FaultScore

FaultScore report

2013 Volvo XC60 problems

Owners have filed 81 complaints about the 2013 Volvo XC60 with NHTSA between 2014 and 2026. The largest single group is the windows, mirrors & wipers. Across this model's run it ranks 13 of 16 worst.

C

FaultScore 49/100

Higher is worse. Measured against the other years of the Volvo XC60.

How this is worked out

The numbers

81

Complaints

1

Crashes reported

4

Fires reported

1

Injuries reported

60,000 mi

Median mileage at failure

Half of reported failures happened before this

11%

Failed under 36,000 miles

Inside a typical bumper-to-bumper warranty

What kind of bad

The letter says how bad. This says what kind — whether this year drew an unusual number of complaints, unusually dangerous ones, or failures that arrived unusually early.

Complaint volume 68 vs 50 Severity 38 vs 50 Early failure 18 vs 50
The dashed ring is 50 — the national norm. Further out is worse.
Complaint volume — 68
Against the median year of the Volvo XC60. 50 means typical for this model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 38
7.4% of these complaints involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of 9.7%.
Early failure — 18
11% of failures with a mileage on record happened under 36,000 miles, against a national rate of 29%.

How 2013 compares with every other Volvo XC60

Click any bar to open that year's report.

Complaints filed with NHTSA, by model year. Bar colour is the FaultScore grade: A B C D F ungraded

What breaks on a 2013 Volvo XC60

Every complaint is filed against a part. Follow any row for the complaints about that part alone.

Median failure at 84,000 miles

0 crashes, 1 fires · median 51,500 mi

Electrical System 9 11.1%

0 crashes, 1 fires · median 59,000 mi

Airbags 7 8.6%

1 crashes, 0 fires · median 70,000 mi

Body & Structure 5 6.2%

Median failure at 47,850 miles

Engine & Cooling 3 3.7%

0 crashes, 1 fires · median 45,000 mi

Driver Assist & Collision Avoidance 2 2.5%
Brakes 2 2.5%

Median failure at 60,000 miles

Steering 2 2.5%

Median failure at 39,500 miles

Equipment & Accessories 1 1.2%

Median failure at 9,000 miles

Stability & Traction Control 1 1.2%

Median failure at 70,000 miles

Seats 1 1.2%

Median failure at 48,000 miles

Fuel & Propulsion 1 1.2%
Lights 1 1.2%

Median failure at 78,000 miles

Acceleration & Cruise Control 1 1.2%

0 crashes, 1 fires

Transmission & Drivetrain 1 1.2%

Median failure at 40,000 miles

When it fails

Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all complaints include one.

1,000 – 9,999 miles 2 5.4%
25,000 – 49,999 miles 13 35.1%
50,000 – 74,999 miles 9 24.3%
75,000 – 99,999 miles 7 18.9%
100,000 – 149,999 miles 5 13.5%
150,000+ miles 1 2.7%

When owners complained

A spike years after the car went on sale usually means a part wearing out on schedule across the whole fleet — the kind of pattern no single owner can see from inside their own car.

Jul 2014 peak 6 Jun 2026

Recalls on the 2013 Volvo XC60

A complaint is one owner's allegation. A recall is the point at which the manufacturer or a regulator agreed the defect is real and dangerous enough to fix for free — however old the car is.

United States — NHTSA

20V378000

SEAT BELTS:FRONT

Volvo Cars of N.A., LLC (Volvo) is recalling certain 2008-2016 V70 and XC70, 2007-2016 S80, 2011-2018 S60 and V60, 2016-2018 S60 Cross Country, 2014-2020 S60L, 2009-2015 S80L, 2009-2016 XC60 and 2015-2018 V60 Cross Country vehicles. The flexible steel cable that connects the seat belt to the front outboard seating positions may fatigue over time, causing the seat belt to not secure the occupant in the event of a crash.

Risk: An unsecured occupant has an increased risk of injury in the event of a crash.

13V084000

EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS

Volvo is recalling certain model year 2013 S60 and XC60 vehicles, manufactured on January 7, 2013. The product identification labels were printed with the incorrect manufacture year. Thus, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of 49 CFR Part 567, "Certification Regulation."

Risk: With an incorrect date of manufacture on the certification label, the vehicle owner may not be to determine if they are affected by future vehicle recalls, increasing their risk of a crash of injury.

12V439000

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:SENSOR/CONTROL MODULE-INACTIVE

Volvo is recalling certain model year 2013 S60 and XC60 vehicles. A manufacturing defect within the Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) control unit may lead to an inadvertent deployment of the seat belt pretensioner and/or inflatable curtain.

