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2018 Volvo XC60 VIN Check, Recalls & Reliability

The 2018 Volvo XC60 has good reliability. There are 5 recalls and 35 owner complaints on file for the 2018 Volvo XC60. Severity signals include 3 crash-related complaints. The most commonly reported problem areas are: Electrical System (11), Service Brakes (4), Structure (3).

XC60 reliability snapshot

74/100
Latest model-year reliability score
4.0/5
RepairPal rating (medium)
$746
Avg annual repair cost vs $859 category avg
#4/11
Ranking in luxury compact SUVs · better than 64% of peers

Data sourced from Auto Reliability Index, aggregating NHTSA recalls, owner complaints, and RepairPal repair-cost records.

Used-car research

Research the Volvo XC60 before checking the VIN

Compare model years, recurring problems, safety campaigns and market value first. Then use the VIN to verify the history of the individual car.

Most-reported 2018 Volvo XC60 issues

Owner-reported problem categories from NHTSA complaint filings. Counts reflect complaints per category for the most-recent model year on file.

  • Electrical System11
  • Service Brakes4
  • Structure3
  • Lane Departure3
  • Tires2
  • Unknown Or Other2

Pre-purchase inspection checklist for the 2018 Volvo XC60

Hands-on checks distilled from real NHTSA complaint patterns and recall histories. Bring this list to a test drive or mechanic inspection.

  • Test auto stop/start feature for unexpected engine shut-off
  • Inspect rear brake pads and rotors for premature wear
  • Check for water leaks around sunroof and windshield
  • Test Park Assist Pilot for unexpected acceleration
  • Verify lane departure and blind spot monitoring systems function properly
  • Inspect tires for noise-reducing foam detachment and vibration
  • Check for dashboard warning lights and messages

What owners reported

2018 Volvo XC60 owner complaints in detail

Owners have reported 3 crashes and 4 injuries to NHTSA for the 2018 Volvo XC60. These are unverified owner reports, not confirmed defect rates.

Owner complaints11

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Owners of the 2018 Volvo XC60 frequently report issues related to the vehicle's electrical system, particularly engine shut-offs and malfunctions with the auto stop/start feature. Complaints commonly describe the engine shutting off unexpectedly, often while stopped or at low speeds, and failing to restart, which in some cases has led to crashes and injuries. Water leakage into the vehicle, affecting electrical components such as airbags and the main wiring harness, is another reported problem. These issues often emerge early, with some reports occurring as soon as 1,200 miles, and can result in a loss of steering and braking assistance, posing significant safety risks. Prospective buyers should be aware of these potential electrical system failures and their implications for vehicle safety and reliability.

Severity signals: 2 crash, 0 fire, 3 injury reports

Owner complaints4

SERVICE BRAKES

Owners report that the 2018 Volvo XC60 frequently experiences premature wear of rear brake pads and rotors, with some noting replacement needs as early as 20,000 to 25,000 miles. Several complaints describe brake pad thickness falling below 3mm and mention costly replacements. Additionally, one owner reports severe rotor warping at under 27,000 miles, although their brake pads were still in good condition. No safety incidents such as crashes or loss of control are noted in the complaints. Used car buyers should be aware of potential recurring brake maintenance at relatively low mileage intervals.

Owner complaints3

LANE DEPARTURE

Owners of the 2018 Volvo XC60 frequently report issues with the lane departure and assist systems. Complaints describe the blind spot monitor turning off unexpectedly and the lane keep system disengaging without sufficient warning, which is indicated only by a small icon change on the instrument cluster. This behavior has been observed consistently since the vehicle's purchase in early 2018. Additionally, owners express concerns about the system's inability to maintain lane position, which could lead to veering off the road if the driver does not promptly take control. These issues suggest potential safety implications, particularly if the driver is unable to respond immediately to the system's disengagement.

Owner complaints3

STRUCTURE

Owners of the 2018 Volvo XC60 report issues primarily related to door components. Multiple complaints describe interior door handles fracturing, with one instance occurring at approximately 21,300 miles. Another owner reports a right rear door lock failing to release, affecting safety as rear passengers could not exit until a temporary repair was made. Parts availability is a noted issue, delaying repairs for some structural recalls and replacements. These structural issues, particularly with door functionality, are significant for potential buyers to consider due to their impact on vehicle usability and passenger safety.

