VolvoXC602021Overview/volvo/xc60/2021/base/

2021 Volvo XC60

Factory specifications, fluid capacities, torque values, EPA fuel economy and the federal safety record for the 2021 XC60.

Transmission Automatic (S8)

The 2021 Volvo XC60, equipped with an automatic S8 transmission, uses 6.4 quarts of 0W-20 oil and achieves an EPA-estimated 21/28/24 mpg. This model year logged 31 owner complaints—primarily about steering—and five recalls. Within the XC60’s complaint history from 2009 to 2017, where the highest year saw 66 complaints and the lowest just 14, the 2021 figures indicate a moderate reliability standing, reflecting a model with a mixed track record.

Model year202620252024202320222021202020192018

Quick specs

Fluid capacities, tune-up values and fuel economy at a glance.

Engine oil capacity6.4 qtOEM · verified
Engine oil type0W-20OEM · verified
EPA fuel economy21/28/24 mpgEPA · verified

Fitment & sizes

Replacement part sizes and factory part numbers — battery, bulbs, filters and belts.

From the factory this vehicle uses a BCI Aux. battery: 401 · Aux. battery 180 CCA battery, OE oil filter 32140029. Each part links to every other vehicle that shares it, so a part you already stock may fit more of your fleet than you'd expect.

Battery groupBCI Aux. battery: 401 · Aux. battery 180 CCAOEM · verified
Tire size235/55R19/XL 105VOEM · verified
Wheel / rim7.5, Optional: 8 inOEM · verified

OE service part numbers OEM · verified

Engine oil filter32140029
Engine air filter31370089
Fuel filter32242191
Battery30659531 alt 31652065
Front wiper blades31490718 alt 31490720
Thermostat31368063 alt 31686046
Cabin air filter31407747 alt 31434971

Full specifications

Engine, drivetrain, dimensions and economy.

Engine & drivetrain NHTSA vPIC

TransmissionAutomatic (S8)

Dimensions & weight NHTSA vPIC

Overall length184.6 in
Overall width74.8 in
Overall height65.4 in
Wheelbase113 in
Curb weight4120 lb
Track (front / rear)65.4 / 65.4 in
Weight distribution (front / rear)55/45

Ratings & economy EPA / vPIC

EPA city / highway / combined21 / 28 / 24 mpg
DrivetrainAll-Wheel Drive
Passenger volume103 cu ft
Cargo volume30 cu ft
Recommended fuelPremium Gasoline

Performance & power Independent road tests

0–60 mph, quarter-mile, horsepower and torque from independent road tests.

Independent road tests for the XC60 of this era, listed by trim and engine — this page spans more than one engine, so no single horsepower figure is shown.

5.0 sec0–60 mph (tested)quickest 5.00 sec — 2021 Recharge T8 Inscription
YearTrim / engine0–60¼ mileHPDrivetrain
2021Recharge T8 Inscription 2.0L Turbo Supercharger I-4 + Elec5.00 sec13.60 sec400 hpAWD
2022Recharge T8 Inscription Extended Range 2.0L Turbo I-4 + Elec 14.9-kWh4.60 sec13.00 sec455 hpAWD
2022B6 R-Design 2.0L Turbo Supercharger I-46.50 sec14.90 sec295 hpAWD
2022B6 R-Design 2.0L Turbo Supercharger I-46.60 sec15.00 sec295 hpAWD
2019T6 R-Design 2.0L Turbo Supercharger I-45.40 sec14.00 sec316 hpAWD
2019T5 Momentum 2.0L Turbo I-46.50 sec15.20 sec250 hpAWD
2023Recharge T8 Ultimate Dark 2.0L Turbo I-4 + Elec 18.8-kWh4.30 sec12.80 sec455 hpAWD
2018T8 e Inscription Plug-in Hybrid 2.0L Turbo Supercharger I-4 + Elec 10.4-kWh5.10 sec13.70 sec400 hpAWD

Service quick specs OEM factory data

Capacities, torques and tune-up values from the factory service manual.

