Electrical System Problems of Volvo XC60 - part 1

On 9/1/25 while driving 25 mph in the neighborhood the car started shifting very hard. Upon getting back in the driveway and put in park all dashboard light came on. Car would not leave park, parking brake would not work. Windows would not roll down, dash would not turn on, car would not turn off. Got it to the dealership and the told me it was a software update that needed to be done.

See all problems of the 2019 Volvo XC60 🔎.

Acceleration from standing position.

We’ve owned a couple of the Xc60s from the new generation. We have had many conversations with Volvo and the dealership but they have yet to rectify the issue. What it all boils down to, is that Volvo put an underperforming center console in its new generation of cars (2016-2025). The console does not have enough memory to process everything it’s doing. As a result it locks up and either freezes or shuts off. The problem is the console operates everything in the car. When it fails everything goes dark including the dash. The safety features turn off and you are essentially driving blind. We have had this issue on so many of our cars: 2018 Xc60 which was replaced with a 2019 xc90 to avoid lemon law. The 2019 xc90 had the issues. We have been leasing and are stuck in this cycle because Volvo refuses to address the hardware issue. Instead we are forced to either drive a car with a dead brain or trade in for another Volvo. Volvo keeps thinking it can solve the issue with software updates but that’s not true. They need to do a ram upgrade for these cars. We know we are not the only ones with these issues and the advice of “just reboot” or “don’t use the apps” or “don’t use the crash mitigation features” does not work. We specifically picked Volvo for safety but enough is enough. Our car is undriveable and from our sample size alone 6 out of 6 new generation cars have had this issue. The console shutting down sometimes takes out the virtual cockpit too. Meaning no speed is displayed, the car may try to mitigate crashes erratically, the heating and cooling will also not function. To put it plainly, the car turns into a flying brick. I feel very fortunate that this has not caused a crash yet.

See all problems of the 2023 Volvo XC60 🔎.

Volvo Xc60 sunroof drains clog and leak. Sunroof maintenance is not mentioned in owner's manual, and dealer does not clear drains during regular service unless specifically asked to. Leak causes damage to electronic systems including airbag system. While any sunroof has the potential to leak, this leak is caused by a design failure - their design makes it easier for debris to ingress into the tracks and clog them. Cost to fix issue and replace sunroof is over $5000. This is a known problem with numerous forums and videos on the internet describing and promoting 'fixes' for, but in reality, Volvo needs to provide a real solution.

See all problems of the 2016 Volvo XC60 🔎.

Backup camera failed while backing up. 07/28/2025 screen went black. Other computer controlled functions also failed concurrently, e. G, climate control, audio warnings, map display screen blackout has happened several times while driving, but backup camera failure while car was backing up was worse.

Manufacturer recall numberr10320 NHTSA recall number25v282 the recall for "camera is temporarily not available" was preformed at dealer on Monday 7/14/2025 today the same message appear on the display screen when I went to backup in a parking lot. Software version shows it as unto date in settings 3. 7. ##.

See all problems of the 2022 Volvo XC60 🔎.

I am writing to formally express my significant concerns and dissatisfaction with the recurring software and system issues I have experienced with my Volvo Xc60, purchased on 1st February 2025, approximately four months ago. The vehicle’s vehicle identification number (VIN) is [xxx] . Since taking delivery, I have encountered multiple persistent problems that have severely impacted the vehicle’s functionality and my overall driving experience. These issues include: car sensors: the sensors frequently malfunction, leading to inconvenience and raising serious safety concerns. Heads-up display: the display intermittently shuts off, limiting access to critical driving information. Cruise control: this feature is entirely non-functional, significantly detracting from the driving experience. Sound system: following a recent service visit, the audio system has completely stopped working, with no sound from the music system, indicators, or system alerts. Check engine light: the malfunction indicator lamp (mil) repeatedly illuminates, suggesting potential issues with the engine or related systems, likely triggered by sensor malfunctions. This persistent warning heightens my concerns about the vehicle’s safety and reliability. Despite multiple visits to your service center—exceeding ten occasions—these issues remain unresolved. The service team has typically reset error messages or updated the software, only for the problems to reoccur shortly thereafter. Most recently, the sound system failure emerged post-service, further compounding my frustration with this brand-new vehicle. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).

