Common problems · Volvo
Volvo XC60 common problems and recalls
24 sourced problems across the XC60's generations since 2012, plus 14 DVSA recalls. Enter a registration to see the ones that apply to your exact car.
Free · no signup · recalls, MOT data and researched problems
XC60 Mk2 (2017–, incl. T8 plug-in hybrid and B4/B5 mild hybrid) (2017 on)
Acknowledged by the manufacturer
Recalls, extended warranties, compensation schemes, service actions and statements.
- Recall · VolvoBrakes
Recall: automatic emergency braking may not engage
A software fault meant the automatic emergency braking function of Volvo's City Safety/IntelliSafe system might not brake when it should. Normal braking was not affected. The fix is a software download at a Volvo dealer; 56,385 UK cars were involved.
Applies to: XC40, XC60 Mk2, XC90 Mk2, V60 Mk2, S60 Mk3, V90 and S90 built November 2018 – March 2020
Recalls cover a limited production run. A Volvo dealer can confirm from the VIN whether a particular car was included and whether the work has been done.
- Recall · VolvoFuel system
Recall: fuel pump fuse can blow (engine stops or won't start)
The 15-amp fuse for the low-pressure fuel pump could blow under a current peak, stopping the pump so the engine would not run. Dealers replace it with a 20-amp fuse. About 14,400 cars built 2018–2020 were involved.
Applies to: XC60 Mk2, XC90 Mk2, V60 Mk2, S60 Mk3, V90 and S90 built June 2018 – March 2020
Recalls cover a limited production run. A Volvo dealer can confirm from the VIN whether a particular car was included and whether the work has been done.
- Recall · VolvoBody & corrosion
Recall: tailgate lifting arms can freeze and separate
In very cold conditions the tailgate's lifting arms could freeze and separate, so the tailgate might not stay up. Volvo replaces both lifting arms; about 13,300 early XC60 Mk2s were involved.
Applies to: XC60 Mk2 built January 2017 – October 2018
Recalls cover a limited production run. A Volvo dealer can confirm from the VIN whether a particular car was included and whether the work has been done.
- Recall · VolvoBody & corrosion
Recall: front wiper arm nuts may not be tight enough
The nuts that secure the front wiper arms may have been under-tightened at the factory, so the wipers might not clear the screen properly. Dealers re-tighten them to a higher torque; nearly 32,000 XC60s were involved.
Applies to: XC60 Mk2 built May 2017 – May 2020
Recalls cover a limited production run. A Volvo dealer can confirm from the VIN whether a particular car was included and whether the work has been done.
- Recall · VolvoBrakes
Recall: brake control module software error
Cars built in late 2022 could have a software error in the brake control module. Dealers update the software; just over 10,000 cars across the range were involved.
Applies to: XC40, XC60 Mk2, XC90 Mk2, V60 Mk2, S60 Mk3, V90 and S90 built August 2022 – January 2023
Recalls cover a limited production run. A Volvo dealer can confirm from the VIN whether a particular car was included and whether the work has been done.
- Recall · VolvoElectrics
Recall: connectivity module software (emergency-call location)
A software fault in the vehicle connectivity module could affect the system that sends the car's location to the emergency services after a crash. Dealers update the module's software.
Applies to: XC40, XC60 Mk2, XC90 Mk2, V60 Mk2, V90 and S90 built March 2016 – October 2018
Recalls cover a limited production run. A Volvo dealer can confirm from the VIN whether a particular car was included and whether the work has been done.
- Recall · VolvoElectrics
Recall: engine control software may stop the engine starting
A software error in the engine control module could prevent the petrol engine from starting. Dealers download updated software; about 4,750 cars built 2021–2022 were involved.
Applies to: XC60 Mk2, XC90 Mk2, V60 Mk2, S60 Mk3, V90 and S90 built March 2021 – October 2022
Recalls cover a limited production run. A Volvo dealer can confirm from the VIN whether a particular car was included and whether the work has been done.