This engine holds 6.4 qt of 0W-20 engine oil, Rear: Volvo P/N 31259380 in the differential, DOT 4 brake fluid. Torque the oil drain plug to Use a new seal: 28.0 ft-lbs.

Lubricants & capacities

Automatic Transmission FluidVolvo P/N 31256774
Automatic Transmission FluidVolvo P/N 31256774
Automatic Transmission FluidVolvo P/N 31256774
Brake FluidDOT 4
Brake FluidDOT 4
Brake FluidDOT 4
Differential Gear OilRear: Volvo P/N 31259380
Differential Gear OilRear: Volvo P/N 31259380

Engine torques

Camshaft Bearing/Carrier Cap Bolts or Studs13.0 ft-lbs
Cylinder Head InstructionsUse new fasteners only.
Engine Oil Pan Drain PlugUse a new seal: 28.0 ft-lbs
Engine Oil Pan Drain PlugUse a new seal: 28.0 ft-lbs
Engine Oil Pan Drain PlugUse a new seal: 28.0 ft-lbs

Chassis torques

Differential Fill PlugFinal Drive: 26.0 ft-lbs
Differential drain PlugFinal Drive: 26.0 ft-lbs
Differential Fill PlugFinal Drive: 26.0 ft-lbs
Differential drain PlugFinal Drive: 26.0 ft-lbs
Differential Fill PlugFinal Drive: 15.0 ft-lbs
Transfer Case Fill Plug26.0 ft-lbs
Transfer Case Fill Plug26.0 ft-lbs
Transfer Case Fill Plug26.0 ft-lbs

Battery & A/C

RefrigerantR1234yf
Refrigerant Capacity1.43 lbs
Oil GroupPAG
Oil Type46YF
Oil Capacity4.40 oz
RefrigerantR134a
Refrigerant Capacity1.60 lbs
Oil GroupPAG

Multi-step torque procedures OEM · verified

Connecting Rod (Large End) Bearings — tightening sequence 1 stages
111.0 ft. lbs., Step 2: 18.0 ft. lbs., Step 3: 90°11 ft. lbs
Crankshaft Pulley and/or Damper Bolts — tightening sequence 1 stages
115.0 ft. lbs. screw to crankshaft, Step 2: 90°, Step 3: Center Bolt: 81.0 ft. lbs., Step 4: 90°15 ft. lbs
Cylinder Head — tightening sequence 1 stages
129.5 ft. lbs., Step 2: 120°, Step 3: 120°29.5 ft. lbs
Engine Flywheel Bolts — tightening sequence 1 stages
133.0 ft. lbs., Step 2: 50°33 ft. lbs
Main Bearings — tightening sequence 1 stages
1Inside Bolts15 ft. lbs

Factory maintenance schedule OEM · verified

Normal service, condensed from the factory interval matrix.

Under the factory schedule, replace the engine oil and filter every 10,000 mi; spark plugs every 60,000 mi; coolant every 10,000 mi. The big-interval services (every 10,000 mi for coolant, and the transmission fluid) are the ones owners most often skip — on a lower-mileage example, assume the original fluids are still in it and check them first.

Every 10,000 miBrake Linings (inspect) · Brake Rotor (inspect) · Engine Coolant System (inspect fluid level) · Engine Oil (drain & refill) · Engine Oil Filter (replace) · Exterior Lighting (inspect)
Every 20,000 miCabin Air Filter (replace) · Engine Assembly (leak inspection) · Foglamp (adjust alignment) · Headlamp (inspect alignment)
Every 40,000 miBrake Hydraulic System (drain, refill & bleed) · Brake Line (inspect) · CV Joint Boot (inspect) · Drive Axle Assembly (inspect) · Driveshaft (inspect) · Driveshaft U-Joint (inspect)
Every 50,000 miTransmission Assembly (inspect fluid level)
Every 60,000 miSpark Plugs (replace)
At 150,000 miDrive Belt (replace) · Timing Belt Tensioner (replace)

Reliability & federal safety record

Owner-reported issues, recalls, investigations and service bulletins on record with NHTSA — an unfiltered look at what owners actually experience.

