2023 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 2023 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
- Electrical1929.2%
- Driver assistance1421.5%
- Brakes812.3%
- Fuel system57.7%
- Visibility57.7%
- Exterior lighting34.6%
- Engine34.6%
- Powertrain (other)23.1%
- Tires & wheels23.1%
- Other / unspecified11.5%
- Seat belts11.5%
- Steering11.5%
- Body & structure11.5%
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
Loss of all audible components after start up (Infotainment system has Android Auto 5.1.17 system installed); no turn signal sound, no back up or lane departure audible alert. This is dangerous because the system can fail to confirm whether the turn signal is on or whether there is hazardous condition outside. Had to perform a complete system reboot to resolve the issue. The reboot is hazardous during driving condition as it is a distraction to the driver. This is issue has been happening on a persistent basis since the latest software update, the system needs to be rebooted two to three times a week, sometimes during driving.
After Volvo’s software update 5.1.17 was installed, all sound in the vehicle including all warning alerts, turn signals, stereo, etc. have no sound. If you reboot the system it MIGHT work, but it reverts back to not working once it is parked. Does not show any alerts when you’re close to an object. I have serious concerns about any of my safety systems working properly.
Driver assistance
Reports naming forward-collision avoidance, lane keeping, back-over prevention, cruise control and related electronic driver-assistance systems.
From owner reports, verbatim
Entire car audio does not work. Blinker click, collision warning, navigation etc. Volvo has blamed software but each update in the past 3 years has not fixed the issue. Driving a car where the entire audio system is not working reliably is a safety issue
Loss of all audible components after start up (Infotainment system has Android Auto 5.1.17 system installed); no turn signal sound, no back up or lane departure audible alert. This is dangerous because the system can fail to confirm whether the turn signal is on or whether there is hazardous condition outside. Had to perform a complete system reboot to resolve the issue. The reboot is hazardous during driving condition as it is a distraction to the driver. This is issue has been happening on a persistent basis since the latest software update, the system needs to be rebooted two to three times a week, sometimes during driving.
Brakes
Reports naming service brakes, the antilock braking system, brake hoses, master cylinders or the parking brake.
From owner reports, verbatim
Occasionally, when I put the car in reverse, the brakes do not activate. The pedal feels stiff and hard to push. But then if I let off the brake pedal, and reapply the brakes, the problem goes away. This puts me and my passengers at risk of an accident. I have not shown the problem to a dealer yet as the problem is intermittent. I have not seen any warning signs about this problem. I have owned the car for about 6 months, since September of 2025 and have seen the problem about 8 or 10 times.
Driving the car at under 20 mph making a left turn into my cul-de-sac which has an upward slope. Car system thought it would crash into the tree straight ahead and started emergency braking making loud noise and then the steering wheels locked. Ended up hitting the parked car in front of neighbors house due to brake and steering malfunction. Heard from other Volvo owners that this has been a problem. Even backing out of garage where there is no object behind the car the car emergency braking system engages causing whiplash. No longer feel safe driving this car.
Fuel system
Reports naming fuel storage or delivery — tanks, pumps, lines, injectors and fuel leaks.
From owner reports, verbatim
Now on TWO occasions found car completely without power after sitting unused for 2 or 3 days. On both occasions car plugged into Level 2 charger overnight (this is a plug in hybrid model). Required jump start after having to use emergency key to get inside. After jumpstart, received numerous propulsion system errors as well as on first incident, errors saying SOS communication system disabled. Dealer replaced TCAM battery with fresh one stating that computer tries to do updates and drains battery, and dealer lot has occasional dead cars with similar issue. On second incident, car moved into “turtle” limp home mode with critical 12V charging messages. In both instances, car was in a conditioned garage around 48 degrees. Hybrid battery was 100% charged in both cases. Concerned there is a batter drain due to TCAM or main software systems. This is more than inconvenience - this could be a real danger to have a car that may not start reliably after sitting for 48 hours, such as an airport or other setting where getting help is difficult. Limp home mode is driving hazard. There are multiple instances of this on Volvo websites that seems to impact multiple T8 models with a plug in hybrid power train and Google AAOS infotainment/car system architecture. Please help!
While switching lanes the vehicle became unresponsive to throttle input, momentarily leaving me floundering in the new lane unable to accelerate, with cars quickly approaching. This was then followed by a jolt of power after pumping the gas pedal and then normal acceleration behavior. There were no dashboard warnings or sounds to indicate any driver assistance systems were activated. This has occurred once before (at ~1000 miles) but has not been inspected by the dealer. In both cases the incidents were preceded by slowing down for traffic before switching lanes.
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
The contact owns a 2023 Volvo XC60. The contact stated that while driving in a rainstorm, the front windshield wiper arm was striking the top of the hood of the vehicle. Due to the failure, the windshield was not properly cleared of the rainwater, causing a visibility hazard. The contact stated that the hood was damaged by the wiper arm striking the hood. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, who replaced the wiper blades, but the failure reoccurred. The vehicle was taken to the local mechanic, who replaced the wiper arm, but over time the failure reoccurred. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 17,000.
On Wednesday December 3, 2025 the front windshield wipers stopped working on my wife's 2023 Volvo XC60. The stalk to control the wipers was operating as normal. It was able to spray the windshield wiper fluid and operate the rear window wiper as expected. This happened that day that we received unexpected lake effect snow in our area. We immediately scheduled an appointment at dealership we purchased the vehicle from and dropped it off on Friday December 5, 2025. A few moments ago we received a call from the service department that there is an internal service bulletin regarding this issue. They explained that there is a process where they have to go back and forth with Volvo to diagnose the issue. They could not estimate when the issue would be resolved or what was the cause. The dealership was out of loaners, so they gave us an option to either wait or drive the vehicle and hope we don't get caught in bad weather until they can identify what is wrong with the wipers. This puts us in a very unsafe vehicle with no recourse. The safety of my wife, myself, and our child are put at risk because of this issue. There was a message that stated that the wipers failed initially on 12-3-2025, but that message never appeared again. This in itself is a safety issue. What if someone was renting the same vehicle when this occurred. The rental car company wouldn't know and they could rent the vehicle to a drive who wouldn't know.