- Recall · VolvoTurbo
Recall: turbocharger thrust bearing may not be strong enough
The thrust bearing inside the turbocharger might not be robust enough on XC60s and XC90s built in 2019. Volvo replaces the turbocharger with a modified one that has an improved bearing.
Applies to: XC60 Mk2 and XC90 Mk2 built February – September 2019
Recalls cover a limited production run. A Volvo dealer can confirm from the VIN whether a particular car was included and whether the work has been done.
- Recall · VolvoInterior
Recall: airbag control unit may not be bolted down properly
The supplementary restraint system (airbag) control unit may not have been tightened to the body correctly on cars built in September 2020. Dealers inspect and tighten it.
Applies to: XC60 Mk2, XC90 Mk2, V60 Mk2 and V90 built 10–22 September 2020
Recalls cover a limited production run. A Volvo dealer can confirm from the VIN whether a particular car was included and whether the work has been done.
- Recall · VolvoBrakes
Recall: brief loss of braking after coasting downhill in B mode
On cars with 'B' mode or One Pedal Drive, braking could be lost temporarily after coasting downhill with either selected. The fix is modified software installed over the air.
Applies to: XC40, XC60 Mk2, XC90 Mk2, V60 Mk2, V90 and S90 built July 2019 – June 2025
Only cars with the 'B' driving mode or One Pedal Drive named in the recall can be affected; DVLA does not record which cars have them. A Volvo dealer can confirm from the VIN.
- Recall · VolvoHybrid & electric drive
Recall: plug-in hybrid battery cells can overheat when fully charged
On a small number of cars the high-voltage battery may have a manufacturing defect that lets the cells overheat when fully charged, with a risk of fire while parked. Volvo checks the battery, replaces it if needed and installs modified software; 40 UK cars were involved.
Applies to: Plug-in hybrid XC60 Mk2, XC90 Mk2, V60 Mk2, S60 Mk3, V90 and S90 built 2019–2021
Only cars with a high-voltage battery (the T6/T8 plug-in hybrids) can be affected, and only 40 UK cars were. DVLA does not reliably separate plug-in from mild hybrids. A Volvo dealer can confirm from the VIN.
Reported by owners and the motoring press
Problems at least two independent publishers report, that the maker has not acknowledged. They describe the model, not every car.
- Reported by 4 publishersHybrid & electric drive
T8 plug-in hybrid: rear electric drive unit (ERAD) can fail
The T8 plug-in hybrid drives its rear wheels with an electric motor unit (ERAD). Owners of earlier cars report it failing, typically from around seven years old: signs are hesitation or judder pulling away, loss of electric drive, whining or knocking from the rear, or a hybrid warning. A replacement unit is quoted at around £9,000; specialist repairs at about £3,000–£4,000.
Applies to: XC90 Mk2 and XC60 Mk2 T8 plug-in hybrids (from 2015 and 2017)
Only the T8 plug-in hybrid has the electric rear axle drive. DVLA records it as a hybrid but does not separate it reliably from the B4/B5 mild hybrids, which do not have an ERAD.
6 sources
- What Car? — Used Volvo XC90 2015-present review - reliability & common problems
- Auto Express — Used Volvo XC90 (Mk2, 2014-date) review
- What Car? — Used Volvo XC60 2017-present review - reliability & common problems
- EV Clinic — Volvo Hybrid XC60 ERAD Disaster
- Vehicle Service Pros — Volvo: Electric drive noise (technical service bulletin)
- PistonHeads — Volvo XC90 | PH Used Buying Guide
DVSA recalls for the XC60 Mk2 (2017–, incl. T8 plug-in hybrid and B4/B5 mild hybrid)
Listed by DVSA for this model during these build years. Not every car is affected — check yours by VIN on GOV.UK.
- Possible loss of power whilst drivingR/2019/452 · 19/12/2019
Possible loss of power whilst driving.
Remedy: Vehicles must have updated software downloaded.
