2013 Volvo XC60 Problems
Compared with other Volvo XC60 years
Fewer complaints than typical for this model
0/100 0.2× a typical year · 50 = typical
- Complaint rate is 0.2× that of a typical Volvo XC60 year, weighted for crashes, fires, injuries, recalls and mileage, and allowing for the era and for how long each year has had to collect complaints.
- 1 of its 66 complaints were filed by the end of 2015.
- Most reported problem: Windshield seal/adhesive failure letting water in (36 complaints, median 82,000 mi).
- 3 recall campaigns on record. A VIN search at nhtsa.gov/recalls shows open recalls for a specific vehicle.
Based only on NHTSA complaints, recalls and investigations. Not adjusted for how many vehicles were sold, and not a reliability rating. How this is calculated
- Complaints
- 66filed with NHTSA
- Median mileage
- 60,000miles, 30 complaints with mileage
- Recalls
- 3campaigns on record
- Trend
- FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
- NHTSA crash rating
- 5 / 5stars overall, 2 rated versions
- EPA fuel economy
- 21 mpgcombined, 3.2L 6-cyl FWD · 19 city / 25 hwy
Sources: NHTSA records for the 2013 Volvo XC60 (complaints, recalls, investigations), NHTSA crash tests, EPA fuel economy. Report an error
What owners report
Owners of the 2013 Volvo XC60 most often report water entering the cabin at the top of the original windshield, usually described as a separated or degraded factory adhesive rather than a crack or impact. Complaints also cover occasional electrical shutdowns, door switch and instrument failures, airbag warnings, and false City Safety autobraking, most often described around mid-range mileage and in wet or cold weather.
- Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
Windshield seal/adhesive failure letting water in
- 36 complaints (55%)
- median 82,000 mi at 8.1 yrs old (15 state mileage)
- filed 2017–2026
Complaints describe rain or car-wash water coming in along the top edge of the factory windshield, running down the inside of the glass, dripping onto the steering wheel, driver's lap, console and floor, and soaking the headliner. Several owners say the glass can be pushed outward from inside the car, and glass shops reportedly told them the factory adhesive or primer was missing or degraded. Dealers are described as resealing or replacing the windshield at owner cost, sometimes after first suggesting the sunroof drains; a few owners say a dealer offered to pull the glass but warned the owner would pay for a new windshield if it broke. Reported from roughly 40,000 to 140,000 miles, with many complaints on original windshields around 7 to 9 years old; almost always described in rain, snow or car washes.
What to check: Inspect the top edge of the windshield for a loose bond by pressing gently from inside, and look for water stains, damp headliner or musty smell. Ask whether the windshield has been resealed or replaced and whether the factory adhesive was found to be failing.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“Volvo XC60 glass bonding defect. Whenever water from rain hits the windshield water runs down the interior of the glass inside the vehicle. The bonding material has eroded and glass can be pushed out of the frame with my fingers. The leak has expanded to encompass the passenger side. There is concern the entire windshield will disengage from the frame. I have consulted a windshield replacement company who have confirmed that the bonding material is eroded. …”
NHTSA complaint #11170855, filed 2019-01, 94,000 miles“I purchased a certified pre-owned 2013 Volvo XC60 from a local Volvo dealership in june 2016. After approximately 18 months of owning the vehicle, I noticed a slight leak from the driver's side windshield after having the car washed. The leak became increasingly worse over the following few months, as I also noticed water accumulating on the driver's side floor during heavy rains. Subsequently, I took the vehicle to the Volvo dealership where it was purchased. …”
NHTSA complaint #11207394, filed 2019-05, 52,000 miles - Air bags
Water reaching A-pillar and steering-wheel airbag area
- 16 complaints (24%)
- median 79,000 mi at 8.2 yrs old (9 state mileage, few)
- 2 mention a crash, fire or injury
- filed 2017–2025
A subset of owners tie the same windshield leak to moisture around the A-pillar and the steering-wheel airbag, describing water collecting behind the airbag cover, at the curtain airbag area, and near dashboard electronics. Some say an SRS airbag service warning appeared and they were told a prior recall repair had already been done. Another owner reported a hand burn during an airbag deployment. Described on vehicles with the leaking windshield, typically after years of repeated rain exposure; reported across a wide mileage range including 70,000 miles and above.
