168 of the
948 complaints filed about the Volvo XC60
are about the electrical system —
18% of everything owners reported.
The worst model year for it is 2022.
Our Nest Protect woke us at 06:30 am saying it was detecting smoke in the garage. Upon entering the garage it was obvious that the cabin of the car was filled with white smoke. Disconnected car from charger port. Attended to drive car out of garage to protect the house, but opening the door just let smoke billow out. Closed the door and called 911. Fire truck arrived - the winched the car out of the garage to protect the house. Using their thermal imaging camera determined the hybrid battery was the hotspot, not any of the charging connections. They ran water into back seat where that battery is located for over two hours to keep it from pop further thermal runaway. Clearly an internal EV battery short. Fire fighters had a sensor and detected residual HCN (hydrogen cyanide gas) and I had to be treated at the ER as a precaution as I inhaled a large amount of smoke when I opened the car door initially.
NHTSA complaint #11757528 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The vehicle goes silent, no audio system, no driving alerts— turn signals, alerts etc. Only is fixed by a hard reset to the sound system happens multiple times a week sometimes multiple times a day. According to technicians, this is a known issue with no fix.
NHTSA complaint #11757274 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
My SUV has a had the check engine light on from a failed battery cell for my 2021 grey Volvo XC60 recharge (VIN [XXX]). I have been without the electric functionality (to charge the hybrid car or use electric power) since mid December and waiting on a warranty part since Dec. 23, 2025. I have been told April 2026 and then August 2026 for this warranty issue that both the dealership and Volvo corporate have agreed is under warranty and needs replaced to make the car functional as intended. They claim the part as been backordered for the entire 8 months. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11756600 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Turn signal audio not present (lights working. No audio from radio, phone , collision warnings rear cross traffic warnings, door ajar audio warnings. Resetting the display fixes the problem. However, the issue returns the next day.
NHTSA complaint #11756075 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Vehicle is repeatedly losing functionality of features controlled by what is referred to as the infotainment system, included lane departure warning, sound associated with turn signals, sound associated with GPS, use of hands-free calling system, etc. Upon reset, functionality resumes but the reset takes a few minutes and must be performed again and again as the issue is recurring. The main problem is that you don't know the functionality is temporarily down until something causes you to notice (IE no steering wheel vibration when departing a lane without turn signal, no alerts on backup camera - objects are visible but off-screen objects don't trigger a warning like they typically do, etc) so you don't expect anything to be wrong when it is. I marked that this incident occured today - which it did, coincidentally on the way to a service appointment about this issue specifically, but it has been happening with increasing frequency over the last couple of months.
NHTSA complaint #11755919 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
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.
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.
In the four months that I have owned this car, the following issues have occurred and have not been resolved: - Google Maps suddenly stopped working while navigating while I was driving on multiple occasions. - Bluetooth connectivity will disconnect suddenly and not reconnect - All audio in the car has stopped since 7/2/26. This includes turn signals, safety alerts, cross traffic alert. This has happened on at least 4 separate occasions (lasting 2 days or more) and usually resolves, but this has persisted. I have called the service department each time and been told there is nothing they can do about it and that I have to wait for a software update. I updated the software on 6/15/26 and the problem seems to have gotten worse. - Backup camera intermittently does not work and screen is black - Radio will freeze on station. Audio will change but screen will not. - Climate control does not work on auto. Fan will not adjust based on temperature, has to be adjusted manually even in auto mode. I am concerned for my safety and the safety of my children when driving in this vehicle. The electrical system has proven to be unpredictable, and my research has shown that this is not an isolated issue. The vehicle has been at a Volvo service center 3 times for this same issue and continues to have the same unresolved problems. There were no warning lamps or symptoms prior to the system malfunctioning, it happens while I am driving. This poses a hazard to me and to the people driving around me.