Listed for: XC60, XC90 · built 2019
- Potentially insufficient or missing welding connection in the hydraulic unit of the brake systemR/2021/331 · 18/09/2021
There may be an insufficient or missing welding connection in the Hydraulic Unit of the Brake System.
Remedy: Replace the Hydraulic Unit.
Listed for: XC60, V90, V90CC, V60CC, XC40, S90, V60, XC90, S60 · built 2019–2021
- Seat and Seat Belt TorqueR/2024/124 · 11/03/2024
The screw joints for the seats and seat-belts may not have been torqued to the correct specification which means in the event of an impact insufficient protection will be available.
Remedy: The solution is to check and adjust the torque.
Listed for: XC90, XC60 · built 2022–2023
- There is a risk for trapped air to be in the cooling systemR/2020/205 · 08/07/2020
There is a risk for trapped air to be in the cooling system which may result in insufficient cooling of engine components.
Remedy: Add an extra degassing line (Bleeder Hose) between the cooling system radiator and the cooling system expansion tank which will evacuate the trapped air.
Listed for: V60CC, S80, S60CC, V60, S60, V70, XC60, V40, XC70, V40CC · built 2012–2017
Show 3 more
- The engine's plastic inlet manifold may melt and deformR/2019/180 · 07/10/2019
The engines plastic inlet manifold may melt and deform
Remedy: Update vehicles with improved soot reducing software cleaning of TMAP and EMAP. Fit additional hoses where necessary.
Listed for: V40CC, V70, V40, S90, XC90, S60, V60, XC60, XC70, V90, V90CC, S60CC, S80, V60CC · built 2012–2019
- BCM2 – Push RoadR/2024/446 · 05/11/2024
The rod connecting the brake pedal to the brake booster may not have been assembled correctly. The final torque might not be according to manufacturing specification due to deviations in the equipment. If the rod does disconnect the mechanical connection between brake pedal and brake booster cannot be guaranteed. In t…
Remedy: A Volvo retailer will check and if necessary tighten the rod to correct specification.
Listed for: S60, V60, S90, V90, V90CC, XC60, XC90 · built 2019–2020
- Potential breakage/fatigue of a flexible steel cable supporting the front seatbelt anchor pointR/2020/192 · 01/07/2020
Potential breakage/fatigue of a flexible steel cable supporting the front seatbelt anchor point.
Remedy: Replace the seat belt fastener with a new designed seat belt fastening.
Listed for: V60CC, XC60, S80, S60, XC70, S60CC, V70, V60 · built 2006–2018
Measured at MOT: how a 2022 XC60 fails more often
Based on 16,978 first MOT tests of this model at 4 years old (cars first used 2020–2021), compared against every car of the same age and fuel.
Nothing stands out. No category fails clearly more often on this model than on cars of the same age and fuel.
How to read this
These are MOT outcomes for other cars of the same model, age and fuel — not a prediction about this one, and not a fault diagnosis. A high rate means the category is worth checking, not that this car has a problem.
A comparison is only shown where it survives its own margin of error. Where a model is only slightly above average, both rates are shown and no multiple is given, because the data cannot tell the difference.
MOT results reflect how a car has been used and maintained as much as the model itself. High mileage, short journeys and deferred servicing all show up here.
Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0. Failure rates derived by FindServiceHistory from the DVSA anonymised MOT test and failure-item extracts.
XC60 Mk1 (2008–2017) (2008–2017)
Acknowledged by the manufacturer
Recalls, extended warranties, compensation schemes, service actions and statements.
- Recall · VolvoInterior
Recall: front seatbelt anchor cable can fatigue and break
The flexible steel cable that holds the front seatbelt's anchor point can fatigue and break over time, which would weaken the belt's restraint in a crash. This was Volvo's largest UK recall, covering more than 170,000 cars. Dealers fit a redesigned seatbelt fastening free of charge.
