Common problems

Volvo XC60 Common Problems

We grouped the top NHTSA owner-complaint categories across 8 Volvo XC60 model years, then counted how often each issue recurs. The result shows patterns worth inspecting without pretending every vehicle will have them.

Data updated April 2026

Owner complaints
242

8 model years

Top recurring issue
Electrical System

8 affected years

Crash reports
13

Owner-reported severity signal

Fire reports
0

18 injuries · 0 deaths

Pattern overview

Most reported Volvo XC60 problem categories

#1

Electrical System

82complaints represented

Appears among the leading issues for 8 model years; highest in 2022.

#2

Unknown Or Other

23complaints represented

Appears among the leading issues for 6 model years; highest in 2022.

#3

Service Brakes

17complaints represented

Appears among the leading issues for 5 model years; highest in 2023.

#4

Tires

8complaints represented

Appears among the leading issues for 4 model years; highest in 2022.

#5

Visibility Wiper

9complaints represented

Appears among the leading issues for 3 model years; highest in 2025.

#6

Structure

8complaints represented

Appears among the leading issues for 3 model years; highest in 2019.

#7

Power Train

5complaints represented

Appears among the leading issues for 3 model years; highest in 2023.

#8

Steering

10complaints represented

Appears among the leading issues for 2 model years; highest in 2021.

#9

Back Over Prevention

9complaints represented

Appears among the leading issues for 2 model years; highest in 2022.

#10

Lane Departure

5complaints represented

Appears among the leading issues for 2 model years; highest in 2018.

What owners reported

Issue summaries by Volvo XC60 model year

2022 Volvo XC6026 reports

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Owners report that the 2022 Volvo XC60 frequently experiences issues with its Google-based infotainment and electrical systems. Complaints commonly describe problems with the vehicle's infotainment screen going blank, causing loss of HVAC, navigation, and safety features like cameras and sensors. Many owners mention software bugs leading to battery drainage, inability to start the car, and unexpected shutdowns, often within the first few weeks of ownership. These electrical malfunctions can result in the car entering a "limp mode" or requiring a full system reset, posing potential safety risks if they occur while driving. Buyers should be aware of these recurring issues, particularly in vehicles with low mileage or those that have undergone recent software updates.

2023 Volvo XC6016 reports

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Owners report frequent issues with the 2023 Volvo XC60's electrical system, particularly involving the infotainment system and key fob recognition. Complaints often describe the infotainment system randomly shutting down, affecting other functions like climate control, navigation, and safety features, sometimes requiring a reset. Key fob detection failures are also noted, preventing the vehicle from starting. These issues often appear within the first few months of ownership, with some vehicles having less than 1,500 miles. Safety implications include unexpected power loss, "phantom braking," and propulsion system warnings that may limit speed, posing potential risks during highway driving. This information is critical for potential buyers assessing the reliability of this model.

2018 Volvo XC6011 reports

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

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

Owners report frequent issues with software updates in the 2022 Volvo XC60, leading to vehicle inoperability and instrument cluster failures, with no prior warning signs. Complaints frequently mention the backup camera malfunctioning, even after recall-related software updates, causing the screen to go black intermittently. Some owners also describe spontaneous windshield cracking and a heater malfunction in 'pure' mode, which may affect visibility in cold climates. These problems appear within the first few months of ownership and pose safety implications, such as the inability to verify vehicle speed or gear, and compromised rear visibility. Potential buyers should be aware of these recurring software and electronic issues.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Owners report several electrical system issues with the 2021 Volvo XC60, including the Sensus infotainment system and instrument panel going black, which disrupts drive modes and disables features like cruise control. Complaints frequently mention unexpected loss of power while driving, with some instances leading to the vehicle stalling or failing to respond to braking, contributing to one reported crash and injury. Multiple owners describe problems with the Blind Spot Information System (BLIS), electric windows, and seats ceasing to function, often after recent software updates. These issues are noted at various mileages, with some occurring as early as 18,000 miles. Buyers should be aware of the potential safety risks associated with these electrical malfunctions, including loss of vehicle control.

