VOLVO XC60 · model year

2018 VOLVO XC60

53 NHTSA complaints, 8 crash reports, and 5 active recalls for this specific cohort.

NHTSA overall rating

Not crash-tested

New Car Assessment Program

The 2018VOLVOXC60 carries 53 consumer safety complaints in NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation database for this specific model-year cohort. Within that volume, owners reported 8 crashes, 0 fires, 10 injuries, and 0 fatalities. No NCAP 5-star crash-test rating is available for this model year in the federal database.

Component-level analysis is where model-year complaints become actionable: the top complaint category for the 2018 XC60 is electrical system with 11 filings, followed by service brakes (7) and unknown or other (4). Concentration in one or two component groups is the classic signature of a systemic defect; a flat distribution usually reflects normal aging, warranty complaints, or isolated build-plant variability. This model year has 5 active recall campaigns, which means the manufacturer is obligated to remedy the covered defect at no charge for the life of the vehicle — the full NHTSA campaign numbers are listed below.

NHTSA currently has 28 investigation files overlapping the 2018 XC60. Owners comparing this cohort against neighboring years should pair the counters above with the complaint-by-year trend on the parent model page — a spike in a single year often tracks to a platform refresh, a new transmission supplier, or an updated ECU calibration. Use the related-complaint feed below to read raw owner narratives before deciding whether any pattern here affects your specific use case.

53
Complaints
8
Crashes
0
Fires
10
Injuries
0
Deaths

Total Complaints

53 filings

Crashes Reported

8 reports

Source

NHTSA ODI

Federal complaints database

Complaints vs. fleet median (215)

At or below the fleet median complaint volume.

Complaints by Component

ComponentCount
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM11
SERVICE BRAKES7
UNKNOWN OR OTHER4
ENGINE3
STRUCTURE:BODY3
ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)2
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL2
STEERING2
TIRES2
AIR BAGS2
VISIBILITY/WIPER2
SEAT BELTS1
LANE DEPARTURE: BLIND SPOT DETECTION1
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL1
LANE DEPARTURE: LANE KEEP: AUTOMATIC STEERING1

Recalls (5)

25V81800025/11/2025

SEATS:CRITICAL FASTENERS

Volvo Car USA, LLC (Volvo) is recalling certain 2026 XC60MHEV, 2018 and 2025 XC60 vehicles. The front seat bolts may have been improperly tightened, resulting in loose bolts.

20V50300025/08/2020

VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD WIPER/WASHER:LINKAGES

Volvo Car of N.A., LLC (Volvo Cars) is recalling certain 2018-2020 XC60 vehicles. The nuts that secure the front wipers may not have been sufficiently tightened, possibly causing the wipers to not function properly.

19V22000020/03/2019

SEATS

Volvo Car USA LLC (Volvo) is recalling certain 2018-2019 XC60 and S90 vehicles. The driver and passenger front seat rail rear flange nuts may not have been installed during assembly.

19V04600018/01/2019

STRUCTURE:BODY:TAILGATE

Volvo Car USA LLC (Volvo) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Volvo XC60 vehicles. Under certain conditions and cold temperatures, the tailgate lifting arms may freeze which may cause the lifting arms to separate from the vehicle.

18V80000013/11/2018

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE

Volvo Car USA LLC (Volvo) is recalling certain 2017-2019 Volvo XC90, S90, V60, V60 Cross Country, V90, XC40, XC60, and V90 Cross Country vehicles. The software installed in the Vehicle Connectivity Module (VCM) may have an error causing the Telematics and Driver Support Systems to function improper

Recent Complaints

20251231VISIBILITY/WIPER

Water leaking from the windshield seal (possibly the moonroof) gets into electronics under the dash and causes the transmission to stop working properly and also causes the engine to just stop completely. It happened 4 years ago and Volvo replaced a module but it happened again a week ago.

20251231ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Water leaking from the windshield seal (possibly the moonroof) gets into electronics under the dash and causes the transmission to stop working properly and also causes the engine to just stop completely. It happened 4 years ago and Volvo replaced a module but it happened again a week ago.

20251221EXTERIOR LIGHTING

The dashboard lights go out for no reason. It is really dangerous at night when you have no speed showing and can't use the GPS system when navigating at night. This has been going on now for 2 years and still no fix. Last time in the shop for issue and Volvo service said no issues showing. Used a 2025 loaner while they worked on my car and the new car had the same issue so and ongoing issue that is not being addressed by Volvo.

20250114ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

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.

20250114UNKNOWN OR OTHER

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.

20241006SERVICE BRAKES

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.

20241006VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

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.

20241006ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

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.

20240507ENGINE

The contact owns a 2018 Volvo XC60. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine warning light illuminated on the instrument panel. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer or an independent mechanic. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 50,000.

Mileage: 50,000

20240131ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

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.

20240131UNKNOWN OR OTHER

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.