Applies to: XC60 Mk1, S60, V60, V70, XC70 and S80 built up to 2018 (XC60, V70, XC70 and S80 to 2016)
Recalls cover a limited production run. A Volvo dealer can confirm from the VIN whether a particular car was included and whether the work has been done.
- Recall · VolvoCooling
Recall: air trapped in the cooling system (engine overheating risk)
Air can get trapped in the cooling system, so some engine components may not be cooled properly. Volvo's fix adds an extra degassing (bleed) hose between the radiator and the expansion tank to let the air escape. Two recalls covered more than 90,000 cars.
Applies to: V40, V60, S60, XC60 Mk1, V70, XC70 and S80 built 2012–2017
Recalls cover a limited production run. A Volvo dealer can confirm from the VIN whether a particular car was included and whether the work has been done.
- Recall · VolvoFuel system
Recall: rubber fuel hose can crack on the inside (fuel leak)
Small cracks can form on the inside of a rubber fuel hose, which could lead to a fuel leak. Volvo replaces the affected hoses free of charge; just over 30,000 cars built in 2015–2016 were involved.
Applies to: V40, V60, S60, XC60 Mk1, V70, XC70, S80 and XC90 Mk2 built April 2015 – May 2016
Recalls cover a limited production run. A Volvo dealer can confirm from the VIN whether a particular car was included and whether the work has been done.
- Recall · VolvoElectrics
Recall: engine can cut out briefly, with loss of power steering
A software fault could make the engine cut out and restart while driving, and upset other electrical systems: the instruments and infotainment could shut down and power steering assistance could be lost. The fix is updated control-unit software.
Applies to: S60, V60, XC60 Mk1, V70 and XC70 built October 2014 – February 2016
Recalls cover a limited production run. A Volvo dealer can confirm from the VIN whether a particular car was included and whether the work has been done.
- Recall · VolvoFuel system
Recall: fuel gauge may show the wrong level
The fuel gauge could show more fuel than was in the tank, so a car could run out unexpectedly. Until updated software was fitted, Volvo advised keeping the tank above about a third full. Three linked recalls covered about 9,000 cars built 2014–2015.
Applies to: S60, V60, XC60 Mk1, V70, XC70 and S80 built 2014–2015
Recalls cover a limited production run. A Volvo dealer can confirm from the VIN whether a particular car was included and whether the work has been done.
3 sources
- Recall · VolvoBrakes
Recall: electric parking brake can release itself (manual, stop/start)
On manual-gearbox cars with stop/start, the parking brake module software could let the parking brake release unintentionally when the engine was running and the gear lever was moved. Dealers download upgraded parking-brake software.
Applies to: S60, V60, XC60 Mk1, V70, XC70 and S80 with a manual gearbox and stop/start, built 2010–2015
Only manual cars with stop/start are involved, and DVLA does not record the gearbox. A Volvo dealer can confirm from the VIN whether a particular car was included and whether the work has been done.
- Recall · VolvoInterior
Recall: airbag initiators out of specification (may not deploy)
Some airbags fitted in late summer 2016 had initiators that did not meet specification, so an airbag might not deploy in a collision. Dealers replace the airbags.
Applies to: V40, V60, S60, XC60 Mk1, XC90 Mk2, V90 and S90 built August – October 2016
Recalls cover a limited production run. A Volvo dealer can confirm from the VIN whether a particular car was included and whether the work has been done.
- Recall · VolvoInterior
Recall: driver's airbag gas generator may not deploy properly
A manufacturing defect in the gas generator of the driver's airbag could stop it deploying as intended. Dealers replace the driver's airbag module; a small batch built in spring 2016 was involved.
Applies to: V40, V60, XC60 Mk1 and XC70 built April – May 2016
Recalls cover a limited production run. A Volvo dealer can confirm from the VIN whether a particular car was included and whether the work has been done.