What to check: Ask whether any SRS warning has appeared and whether the frontal airbag sensor/control unit recall work (12V439000) was completed. Check the A-pillar trim and behind the steering wheel for dampness or staining before buying.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“There is a leak in the top left corner of the windshield. There are not cracks, breaks or abrasions on the windshield. I have looked into the problem and it seems that all glass companies in the area are aware of the problem and say that it is an original/manufacturing issue. This is a safety concern because if it is raining while I am driving then this would impair my visibility and cause distraction. Also if an airbag were to deploy then it would could cause the windshield to become dislodged from the car. …”
NHTSA complaint #11383914, filed 2020-12, 98,000 miles“Car leaks water inside,coming from both a pillars .this is where the curtain airbags are located. This clearly is a safety concern. I have done a little research and Volvo of north america where sued in nj for this type of water intrusion problem. This occurs when it rains and car just sits while parked .”
NHTSA complaint #11073317, filed 2018-02, 70,000 miles - Electrical system
Sudden loss of electrical power or dead door/window controls
- 8 complaints (12%)
- median 100,574 mi at 8.8 yrs old (3 state mileage, few)
- 1 mention a crash, fire or injury
- filed 2019–2025
Complaints describe total loss of electrical power while driving or after parking, with no lights, no hazard flashers, no power steering and doors that would not unlock from inside. Others report that the driver-door window and mirror switch pack stopped working for all four windows and both mirrors, and one owner described the key fob not communicating and the instrument cluster flashing multiple warnings. Owners say dealers were familiar with the switch repair or asked to diagnose the vehicle. Reported from low mileage up to about 140,000 miles, with no clear weather pattern; several complaints involved the vehicle sitting or moving slowly.
What to check: Test every window and mirror switch from the driver's door, and ask whether the door switch module or any control modules have been replaced. A battery test is worth requesting given the battery-testing bulletins.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“I recently was forced to use the pry-off cap and manual key entry to get into my 2013 Volvo XC60. This was due to the vehicle’s lack of response to the fob, there was no communication between the fob and the electrical system. Once inside, inserting the fob, the engine started but the entire instrument cluster was flashing intermittently the various warning lights, and the windows could not be lowered. The cluster showed failure of speedometer, tachometer, brake system, seat belts and all other gauges on the cluster. …”
NHTSA complaint #11541669, filed 2023-08“The component or system that failed is the driver side door controls for all four windows and both side mirrors. My safety is at risk as I am unable to adjust my mirrors manually or electronically in order to see. I am also unable to roll down any of the windows in the vehicle from the driver door in the event of an emergency. Yes, the problem has been confirmed by the Volvo service center. According to my local Volvo service center, this is a common problem in Volvos and they are very familiar with the repair needed to correct. …”
NHTSA complaint #11607357, filed 2024-08 - Forward collision avoidance
City Safety autobraking with nothing ahead
Mentioned in 4 of 60 sampled complaints
Owners describe the car braking hard on its own with no vehicle or object in front, in some cases repeatedly at the same intersections or after passing over a manhole, with the 'auto braking by City Safety' message displayed. Some report the stop happened while exiting a freeway or with cruise control engaged at highway speed; drivers say they were able to continue afterward but were concerned about following traffic. Described at low speeds around town and at highway speed, from roughly 9,000 to 80,000 miles, sometimes soon after the vehicle was new.
What to check: Ask whether the City Safety/forward collision software has been updated and whether any false-braking events have been logged. A test drive that includes low-speed approaches to intersections can help.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“12/24/13 approx 6:00 pm driving approx. 65 MPH on route 9 south in ct with cruise control on. No other vehicles in front or nearby and suddenly the red dashboard light flashed and warning sounds and the car began to auto brake abruptly to 45 MPH. I pulled off the road turned off the cruise control then resumed my trip uneventfully. 12/27/13 approx 2:00 pm driving approx. 60 MPH on route 84 in ct with cruise control on. …”
NHTSA complaint #10608342, filed 2014-07, 9,000 miles“The car came to a complete stop without a reason. This happened while exiting the freeway and no cars or objects were in front of me. I was very lucky that I did not have a car behind me or this would have caused a collision. After the car stopped the message auto braking by City Safety appeared on my dashboard”
NHTSA complaint #11595702, filed 2024-06 - Engine
Stalling or no response from the accelerator
Mentioned in 4 of 60 sampled complaints
Complaints describe the engine cutting out or losing power without warning while driving, and in other cases the car failing to respond to the accelerator after a stop, with engine speed staying low for several seconds before resuming. One owner reported intermittent unintended high engine speed at low speed, controlled with the brakes. Owners say the cause was not diagnosed and, in some cases, a diagnostic fee was quoted. Reported from about 40,000 to 100,000 miles, during normal driving and when pulling away from a stop.