On 6/24/25 warning given that rear camera — actually all cameras — were unavailable. Cameras remained unavailable for several hours, when they “magically” came back on. 6/24/25 — radio sound disappeared. Only returned after a hard reset of the center infotainment system. 6/25/25 — another warning that cameras were unavailable, but as quickly as it flashed on, it went off, and cameras were available. 6/25/25 — entire infotainment center and air handling/ac system went black while I was driving. Center re-set itself while I was driving. Warning light that cameras were unavailable also flashed on then off. 6/25/25 — vehicle, which was only purchased on 6/18/25, was picked up by dealer for investigation. 6/26/25 — told that problems are known by Volvo, apparently related to a software update instituted after a 3/25 recall for same problem, and that multiple vehicles are reporting same and continued issue. Software updated is “promised” but date undetermined.

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.

I am submitting this report to formally document a significant safety issue involving the driver display module (dim) on my Volvo Xc60. Prior to reaching 45,000 miles, the dim began to intermittently glitch, displaying only a barcode-like screen. This eventually progressed to complete failure of the unit with complete lack of digital driver display without analog back-up. As a result of this malfunction, all critical vehicle information became inaccessible, including the speedometer, odometer, fuel level, gear selection, and dashboard warning indicators. This failure severely impairs the driver’s ability to safely operate the vehicle, as it removes access to essential operational data necessary for safe driving and decision-making. I reported this issue to Volvo customer support, but they were dismissive of the concern and offered no meaningful resolution. In researching the problem, I found multiple similar complaints documented in online automotive forums, suggesting that this is not an isolated incident but rather a recurring defect among Volvo Xc60 vehicles. Given the safety-critical nature of the driver display and the fact that this failure occurred in a relatively low-mileage vehicle, I believe this issue warrants investigation by NHTSA. The frequency of these failures and the serious risk they pose to driver awareness and vehicle control support the need for a safety recall. Thank you for your attention to this matter.

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.

See all problems of the 2018 Volvo XC60 🔎.

My car was backed into July 4, 2024, unoccupied and had damage done to the hood and front light and bumper. The person who hit the car had insurance and I took it to a local collison company for the repairs in November 2024. (insured would not return calls to insurance company so it took this long for repairs) I began taking it to Volvo oc in December because the sensors were constantly lighting up and beeping constantly with no one around me. I took it to Volvo many times from December to August 2025. They would have my car for a week or two and think they fixed it and it was not fixed. After Volvo sent me a note saying that corporate was not going to pay to do anything and they were done with trying to fix the car I took it back to my collison company. When Volvo last had it they told me that the wiring harness was not the correct part number and that the collision company installed the wrong one. I called them back and they explained that they had to call Volvo mission viejo and gave them the VIN number and they installed what was sent. I took it back to the collision company and they called and ordered another harness and they received the exact same harness. They installed that one and the sensors still do not work correctly. They then called Volvo mission viego again and they were told there was a cable that was needed if a car was in an accident and 2 sensors needed to be attached to the cable and the other sensors to the harness. So they did that. And still the same issue. At that time Volvo told me that the sensors in my car were not the correct sensors and that they were not the sensors that came with the car. The collision company said they removed the sensors from the harness but attached the exact same sensors during the repair. So both Volvo and the collision company have left me hanging and this is a safety issue. If I am looking one way for traffic and the beeping goes off it is startling to think someone is coming from the other.

See all problems of the 2021 Volvo XC60 🔎.

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.