Risk: If the seat belt pretensioner and/or inflatable side curtain deploy without cause, the driver could be distracted and the driver's visibility could be reduced, increasing the risk of a crash.

Canada — Transport Canada

Canada runs its own recall programme, and its campaigns do not always mirror the American ones.

Recall 2020298 24,089 units in Canada

Seats And Restraints

Issue: On certain vehicles, the flexible steel cable that attaches the seat belt to the outside of the front seats may weaken over time. As a result, the seat belt could detach. Safety Risk: A seat belt that detaches in a crash could create an increased risk of injury. Corrective Action: Volvo will notify owners by mail and instruct you to take your vehicle to a dealer to replace the front-outboard seat belt anchors.

Recall 2012316 1 units in Canada

Airbag

On one vehicle, a defect in the supplemental restraint system (SRS) could result in an inadvertent deployment of the seatbelt pretensioner and/or side curtain airbag. Unintended seatbelt pretensioner and/or airbag deployment, in a non-warranted (non-impact) situation, could startle the driver, which could result in a vehicle crash causing property damage and/or personal injury. In some instances, inadvertent deployment could cause injuries to vehicle occupants. Correction: The SRS control unit will be replaced on the affected vehicle.

Recalls cover specific build ranges, so check your own vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or, in Canada, Transport Canada.

Complaints that involved harm

Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.

Farmington, MN Fire

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

The accelerator got stuck and and the engine went full power. It would not shut off and the overheated.

NHTSA complaint #11702146 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Farmington, MN Fire

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

The accelerator got stuck and and the engine went full power. It would not shut off and the overheated.

NHTSA complaint #11702146 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

LOS Alamos, NM Crash

AIR BAGS

"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 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 36,000 miles Kingsport, TN 1 injured

STEERING

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 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 28,000 miles Georgetown, TX Fire

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

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 NOTHING. MY WIFE AND I FOUND ON THE VOLVO FORUM THAT THIS HAD HAPPENED TO THIS YEAR, MAKE,AND MODEL OF CAR ON MORE THAN ONE OCCASION. ALL MAINTENANCE ON CAR HAD BEEN DONE AHEAD OF SCHEDULE.

NHTSA complaint #11005448 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 28,000 miles Georgetown, TX Fire

ENGINE

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 NOTHING. MY WIFE AND I FOUND ON THE VOLVO FORUM THAT THIS HAD HAPPENED TO THIS YEAR, MAKE,AND MODEL OF CAR ON MORE THAN ONE OCCASION. ALL MAINTENANCE ON CAR HAD BEEN DONE AHEAD OF SCHEDULE.

NHTSA complaint #11005448 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

The most recent complaints

In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.

Pensacola, FL

VISIBILITY/WIPER

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 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Lilburn, GA

VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD

During a heavy rain storm, I noticed water running down the inside of the windshield. It impaired my vision.

NHTSA complaint #11721556 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Farmington, MN Fire

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

The accelerator got stuck and and the engine went full power. It would not shut off and the overheated.

NHTSA complaint #11702146 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Farmington, MN Fire

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

The accelerator got stuck and and the engine went full power. It would not shut off and the overheated.

NHTSA complaint #11702146 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Slidell, LA

STRUCTURE:BODY

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 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

LOS Alamos, NM Crash

AIR BAGS

"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 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Portland, OR

VISIBILITY/WIPER

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 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Marietta, GA

VISIBILITY/WIPER

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 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Glen Allen, VA

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

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)

NHTSA complaint #11607357 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Alameda, CA

FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING

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 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Alameda, CA

FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING

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 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Chicago, IL

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

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 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Los Gatos, CA

VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD

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 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Austin, TX

VISIBILITY/WIPER

Water enters from the front of the windshield while driving.

NHTSA complaint #11557746 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Chicago, IL

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

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 and turned it on, same problem. I went around the block, contacted the Volvo dealer for consultation, and secured an emergency appointment to bring it in. On the next day/the appointment, I drove the car in, during which the systems seemed to have reset themselves, but halfway there the problem started again. At this point the vehicle has been there (Howard Orloff Volvo, 1924 N. Paulina St, Chicago, 1.877.570.6927) since the 28th, they have not been able to give me a diagnosis, and the bill is over $600. How can this problem NOT be a safety risk for ordinary person such as myself? It is my understanding, from researching this, that this is a common and recurring problem so why has there NOT been a recall for what is obviously a defect inherent in this make and model car? Kindly respond with a reference number for this complaint. Thank you very much.