What to check: Ask for service records covering throttle body, fuel delivery and software updates, and note during a test drive whether the car hesitates or fails to respond when pulling away from a stop.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“Numerous trips to the local Volvo dealer to find the issue with my Volvo. Last episode 10.07.2016 driving on city streets. Approx. Speed 25-30 MPH. Slowing down and making a complete stop. Accelerating to move on but car is not responding. Rpm stays at 600 even though gas pedal is pressed down. This can last 3 to 6 seconds. Finally car starts moving. I wanted to park on a fairly steep street in san francisco on 10.06.2016. On the first attempt I was too far away from the side of the street. Put car into reverse and attempted to back up. …”
NHTSA complaint #10915414, filed 2016-10, 55,000 miles“This Volvo experiences sudden unintended acceleration periodically (estimated at 2 times per year) since it was new. This unintended acceleration manifests itself generally when coming to a stop (red light, drive thru restaurant, parking lot) but has happened once on the highway. The engine races to full throttle and luckily, for the instances so far, we have been able to control the car with the brakes. The acceleration lasts for roughly 1-2 minutes. …”
NHTSA complaint #11362380, filed 2020-10, 45,000 miles
Buying note. Check the windshield bond and cabin for water damage first, since that is by far the most common report and repairs are paid by the owner. Then confirm the SRS recall work and any electrical or software updates, and test the windows, mirrors and low-speed braking behavior on the test drive.
Summary written with AI from a sample of 60 NHTSA complaints for this model year (picked at random, with complaints that state a mileage and recent ones taken first), then checked automatically against the source records. Where a problem shows a complaint count, every complaint for this model year was matched with fixed keyword rules (written with AI and tested against the sample), and the mileage, age and repair figures are calculated from those complaints; owners' figures are as stated, not verified. Other counts refer to the sample. The excerpts come from NHTSA's public complaint records and are unverified; capitalisation is normalised, NHTSA staff notes are removed, and shortened text ends with “…”. Something wrong? Request a correction.
NHTSA recorded 66 consumer complaints for the 2013 Volvo XC60. 30 of the complaints include a mileage, and 33% of those were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the median is 60,000 miles. Of all complaints, 1 involved a crash, 2 a fire, 1 an injury, according to the filers. NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns and 262 technical service bulletins for this model year. Compared with the other 10 Volvo XC60 model years that have at least 25 complaints and are old enough to compare, this one scores 0 out of 100, where 50 is a typical year for the model (fewer complaints than typical for this model). The comparison allows for the era and for how long each year has had to collect complaints, but not for how many vehicles were sold.
Which parts are reported most
Complaints can name more than one part, so the counts add up to more than the total. Select a part to see its complaints, recalls and bulletins.
- Other or unknown15 23%
- Electrical system9 14%
- Air bags7 11%
- Body and structure5 7.6%
- Engine3 4.5%
- Brakes2 3.0%
- Steering2 3.0%
Also reported: Equipment (1), Exterior lighting (1), Fuel system (1), Seats (1), Transmission and drivetrain (1), Vehicle speed control (1).
Example complaints
Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors): “Factory installed windshield seal is unbonded and water runs down the inside of the windshield while driving in snow and rain, reducing visibility with no way of clearing it while driving. Water penetration from the windshield also produces condensation, further reducing visibility. Yesterday while driving it began raining while I was driving at 60 MPH on the highway and water began running down the inside of the windshield on the driver's side and I couldn't see clearly enough to continue driving safely, so had to pull off to the side of the road during busy traffic. …”
NHTSA complaint #11377260, filed 2020-12, 115,000 milesOther or unknown: “There is a leak on my front windshielhe, drivers side.. When it rains water seeps in.. The leak impacts my safety while driving. Eg: yesterday ice cold water was dripping onto my lap while I was driving (distracting), as well as obstructing my vision while it ran down the inside of the glass ). It seems many Volvo owners are experiencing the same problems especially XC60's. Apparently the seal did not adhere correctly therefore, eventually all xc's will experience if not recalled by Volvo. …”
NHTSA complaint #11414733, filed 2021-05, 184,235 milesElectrical system: “Every time it rains water runs in from sunroof and or front windshield got to where you can't even drive in the rain anymore it is so bad. Still has the factory windshield in the car.”
