2013 Volvo XC60 Problems & Owner Complaints

Visibility/Wiper 27

“Windshield leaks water into cabin. Volvo dealership charged $190 to diagnose problem. Told me I need a new windshield but they do not do glass replacement or repairs. They said sealant is bad at top of windshield. This is the original factory windshield. They referred me to a independent glass company who quoted $900 - $1285 for replacement. Cannot repair only install new windshield. This seems to be a known problem with Volvo cars and the sealant that was used at factory? Not covered by insurance. Car was parked outside during rain.”
NHTSA complaint #11744958, 2026

“Faulty seal in OEM windshield sealant/silicone causing water to leak on the inside of car, headliner, and inner windshield. Can cause visibility issues and mildew.”
NHTSA complaint #11630743, 2024

“The windshield has come loose at the top allowing water to get into the vehicle when it rains. Water pools on the floor of driver’s side, the headliner gets wet, and the interior smells moldy.”
NHTSA complaint #11627848, 2024

Unknown Or Other 15 1 fire

“ON JUNE 14TH DRIVING ON TEXAS 195 AT 55MPH WHEN MESSAGE ON "LOW ON COOLANT, PULL OVER". I IMMMEDIATELY PULLED OVER AND SAW A MAN RACE TO FRONT PASSENGER SIDE WITH FIRE EXTINGUISHER. I LOOKED AND THE RAT. FRONT TIRE WAS ENGULFED IN FLAMES. FLAMES WERE ALSO COMING FROM UNDER THE HOOD. THE POLICE AND FIRE DEPARTMENT SHOWED UP AND F.D. INSURED FIRE WAS OUT, AFTER CONTACTING MY INSURANCE I HAD THE CAR TOWED T GEORGETOWN TEXAS, VOLVO. SERVICE PERSON PERSON TOLD ME TO TAKE IT TO A BODY SHOP SINCE THEY DIDN'T HAVE ONE. I SAID CAR WOULDN'T RUN, I WAS THEN ASKED WHAT I HAD HIT AND I STATED NOTHI…”
NHTSA complaint #11005448, 2017 · fire

“The windshield leaks. The seal is no good. I get wet every time it rains. No repair messages or warning lights were issued by the car. The repair service inspected the car, and they stated the factory glue was non-existent on the seal. Very poor.”
NHTSA complaint #11567310, 2024

“I recently was forced to use the pry-off cap and manual key entry to get into my 2013 Volvo XC60. This was due to the vehicle’s lack of response to the fob, there was no communication between the fob and the electrical system. Once inside, inserting the fob, the engine started but the entire instrument cluster was flashing intermittently the various warning lights, and the windows could not be lowered. The cluster showed failure of speedometer, tachometer, brake system, seat belts and all other gauges on the cluster. Not knowing whether it was safe to drive, I turned it off. I returned later…”
NHTSA complaint #11541669, 2023

Electrical System 9 1 fire

“The accelerator got stuck and and the engine went full power. It would not shut off and the overheated.”
NHTSA complaint #11702146, 2025 · fire

“The component or system that failed is the driver side door controls for all four windows and both side mirrors. My safety is at risk as I am unable to adjust my mirrors manually or electronically in order to see. I am also unable to roll down any of the windows in the vehicle from the driver door in the event of an emergency. Yes, the problem has been confirmed by the Volvo service center. According to my local Volvo service center, this is a common problem in Volvos and they are very familiar with the repair needed to correct. The problem is that the driver door wiring is zip-tied together a…”
NHTSA complaint #11607357, 2024

“I recently was forced to use the pry-off cap and manual key entry to get into my 2013 Volvo XC60. This was due to the vehicle’s lack of response to the fob, there was no communication between the fob and the electrical system. Once inside, inserting the fob, the engine started but the entire instrument cluster was flashing intermittently the various warning lights, and the windows could not be lowered. The cluster showed failure of speedometer, tachometer, brake system, seat belts and all other gauges on the cluster. Not knowing whether it was safe to drive, I turned it off. I returned later…”
NHTSA complaint #11541669, 2023

Air Bags 7 1 crash

“"During airbag deployment, the driver’s hand was burned with blistering. I believe hot gas or chemicals vented abnormally. This caused a painful injury requiring treatment."”
NHTSA complaint #11659242, 2025 · crash

“Water leakage from top of windsheild due to common failure of sealant (known to Volvo) falls directly into steering wheel airbag and, from there, flows into the seam between airbag module and the steering wheel and collecting behind the airbag subjecting the electrical connections of the airbag to moisture trapped behind the airbag. See photos. No warning lights yet. Vehicle is available for inspection by nhtsa.”
NHTSA complaint #11526446, 2023

“Windshield leaks while raining. Mold getting into headliner and the drips affect my visibility. The water intrudes into airbag area and could affect airbag lifespan and efficiency. Can affect electrical safety features in car. Cannot see while driving . Other people all over internet have this issue . Reported it to dealer.”
NHTSA complaint #11441245, 2021

Structure 5

“Factory installed windshield is leaking profusely due to faulty adhesive/primer. This is a well known issue that causes havoc on vital electronic systems and should be a national recall. The loose windshield bond can cause the windshield to detach during a crash. The failed windshield bond compromises the structural integrity of the roof.”
NHTSA complaint #11667548, 2025

“WHEN RAINING OUTSIDE WATER DROPS INSIDE ON THE DRIVER FROM THE TOP OF THE WINDSHIELD ABOVE THE STEERING WHEEL . THIS JUST STARTED ON A 7.5 YEAR OLD CAR BUT WITH ONLY 47,850 MILES. THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE BECAUSE THE DRIVER IS GETTING WET AND IS TOTALLY DISTRACTED AND, IF IGNORED, THE BODY WILL RUST, LOOSENING THE WINDSHIELD.. THE CAR CANNOT BE SAFELY DRIVEN IN THE RAIN WITH THIS LEAK AND IT CANNOT BE LEFT OUTSIDE AT ALL IF THERE IS ANY CHANCE OF RAIN, UNLESS THE WINDSHIELD IS COVERED WITH PLASTIC. IF I IGNORE THIS THE CAR WILL RUST AROUND THE WINDSHIELD SO AS TO WEAKEN IT'S ROLE AS A PART O…”
NHTSA complaint #11408026, 2021

“WATER LEAKAGE INSIDE OF FRONT DRIVER SIDE WINDSHIELD DURING LIGHT RAINFALL. CAR WAS STATIONARY. LEAKAGE IS CONTINUOUS EACH TIME IT RAINS. VOLVO XC60 2013 3.2 ENGINE”
NHTSA complaint #11398195, 2021

Engine 3 1 fire

“ON JUNE 14TH DRIVING ON TEXAS 195 AT 55MPH WHEN MESSAGE ON "LOW ON COOLANT, PULL OVER". I IMMMEDIATELY PULLED OVER AND SAW A MAN RACE TO FRONT PASSENGER SIDE WITH FIRE EXTINGUISHER. I LOOKED AND THE RAT. FRONT TIRE WAS ENGULFED IN FLAMES. FLAMES WERE ALSO COMING FROM UNDER THE HOOD. THE POLICE AND FIRE DEPARTMENT SHOWED UP AND F.D. INSURED FIRE WAS OUT, AFTER CONTACTING MY INSURANCE I HAD THE CAR TOWED T GEORGETOWN TEXAS, VOLVO. SERVICE PERSON PERSON TOLD ME TO TAKE IT TO A BODY SHOP SINCE THEY DIDN'T HAVE ONE. I SAID CAR WOULDN'T RUN, I WAS THEN ASKED WHAT I HAD HIT AND I STATED NOTHI…”
NHTSA complaint #11005448, 2017 · fire

“The contact owns a 2013 Volvo XC60. The contact stated while driving approximately 35 MPH, the vehicle lost motive power and stalled in the middle of the road. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The contact was able to restart the vehicle and proceeded to his destination. The failure recurred several times. The contact had not taken the vehicle to a local dealer. The vehicle had not been diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 100,574.”
NHTSA complaint #11458378, 2022

“THIS VOLVO EXPERIENCES "SUDDEN UNINTENDED ACCELERATION" PERIODICALLY (ESTIMATED AT 2 TIMES PER YEAR) SINCE IT WAS NEW. THIS UNINTENDED ACCELERATION MANIFESTS ITSELF GENERALLY WHEN COMING TO A STOP (RED LIGHT, DRIVE THRU RESTAURANT, PARKING LOT) BUT HAS HAPPENED ONCE ON THE HIGHWAY. THE ENGINE RACES TO FULL THROTTLE AND LUCKILY, FOR THE INSTANCES SO FAR, WE HAVE BEEN ABLE TO CONTROL THE CAR WITH THE BRAKES. THE ACCELERATION LASTS FOR ROUGHLY 1-2 MINUTES. THE LAST TIME IT HAPPENED (MAY 31, 2020), I SHIFTED THE CAR INTO NEUTRAL, AND THE ENGINE RACED TO 8,000 RPMS, HELD THERE FOR A FEW SECONDS…”
NHTSA complaint #11362380, 2020

Forward Collision Avoidance 2

“The vehicle came to a stop in two different occasions (6 months apart) without a reason. The first occasion was while exiting the freeway, there was no car or object in front of me. The second time I had gone over a manhole and the car screeched to a halt on a city street. I was very fortunate that in both occasions I did not have a car behind me or this malfunction would have caused a collision. After the car stopped I was able to continue driving. After the car stopped the message "Auto braking by City Safety" appeared on the dashboard.”
NHTSA complaint #11595698, 2024

“The car came to a complete stop without a reason. This happened while exiting the freeway and no cars or objects were in front of me. I was very lucky that I did not have a car behind me or this would have caused a collision. After the car stopped the message "auto braking by City Safety" appeared on my dashboard”
NHTSA complaint #11595702, 2023

Service Brakes 2

“I WAS PULLING INTO A PARKING SPACE AND PUT MY FOOT DOWN TO APPLY THE BRAKES THE CAR WOULD NOT SLOW DOWN, THE HARDER I PUSHED ONTHE BRAKE THE MORE THE CAR WOULD GO FORDWARD. HAVE YOU HAD ANYTHING LIKE THIS BEFORE.”
NHTSA complaint #11222007, 2019

“UNEVEN BRAKE WEAR . THE CAR HAS 60000 MILES AND THE BACK BRAKES HAVE NEEDED TO BE CHANGED TWICE AS WELL AS ROTORS. THE FRONT PAD HAVE YET TO BE REPLACED.”
NHTSA complaint #11220803, 2019

Steering 2 1 injury

“THE STEERING WHEEL TRIM IS SEPARATING AND LEAVING SHARP METAL EDGES. THE CUTS I HAVE SUSTAINED ARE MINOR IN NATURE BUT THE DISTRACTION OF HAVING BLOOD DRIPPING ON THE STEERING WHEEL WHILE DRIVING IS SIGNIFICANT. THE PHOTO SHOWS A CUT FROM A DAY AGO, BUT THIS HAS HAPPENED MULTIPLE TIMES.”
NHTSA complaint #11030857, 2017 · 1 injury(ies)

“I HAVE A MINOR LEAK ON THE STEERING PUMP ON 2013 VOLVO XC60. WENT TO THE VOLVO-MISSISSAUGA DEALER TODAY (INVOICE# 197408) AND THEY SAID THAT THIS IS NOT QUALIFYING AS A LEAK BUT RATHER IT IS A "VISIBLE SWEAT" FROM THE STEERING PUMP. "VISIBLE SWEAT" MEANS LOOSING STEERING FLUID. STEERING PUMP IS A SAFETY PART OF THE VEHICLE AND I AM CONCERN FOR MY SAFETY. I HAVE PICTURES TO SHOW THE LEAK. I DISAGREE WITH VOLVO-MISSISSAUGA ASSESSMENT AND OPENED A DEFECT COMPLAIN WITH GOV OF CANADA - TRANSPORT CANADA OFFICE. COMPLAIN NUMBER # 2016-0077.”
NHTSA complaint #10823747, 2015

Visibility 2

“During a heavy rain storm, I noticed water running down the inside of the windshield. It impaired my vision.”
NHTSA complaint #11721556, 2026