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

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Owners of the 2019 Volvo XC60 report several issues related to the electrical system, with frequent mentions of the driver display and center console going blank, affecting critical functions such as turn signals, hazard lights, and the speedometer. Instances of water leaks from the sunroof leading to electrical malfunctions are also common, with owners describing the vehicle becoming inoperable, unable to shift gears, or turn off. These issues often occur at various mileages, with some reports noting problems before reaching 45,000 miles. One complaint involves a crash and injury due to a malfunction of the auto-hold brake feature. Potential buyers should be aware of these electrical system issues, as they may impact vehicle safety and operability.

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

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Owners report several electrical system issues with the 2025 Volvo XC60, often involving malfunctioning displays and system failures. Complaints frequently mention the instrument cluster going blank, affecting GPS functionality and causing navigation difficulties. Some owners describe intermittent failures of critical features like sensors, cruise control, and sound systems, with issues persisting despite multiple service visits. These problems typically occur within the first few thousand miles of ownership. Notably, one incident involves sudden unintended acceleration resulting in a crash and injury, highlighting potential safety implications. Buyers should be aware of these recurring electrical issues and the potential impact on vehicle safety and usability.

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

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

Owners report several issues with the 2023 Volvo XC60 in the UNKNOWN OR OTHER category. Complaints frequently mention problems with the side-view memory mirrors not returning to the correct position after unlocking the vehicle, potentially affecting visibility and increasing the risk of accidents. Another common issue involves the air conditioning system, which may become non-functional upon starting the car, affecting windshield defrosting and visibility. A malfunctioning "p" button is also noted, where failure to engage park mode results in the vehicle rolling, posing a risk to pedestrians and property. These issues are observed at various mileage points, with some occurring as early as 3,000 miles, and have led to safety concerns such as impaired visibility and vehicle movement.

Pre-purchase inspection

What to check on a used Volvo XC60

When problems are reported to begin

  • Tire structural failures2,000–3,000 miles on the 2026 model-year record
  • Electrical system failures0–1,000 miles on the 2026 model-year record
  • Electrical system failures0–5,000 miles on the 2025 model-year record
  • Electrical system failures0–1,500 miles on the 2023 model-year record
  • Power train surging300–400 miles on the 2023 model-year record
  • Electrical system failures0–10,000 miles on the 2022 model-year record
  • Tire sidewall bubbles and blowouts0–9,000 miles on the 2022 model-year record
  • Electrical system failures18,000–45,000 miles on the 2021 model-year record

Buyer red flags

  • Inspect front passenger-side tire for sidewall bulges
  • Check all windows for cloudiness or fogginess, especially in Ultra trim
  • Test instrument panel for functionality and ensure no dark screens
  • Verify availability of replacement parts for instrument cluster
  • Test infotainment system for blackouts or resets while driving
  • Inspect rear windows for haze or cloudiness affecting visibility
  • Verify backup camera functionality during reversing
  • Check for unexpected tailgate closure using foot-activated feature

How to interpret the counts

Complaint totals are not failure rates

A popular or older model can accumulate more complaints simply because more vehicles exist and have spent longer on the road. The categories above aggregate the counts embedded in each model year's leading issues. Use recurrence across years and severity signals to decide what to inspect; use the VIN and a mechanical inspection to judge one car.

Source trail

Where this Volvo XC60 data comes from

VinExposed combines model-level research with the vehicle-specific history you get from a VIN. Reliability scores and complaint patterns come from Auto Reliability Index's Volvo XC60 research, which analyzes NHTSA records and independent repair data.

Recall counts describe a model year, not the repair status of one car. Confirm the exact VIN with the official NHTSA recall lookup and a vehicle-history report before buying.

Buyer questions

Volvo XC60 research FAQ

What is the most common Volvo XC60 problem?

Electrical System is the broadest recurring complaint category in the available model-year records, appearing among the top issues for 8 years with 82 complaints represented.

Which Volvo XC60 year has the most reported problems?

The 2022 has the largest electrical system count among the years where that category appears. Compare the full year record because a different year may lead on another problem category.

Do NHTSA complaints prove a Volvo XC60 has a defect?

No. Owner complaints are unverified reports and can be duplicated or influenced by sales volume and vehicle age. They are useful patterns to investigate alongside recalls, service records, inspection results and the exact VIN.

Check the actual car

Model research narrows the list. The VIN confirms the car.

Check title brands, accidents, odometer history, auction records and recall status for the specific Volvo XC60 you are considering.