NHTSA complaint #11541669 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Chicago, IL

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

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 and turned it on, same problem. I went around the block, contacted the Volvo dealer for consultation, and secured an emergency appointment to bring it in. On the next day/the appointment, I drove the car in, during which the systems seemed to have reset themselves, but halfway there the problem started again. At this point the vehicle has been there (Howard Orloff Volvo, 1924 N. Paulina St, Chicago, 1.877.570.6927) since the 28th, they have not been able to give me a diagnosis, and the bill is over $600. How can this problem NOT be a safety risk for ordinary person such as myself? It is my understanding, from researching this, that this is a common and recurring problem so why has there NOT been a recall for what is obviously a defect inherent in this make and model car? Kindly respond with a reference number for this complaint. Thank you very much.

NHTSA complaint #11541669 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Palm Beach Gardens, FL

AIR BAGS

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 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Palm Beach Gardens, FL

VISIBILITY/WIPER

Several ounces of water leaking onto drivers hands on steering wheel from top of windshield when braking in adverse weather conditions is a severe and dangerous distraction to driving and braking. Condition first noticed in first heavy rain storm soon after using drive-through car wash, and persisted and worsened steadily thereafter. This condition is particularly dangerous as it occurs only when driver attempts to slow the vehicle at an intersection, and water in the roof flows forward into, and fills, the cavity that contains the top edge of the windshield with a large quantity of water which then flows onto the driver's hands and lap with no warning. Dealer is aware of defective windshield seals common to this year and model but will not assume repair beyond warranty period.

NHTSA complaint #11525751 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Wake Forest, NC

VISIBILITY/WIPER

Water leaking every time it rains. Running down the windshield on the inside and making it difficult to see and dangerous as I’m having to wipe while I’m driving.

NHTSA complaint #11516214 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Herndon, VA

VISIBILITY/WIPER

While driving in the rain, water leaked in the through the top of the windshield, dripping on me and running down the inside of the windshield. This is a distraction for the driver to deal with the shock of getting wet while driving, as well as, and most importantly, a major visibility issue to have to deal with water on the inside of the windshield that impacts the driver's line of sight. I have read online that this model vehicle (and similar) has a known issue with the adhesive securing the windshield in place breaking down over time. If this is not corrected on my vehicle, the windshield could come loose and detach from the vehicle. It is *shocking* that there is not a recall in place for this model and similar vehicles impacted.

NHTSA complaint #11465174 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 100,574 miles Vienna, VA

ENGINE

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 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

River Edge, NJ

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

The issue is with the windshields separating from the bonding agent ( not sealing ) it is cause for a safety issue not only because it is loose and can move when pushed up , but water is entering the vehicle through the top part of the windshield and entering the electrical controls for the lights and sun roof causing a potential short or shock hazard, not to mention ruining the interior of the vehicle ,( headliner, mold..etc..). I and many other's ( see link below) feel it is necessary to have Volvo make the replacement of windshields in their vehicles . https://beranek.agrrmag.com/2015/04/volvo-glass-bonding-issue/

NHTSA complaint #11456424 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

River Edge, NJ

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

The issue is with the windshields separating from the bonding agent ( not sealing ) it is cause for a safety issue not only because it is loose and can move when pushed up , but water is entering the vehicle through the top part of the windshield and entering the electrical controls for the lights and sun roof causing a potential short or shock hazard, not to mention ruining the interior of the vehicle ,( headliner, mold..etc..). I and many other's ( see link below) feel it is necessary to have Volvo make the replacement of windshields in their vehicles . https://beranek.agrrmag.com/2015/04/volvo-glass-bonding-issue/

NHTSA complaint #11456424 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

River Edge, NJ

VISIBILITY/WIPER

The issue is with the windshields separating from the bonding agent ( not sealing ) it is cause for a safety issue not only because it is loose and can move when pushed up , but water is entering the vehicle through the top part of the windshield and entering the electrical controls for the lights and sun roof causing a potential short or shock hazard, not to mention ruining the interior of the vehicle ,( headliner, mold..etc..). I and many other's ( see link below) feel it is necessary to have Volvo make the replacement of windshields in their vehicles . https://beranek.agrrmag.com/2015/04/volvo-glass-bonding-issue/

NHTSA complaint #11456424 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Burr Ridge, IL

VISIBILITY/WIPER

Yesterday ice-cold water was dripping onto my lap while I was driving (distracting), as well as obstructing my vision while it ran down the inside of the glass. In addition, water collected at the footwell made it soggy and being that it was 5 degrees overnight it was frozen solid making the break pedal almost non-functional.

NHTSA complaint #11446418 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.