NHTSA complaint #11407973, filed 2021-04, 48,000 milesAir bags: “A month ago purchased a 2013 Volvo XC60 from a used car dealership. On 12/9/19 the airbag icon appeared which said, srs airbag service urgent. Since I live in new york and bought this vehicle out of state in ( virginia) , I called a Volvo dealership near me about the problem. They confirmed that the previous owner that purchased the vehicle had answered the recall and it was than fixed in 2015. I told them if that was the case , than why is this problem happening again, and is 2019. …”
NHTSA complaint #11288998, filed 2019-12Mileage when problems were reported
33% of the 30 complaints with a mileage were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the middle half falls between 45,000 and 94,000 miles.
Complaints by year filed
Trend: falling. Complaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
Crash test ratings
NHTSA's 5-Star Safety Ratings for the 2013 Volvo XC60. Frontal results are shown driver / passenger; rollover shows the star rating and NHTSA's estimated risk of rolling over in a single-vehicle crash.
| Version | Overall | Frontal | Side | Side pole | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| XC60 · SUV AWD | ★★★★★ | 5 / 5 | 5 | 5 | 4 · 17.6% risk |
| XC60 · SUV FWD | ★★★★★ | 5 / 5 | 5 | 5 | 4 · 17.6% risk |
Driver aids listed by NHTSA for the 2013 model year: forward collision warning optional, lane departure warning optional, automatic emergency braking not available.
Neighbouring years: 2012: same overall rating; 2014: same overall rating. A redesign between years can change both the car and the test.
Source: NHTSA New Car Assessment Program (5-Star Safety Ratings), nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Fuel economy and running cost
EPA ratings for each 2013 Volvo XC60 version. Annual fuel cost is the EPA's estimate at its current fuel prices for 15,000 miles a year (55% city driving).
| Version | Engine | Transmission | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| XC60 AWD | 3.0L 6-cyl | 6-speed automatic | 17 | 23 | 20 | $3,350 |
| XC60 AWD | 3.2L 6-cyl | 6-speed automatic | 18 | 24 | 20 | $3,350 |
| XC60 FWD | 3.2L 6-cyl | 6-speed automatic | 19 | 25 | 21 | $3,200 |
Source: U.S. EPA and Department of Energy, fueleconomy.gov. Ratings are for comparing vehicles; real-world mileage varies with driving and conditions.
Recalls and investigations
- 20V378000Jun 30, 2020Seat belts › FrontCovers: Volvo XC60 2009–2016, S80 2007–2016, S60 2011–2020 +5 more
Volvo Cars of N.A., LLC (Volvo) is recalling certain 2008-2016 V70 and XC70, 2007-2016 S80, 2011-2018 S60 and V60, 2016-2018 S60 Cross Country, 2014-2020 S60L, 2009-2015 S80L, 2009-2016 XC60 and 2015-2018 V60 Cross Country vehicles. The flexible steel cable…
- 13V084000Mar 5, 2013Equipment › Other › LabelsCovers: Volvo XC60 2013, S60 2013
Volvo is recalling certain model year 2013 S60 and XC60 vehicles, manufactured on January 7, 2013. The product identification labels were printed with the incorrect manufacture year. Thus, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of 49 CFR Part…
- 12V439000Sep 10, 2012Air bags › Frontal › Sensor/control module-inactiveCovers: Volvo XC60 2013, S60 2013
Volvo is recalling certain model year 2013 S60 and XC60 vehicles. A manufacturing defect within the Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) control unit may lead to an inadvertent deployment of the seat belt pretensioner and/or inflatable curtain.
Recall details for the 2013 Volvo XC60 → · Check a VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls
Technical service bulletins
TSBs are manufacturer notes to dealers about known repair procedures. They are not recalls and do not by themselves mean a vehicle has a fault. 262 on record; the latest 10 are shown.
- 11032678Apr 23, 2026Engine. This is a Technical Journal: Text plus 2 PDFs and 1 .PNG Oil Consumption test. Perform the test. Follow service procedure Description and Service sections updated to clarify that vehicle…
- 11032671Apr 7, 2026Other or unknown. This is a TJ text only - The purpose of this TJ is to be a master reference list to easily identify any components that are on prior approval. This TJ will be regularily updated as items are added…
- 11027173Dec 6, 2025Other or unknown. This is a Technical Journal. Vehicle type and platform identification.
