rollover rating stands at 4 out of 5 stars, with a 16 percent rollover risk identified in testing. The dynamic tip-test concluded with a No Tip result.
Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 15732
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 T8 have any recalls?
The 2021 Volvo XC90 T8 carries zero recall campaigns on file with NHTSA. No park-outside advisory and no do-not-drive order have been issued for this model year. Shoppers should still run a VIN check against the NHTSA database, as campaigns can be added after initial publication.
NHTSA // COMPLAINTSWhat do owners report about the 2021 Volvo Xc90 T8?
NHTSA has logged 17 unverified owner complaints for the 2021 XC90 T8. The most frequently alleged problem areas are the Electrical System (5 reports) and Service Brakes (4 reports), followed by Engine concerns (3 reports). None of the filed reports allege a crash, fire, injury, or fatality.
17 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.
USED BUYERWhat should used buyers know about the 2021 Volvo Xc90 T8?
The Volvo XC90 T8 currently shows no open safety recalls in the NHTSA database. However, this status is subject to change, as new recall campaigns can be initiated. Prospective owners should verify the vehicle's VIN through the NHTSA recall lookup system prior to purchase and ensure that any future recall remedies have been completed by an authorized Volvo dealership before taking possession of the vehicle.
- Zero recall campaigns are on file for the 2021 XC90 T8 specifically, contributing a perfect 20/20 defect-record sub-score to its 93/100 Safety Index.
- NHTSA's rollover rating for this model year is 4 out of 5 stars, with a 16 percent rollover risk and a No Tip result on the dynamic tip test, the one area below a top score in crash testing.
- Lane departure warning is not standard on this model year, which limits the avoidance-tech sub-score to 7 out of 10 despite forward collision warning and electronic stability control being standard.
- Of the 17 unverified NHTSA complaints filed for this model year, the most frequently alleged components are the Electrical System and Service Brakes, with zero reports alleging a crash, fire, injury, or death.
RANKINGSWhere the 2021 Volvo Xc90 T8 places
The 2021 Volvo Xc90 T8 qualifies for these MotorCaliber safety rankings:
FAQ2021 Volvo Xc90 T8 safety questions
Was the 2021 Volvo Xc90 T8 crash-tested by NHTSA?
Yes. NHTSA crash-tested the 2021 Volvo Xc90 T8, 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 T8 crash-test star ratings?
In NHTSA testing the 2021 Volvo Xc90 T8 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 15.9%. Categories NHTSA did not test show as not rated.
How many recalls does the 2021 Volvo Xc90 T8 have?
According to NHTSA recall data, no vehicle recalls are on file for the 2021 Volvo Xc90 T8 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 T8?
According to NHTSA's complaint database, 17 owner complaints are on file for the 2021 Volvo Xc90 T8. 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 T8 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 15732), the recallsByVehicle and complaintsByVehicle records for the Volvo Xc90 T8 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 13 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.