NHTSA complaint #11748541 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
After a software update to the infotainment system (Android Automotive OS version 5.1.17, installed on 06/03/2026), my 2022 Volvo XC60 B5 intermittently loses all audio output. When the failure occurs, the vehicle produces no sound of any kind: no audible rear parking/proximity sensor warning while in reverse, no turn-signal indicator tones, and no media audio. The rear-view camera image still displays normally, so the loss of the audible backup warning is not obvious to the driver — the parking-assist system appears functional while its audible warnings are in fact disabled. On multiple occasions the failure was already present as I backed out of my garage and began driving, leaving me with no audible obstacle warning while reversing and no turn-signal tones while maneuvering. The display, navigation, and camera continue to function while audio is dead, which indicates the audio service stops responding rather than a hardware fault. The only way to restore audio is to fully restart (reboot) the infotainment head unit; the failure then recurs intermittently. The fault began immediately after the 5.1.17 update and was sporadic at first. After noticing a pattern, I documented occurrences on 06/15/2026, 06/17/2026, and 06/20/2026 with timestamped photographs, which are available on request. No crash or injury has occurred, but the loss of audible backup-warning tones while reversing is a safety hazard, particularly for pedestrians or obstacles behind the vehicle. I am not aware of a current recall covering this issue and am requesting investigation.
NHTSA complaint #11746024 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
I own a 2025 Volvo XC60 plug-in hybrid (PHEV). The vehicle has recurring software defects that create a serious safety risk. First, the infotainment and central control system repeatedly reboots while I am driving. On a single trip from Washington, DC to Burlington, Vermont, the system rebooted approximately 8 to 10 times. It has also rebooted within minutes of starting the vehicle during local driving. Each reboot blanks the center display, which disables the backup/parking camera and interrupts the speedometer and driver-information display, climate controls, and other functions. Losing these displays and controls while the vehicle is in motion is a significant safety hazard. Second, after installing a Volvo over-the-air (OTA) software update, the vehicle was rendered completely inoperable. It would not unlock or start and could not be accessed through the key fob or the Volvo Cars app, and it had to be towed to the dealer. Based on numerous owner reports, failed OTA updates that disable the vehicle this way are a known, recurring problem on these models. Third, the front and rear parking cameras have both cracked during normal use, with no impact damage, and the vehicle displays a "parking cameras need cleaning" message at nearly every stop. No crash or injury has occurred. I have reported these issues to the selling dealer and to Volvo customer care. The reboot and lockout problems are recurring and have not been durably resolved.
NHTSA complaint #11745517 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Recall identified over a year ago during Q1 2025. Manufacturer and dealer have failed to provide appropriate updates for the repair, and no ETA has been given for repair. The only direction received from manufacturer and dealer was to not plug in the vehicle until the recall is completed. So as it stands, I paid for a plug in hybrid vehicle I haven’t been able to plug it in for over a year as it has a flawed hybrid system that apparently can’t be repaired.
NHTSA complaint #11745254 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The seal on my 2020 Volvo XC60 moonroof allowed water to leak under the floorboards. My car is only 6 years old. We had a lot of rain over a short period and I noticed the sound of water sloshing around under the floor. Nothing was wet inside the car. My Check Engine light came on as well. I took it to the Volvo service dept. They are now saying wires are corroded and that it will cost me over $11,000 to fix this problem. Again - my car is only 6 years old, and less than 70K miles. With my previous Volvo, that I had for 18 years, I never had this problem.
NHTSA complaint #11742884 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
An intermittent electrical failure occurred to my wife causing my 2021 Volvo XC60 to stop and then later go into limp mode while driving. The service light went on immediately and was very startling to her and made it difficult for the drivers following as the car speed was significantly reduced/ I suspect limp mode though it was not on the dashboard. When I called Volvo and then brought the car in... it is a known issue to Volvo. They purposively produce a vehicle that is known for sunroof leaks which knowingly leads to electrical issues exposing their customers to harm. Volvo (Geely) inspected the car, found the electrical issues from the front interior to the battery compartment that had water over an inch deep. the VGM (Vehicle Gateway Module) was replaced and reloaded, all connectors were separate/dried and several had to be cut/spliced and rewired due to corrosion damage. Carpets were removed, the gasket was replaced, the front and rear sun roof drains were cleaned out. Aside from the safety concern the shrinking of the rubber gasket caused the issue. Not funny, but Volvo/Geely states that the repair now has a lifetime warranty after I was charged over $4,000 USD. The vehicle is only about 5 years old!!
