2021 Volvo XC60 Safety and Reliability

The Swedish automaker is known for producing cars that achieve superior safety ratings, and the Volvo XC60 is no different. In its review of the Volvo XC60 for 2021, the NHTSA awarded the SUV a full five stars overall, with both frontal and side crash evaluations earning full marks, too. Rollover tests scored four out of five. The IIHS' review supports these findings with six scores of Good, and a 2021 Top Safety Pick + award.

The array of safety features that come equipped to the XC60 as standard is anything but basic. Every trim comes with ABS, EBD, traction and stability control, and seven airbags: dual front, driver's knee, front side, and side curtain. Driver-assistance features on the base trim comprise a rearview camera, lane keep assist, lane departure warning, rear parking sensors, forward collision avoidance, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. Front parking sensors are added when you upgrade to the R-Design or Inscription, but there are still several optional add-ons. These include a semi-autonomous parking system and semi-autonomous adaptive cruise control. Some desirable high-tech options include the 360-degree camera and the head-up display, which are standard on Polestar Engineered trims.

The XC60's reliability scores, according to J.D. Power, are nothing to write home about. Scoring 73 out of 100 for quality and reliability and an overall of 76, the XC60 seems less impressive on paper. Three recalls were issued for 2021 models, with problems relating to potential separation of rotor and shaft components, a malfunction on the seatbelt locking mechanism, and an SRS control unit that could detach.

Still, the automaker tries to ease any consumer anxiety with a four-year/50,000-mile bumper-to-bumper warranty that also covers drivetrain issues. Hybrid components are covered for eight years or 100,000 miles. New Volvo XC60 models also receive three years/36,000 miles of scheduled maintenance and enjoy a long corrosion protection warranty of 12 years.