Volvo is recalling 162 2016-2020 XC90 Excellence vehicles for software that can move the front passenger seat. Repair is free at any franchised Volvo dealer.
Volvo is recalling 162 2016-2020 XC90 Excellence vehicles because liquid or condensation on the rear seat control display can send the front passenger seat all the way back. That can trap a rear passenger without a way to stop the movement and increase the risk of injury; Volvo dealers will complete the recall repair free of charge.
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What's wrong?
The 2016-2020 Volvo XC90 Excellence uses a rear seat control display to let rear passengers operate comfort features from the back seat. In this recall, the affected software controls the touch buttons for the front passenger seat. Under normal operation, a deliberate touch on the display sends the seat a command, then the command stops when the touch ends.
The display reads touch through capacitance, which means it senses changes at the glass surface. Liquid, droplets, or condensation on that surface can be read like a constant finger press. When that false touch lands on the front passenger seat control, the software can keep the seat command active until the seat reaches its rearward end position.
There is no warning sign before failure. The issue starts when moisture is on the rear seat control display, so an owner would not get a separate light, message, or sound before the seat begins moving.
Who's affected?
Covers five XC90 model years, all tied to rear seat display touch-button software.
| 2016 Volvo XC90 | electrical system software |
|---|---|
| 2018 Volvo XC90 | electrical system software |
| 2020 Volvo XC90 | electrical system software |
| 2017 Volvo XC90 | electrical system software |
| 2019 Volvo XC90 | electrical system software |
| Units affected | 162 |
| Field incidents | NHTSA has logged 1 field incident to date. |
The year and model narrow the scope, but the VIN decides. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific SUV is included.
What's the safety risk?
A rear passenger can become trapped by the moving front seat if the rear control display does not let them cancel seat movement. That raises the risk of injury, especially when someone is seated behind the front seat. Until the software update is completed, use extra care with rear-seat controls and seat movement. Repair is free at any franchised Volvo dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2016-2020 Volvo XC90 is included in this recall.
- Contact your nearest franchised Volvo dealer to schedule the free rear-seat-control-display software update that addresses the seat movement issue.
- Bring the recall notice if Volvo mailed one. Reference recall number 21V273 when you call.
- Avoid using the rear seat control display if it is wet or has condensation until the software update is complete.
- Call Volvo customer service at 1-888-458-1552 with questions.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Volvo technician updates the rear seat control display software so liquid or condensation does not trigger unintended front passenger seat movement. The software update, parts, and labor are free under the recall. If you've already paid out of pocket for a related rear seat control display repair before the recall notice, gather your repair order and payment documentation. Ask Volvo customer service or the dealer to handle the claim under Volvo's general reimbursement plan.
| Reimbursement | Reimbursement available |
|---|
Timeline
| April 21, 2021 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| April 21, 2021 | Dealer notification began |
| April 21, 2021 | Dealer notification ended |
| June 18, 2021 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
| July 14, 2021 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 21V273?
Recall 21V273 covers 162 2016-2020 Volvo XC90 Excellence vehicles with rear seat control display software that can move the front passenger seat fully rearward when liquid or condensation reaches the display. Volvo dealers update the rear seat control display software for free.
What should I do if my 2016-2020 Volvo XC90 is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific vehicle is included in recall 21V273. If it is, contact a franchised Volvo dealer to schedule the rear seat control display software update. Owner letters were mailed July 14, 2021. The repair is free.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires manufacturers to repair safety defects at no cost, and Volvo's remedy for recall 21V273 says dealers will update the rear seat control display software free of charge.
What is the safety risk in recall 21V273?
The safety risk is that the front passenger seat can move fully rearward and trap a rear passenger. The passenger has no way to cancel the seat movement from the rear seat, increasing the risk of injury.
What if I bought my Volvo XC90 used?
The free repair still applies. Recall coverage follows the vehicle, not the first owner. If you never received Volvo's July 14, 2021 owner letter, check your VIN, then call a franchised Volvo dealer and reference recall 21V273.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/21V273000 |
|---|---|
| Volvo customer service | 1-888-458-1552 |
| NHTSA recall # | 21V273 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 21V273000 |
Source documents
-
Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF) - Download Quarterly Report (PDF)
- Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Recall Investigation Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Owner Notification Letter (PDF)
- Download Owner Notice (PDF)
- Download Recall Report (PDF)
- Download Recall Acknowledgement (PDF)
This article is generated from NHTSA's primary recall filings and reviewed against the source on May 24, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →