FaultScore

2023 Volvo XC60 driver assist problems

20 of the 84 complaints about the 2023 Volvo XC60 are about the driver-assist systems — 24% of everything reported for this model year.

D

20

Complaints

0

Crashes

0

Fires

1

Injuries

Exactly what failed

Automatic Emergency Braking 6 30.0%
Camera 3 15.0%
Warning 3 15.0%
Blind Spot Detection 2 10.0%
Warnings 2 10.0%
Rearview System Braking 2 10.0%
Assist 1 5.0%
Warnings 1 5.0%

Driver Assist & Collision Avoidance across every Volvo XC60 year

2021 16 16.0%
2022 36 36.0%
2023 20 20.0%
2024 11 11.0%
2025 17 17.0%

What owners said

Filed with NHTSA, in their own words.

Westport, CT

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.

Westport, CT

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.

Chicago, IL

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.

Chicago, IL

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.

Rock Rapids, IA

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.

Rock Rapids, IA

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.

Minneapolis, MN

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.

Draper, UT

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.

Northwood, NH

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.

Northwood, NH

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.

Brunswick, OH

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.

st Augustine, FL

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.

st Augustine, FL

BACK OVER PREVENTION: REARVIEW SYSTEM BRAKING

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.

st Augustine, FL

FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING

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.

Park Ridge, NJ

BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA

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.

NHTSA complaint #11652231 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Chehalis, WA

FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING

The automatic breaking system was deployed while backing up in a parking lot. There were no obstacles, either stationary or moving, that should have triggered the braking. We have had several other times when the brake "felt odd" during reverse. It becomes very stiff and hard to depress but still works.

NHTSA complaint #11540371 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

San Diego, CA

LANE DEPARTURE: ASSIST

I've had my Volvo for 6 months and two weeks ago I started getting warning alerts that the braking system, lane departure system and other electrical systems were having issues (the doors wouldn't lock and car wouldn't start). I've taken the car to the Volvo dealership 3 times and they have been unsuccessful in determining what the issue is. There is something wrong with the software and a software update that was installed on my car at the first service visit (when this began happening 2 weeks ago).

NHTSA complaint #11522135 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

San Diego, CA

LANE DEPARTURE: WARNING

I've had my Volvo for 6 months and two weeks ago I started getting warning alerts that the braking system, lane departure system and other electrical systems were having issues (the doors wouldn't lock and car wouldn't start). I've taken the car to the Volvo dealership 3 times and they have been unsuccessful in determining what the issue is. There is something wrong with the software and a software update that was installed on my car at the first service visit (when this began happening 2 weeks ago).

NHTSA complaint #11522135 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Verona, WI 1 injured

FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING

While backing out of garage, the car abruptly and violently braked. The driver was tossed forward. The rear camera showed nothing in the car's path and no alarms had been set off. Visual review confirmed the absence of anything in the path of the automobile. The automobile was purchased new about 7-10 days before this occurrence. The driver has experienced shoulder, neck, and upper body pains somewhat responsive to acetaminophen tablets. The driver was instructed to turn off the automatic rear brake each time backing up but has not been offered a permanent fix. I do not know if Volvo has been informed or if the dealership has inspected the car.

NHTSA complaint #11505210 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Washington, DC

FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING

The parking sensors and auto brake malfunctioned while I was parking. Nothing was in the car's vicinity, but the car sensors started to beep intensely and the car automatically broke abruptly.

NHTSA complaint #11504793 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Other 2023 Volvo XC60 problems

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