Reverse backup camera repeatedly does not work and will display message saying camera unavailable. Sound system will go out with the center screen were no sound comes through (not even blinker sound). With a small child and have concerns driving when these issues occur, especially since they occur unexpectedly. Issues will occur a few days in a row, then work fine for a few days and then issues will occur again. Have been to the shop where they looked at the issue and was advised have to wait for a software update.

August 23rd, 2024, the car started hesitating when gas was applied. The transmission light came on, then the parking brake light came on saying it was turned off, the check engine light came on, the Volvo on call light came on, and the car wouldnt turn off. I moved the shift into different gears, and was able to turn the car off. I waited a while and started the car again. This time the on call, and check engine light stayed on. I called the dealership, was told it was probably a low battery. Had me come in Monday the 26th to have it checked. But Saturday the car wouldn't start right away, and all the warning lights came back on and wouldn't shift gears. Had to call aaa to have it towed. Got a call from the dealership Monday August 26th. Was told they were testing the battery to see if it fails so they could replace it under warranty. They ended up replacing the battery, and told me there was a lot of water in the trunk under the spare tire, where the battery for the on call is located. Said there was a gap in the sunroof weather stripping where tree debris probably clogged the drain pipes. They cleaned that out, and replaced the sunroof weather stripping which was under warrenty. But I was told the water and clogged pipe was not under warrenty, and had to pay for that? September 6th, 30k service and check the on call light that never went off. They found 1. 5 inches of water under my front carpet and will be checking for electrical damage and corrosion. They told me this is not covered under the warranty and advised to call my insurance. My safety concern is future electrical issues/ failures while driving. At any time something could malfunction. Thats a huge safety concern and not feeling safe to drive the car. There is nothing about this huge problem in the warranty or maintenance to check the drains !!! September 9th I will call the claims department and notify the adjuster. Also call back the dealership. Prior to this I've had no problems with the car.

This Volvo Xc60 b8 has a serious deficiency with the 12v system and main battery where it discharges below 10v when the vehicle sits idol for more than a week. Every 7-10 day interval the vehicle must be jump-started and driven for 30 min to recharge the 12v system. The vehicle reports itself in limp-mode until the 12v system charges above 11v then switches to normal drive mode for the remainder of the 30 min drive. I installed a battery tender to the pos and neg posts under the hood but it charges the mild hybrid battery to full then disables continued charging of the 12v system, leaving the 12v main battery under voltage and draining while the car sits idol. We have to drive the vehicle for 30 minutes every 4-5 days to keep the battery charged. Not even Audi or lamborghini require this much attention to their 12v systems like this 2022 Volvo. This dis-charging issue happens in all types of weather, all year long, and under any parked condition (locked or unlocked) and the factory battery charger only works on the hybrid battery, not the 12v system battery. I have owned other hybrid vehicles that can sit idol for weeks or months at a stretch and will start without issue. While parked, my camry xle (Toyota synergy system mechanically disconnects their traction battery and simultaneously engages the 12v system to keep the vehicle "aware" via sensors) will sit for months until I return to drive it normally. Volvo dealerships accept this behavior as normal although my experience with hybrid vehicles implies the opposite. I have not been able to uncover any online research that describes my issue with any resolution from Volvo or successful 3rd party auxiliary internal or external charging systems. It has been researched by Volvo to be 'within normal operating parameters'.