- Recall · VolvoFuel system
Recall: hardened underbody coating could damage fuel lines
Too much underbody protection was applied on some cars built in January 2012; as it dried it could form sharp drips close to the fuel lines, which could damage them and cause a leak. Dealers inspect, trim the coating and replace any damaged line.
Applies to: S60 and XC60 Mk1 built January – February 2012
Recalls cover a limited production run. A Volvo dealer can confirm from the VIN whether a particular car was included and whether the work has been done.
- Recall · VolvoEngine
If it has the Volvo 2.0-litre four-cylinder diesel (VEA, D4204T): Recall: 2.0 diesel plastic inlet manifold can melt (fire risk)
Soot can build up in the intake on Volvo's 2.0-litre diesels, and in the worst case the plastic inlet manifold can melt and deform, with a risk of fire. Warning signs owners were told to look for were a burning smell in the cabin, the engine warning light, or hesitation under acceleration. The recall fix is updated software that keeps the intake sensors clean, plus extra hoses where needed, done free by Volvo dealers.
Applies to: 2.0-litre diesel V40, V60, S60, XC60, V70, XC70, S80 built 2012–2016, and XC90, V90 and S90 2.0 diesels built 2014–2018
Only 2.0-litre diesels are involved (not petrols, the 1.6 D2 or the 2.4 D5), and only those built in the recall windows. A Volvo dealer can confirm from the VIN whether the work has been done.
Reported by owners and the motoring press
Problems at least two independent publishers report, that the maker has not acknowledged. They describe the model, not every car.
- Reported by 2 publishersBrakes
Electric parking brake may not release (door sensor)
The electronic parking brake can refuse to release because a sensor wrongly detects that a door is open.
Applies to: XC60 Mk1 (2008–2017)
- Reported by 3 publishersEmissions, DPF & AdBlue
If it has the 2.0 D4 diesel: 2.0 D4 diesel: EGR valve faults (warning light, limp mode)
The exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) valve on the 2.0-litre D4 diesel is prone to faults. Owners see the engine warning light and, in some cases, the car drops into limp-home mode until the valve is cleaned or replaced.
Applies to: V60 Mk1 (2010–2018) and XC60 Mk1 (2008–2017) with the 2.0 D4 diesel
DVSA recalls for the XC60 Mk1 (2008–2017)
Listed by DVSA for this model during these build years. Not every car is affected — check yours by VIN on GOV.UK.
- Engine may failR/2015/205 · 27/10/2015
Affected vehicles may have a crankshaft that has been insufficiently hardened which may fail and nay cause engine failure.
Remedy: Check identity of crankshaft. If the relevant marking is not present then replace engine.
Listed for: XC60, XC90 · built 2015
- Front wiper arm securing nuts may be incorrectly tightenedR/2020/246 · 25/08/2020
Vehicles may have incorrectly tightened front wiper arm securing nuts
Remedy: Check and tighten the nuts to an increased torque setting.
Listed for: XC60 · built 2017–2020
- The tailgate lifting arms may freezeR/2019/023 · 25/01/2019
Under certain conditions in cold climates the tailgate lifting arms may freeze and separate.
Remedy: Replace both lifting arms on the tailgate.
Listed for: XC60 · built 2017–2018
- Engine may loose drive and power steering assistance.R/2011/175 · 23/12/2011
The auxiliary drive belt tensioner may fail. This can lead to loss of steering power assistance and a slight possibility of loss of drive should the drive belt or tensioner invade the cambelt area.
Remedy: Recall the vehicles that are likely to be affected to replace the auxiliary drive belt and tensioner.
Listed for: XC60, V70, XC70, S80 · built 2007–2009
Show 3 more
- Possible software issue in the vehicle connectivity module (vcm)R/2018/314 · 12/11/2018
There may be a software issue in the Vehicle Connectivity Module.
Remedy: Upgrade software in the Vehicle Connectivity Module.
Listed for: V60CC, V90, V90CC, S90, XC40, XC60, V60, XC90 · built 2016–2018
- Possibility of loss of driveR/2011/135 · 03/10/2011
The auxiliary drive belt tensioner may fail. If the tensioner fails it would cause a loss of power steering assistance and possible loss of drive.
