2018 Volvo XC60 Problems
Owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA, grouped by component
Data refreshed
What this page shows
Everything below is an owner-reported complaint submitted to NHTSA about the 2018 Volvo XC60, grouped by the component NHTSA recorded on the report. These are not confirmed defects, and they are not recalls. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a category with more reports in it is not evidence that a part is defective.
Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.
Reports by component
Ranked by how many owner reports name each component category
- Electrical1122.4%
- Driver assistance816.3%
- Brakes714.3%
- Airbags48.2%
- Body & structure48.2%
- Engine36.1%
- Visibility24.1%
- Steering24.1%
- Tires & wheels24.1%
- Powertrain (other)12.0%
- Seat belts12.0%
- Interior & seats12.0%
- Suspension12.0%
- Exterior lighting12.0%
- Other / unspecified12.0%
Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.
Each component in detail
What the reports in each category say, in the owners' own words
Electrical
Reports naming the electrical system — wiring, battery, charging, control modules, infotainment and electrical accessories.
From owner reports, verbatim
Water leaking from the windshield seal (possibly the moonroof) gets into electronics under the dash and causes the transmission to stop working properly and also causes the engine to just stop completely. It happened 4 years ago and Volvo replaced a module but it happened again a week ago.
My air conditioning system failed. The entire dashboard and front seats had to be removed. This included having to replace the A/C evaporator, evacuated A/C refrigerant system, removed center console, removed dshboard and all related components, removed and replaced evaporator, adapter for evaporator, o-rings at expansion valve, reinstalled wiring harness behind dash board and all related clips, Recharged A/C refrigerant system, Additionally, I continually received a power steering disable notification, and parking assist disable notification. This is so frustrating.
Driver assistance
Reports naming forward-collision avoidance, lane keeping, back-over prevention, cruise control and related electronic driver-assistance systems.
From owner reports, verbatim
The contact owns a 2018 Volvo XC60. The contact stated that after starting the vehicle, while driving at a slow speed, the brake pedal was depressed while approaching a speed pump and the vehicle unintendedly accelerated and drove at a high rate of speed before crashing into a fence. The contact stated that the vehicle had exceeded 40 MPH. During the crash, the front end of the vehicle was damaged; however, no air bags were deployed. The contact was not injured. The Police and EMS were called to the scene, and the driver and front seat passenger were examined. The driver and passenger suffered emotional stress from the crash. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The manufacturer and local dealer were not yet notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 87,843.
When I had to slow down or suddenly stop because there were other cars in front of me, I. stepped on the break, but it did not stop; maybe it slowed down a little, but the acceleration seemed to accelerate faster. I could hear the acceleration sound. I had to push the gear to stop. The car finally stopped. But I almost hit the front car. Similar occurrences happened when I came to a stop signal, which could have involved me in a serious accident, even fatal. I still drive the car because I have only one car. Most of the time, it works normally, but the problem occurs occasionally. I am scared, thinking it will happen again.
Brakes
Reports naming service brakes, the antilock braking system, brake hoses, master cylinders or the parking brake.
From owner reports, verbatim
When I had to slow down or suddenly stop because there were other cars in front of me, I. stepped on the break, but it did not stop; maybe it slowed down a little, but the acceleration seemed to accelerate faster. I could hear the acceleration sound. I had to push the gear to stop. The car finally stopped. But I almost hit the front car. Similar occurrences happened when I came to a stop signal, which could have involved me in a serious accident, even fatal. I still drive the car because I have only one car. Most of the time, it works normally, but the problem occurs occasionally. I am scared, thinking it will happen again.
Brakes continue to malfunction & I am having to replace brakes & rotors each time at approximately 25k mile intervals. Local dealership in Baton Rouge Louisiana & Lafayette Louisiana continue diminish my concerns and state this in normal wear for this vehicle. i am certain this not the case.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Airbags
Reports naming the air-bag system — deployment behaviour, inflators, sensors and warning lights.
From owner reports, verbatim
The contact owns a 2018 Volvo XC60. The contact stated that after starting the vehicle, while driving at a slow speed, the brake pedal was depressed while approaching a speed pump and the vehicle unintendedly accelerated and drove at a high rate of speed before crashing into a fence. The contact stated that the vehicle had exceeded 40 MPH. During the crash, the front end of the vehicle was damaged; however, no air bags were deployed. The contact was not injured. The Police and EMS were called to the scene, and the driver and front seat passenger were examined. The driver and passenger suffered emotional stress from the crash. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The manufacturer and local dealer were not yet notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 87,843.
Hello, thanks for your time. I purchased my Volvo XC60 in late 2020 from my local Volvo Manhattan dealership. The vehicle was certified pre-owned with approximately 28k miles on it, and in excellent condition. Less than three years later, I have encountered a material airbag safety issue with a prohibitively high repair cost. The passenger occupant seat sensor has failed (SRS airbag warning light is now on), which means that the passenger airbag no longer functions. This requires a full seat replacement at an exorbitant cost ($4,000+ including parts and labor). The vehicle only has 48k miles driven. I have a family and find it unacceptable that my vehicle is essentially no longer usable unless I make a very expensive repair. I feel this should be 100% covered by Volvo given the vehicle has <50k miles and it is a material safety issue. Thank you. Best, [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Body & structure
Reports naming the vehicle structure, frame, body panels, doors, hood and trim.
From owner reports, verbatim
June 4, 2022, 2018 Volvo XC60 - Right rear door lock engaged and would not release from either inside or outside door handle with all doors electronically unlocked. No other doors were affected. The door remained locked until Volvo technician removed inside door panel and made temporary repair on June 6. Replacement lock assembly was not available until Friday, June 10 when it was replaced by the dealer. Lock failure put safety of rear passengers at risk and I did not allow passengers in the back seat until lock was replaced. There was no warning lamp or message indicating lock failure. Dealer service representative said the failure mode was mechanical. Repair made under warranty.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2018 VOLVO XC60. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DRIVER SIDE DOOR HANDLE ON THE INSIDE OF THE VEHICLE FRACTURED FOR THE SECOND TIME. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO (GUNTHER VOLVO CARS DELRAY BEACH 2201 N FEDERAL HWY, DELRAY BEACH, FL 33483) TO BE INSPECTED. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE BRAKE PADS AND ROUTERS WERE DEFECTIVE AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED AT THE OWNERS EXPENSE. THE MANUFACTURER HAD BEEN NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 21,300. *LN*JB
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Engine
Reports naming the engine itself — including stalling, misfires, oil consumption, cooling and internal engine components.
From owner reports, verbatim
The contact owns a 2018 Volvo XC60. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine warning light illuminated on the instrument panel. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer or an independent mechanic. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 50,000.
THIS HAPPENED ON TWO SEPARATE OCCASIONS - WHILE DRIVING NORMALLY ON A REGULAR CITY STREET THE ENGINE SUDDENLY SHUT OFF. WITH NO POWER AVAILABLE, THE POWER STEERING AND BRAKES WERE ALSO AFFECTED. THIS CAUSED AN EXTREMELY DANGEROUS SITUATION AS THE CAR SUDDENLY STOPPED IN THE MIDDLE OF A BUSY STREET. AFTER A MINUTE OR SO THE ENGINE WAS ABLE TO BE RESTARTED. THE ENGINE SHUTOFF OPTION WAS DISABLED AND ALL OTHER FUNCTIONS HAD BEEN WORKING NORMALLY AT THE TIME.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Visibility
Reports naming windshields, glass, wipers, defrosters and mirrors.
From owner reports, verbatim
Water leaking from the windshield seal (possibly the moonroof) gets into electronics under the dash and causes the transmission to stop working properly and also causes the engine to just stop completely. It happened 4 years ago and Volvo replaced a module but it happened again a week ago.
Windshield wiper blade has failed. Previously repaired as part of recall on unsufficient torque on fastening nut. Prior repair has failed and now poses safety risk given low visibility
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Steering
Reports naming the steering system — racks, columns, power-steering assist and steering linkage.
From owner reports, verbatim
Distracting Dash warnings “POWER STEERING ASSISTANCE TEMPORARILY REDUCED”, auto parking warning come on while driving and engine pause during stops working intermittently. Wife refuses to drive vehicle due to warnings that involve steering issues.
MY WIFE AND I PICKED UP OUR NEW VOLVO XC60 T8 A WEEK AGO AND WE TRIED THE PARK ASSIST PILOT FUNCTION FOR THE FIRST TIME LAST NIGHT IN OUR APARTMENT'S GARAGE. WE TURNED ON THE PARK ASSIST PILOT FOR PERPENDICULAR PARK AS WE LOOKED FOR A PARKING SPOT. AFTER THE CENTRAL MONITOR INDICATED A SPOT HAS BEEN FOUND, I PUT THE GEAR IN REVERSE AS ADVISED AND PLACED MY FOOT ON THE BRAKES AS THE CAR BEGINS TO DO ITS JOB. THE CAR BACKED UP AND ATTEMPTED TO TURN INTO THE PARKING SPOT; HOWEVER, IT ACCELERATED AND TURNED SO QUICKLY THAT BEFORE I COULD REACT, THE BACK BUMPER AND LEFT BRAKE LIGHTS HAVE HIT THE COLUMN BESIDE THE PARKING SPOT. THERE HAS BEEN NO INDICATION OF ANY OBSTRUCTION WHEN IT WAS BACKING AND TURNING INTO THE SPOT. IN REMINISCENT, I THINK THE ONLY THING I COULD'VE DONE WAS PRESS ON THE BRAKE SOONER; HOWEVER, THE BACKING AND TURNING OCCURRED SO ABNORMALLY ABRUPT THAT THERE WAS NO TIME TO REACT. MY WIFE AND I BOTH AGREE THAT THE MOVEMENT WAS SO SUDDEN AND FAST THAT IT FELT LIKE THE CAR WAS OUT OF CONTROL. THE FORTUNATE THING WAS THAT WE DID NOT HIT ANY OTHER CAR OR PEOPLE OR DAMAGE OUR BUILDING'S STRUCTURE. AFTER THE INCIDENT, I DO NOT FEEL CONFIDENT ABOUT THE PARK ASSIST PILOT FEATURE AND WILL NOT RECOMMEND OTHERS TO USE IT. WE HOPE THIS REPORT WILL LEAD TO AN INVESTIGATION OF THE VEHICLE'S PARK ASSIST PILOT SYSTEM AND PREVENT MORE SERIOUS ACCIDENTS FROM HAPPENING TO OTHERS. EVEN THOUGH DRIVERS ARE ADVISED TO PUT THEIR FOOT ON THE BREAK DURING ITS USE, IT WOULD BE VERY HELPFUL IF THE REVERSE SPEED COULD BE AUTOMATICALLY RESTRICTED TO THE ADVISED 4MPH. ADDITIONALLY, THE CAR HAS ALREADY BEEN EQUIPPED WITH MANY SENSORS THAT PREVENT COLLISIONS DURING DRIVING AND MANUAL PARKING. THESE SENSORS CAN READILY BE USED TO SENSE OBSTRUCTION DURING PARK ASSIST PILOT AND STOP THE VEHICLE WHEN THEY ARE TRIGGERED. HOWEVER, THEY HAVE FAILED IN OUR CASE TO PREVENT THE COLLISION.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Tires & wheels
Reports naming tires, wheels, hubs, or the tire-pressure monitoring system.
From owner reports, verbatim
Tires are Continental Cross Contact 255/45R20 105H. Miles - 39,000. Severe vibration started coming from rear of car at speeds starting at 45 mph. Alignment was done which did not resolve the issue. Tires removed from rim and two found to be failing inside. The noise reducing foam glued to the inside wall of the tire tread had become almost entirely detached and bunched up in a unsymmetrical configuration. In addition the rubber on the inside where the foam had been was ablating off the surface. This causes a 10oz imbalance in each tire. Additional photos available if requested.