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
See attached document for complaint.
For more than a year, we have experienced issues with the infotainment system. Despite many trips to the dealership it has not been fixed. The infotainment system randomly shuts down and or reboots, which seems to affect other systems like turn signals, climate control, lane departure alerts, etc.
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 2023 Volvo XC60. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to recognize the key fob. Due to the failure, the vehicle failed to start after multiple attempts with the key fob message displayed and a warning chime was heard. The contact also stated that the coolant warning light was illuminated. The contact had taken the vehicle to the dealer and the thermostat was replaced the vehicle and the warning light disappeared. The contact stated that despite a software update being performed, the key fob failure persisted. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 300. The contact stated that the manufacturer was notified and will not buy the vehicle back. The service dealer is unable to replicate the issue and therefore have no solution to the problem. The contact feels as though the vehicle is unsafe to drive.
I have a 1 month old 2023 XC60 T8 phev recharge extended range with 1250 miles on it. I was driving without any issues for the past 1 months. I got a turtle icon with the check engine light on constant when I started driving today. The car had pulled back while driving and there was substantial diminished power, and could be dangerous in the wrong circumstances. I called Volvo and they explained not to drive the car and towed the car to the nearby Volvo dealership. Waiting on diagnosis 2 days now. I've now noticed other vehicles of the same type are having the same issues. This does not seem to be normal for a cars operation to have random diminished power. Website showing this to be a problem with these models from different years without any definitive resolution: https://www.swedespeed.com/threads/2022-xc90-recharge-extended-range-turtle-icon-check-engine-light.657482/
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
The contact owns a 2023 Volvo XC60. The contact stated upon shifting into park (P), the gear shift indicator light displayed that the transmission was in park (P); however, the vehicle continued to roll. The contact stated that he continuously pressed the park (P) button until the vehicle responded. There was no warning light illuminated. Additionally, the contact stated while driving at various speeds with adaptive cruise control (ACC) mode engaged, the steering wheel independently pulled to the right aggressively. The contact stated that he used physical strength to pull the steering wheel back to the left; however, the steering wheel failed to return to the center position and continuously turned to the left, then to the right. The contact also stated that while driving with auto centering feature activated, the vehicle was driving from side to side. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where an unknown software upgrade was performed. Additionally, the contact received an unknown notice for mandatory software update. The contact stated that the software update was performed; however, the failure worsened. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 400.
Four times in the last five days as I was braking for a red light or braking as I entered a drive thru, the engine surged and revved to between 3000 RPM and 4000 RPM. I had to use all my power to brake the car and I then put it into Neutral, or shut off the car. Within a few seconds or upon restarting the RPMs were back to normal. I DID NOT push on the accelerator by mistake. The car only has 300 miles so I took it to the dealer. The engine had no codes and they had me drive around with the Service Manager but all was fine. On my way home the same surging, increased engine revs happened again. Luckily I’d read a lot about “unintended acceleration “ so I knew enough to just brake firmly and place the transmission in neutral.
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
255 / 40 / R 21
PIRELLI SCORPION ZER ALL SEASON 255/40R21 The tread is falling off in chuncks. Both the front and back tires.
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
Yesterday, while driving on highway, I received a tire pressure warning for all four tires. I filled all tires to the recommended 35psi. The warning went away. Today, after I parked my vehicle, I saw a “parking brake service required” message on my dash. The “park” indicator on my dash started flashing. Now, I’m worried about a brake failure. I only mentioned the tire pressure warning bc I’ve never had multiple error messages like this before.
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 contact owns a Nuna Car Seat, Model Type: Pipa Aire RX, Manufactured Date: March 06, 2024. The car seat was installed in a 2023 Volvo XC60. The contact stated while unbuckling the child out of the car seat, the straps used to latch the harness were loose. After the initial failure, the contact inspected the car seat harnesses several times while strapping the child into the car seat; however, the failure persisted. The contact reached out to the manufacturer several times before the contact was able to reach a representative. Once the contact was able to reach a representative, the contact was advised to take a video of the failure while driving and submitting the information and the contact declined the suggestion because the vehicle was unsafe. The contact also reached out to the manufacturer through email and was given a ticket number. The contact reached out to the company where the car seat was purchased and was informed that the one-year car seat warranty had expired. The contact disputed the claim because the failure had occurred less than one year after the purchase. The car seat was not repaired or replaced. The VIN was not available.
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
Driving the car at under 20 mph making a left turn into my cul-de-sac which has an upward slope. Car system thought it would crash into the tree straight ahead and started emergency braking making loud noise and then the steering wheels locked. Ended up hitting the parked car in front of neighbors house due to brake and steering malfunction. Heard from other Volvo owners that this has been a problem. Even backing out of garage where there is no object behind the car the car emergency braking system engages causing whiplash. No longer feel safe driving this car.
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
After having my car for three weeks, the paint was permanently damaged by an inordinate amount of leaf prints and water stains. Even multiple rounds of polishing didn't fix the issue. Volvo claims this is not covered under warranty, as the damage occurred because of outside influences. I have a hard time believing they think this is an acceptable level of damage from a quite benign, normal level of outside exposure, especially because the dealership GM, the salesman, the detailer, and several car paint experts have never seen this before.
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 .