“The windshield leaks when I am driving from the passenger side and the driver side. Last rain a lot of water got into the car which makes it very dangerous to drive and obviously to break since it gets slippery. I live in the mountains, and we get a lot of rain and now I have to pay out of pocket to get it diagnosed when even the service advisor said that that particular year and models leaks a lot.”
NHTSA complaint #11557991, 2023

Electronic Stability Control (Esc) 1

“CAR LEAKS WATER INSIDE,COMING FROM BOTH A PILLARS .THIS IS WHERE THE CURTAIN AIRBAGS ARE LOCATED. THIS CLEARLY IS A SAFETY CONCERN. I HAVE DONE A LITTLE RESEARCH AND VOLVO OF NORTH AMERICA WHERE SUED IN NJ FOR THIS TYPE OF WATER INTRUSION PROBLEM. THIS OCCURS WHEN IT RAINS AND CAR JUST SITS WHILE PARKED .”
NHTSA complaint #11073317, 2018

Equipment Adaptive/Mobility 1

“12/24/13 APPROX 6:00 PM DRIVING APPROX. 65 MPH ON ROUTE 9 SOUTH IN CT WITH CRUISE CONTROL ON. NO OTHER VEHICLES IN FRONT OR NEARBY AND SUDDENLY THE RED DASHBOARD LIGHT FLASHED AND WARNING SOUNDS AND THE CAR BEGAN TO AUTO BRAKE ABRUPTLY TO 45 MPH. I PULLED OFF THE ROAD TURNED OFF THE CRUISE CONTROL THEN RESUMED MY TRIP UNEVENTFULLY. 12/27/13 APPROX 2:00 PM DRIVING APPROX. 60 MPH ON ROUTE 84 IN CT WITH CRUISE CONTROL ON. NO OTHER VEHICLES IN FRONT OR NEARBY AND SUDDENLY THE RED DASHBOARD LIGHT FLASHED AND WARNING SOUNDS AND THE CAR BEGAN TO AUTO BRAKE HARD DOWN TO 45 MPH. I PULLED OFF THE RO…”
NHTSA complaint #10608342, 2013

Exterior Lighting 1

“HEADLIGHT MOUNTS LOCATED ON REAR OF ASSEMBLY FRACTURE/BREAK OVER TIME. THIS LEAVES THE HEADLIGHT ASSEMBLY DISCONNECTED FROM THE VEHICLE CHASSIS AND CERTAIN CIRCUMSTANCES COULD LEAD THE HEADLIGHT TO FALL FROM THE VEHICLE.”
NHTSA complaint #10949229, 2017

Fuel/Propulsion System 1

“The gas gauge no longer reports accurate level of fuel in tank. Thousands of people have reported this issue, yet no recall exists, though this endangers lives - especially in the deserts of the southwest. Volvo service quotes are aways ripoffs, quoting $3000 minimum.”
NHTSA complaint #11437908, 2019

Power Train 1

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 VOLVO XC60. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING WHILE DEPRESSING THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL. THE CONTACT INITIALLY CALLED THE MANUFACTURER AND SPOKE WITH THREE DIFFERENT REPRESENTATIVES WHO REFUSED TO INFORM HIM IF THE VIN WAS UNDER RECALL. THE CONTACT THEN SPOKE TO AUTOBARN VOLVO CARS OAK PARK (1140 GARFIELD ST, OAK PARK, IL 60304) WHERE HE WAS GIVEN AN ESTIMATE FOR A DIAGNOSTIC FEE. THE CONTACT DECLINED THE DIAGNOSTIC TEST. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 40,000.*DT*DT*JB*JB”
NHTSA complaint #11385446, 2020

Seats 1

“EVERY TIME IT RAINS WATER RUNS IN FROM SUNROOF AND OR FRONT WINDSHIELD GOT TO WHERE YOU CAN'T EVEN DRIVE IN THE RAIN ANYMORE IT IS SO BAD. STILL HAS THE FACTORY WINDSHIELD IN THE CAR.”
NHTSA complaint #11407973, 2020

Vehicle Speed Control 1 1 fire

“The accelerator got stuck and and the engine went full power. It would not shut off and the overheated.”
NHTSA complaint #11702146, 2025 · fire