I HAD BEEN EXPERIENCING LOUDER THAN WHAT SHOULD BE NORMAL NOISE WHILE DRIVING MY VEHICLE. SEVERAL DAYS LATER THE VEHICLE STARTED TO VIBRATE WHILE IN MOTION DRIVING THROUGH CITY STREETS. THEN ON NOVEMBER 24TH WHILE DRIVING ALONG THE NJ TURNPIKE THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO VIBRATE AND BOUNCE SO SEVERELY THAT I HAD TO PULL OVER BECAUSE I THOUGHT A TIRE WAS GOING TO BLOW OUT. THE VIBRATION WAS SO INTENSE WHILE GOING THE SPEED LIMITED.I HAD TO REDUCE THE SPEED AND DRIVE WITH HAZARDS ON TO GET TO MY LOCATION. I IMMEDIATELY MADE A SERVICE APPOINTMENT TO HAVE THE VEHICLE LOOKED AT. THE VOLVO SERVICE DEPARTMENT CONDUCTED A ROAD TEST AS WELL AS A BALANCE TEST. WHAT I WAS TOLD WAS THAT THE FOAM BELT INSIDE 3 OF THE 4 TIRES HAD STARTED TO BREAK FREE WHICH CAUSED MY VEHICLE TO VIBRATE ALL OVER THE FREEWAY. THE DEALERSHIP SAID THAT THEY WOULD REMOVE THE FOAM AND THAT THEY TIRES "SHOULD BE OK" OR THEY COULD REPLACE THE TIRES BUT I WOULD HAVE TO PAY FOR THEM. I HAVE A BRAND NEW CAR THAT IS LEASED WITH BRAND NEW CONTINENTAL CROSSCONTACT LX SPORT TIRES AND I BELIEVE THAT THE MANUFACTURER SHOULD BE RESPONSIBLE FOR FIXING THE DEFECT THAT OCCURRED IN THE TIRES.HONESTLY, I AM LUCKY THAT MY CAR DIDN'T FLIP OVER!
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Powertrain (other)
Powertrain reports that are not specifically the engine or transmission — driveshafts, axles, transfer cases and differentials.
From owner reports, verbatim
Have brought car twice for vibration and shutter when vehicle is driven on highway. The shutter is extreme and only stops when car comes to a dead stop at an intersection or toll. Increasing speed or lowering speed does not stop the extreme shutter felt in wheel and passenger compartment. Car has only 37,000 miles on odometer! This extreme vibration and shutter is intermittent and not all the time.This problem has been previously reported to NHTSA as propeller shaft front head on AWD system. Portland Volvo has done alignment on 10/10/22, but could not find reason for shutter/shimmy. Brought car back to dealer on 10/27/22 and they found nothing. Bringing car back to dealer on 11/16/22 for same problem.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Seat belts
Reports naming seat belts, buckles, retractors and pretensioners.
From owner reports, verbatim
THE SEATBELT WARNING ONLY SOUNDS FOR A FEW SECONDS THEN GOES SILENT AND NEVER SOUNDS AGAIN. THIS OCCURS AT ENGINE START, AND ALSO IF I UNBUCKLE THE BELT WHILE MOVING. THIS HAPPENS TO THE DRIVER AND PASSENGER BELTS. I TOOK THE CAR TO THE DEALERSHIP WHERE I PURCHASED IT, THEY HAD IT OVERNIGHT AND THE NEXT DAY TOLD ME THAT THIS IS THE WAY IS WAS DESIGNED. I CALLED VOLVO USA CUSTOMER SUPPORT AND WAS TOLD TO TAKE IT TO A DEALER, AND THEN BEGAN TELLING ME THAT HIS VOLVO ( UNKNOWN MODEL OR YEAR) DID NOT DO THIS. THE CAR HAS 1,300 MILES.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Interior & seats
Reports naming seats, latches, locks, linkages and interior fittings.
