IsItAGoodCar

Common Problems with the
2021 Volvo XC60 (Gen 2)

Later Recharge cars and Google-based infotainment changed the user experience, but they still need software maturity and hybrid-system checks.

What changed for 2021

  • •Google-based infotainment on later cars
  • •Revised Recharge branding
  • •Powertrain updates

Common MOT watch-outs

  • !Tyres
  • !Brake wear
  • !Suspension links on high-mileage cars
4
Known Issues
2
Serious
1
Moderate
1
Minor

The 2021 period has 3 more issues than the Volvo XC60 (Gen 2) average across all year periods.

All Known Issues

ERAD (Electric Rear Axle Drive) Failure

SeriousGearbox & Transmission

Plug-in hybrid (Recharge/T8) models can suffer from rear electric motor failure, often caused by internal coolant ingress or bearing wear. This is a "known issue" on the SPA platform where coolant leaks into the motor housing, eventually shorting the unit or destroying the bearings.

Most affected: T6 Recharge, T8 Recharge, Twin Engine models

Estimated cost: £3,000–£8,000Affects: 2017–2022Often appears around: 30k-70k miles

Typical symptoms

  • •High-pitched whining or grinding from the rear
  • •"Propulsion System Service Required" warning
  • •Total loss of electric-only drive mode

What to inspect before you buy

  • ✓Drive in pure electric mode and listen for rear-axle noise
  • ✓Check for hybrid system warnings
  • ✓Ask if the ERAD has the improved "Gen 2" motor or has had a coolant-seal inspection

Air suspension compressor or leak issues

SeriousSuspension & Chassis

Optional air suspension can suffer compressor wear or leaking airbags, especially on heavier, high-spec cars.

Most affected: Inscription Pro, Ultimate, cars with optional air suspension

Estimated cost: £600–£1,500Affects: 2017–2024Often appears around: 45k-90k miles

Typical symptoms

  • •One corner low after parking
  • •Slow height changes
  • •Compressor noise

What to inspect before you buy

  • ✓Overnight stance
  • ✓Repeated raise/lower operation
  • ✓Air-suspension service history

Panoramic roof drain leaks

ModerateBodywork & Rust

Blocked or poorly draining panoramic-roof channels can leak water into the cabin and eventually affect electronics.

Most affected: Cars with panoramic roof

Estimated cost: £200–£1,000Affects: 2017–2024Often appears around: Age-related rather than mileage-related

Typical symptoms

  • •Damp headlining
  • •Wet carpets
  • •Musty smell or misted windows

What to inspect before you buy

  • ✓Inspect headlining and front footwells
  • ✓Check drains if possible
  • ✓Look for water marks around roof opening

Infotainment and software instability

MinorElectrics & Electronics

Sensus and some early Google-based systems can reboot, lose connectivity or briefly take out climate and assistance menus.

Most affected: All trims

Estimated cost: £0–£400Affects: 2017–2022Often appears around: Age-related rather than mileage-related

Typical symptoms

  • •Screen reboots
  • •Frozen menus
  • •Driver-assistance settings disappear temporarily

What to inspect before you buy

  • ✓Use all major functions on the test drive
  • ✓Check software version
  • ✓Confirm dealer update history

Buying Tips for the 2021 Volvo XC60 (Gen 2)

  • ✓Check infotainment stability and update history because even a nice-driving car can still have annoying software faults
  • ✓On Recharge models, watch for rear-drive warnings or odd noises from the back axle
  • ✓Air suspension, if fitted, should adjust height quickly and sit level after standing
  • ✓Heavy wheels and urban use mean brake disc condition is worth checking closely
2017–2020 Volvo XC60 (Gen 2)2022 Volvo XC60 (Gen 2)

Browse 2021 Volvo XC60 (Gen 2) in our Directory

View MOT history, registration data, and reliability scores for 2021 Volvo XC60 (Gen 2) vehicles.

View 2021 Directory

Other Volvo XC60 (Gen 2) Year Periods

2017–2020202120222023–2024

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