2023 Volvo XC60 problems

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

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

NHTSA complaint #11755690 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: WARNINGS

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

NHTSA complaint #11755690 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

BACK OVER PREVENTION: WARNINGS

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

NHTSA complaint #11755690 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

VISIBILITY/WIPER

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.

NHTSA complaint #11754657 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

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.

NHTSA complaint #11749979 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

LANE DEPARTURE: BLIND SPOT DETECTION

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.

NHTSA complaint #11749979 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

LANE DEPARTURE: WARNING

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.

NHTSA complaint #11749979 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

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.

NHTSA complaint #11749140 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

BACK OVER PREVENTION: REARVIEW SYSTEM BRAKING

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.

NHTSA complaint #11749140 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

LANE DEPARTURE: WARNING

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.

NHTSA complaint #11749140 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA

The backup camera system on this vehicle is ineffective and creates a significant safety hazard. Rather than providing a clear view of what is behind the vehicle, the camera is aimed downward, displaying primarily the ground immediately behind the rear bumper and only about two feet beyond it. As a result, it does not provide visibility of approaching vehicles, pedestrians, cyclists, or other obstacles behind the vehicle. This severely limits the camera's usefulness when backing out of parking spaces or driveways, where cross traffic and pedestrians are the primary safety concern. Because the display shows so little of the area behind the vehicle, drivers cannot rely on it to safely reverse. Believing this was a defect specific to my vehicle, I brought it to a Volvo dealership on two separate occasions. Each time, I was told that the camera was functioning as designed and that its viewing angle was normal. If this is indeed the intended design, then the backup camera system is fundamentally inadequate and presents an unnecessary safety risk.

NHTSA complaint #11747232 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

I repeatedly lost propulsion or shut down while driving. The vehicle would not shift into Drive or Reverse and would not move, although displays and lights remained powered. This occurred three times in approximately two weeks. One event occurred at approximately 55 mph. I had to call the police for help. This after Hudson Valley Property Maintence the two previous stalls had been fixed. Dealer performed software update/reinstall and test drove vehicle approximately 30 miles, but the same failure returned and vehicle required towing. This is a repeated highway-speed safety defect. This vehicle is a safety hazard, and I am afraid for my life. The first two tow truck drivers were not able to get it on a flatbed without dragging it which we chose not to do. It took a third tow truck driver with special equipment to lift the car and tow it. This process took five hours on the hottest day and alone while other cars were coming at me at 60 mph. I had to call the police for help. There was no police report filed. Just a quote to dispatch to send officers to control a dangerous situation. The toe was through Volvo roadside assistance.

NHTSA complaint #11740327 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

While driving on the highway my navagation, internet, gps stopped working. An error came up on the dash saying "SOS emergency call system fault" We were not sure what was happening with the vehicle or if was safe to drive. We made an appointment with a Volvo service center. Volvo service center stated we would need to pay to have this diagnosed because the vehicle has a rebuilt title. The dealership wanted approx $800 just to look at the vehicle. This issue is a known defect in the 2023 Volvo XC60 B5. It was already recalled once for this exact issue. This is an ongoing safety issue - losing our navigation in the middle of the highway as well as the vehicles ability to automatically phone emergency help when required.

NHTSA complaint #11740173 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

3rd time driving our Volvo on the road and having the automatic emergency brake engage too early or in this instance, with no vehicle in front of us. We have been dealing with issues related to the safety systems and error messages in our Volvo related to “blind spot”, “automatic emergency braking”, and sensor failures or errors since having our vehicle leased since 2023. It has been in the shop MULTIPLE times to have sensors replaced only for errors to come back. Our system current says to clean the front sensors even though there is no debris on them. We also experienced this errors while driving 2025 loaner models with our vehicle in for repairs. We feel unsafe in our vehicle and can’t rely on the safety systems. We have also experienced the entire auto system failing in our car multiple times. This leads to any sounds system including emergency warnings to turn signals from not producing ANY sounds.

NHTSA complaint #11729489 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

3rd time driving our Volvo on the road and having the automatic emergency brake engage too early or in this instance, with no vehicle in front of us. We have been dealing with issues related to the safety systems and error messages in our Volvo related to “blind spot”, “automatic emergency braking”, and sensor failures or errors since having our vehicle leased since 2023. It has been in the shop MULTIPLE times to have sensors replaced only for errors to come back. Our system current says to clean the front sensors even though there is no debris on them. We also experienced this errors while driving 2025 loaner models with our vehicle in for repairs. We feel unsafe in our vehicle and can’t rely on the safety systems. We have also experienced the entire auto system failing in our car multiple times. This leads to any sounds system including emergency warnings to turn signals from not producing ANY sounds.

NHTSA complaint #11729489 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING

3rd time driving our Volvo on the road and having the automatic emergency brake engage too early or in this instance, with no vehicle in front of us. We have been dealing with issues related to the safety systems and error messages in our Volvo related to “blind spot”, “automatic emergency braking”, and sensor failures or errors since having our vehicle leased since 2023. It has been in the shop MULTIPLE times to have sensors replaced only for errors to come back. Our system current says to clean the front sensors even though there is no debris on them. We also experienced this errors while driving 2025 loaner models with our vehicle in for repairs. We feel unsafe in our vehicle and can’t rely on the safety systems. We have also experienced the entire auto system failing in our car multiple times. This leads to any sounds system including emergency warnings to turn signals from not producing ANY sounds.