NHTSA complaint #11743000 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Re: Demand for repurchase or replacement under warranty — VIN [XXX] Vehicle: 2022 Volvo XC60 (pre‑certified) Purchase date: 08/19/2024 Dealer: [Dealer name, [XXX] ] Dear Volvo Cars USA Customer Care: I am the owner of the above-referenced vehicle. Since the date of purchase (08/19/2024) the vehicle’s infotainment system has repeatedly failed: it shuts down and reboots frequently (as often as 10 times within one hour of normal driving). Each shutdown disables navigation, HVAC controls and Bluetooth, and on reboot I must reset settings. This defect creates a significant safety hazard while driving, especially in unfamiliar areas. Since purchase I have returned the vehicle to the dealer for diagnosis and repair on multiple occasions. The vehicle has received software updates approximately 3–4 times, most recently on05//05/2026. The problem persists. I have retained copies of all repair orders and service records documenting these visits. (Copies attached.) This recurring failure remains unresolved despite multiple repair attempts and continues to present a SERIOUS safety risk. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11737401 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Volvo has failed to repair or compensate me for the NHTSA Recall 25V-179. I received a notification of te recall in a letter dated May 14, 2025. I have repeatedly visited the local dealership as well as called Volvo Customer Care. Today, in a conversation with a Volvo Customer Care representative, I was told there is no timeline for the batteries to be replaced. I would like Volvo to rectify the issue by replacing my battery or car in a timely matter. Thank you for your help, [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11735113 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
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.
What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? The specific component has not yet been identified. The issue involves unexplained water intrusion into the vehicle’s floor pan under normal operating conditions. The vehicle is available for inspection upon request. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? Water intrusion into the cabin creates potential safety risks, including exposure of electrical systems to moisture, possible corrosion of critical components, and degradation of interior air quality (e.g., mold). These conditions could affect vehicle reliability and occupant safety. The last time that I drove it the brakes were engaging randomly and forcefully. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? The vehicle has been inspected by a dealership; however, the source of the water intrusion has not been identified or confirmed, and responsibility has not been accepted. Neither did the dealership provide requested documentation of the leak test. Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? The dealership has inspected the vehicle, and a claim has been submitted to my insurance carrier. Volvo corporate has opened a case but has not conducted a technical inspection or provided findings to date. Were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? Yes, there were both warning lamps and messages, and the dealership serviced and claimed that it was 90% fixed and were just waiting for a small component. They said that I could resume driving it, then the problem got worse.
NHTSA complaint #11729051 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
On multiple occasions that center screen goes blank while I am driving, the indicator lights do not click, there is no display of vehicle speed, and the map function disappears. These issues cause uncertainly if not panic. I do not know if my indicator lights are working, if I can change lanes or if I need to change where I am trying to drive to, all while the vehicle is moving. I can only guess at how fast I am going. There is no warning before this happens. The dealer says that a software fix required by a recall would fix these problems, but they continue to happen.
NHTSA complaint #11728527 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
On multiple occasions that center screen goes blank while I am driving, the indicator lights do not click, there is no display of vehicle speed, and the map function disappears. These issues cause uncertainly if not panic. I do not know if my indicator lights are working, if I can change lanes or if I need to change where I am trying to drive to, all while the vehicle is moving. I can only guess at how fast I am going. There is no warning before this happens. The dealer says that a software fix required by a recall would fix these problems, but they continue to happen.
NHTSA complaint #11728527 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
I was driving home in my VolvoXC60. I think its a 2025 or 2024 model. I drive very safe and never do anything crazy when I drive. I came to a stop like normal at a red light and the screen said accident detected (specifically rear collision avoidance or rear collision something) and the seatbelt started crushing my chest and my body. It just continued to press down and crush me and the car wouldn’t let the seatbelt unbuckle like it was locked up. It was locked and basically just sucking her in with a very strong force. No car got close to me and I finally got it after like 2 minutes and drove home. I think its pretty unbelievable a new suv which is supposed to be very safe and reliable does that and appreantly and my chest is still very sore. Both dealerships near us don’t have a loaner car for a month. It was very scary and basically the car was crushing me for multiple minutes.
NHTSA complaint #11725018 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.