When I purchased my 2014 Volvo xc 60 I was told that it was in good overall condition and believe that after driving it for the vehicle in full and brought it back because it needed a current inspection. Within four days of taking it home after the inspection, the pcv valve went bad and I had a minor leak in the middle center top of the windshield that dripped in and left watermarks on my headliner. So again I called the dealer and explained to them what was going on. I took it back they corrected the pcv valve and said that they had my windshield repaired and sealed by a professional windshield installer. Once again, I picked up my new car and I went home with it. The first rainstorm we got the inside of my car was flooded to the point where it shorted out my sunroof switch so now I can use my sunroof and there is mildew smell all through my car , floorboard on the driver side side gets soaked along with everything else from about the center all the way to the left and down the side of the windshield I feel that more than half of that windshield is not secured properly in there and sealed and could lead to serious injury to myself or possibly someone else. I have reached out to them several times and after I picked it up when they stated everything was fixed and good to go, it was nothing but a nightmare my car has a massive leaking windshield around more than 50% of it at least. I contacted the auto dealer once again and explained what was going on and how severe the situation had become. The service manager assured me that they work on the windshield was guaranteed and under warranty and he had a switch on hand to replace my control switch for my sunroof and that he would contact their windshield guy and get him back there to make it right at no cost to me. In addition he said he would also supply me the loaner so I would not be without a car until mine was definitely fixed and ready, that was the last I heard from them and that was almost 3 weeks ago.

See all problems of the 2014 Volvo XC60 🔎.

The contact owns a 2021 Volvo Xc60. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle inadvertently lost motive power. The contact pulled over to the shoulder, and the vehicle continuously turned on and off independently. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, who determined that the auxiliary battery power was low, and that the vehicle needed a software update. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, and a case was opened. The failure mileage was 18,000.

Case number 240821-000271 was opened on 8/21/24 with Volvo car USA support. I have three main concerns: 1) the infotainment system losing the favorites that I have saved in the sirius application. This had been an intermittent problem that I had been having since I purchased the car. I finally took it into the service department at Volvo cars of gilbert on 1/7/23 for this problem (invoice number vocs110975). The service department was unable to recreate the problem so they did nothing. 2)a complete car system reboot while I was driving on 6/10/24. As I was driving down the road the hvac system shut off and the dash and infotainment system screens went blank. All car systems completely shut down except the engine. This was an extremely frightening experience as all of this happened with no warning whatsoever while I was driving. This is a huge safety issue! within about a minute of driving like this the systems started to come back up. I proceeded home. The next morning I took the car to Volvo cars of gilbert again. They had the car for 5 days and performed a software update on the ihu (infotainment head unit) (invoice number vocs120164). 3)the failure of the infotainment system to update after starting the car and driving. This happened on 8/7/24 and I took the car directly to Volvo cars of gilbert again. The infotainment system was stuck on “infotainment system starting…” for the entire 12-minute drive to Volvo. Volvo cars of gilbert had my car for 8 days this time and this time they did a reload to the existing ihu (invoice number vocs121204). I asked that they replace the ihu. Volvo refused to replace the ihu because it was too expensive at $3200. Also, the problem of the infotainment system losing its radio favorites has become much worse. It happens daily now. I believe there is an opportunity for a catastrophic event to happen while I am driving if this ihu problem is not corrected immediately.

While slowing down and just about to make a turn into a private residence off of a highway, multiple indicator lights illuminated and audio warning "dinging" occurred for approximately 3 seconds. As I had already been slowly applying the brakes and starting to slightly turn the wheel towards the driveway when those warnings briefly came up, the moment the lights and sounds stopped, vehicle then maintained speed (while still on the brakes) and locked steering position it was at simultaneously. Having no control at that point, it continued until crashing into a wooden fence. Once at a complete stop, cabin lights and "dinging" activated as it acknowledged the impact. And although it was only going about 15 mph, seemingly to only have damage to the front passenger side bumper/headlight area, it would not shift into any gear or turn off. Not to mention that the front passenger side airbag(s), or any of them, deploy- seriously raised even more concerns as the main reason I purchased a Volvo was for their well known status of safety standards. Had this obvious electrical malfunction happened moments before at higher speed/steering straight ahead, it would've resulted in very serious injuries to myself and others while it speed through 2 intersections at a highway ramp just down the hill. Was towed to a local collision repair & auto body shop until progressive insurance took it to their damage assessor where it was declared a total loss. I've owned it for almost 3 years and always had weird inconsistent electrical "quirks"- nothing ever of serious concern though. Has spent a total of 4-5 months in the past 3 years at different Volvo dealerships and mechanics but no one could ever explain why different warnings would be displayed randomly for days-weeks, off/on for no apparent diagnostic reason, 12v power socket was the same way. . . Please investigate the electrical components that directly affect the operational use and control! extremely common & dangerous issue with these!.