20240114AIR BAGS

Hello, thanks for your time. I purchased my Volvo XC60 in late 2020 from my local Volvo Manhattan dealership. The vehicle was certified pre-owned with approximately 28k miles on it, and in excellent condition. Less than three years later, I have encountered a material airbag safety issue with a prohibitively high repair cost. The passenger occupant seat sensor has failed (SRS airbag warning light is now on), which means that the passenger airbag no longer functions. This requires a full seat replacement at an exorbitant cost ($4,000+ including parts and labor). The vehicle only has 48k miles driven. I have a family and find it unacceptable that my vehicle is essentially no longer usable unless I make a very expensive repair. I feel this should be 100% covered by Volvo given the vehicle has <50k miles and it is a material safety issue. Thank you. Best, [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

20240114AIR BAGS:SENSOR:OCCUPANT CLASSIFICATION

Hello, thanks for your time. I purchased my Volvo XC60 in late 2020 from my local Volvo Manhattan dealership. The vehicle was certified pre-owned with approximately 28k miles on it, and in excellent condition. Less than three years later, I have encountered a material airbag safety issue with a prohibitively high repair cost. The passenger occupant seat sensor has failed (SRS airbag warning light is now on), which means that the passenger airbag no longer functions. This requires a full seat replacement at an exorbitant cost ($4,000+ including parts and labor). The vehicle only has 48k miles driven. I have a family and find it unacceptable that my vehicle is essentially no longer usable unless I make a very expensive repair. I feel this should be 100% covered by Volvo given the vehicle has <50k miles and it is a material safety issue. Thank you. Best, [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

20230728VISIBILITY/WIPER

Windshield wiper blade has failed. Previously repaired as part of recall on unsufficient torque on fastening nut. Prior repair has failed and now poses safety risk given low visibility

20230616FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING

The contact owns a 2018 Volvo XC60. The contact stated while driving 75 MPH, The Forward Collision Avoidance feature inadvertently activated, and the vehicle stopped abruptly without warning. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and a software update was performed; however, the failure reoccurred. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer however, the mechanic found no cause for the failure. The contact was informed that the vehicle performed as designed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was 13,000.

Mileage: 13,000

20230509ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

While driving, the engine will shut off while stopped and fail to restart when the gas pedal is engaged. The car will not turn on, the steering column and brake pedal lock rendering it completely unresponsive to any attempt to restart the vehicle. It has now happened over six times and Volvo has made two attempts to fix it, but it continuously occurs.

20230422SUSPENSION

There is a know issue with suspension that Volvo is not addressing. XC 60 owners are reporting the car was shuttering and vibrating heavily under acceleration or coasting at different speed (at 30K miles). This is getting more severe with increased mileage. Volvo has redesign the CV joint, but has not advised owners. The issues: 1- The right drive axle had a play 2- Front Prob drive shaft CV Joint is defective: The dealer showed me the new redesigned version where it is marked with a green line. If you don't see the green line on your prob shaft, this means you might have the old design one and will probably be defective. Volvo has redesigned but not replacing the defective part. The vibrations becomes more severe with increased speed and adversely effects steering, maneuverability and control on the vehicle.

20230123TIRES

Tires are Continental Cross Contact 255/45R20 105H. Miles - 39,000. Severe vibration started coming from rear of car at speeds starting at 45 mph. Alignment was done which did not resolve the issue. Tires removed from rim and two found to be failing inside. The noise reducing foam glued to the inside wall of the tire tread had become almost entirely detached and bunched up in a unsymmetrical configuration. In addition the rubber on the inside where the foam had been was ablating off the surface. This causes a 10oz imbalance in each tire. Additional photos available if requested.

20221115POWER TRAIN

Have brought car twice for vibration and shutter when vehicle is driven on highway. The shutter is extreme and only stops when car comes to a dead stop at an intersection or toll. Increasing speed or lowering speed does not stop the extreme shutter felt in wheel and passenger compartment. Car has only 37,000 miles on odometer! This extreme vibration and shutter is intermittent and not all the time.This problem has been previously reported to NHTSA as propeller shaft front head on AWD system. Portland Volvo has done alignment on 10/10/22, but could not find reason for shutter/shimmy. Brought car back to dealer on 10/27/22 and they found nothing. Bringing car back to dealer on 11/16/22 for same problem.

20221115SEATS

Have brought car twice for vibration and shutter when vehicle is driven on highway. The shutter is extreme and only stops when car comes to a dead stop at an intersection or toll. Increasing speed or lowering speed does not stop the extreme shutter felt in wheel and passenger compartment. Car has only 37,000 miles on odometer! This extreme vibration and shutter is intermittent and not all the time.This problem has been previously reported to NHTSA as propeller shaft front head on AWD system. Portland Volvo has done alignment on 10/10/22, but could not find reason for shutter/shimmy. Brought car back to dealer on 10/27/22 and they found nothing. Bringing car back to dealer on 11/16/22 for same problem.

Compare 2018VOLVOXC60 to Similar Vehicles

NHTSA Investigations

View all investigations

Frequently Asked Questions

How many complaints does the 2018 VOLVO XC60 have?
The 2018 VOLVO XC60 has 53 NHTSA complaints, 8 crashes, 0 fires, 10 injuries, and 0 deaths reported.
Are there any recalls for the 2018 VOLVO XC60?
Yes, the 2018 VOLVO XC60 has 5 recall(s). The most common affected component is SEATS:CRITICAL FASTENERS. Recalls are issued by NHTSA and manufacturers must provide a free remedy.
What are the most common problems with the 2018 VOLVO XC60?
The most-complained component for the 2018 VOLVO XC60 is ELECTRICAL SYSTEM with 11 complaints. Other frequently reported areas include SERVICE BRAKES and UNKNOWN OR OTHER.
Is the 2018 VOLVO XC60 safe to buy?
Review the complaint history, crash and fire reports, safety ratings, and recall status on this page to make an informed decision. No NHTSA crash test rating is available for this model year. Compare with other model years using the links above.
Where does this data come from?
All complaint, recall, and safety rating data is sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Complaints are filed by vehicle owners through NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation.

Vehicle Safety Guides

Data as of 2025. Sources: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) complaints database, NHTSA recall campaign API, NHTSA NCAP crash-test ratings, and NHTSA FARS for fatality cross-reference.