From owner reports, verbatim
Have brought car twice for vibration and shutter when vehicle is driven on highway. The shutter is extreme and only stops when car comes to a dead stop at an intersection or toll. Increasing speed or lowering speed does not stop the extreme shutter felt in wheel and passenger compartment. Car has only 37,000 miles on odometer! This extreme vibration and shutter is intermittent and not all the time.This problem has been previously reported to NHTSA as propeller shaft front head on AWD system. Portland Volvo has done alignment on 10/10/22, but could not find reason for shutter/shimmy. Brought car back to dealer on 10/27/22 and they found nothing. Bringing car back to dealer on 11/16/22 for same problem.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Suspension
Reports naming suspension components — springs, struts, shocks, control arms and related hardware.
From owner reports, verbatim
There is a know issue with suspension that Volvo is not addressing. XC 60 owners are reporting the car was shuttering and vibrating heavily under acceleration or coasting at different speed (at 30K miles). This is getting more severe with increased mileage. Volvo has redesign the CV joint, but has not advised owners. The issues: 1- The right drive axle had a play 2- Front Prob drive shaft CV Joint is defective: The dealer showed me the new redesigned version where it is marked with a green line. If you don't see the green line on your prob shaft, this means you might have the old design one and will probably be defective. Volvo has redesigned but not replacing the defective part. The vibrations becomes more severe with increased speed and adversely effects steering, maneuverability and control on the vehicle.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Exterior lighting
Reports naming headlights, tail lights, turn signals and other exterior lighting.
From owner reports, verbatim
The dashboard lights go out for no reason. It is really dangerous at night when you have no speed showing and can't use the GPS system when navigating at night. This has been going on now for 2 years and still no fix. Last time in the shop for issue and Volvo service said no issues showing. Used a 2025 loaner while they worked on my car and the new car had the same issue so and ongoing issue that is not being addressed by Volvo.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Other / unspecified
Reports whose component NHTSA recorded as unknown, or that do not map to one of the categories above.
From owner reports, verbatim
I HAD BEEN EXPERIENCING LOUDER THAN WHAT SHOULD BE NORMAL NOISE WHILE DRIVING MY VEHICLE. SEVERAL DAYS LATER THE VEHICLE STARTED TO VIBRATE WHILE IN MOTION DRIVING THROUGH CITY STREETS. THEN ON NOVEMBER 24TH WHILE DRIVING ALONG THE NJ TURNPIKE THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO VIBRATE AND BOUNCE SO SEVERELY THAT I HAD TO PULL OVER BECAUSE I THOUGHT A TIRE WAS GOING TO BLOW OUT. THE VIBRATION WAS SO INTENSE WHILE GOING THE SPEED LIMITED.I HAD TO REDUCE THE SPEED AND DRIVE WITH HAZARDS ON TO GET TO MY LOCATION. I IMMEDIATELY MADE A SERVICE APPOINTMENT TO HAVE THE VEHICLE LOOKED AT. THE VOLVO SERVICE DEPARTMENT CONDUCTED A ROAD TEST AS WELL AS A BALANCE TEST. WHAT I WAS TOLD WAS THAT THE FOAM BELT INSIDE 3 OF THE 4 TIRES HAD STARTED TO BREAK FREE WHICH CAUSED MY VEHICLE TO VIBRATE ALL OVER THE FREEWAY. THE DEALERSHIP SAID THAT THEY WOULD REMOVE THE FOAM AND THAT THEY TIRES "SHOULD BE OK" OR THEY COULD REPLACE THE TIRES BUT I WOULD HAVE TO PAY FOR THEM. I HAVE A BRAND NEW CAR THAT IS LEASED WITH BRAND NEW CONTINENTAL CROSSCONTACT LX SPORT TIRES AND I BELIEVE THAT THE MANUFACTURER SHOULD BE RESPONSIBLE FOR FIXING THE DEFECT THAT OCCURRED IN THE TIRES.HONESTLY, I AM LUCKY THAT MY CAR DIDN'T FLIP OVER!
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers.
Elsewhere on this vehicle
Data sources
- NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation — owner-reported complaints and the components recorded on them
Data on this page last refreshed .