Owner complaints2

STEERING

Owners of the 2018 Volvo XC60 report issues related to the steering system, particularly involving the Park Assist Pilot feature and power steering warnings. One owner describes a crash incident where the Park Assist Pilot accelerated and turned unexpectedly fast during a parking maneuver, leading to a collision with a garage column. Another owner mentions frequent dashboard warnings indicating "POWER STEERING ASSISTANCE TEMPORARILY REDUCED" and intermittent issues with the auto parking and engine stop/start functions, causing discomfort for the driver. These complaints highlight potential safety implications, including loss of control during parking and distracting warnings while driving. Buyers considering this model should be aware of these reported issues, particularly with automated parking features and power steering alerts.

Severity signals: 1 crash, 0 fire, 0 injury reports

Owner complaints2

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

Owners of the 2018 Volvo XC60 report issues related to the sensitivity of the key fob, which can inadvertently activate the lift gate, leading to potential injury. One owner describes an incident where the lift gate closed automatically while loading groceries, resulting in an injury. Additionally, complaints frequently mention intermittent issues with dashboard warnings, such as "POWER STEERING ASSISTANCE TEMPORARILY REDUCED" and auto parking alerts, as well as inconsistent performance of the engine's start/stop feature, particularly after initial use during a drive. These complaints do not specify mileage ranges, but they highlight potential safety implications, such as distraction while driving and unexpected vehicle behavior.

Severity signals: 0 crash, 0 fire, 1 injury reports

Owner complaints2

TIRES

Owners of the 2018 Volvo XC60 frequently report issues with the Continental CrossContact tires, specifically involving the detachment of noise-reducing foam inside the tires. Typical symptoms include severe vibration and noise while driving, particularly noticeable at highway speeds, with one owner experiencing these issues at around 39,000 miles. The detachment of the foam leads to an imbalance in the tires, causing significant vehicle vibration and potential difficulty in maintaining control. While no accidents are reported, the severity of the vibration prompts safety concerns, as one owner had to reduce speed and drive with hazards on. Buyers should be aware of these issues, especially when evaluating vehicles with similar mileage and tire specifications.

2018 XC60 recalls (5)

Every NHTSA safety recall logged against the 2018 XC60. A VIN check confirms whether any recall remains unrepaired on a specific vehicle.

  1. SEATSNHTSA 19V220000Mar 20, 2019

    Volvo Car USA LLC (Volvo) is recalling certain 2018-2019 XC60 and S90 vehicles. The driver and passenger front seat rail rear flange nuts may not have been installed during assembly.

    Consequence: If the nuts are missing, in the event of a crash, the front seat structure and position may be affected, increasing the risk of injury.

    Remedy

    Volvo will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the front seat rails for missing flange nuts, installing them as necessary, free of charge. The recall began May 7, 2019. Owners may contact Volvo customer service at 1-800-458-1552. Volvo's number for this recall is R19931.

  2. STRUCTURENHTSA 19V046000Jan 18, 2019

    Volvo Car USA LLC (Volvo) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Volvo XC60 vehicles. Under certain conditions and cold temperatures, the tailgate lifting arms may freeze which may cause the lifting arms to separate from the vehicle.

    Consequence: If the tailgate lifting arms separate, the arms could project rearward with significant force, increasing the risk of injury.

    Remedy

    Volvo has notified owners, and dealers will replace the tailgate lift arms with an improved designed, free of charge. The recall began May 14, 2019. Owners may contact Volvo customer service at 1-800-458-1552. Volvo's number for this recall is R89910.

  3. SEATSNHTSA 25V818000Nov 25, 2025

    Volvo Car USA, LLC (Volvo) is recalling certain 2026 XC60MHEV, 2018 and 2025 XC60 vehicles. The front seat bolts may have been improperly tightened, resulting in loose bolts.

    Consequence: A seat with loose bolts may not properly restrain an occupant during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.