The 2021 Volvo XC60 exists outside the provided year-by-year trend data, which only covers 2009–2017, making a direct longitudinal comparison impossible. However, the historical record shows a generally declining complaint trend from a 2010 peak of 56 complaints down to 14 by 2017, with TSBs peaking at 353 in 2016 before slightly declining to 291 in 2017, suggesting incremental refinement over the generation. Recall activity during this period was inconsistent, ranging from 1 to 7 annually with no clear downward or upward trajectory. The 2021 model year recorded 3 crash-related complaints and zero fire complaints, with the top concern areas being steering (4), service brakes (3), lane departure (2), and a combined electrical/forward collision avoidance category (2). No recalls are listed for 2021 in the provided data, which is a positive signal, though the limited complaint count makes definitive reliability conclusions difficult. **Takeaway:** The 2021 XC60 shows no recall activity in the available data and a low absolute complaint count, but the lack of continuity with the prior generation's trend data prevents a fully informed assessment. Exercise standard caution and verify current recall status before purchase.

5
Open recalls
NHTSA campaigns
214
Service bulletins
Manufacturer communications
1
ODI investigations
Office of Defects Investigation
31
Owner complaints
3 involved a crash · 0 a fire
NHTSA crash-test rating federal NCAP · out of 5 stars
Overall★★★★★
Frontal★★★★★
Side★★★★★
Rollover★★★★
Owner complaints by model year NHTSA · this generation & adjacent

Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component

All 31 complaints on record, top 8 components.

Steering4
Service Brakes3
Lane Departure2
Electrical System,Unknown Or Other,Forward Collision Avoidance2
Seat Belts1
Latches/Locks/Linkages1
Fuel/Propulsion System1
Electrical System,Engine1

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation complaint database.

Recalls NHTSA · verified

No recall campaigns on record with NHTSA for this vehicle as of the last data refresh.

Technical service bulletins NHTSA · verified

Showing 5 of 214 bulletins on record with NHTSA.

BulletinDateComponentSummary
358422026-01-13Unknown Or OtherThis is a Technical Journal: Text plus 1 jpg and 1 mp4 file -- If there is a strange…
288742026-01-08Unknown Or OtherThis is a TJ If detected during Pre-delivery inspection or if customer complaints of…
TJ 344982026-01-06Unknown Or OtherThis is a Technical Journal: Text plus TJI-516730-1_1_0 Headliner, squeak/rattle noise If…
345212025-12-20Exterior LightingThis is a Technical Journal: Headlamp condensation inside lens - information/leak test…
369022025-12-19StructureThis is a TJ - Text plus 2 jpeg files and 1 mp4 file - If customer complains of the hood…

Common OBD-II trouble codes

The most common OBD-II codes for this vehicle's emissions system. These are standardized SAE J2012 definitions, not vehicle-specific fault reports.

P0420
Catalyst system efficiency below threshold — Bank 1
P0300
Random / multiple cylinder misfire detected
P0171
System too lean — Bank 1
P0455
Evaporative emission system leak detected — large leak
P0128
Coolant thermostat below regulating temperature
P0442
Evaporative emission system leak detected — small leak

VIN tools

Decode factory build data for a specific vehicle by VIN.

VIN
Decode a VIN to confirm the transmission and build data for a specific XC60. OEM
Build data
Plant, GVWR class, engine and body data for any 17-character VIN.
Recalls
Check open recall campaigns against a specific vehicle by VIN.

Vehicles with shared specs

Find every vehicle that shares this one's battery, bulbs, oil capacity, platform or parts.

Reference guides

Cross-vehicle references for the kinds of data on this page.

Frequently asked

How much oil does the 2021 XC60 take?

6.4 qt of 0W-20, per the factory manual.

Does the 2021 XC60 have open recalls?

NHTSA lists 5 recall campaign(s) for this model year. Check your specific vehicle by VIN.

What gas mileage does the XC60 get?

EPA figures are 21 city / 28 highway / 24 combined mpg.