NHTSA complaint #11729489 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

SERVICE BRAKES

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.

NHTSA complaint #11726529 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

CHILD SEAT:HARNESS RETAINER/CHEST CLIP

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.

NHTSA complaint #11721350 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

System/Component Malfunction: Systemic failure of the onboard computer (Infotainment/Connectivity Module) and Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS), specifically the Collision Avoidance/Auto-Braking system, Rear-view Camera (FMVSS 111 non-compliance), and the 12V Battery management system. All components remain in the vehicle and are available for inspection. Safety Risk: The vehicle exhibits frequent "phantom braking" where the emergency collision avoidance system abruptly activates without obstacles present, creating an immediate risk of collisions. Additionally, the "hands-on steering wheel" sensor malfunctions, triggering emergency stopping procedures while driving. The backup camera intermittently fails (black screen), causing a total loss of rear visibility. These issues lead to unpredictable vehicle behavior in high-speed traffic. Confirmation & Inspection: These issues began to be reported to an authorized Volvo dealer within the first year of ownership (2022-2023). Most recently, a total vehicle failure occurred due to a drained 12V battery, which the dealer service department confirmed was caused by a known software module defect. Despite multiple "software updates" by the manufacturer, the safety-critical ADAS malfunctions (phantom braking) have recurred three times in the last week following the most recent dealer service.

NHTSA complaint #11715541 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: WARNINGS

System/Component Malfunction: Systemic failure of the onboard computer (Infotainment/Connectivity Module) and Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS), specifically the Collision Avoidance/Auto-Braking system, Rear-view Camera (FMVSS 111 non-compliance), and the 12V Battery management system. All components remain in the vehicle and are available for inspection. Safety Risk: The vehicle exhibits frequent "phantom braking" where the emergency collision avoidance system abruptly activates without obstacles present, creating an immediate risk of collisions. Additionally, the "hands-on steering wheel" sensor malfunctions, triggering emergency stopping procedures while driving. The backup camera intermittently fails (black screen), causing a total loss of rear visibility. These issues lead to unpredictable vehicle behavior in high-speed traffic. Confirmation & Inspection: These issues began to be reported to an authorized Volvo dealer within the first year of ownership (2022-2023). Most recently, a total vehicle failure occurred due to a drained 12V battery, which the dealer service department confirmed was caused by a known software module defect. Despite multiple "software updates" by the manufacturer, the safety-critical ADAS malfunctions (phantom braking) have recurred three times in the last week following the most recent dealer service.

NHTSA complaint #11715541 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING

System/Component Malfunction: Systemic failure of the onboard computer (Infotainment/Connectivity Module) and Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS), specifically the Collision Avoidance/Auto-Braking system, Rear-view Camera (FMVSS 111 non-compliance), and the 12V Battery management system. All components remain in the vehicle and are available for inspection. Safety Risk: The vehicle exhibits frequent "phantom braking" where the emergency collision avoidance system abruptly activates without obstacles present, creating an immediate risk of collisions. Additionally, the "hands-on steering wheel" sensor malfunctions, triggering emergency stopping procedures while driving. The backup camera intermittently fails (black screen), causing a total loss of rear visibility. These issues lead to unpredictable vehicle behavior in high-speed traffic. Confirmation & Inspection: These issues began to be reported to an authorized Volvo dealer within the first year of ownership (2022-2023). Most recently, a total vehicle failure occurred due to a drained 12V battery, which the dealer service department confirmed was caused by a known software module defect. Despite multiple "software updates" by the manufacturer, the safety-critical ADAS malfunctions (phantom braking) have recurred three times in the last week following the most recent dealer service.

NHTSA complaint #11715541 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

VISIBILITY/WIPER

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.

NHTSA complaint #11703728 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA

Received recall notice, the dealer did software upgrade to 3.7. but still having issues. Error message "Camera is temporarily unavailable". Reported to Volvo dealer who stated they are aware of the problem but cannot fix because they are waiting for new software, expected Q4 2025. Recall was not fixed

NHTSA complaint #11703702 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

LANE DEPARTURE: BLIND SPOT DETECTION

Manufacturer: Volvo Car USA LLC | Initial Failure Mileage: 15,000 DEFECT DESCRIPTION: The Google built-in Infotainment Control Unit (ICU) and Audio Control Module (ACM) are repeatedly crashing/malfunctioning while driving. This system failure is a safety hazard because it simultaneously disables critical features: * SAFETY SYSTEM FAILURE: The Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA) is disabled, creating a high risk of collision when reversing. * LOSS OF AUDITORY WARNINGS: All essential auditory cues, including the turn signal click and parking sensor sounds, are lost as the speakers go silent. * Distraction: The screen goes black/unresponsive, requiring a dangerous manual reboot while driving. REPAIR HISTORY: The defect has been confirmed and documented by an authorized Volvo dealer (O'Steen Volvo) on two prior warranty attempts (6/18/24 & 12/19/24) but remains uncorrected. The dealer has admitted they have "no way to fix this" permanently. Corporate (Volvo Customer Care) has been notified. This is a recurring, safety-critical manufacturing defect. Most recent issue was 10/25/205

NHTSA complaint #11695645 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.