See all problems of the 2010 Volvo XC60 🔎.

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 and over time, as the driver door opens and closes, the zip tie chafes the insulation off of the wiring causing the copper part of the wires to be exposed and twisted together. There are no warning lights reporting this issue, only that the window and mirror controls stop working. The following video link between 9:38-12:16 explains this issue in Volvos. I am writing to advocate for a vehicle recall. I believe this is a manufacturing flaw which could have been avoided by simply using electrical tape and not a zip tie. The repair has been quoted at $800. Driver side door entry is an essential function and should not be a cause for an electrical fire or drivers’ and passengers’ safety. Link: [xxx] information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).

See all problems of the 2013 Volvo XC60 🔎.

The moon roof leaks and drains into the area of the electronic gateway. This causes the car to become inoperable, slowing it to a crawl, once in park it will not get out of park, and sometimes results in not being able to turn off the engine. Many error codes become displayed ranging from no parking brake available, esb not responding, check engine light, and others. According to user forums, this issue has been around since 2017 for many of the models and Volvo will do nothing to repair it or acknowledge it. I have paid $2250 so far and the vehicle is still unusable.

The sound system of the vehicle failed. No alerts for cross path detection, no parking alerts, no bluetooth calling, no gps guidance, no turn signal sound, no ability to call through the sos feature, and no radio. There is no value to the safety features because there is no audible alert for anything. The when you select radio after listening to bluetooth audio it glitches and turns back to the prior audio source 5-7 times prior to allowing you to stay on the selected source (again no sound so less important of an issue). In addition, the park button doesn’t always work. There are times that I need to press it 3-5 times to put the car in park. The ability to be hands free and use the bluetooth and navigation functions is non existent. The sarasota Volvo dealer walked me through trying to reset the system over the phone but it didn’t work. We have an appointment scheduled in two days to look at the car. No warning signs or alerts came up.

See all problems of the 2024 Volvo XC60 🔎.

Vehicle failed to start after short trip (<5 miles) with no electrical power present. Jump started from another car after approximately 1/2 hour. Drove car to home, car stalled in driveway again with no electrical power. Replaced 5 year old battery car started fine then stalled on road during test drive while approaching an intersection and suffered loss of all electrical power including inoperative hazard flashers. Transmission went into park and car could not be moved out of active traffic lane. Car towed to repair shop where cracked fuse at positive battery terminal found (see photos attached). Repair shop contacted a Volvo dealer and was informed they typically see a couple vehicles a week for same issue.

See all problems of the 2015 Volvo XC60 🔎.

Volvo dealer describe as issue: motor mounts: front lower engine mount collapsed, other engine mount not yet verified. Power steering: stiff and hard to turn wheels. Transmission: transmission shift sometimes is not easy to move up to down.

The right side module buttons on steering wheel stops working.

I was backing into my garage in reverse gear when there was a sudden power surge and the car accelerated rapidly backwards (without me pushing the gas pedal), which led to a crash that caused substantial damage to the car. The car was out of my control, with it accelerating without reason, so something failed on the car. I do not know what component failed, only that there was a sudden and rapid acceleration in reverse. There are no warning lights and the car was taken for an estimate and damages exceed $10,000.

Vehicle completely had multiple warning lamps come on while I was driving and it was apparent the computer was failing. Car would not turn off when I moved to turn off the ignition knob. When restarted, car would not shift. Car had to be taken to dealership by tow truck. Dealership notes that water leaked through sunroof over time and accumulated under seats of car, entering into electrical systems. This is also noted by owners of other Volvo cars in public forums.