    Remedy

    Dealers will tighten the front seat bolts, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 17, 2025. Owners may contact Volvo's customer service at 1-800-458-1552. Volvo's number for this recall is R10345. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall will be searchable on NHTSA.gov beginning December 5, 2025.

  4. VISIBILITY, VISIBILITY/WIPERNHTSA 20V503000Aug 25, 2020

    Volvo Car of N.A., LLC (Volvo Cars) is recalling certain 2018-2020 XC60 vehicles. The nuts that secure the front wipers may not have been sufficiently tightened, possibly causing the wipers to not function properly.

    Consequence: The risk of the front wiper arms nut fixation to loosen and not holding the arm in correct position, the wiper function could be reduced and vision could be impaired, thus increasing the risk of a crash.

    Remedy

    Volvo Car will notify owners, and dealers will tighten the nuts holding the front windshield wiper arms in position, free of charge. The recall began September 29, 2020. Owners may contact Volvo Car customer service at 1-800-458-1552. Volvo Car's number for this recall is R10044.

  5. ELECTRICAL SYSTEMNHTSA 18V800000Nov 13, 2018

    Volvo Car USA LLC (Volvo) is recalling certain 2017-2019 Volvo XC90, S90, V60, V60 Cross Country, V90, XC40, XC60, and V90 Cross Country vehicles. The software installed in the Vehicle Connectivity Module (VCM) may have an error causing the Telematics and Driver Support Systems to function improperly. As a result, the GPS will not provide location information to emergency personnel in the event of an emergency.

    Consequence: If the GPS location is not provided to emergency personnel it can inhibit emergency response in the event of a crash or injury.

    Remedy

    Volvo will notify owners, and dealers will correct the software, free of charge. The recall began December 26, 2018. Owners may contact Volvo customer service at 1-800-458-1552. Volvo's number for this recall is R39917.

Used-market value

2018 Volvo XC60 resale snapshot

$36,745median asking price from 28 listings

Listing benchmarks establish a market range; trim, mileage, condition, title history and prior damage determine what one vehicle is worth.

2018 Volvo XC60 on the road

32,689 2018 Volvo XC60 units were sold new in the US — a key signal for the size of today's used-market inventory.

How the 2018 Volvo XC60 stacks up against rivals

The most-shopped alternatives in the same segment. Each link opens a side-by-side reliability and cost comparison.

Reliability verdict for the 2018 Volvo XC60

The 2018 Volvo XC60 scores 82 out of 100, placing it well above the segment average of 68. This indicates solid reliability for a first-year model of a new generation. The vehicle's five recalls represent an elevated count, but not uncommon for a new model introduction.

Complaints are relatively low, with issues primarily concentrated in the electrical system. Other areas, such as service brakes and lane departure systems, show fewer concerns, suggesting these are less widespread. The broad distribution of minor issues across categories implies no single, critical flaw.

Overall, the 2018 Volvo XC60 presents a solid reliability profile with manageable risks, particularly given its above-average score. Buyers should consider this model as a reasonable option within its class.

What you get in a 2018 Volvo XC60 report

Available title brand history
Odometer readings & rollback detection
Accident & damage records
Auction sales with photos
Open safety recalls
Theft & stolen vehicle check

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2018 Volvo XC60 — Frequently asked questions

Is the 2018 Volvo XC60 reliable?

The 2018 Volvo XC60 scores 82 out of 100, placing it well above the segment average of 68. This indicates solid reliability for a first-year model of a new generation. The vehicle's five recalls represent an elevated count, but not uncommon for a new model introduction.

How many recalls does the 2018 Volvo XC60 have?

5 NHTSA safety recalls have been issued for the 2018 Volvo XC60. A VIN check confirms whether any remain unrepaired on a specific vehicle.

What are the most common 2018 Volvo XC60 problems?

The most-reported 2018 Volvo XC60 problem areas are: Electrical System (11), Service Brakes (4), Structure (3).

Should I run a VIN check on a 2018 Volvo XC60?

Yes. A VIN report verifies title brands, odometer history, accident records, and recall completion on a specific 2018 Volvo XC60, complementing the model-year reliability data on this page.