Remedy: Replace the auxiliary drive belt tensioner.
Listed for: V70, S80, XC60, XC70 · built 2009–2010
- Seatbelt may separate from the buckleR/2016/257 · 01/11/2016
It has been identified there is a possibility the front seatbelt buckle stud may not have been punched correctly during production. This may result in a separation between the buckle and seatbelt bracket if the vehicle is involved in a collision.
Remedy: Recall all affected vehicles to inspect the seatbelt buckle and if required to replace the seatbelt buckle.
Listed for: S60, V60, V60CC, XC60, S90, XC90, S60CC · built 2015–2016
Measured at MOT: how a 2013 XC60 fails more often
Based on 8,722 first MOT tests of this model at 13 years old (cars first used 2011–2012), compared against every car of the same age and fuel.
Nothing stands out. No category fails clearly more often on this model than on cars of the same age and fuel.
How to read this
These are MOT outcomes for other cars of the same model, age and fuel — not a prediction about this one, and not a fault diagnosis. A high rate means the category is worth checking, not that this car has a problem.
A comparison is only shown where it survives its own margin of error. Where a model is only slightly above average, both rates are shown and no multiple is given, because the data cannot tell the difference.
MOT results reflect how a car has been used and maintained as much as the model itself. High mileage, short journeys and deferred servicing all show up here.
Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0. Failure rates derived by FindServiceHistory from the DVSA anonymised MOT test and failure-item extracts.
MOT failure rate: the XC60 against vehicles its age
In our analysis of DVSA's anonymised MOT data for 2024 and 2025, 20.6% of 214,711 initial MOT tests on the Volvo XC60 failed at the first attempt — 18% less often than vehicles of the same ages and fuel types, which failed 25.2%.
XC60Cars of the same age and fuel (all makes)
| Age | Tests | Bars | XC60 | Same age & fuel | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3–5 years | 52,955 | 10.8% | 14.4% | 23% lower | |
| 6–9 years | 101,164 | 20.4% | 24.0% | 14% lower | |
| 10–14 years | 54,511 | 28.8% | 35.8% | 18% lower | |
| 15–19 years | 6,081 | 33.3% | 42.3% | 18% lower |
These describe the model, not one car: how vehicles are used and maintained shows up as much as how they were built. Differences are the conservative end of a 95% confidence interval.
Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0. Rates and comparisons are FindServiceHistory's own analysis, not DVSA figures.
These describe the model, not one car. Plenty of cars never have the problems their model is known for, and a recall may already have been done on yours. Every problem links to its sources; a reported problem needs two independent publishers before we list it.
Recalls are listed by DVSA for the model around its build date — check a specific car by VIN at GOV.UK. Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0.
Common questions
What are the most common XC60 problems?
For cars built from 2012, the problems at least two independent publishers report include: T8 plug-in hybrid: rear electric drive unit (ERAD) can fail; Electric parking brake may not release (door sensor); 2.0 D4 diesel: EGR valve faults (warning light, limp mode). Which apply depends on the generation and engine — they are listed generation by generation above, each with its sources.
Has the XC60 been recalled?
Yes. DVSA lists recalls for the XC60 built from 2012, shown above by generation. A recall covers a range of chassis numbers, so not every car is affected — check a specific car by VIN on GOV.UK, or by registration with our checker.
Does my XC60 have these problems?
Not necessarily. These describe the model; many cars never have them, and a well-maintained car is less likely to. Enter your registration above to see the problems for your exact generation and engine, and whether DVSA records an outstanding recall on it. Whether a known problem was fixed is what a service history check shows.
Has this XC60 had the work done?
A known problem matters far less on a car whose dealer records show it was fixed. A service history check returns the manufacturer's own dealership records for a specific car — and there's no charge if we find nothing.
Check a Volvo service history