Vehicle completely shutdown when stopping. All lights in the car flash on and off. Unable to start the vehicle for 5mins.

See all problems of the 2020 Volvo XC60 🔎.

Upon startup, a message may appear that says "drive to workshop, propulsion system service urgent", this happen after a software update.

The support battery for start/stop started to show on the dash and tells me that service is required about 2 weeks ago. "the location of the battery is my concern". A month ago, the air coming out from the vent of the ac/heater started to smell like a rotten egg, a very strong smell that gives me a headache and makes me dizzy. This smell comes and go. I had to open the windows and switch to recycled air, this helps a little bit. I brought my Volvo to 2 shops about 3 weeks ago before I went to the dealer on Feb 16, 2024. The first shop smelled it and said they checked the catalytic converter and run a diagnostics and emission and they said emission is very good and there is no problem with the catalytic converter and suggested to bring it to the dealer. They said it could be coming from the battery and I told them that the battery is new and main battery has a box casing so the strong smell is definitely not coming from the main battery. I didn't know that there was another battery. I brought it to an exhaust shop and said the same thing, no leaks in the pipe and catalytic converter and smoke coming from the exhaust looks normal and smells normal. Next I brought it to the dealer and they did nothing and simply stated they could not duplicate the problem. I had no choice but to do an extensive research to find out where the location of the support battery so I can change it myself. I always wondered why the smell is so strong in the passenger side intake screen cover of the cowling. I couldn't believe where Volvo had placed the second battery/support battery. It was on the passenger side, right next to the air intake for the ac/heat of the car and is covered by the cowling between the windshield and the engine. Harmful gases that can potentially come out from the battery is directly suck in to the intake of the car's air conditioner.

See all problems of the 2017 Volvo XC60 🔎.

Water intrusion via a faulty sunroof seal and drain system. Water drains into the vehicle and collects under the flooring carpets and is not detectable. Water then disables and shorts out electrical components and computer modules eventually rendering the vehicle completely inoperable … including airbags, suspension system and electronic engine components. All control is lost. System also displays a number of random and often times confusing and erroneous error message to display console. This is an extremely dangerous problem, and extremely expensive to remedy, and appears to be related to a significant design flaw. According to internet reports, this is a known issue. Dealer is the one who diagnosed the problem. Given this problem affects electronics - there is a threat of fire.

On November 11, 2023 @ between 10:30 and noon, the vehicle infotainment system completely failed. The screen went blank and functions for heat, radio, navigation, cameras, indicator lights in the mirror and the ability to call Volvo emergency services were all lost. A message on the screen said, "stop the vehicle. This vehicle's infotainment system has encountered a problem. You can reboot or reset factory settings. If this doesn't help, please contact a workshop. " this is the second such failure. The first occurred on September 22, 2023. I filed a report with Volvo (ref#230924- 000697), and repairs were effected at a local dealer in maryland. I also contacted Volvo regarding this second failure on November 11, 2023. That reference # is 231111-000923. I contacted the same dealer and booked an appointment to take the car in on Monday November 13, 2003. I have not driven the car since I returned home.

The drainage system from the roof of the vehicle is faulty and causes water to collect in the space between the carpet in the interior of the vehicle and the floor of the vehicle. Key electrical components are located beneath the front passenger seat of the vehicle. When the water collected, it caused key systems, such as collision warning and other systems to malfunction. When we took the vehicle to the dealership, several other vehicles had to be towed in due to more severe electrical failure as a result of the drainage malfunction.

Any switch on the right side of the steering wheel - up/down/left/right/center switches not functioning or intermittently functioning. It is available for inspection upon request as the buttons are not warning, any signs or anything which comes on the center display cannot be removed or moved the vehicle or component has not been inspected but the technical journal (ref tj 32033. 5. 0) for the same was issued - [xxx] there are other forums who have brought the same issue as well [xxx] information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).