- 11020437Apr 10, 2025Exterior lighting. This is a Technical Journal: Remote connection, BOMGAR application. Before joining a remote session: •Connect a suitable battery maintainer/charger and verify that the battery voltage indicated…
- 11016002Feb 21, 2025Other or unknown. Volvo Cars USA LLC and Volvo Car Canada LTD on behalf of the Volvo Car Corporation has decided to launch Service Action S10303 on certain model year 2025 EX90 vehicles. Volvo Car Investigations…
- 11015994Feb 13, 2025Other or unknown. Volvo Cars USA LLC and Volvo Car Canada LTD on behalf of the Volvo Car Corporation has decided to launch Service Action S10303 on certain model year 2025 EX90 vehicles. Volvo Car Investigations…
- 11014113Jan 16, 2025Other or unknown. This is a Technical Journal: Vehicle/Connectivity report checklist. To provide timely and high-quality feedback to the appropriate department or factory
- 11014112Jan 16, 2025Exterior lighting. This is a Technical Journal: Remote connection, BOMGAR application. Before joining a remote session: •Connect a suitable battery maintainer/charger and verify that the battery voltage indicated…
- 11009811Oct 22, 2024Other or unknown. This is a Technical Journal: Software Upgrade / Download Guide. If one control unit is upgraded and not all, it may result in various problems.
- 11007925Aug 14, 2024Electrical system. Information about valid Software partnumbers to order and download Software for "PDS" Pre-Delivery Service
Other model years of the Volvo XC60
| Year | Complaints | Median mi | Recalls | Crash ★ | MPG | Score (50 = typical) | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 36 | 19,000 | 3 | 5 | 28 | Too new to compare | Too new |
| 2024 | 24 | 9,324 | 2 | 5 | 28 | — | Too new |
| 2023 | 54 | 400 | 5 | 5 | 26 | 85 · More | Too new |
| 2022 | 75 | 27,000 | 6 | 5 | 26 | 97 · More | Stable |
| 2021 | 49 | 18,000 | 5 | 5 | 25 | 77 · More | Stable |
| 2020 | 22 | 11,850 | 6 | 5 | 24 | — | Stable |
| 2019 | 37 | 10,800 | 8 | — | 24 | 50 · Typical | Rising |
| 2018 | 36 | 15,635 | 5 | — | 24 | 51 · Typical | Stable |
| 2017 | 16 | 19,800 | 4 | 5 | 26 | — | Stable |
| 2016 | 39 | 44,000 | 3 | 5 | 26 | 3 · Fewer | Rising |
| 2015 | 47 | 26,680 | 1 | 5 | 27 | 20 · Fewer | Stable |
| 2014 | 16 | 6,844 | 2 | 5 | 21 | — | Falling |
| 2013 | 66 | 60,000 | 3 | 5 | 21 | 0 · Fewer | Falling |
| 2012 | 46 | 60,587 | 3 | 5 | 21 | 4 · Fewer | Falling |
| 2011 | 36 | 49,963 | 4 | 5 | 21 | 20 · Fewer | Falling |
| 2010 | 56 | 69,813 | 7 | — | 21 | 53 · Typical | Stable |
All Volvo XC60 model years · Best and worst years by complaints
Frequently asked questions
What are the most common problems with the 2013 Volvo XC60?
Owners of the 2013 Volvo XC60 most often report water entering the cabin at the top of the original windshield, usually described as a separated or degraded factory adhesive rather than a crack or impact. The issues reported most often: Windshield seal/adhesive failure letting water in; Water reaching A-pillar and steering-wheel airbag area; Sudden loss of electrical power or dead door/window controls.
How many NHTSA complaints does the 2013 Volvo XC60 have?
NHTSA recorded 66 consumer complaints for the 2013 Volvo XC60 as of Oct 29, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
What part of the 2013 Volvo XC60 is reported most often?
Visibility is named most often, in 29 complaints (44% of the total), followed by other or unknown with 15.
Has the 2013 Volvo XC60 been recalled?
NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns for this model year. To check a specific vehicle, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
How did the 2013 Volvo XC60 do in NHTSA crash tests?
NHTSA's 5-Star Safety Ratings give the 2013 Volvo XC60 5 out of 5 stars overall, across 2 rated versions (body style and drive). Ratings from different model years are only comparable when the vehicle was not redesigned in between.
What gas mileage does the 2013 Volvo XC60 get?
The EPA rates the 2013 Volvo XC60 (XC60 FWD, 3.2L 6-cyl) at 21 mpg combined, 19 city and 25 highway, with an estimated annual fuel cost of $3,200 at 15,000 miles a year. Other engine and drive versions are rated differently.
At what mileage are problems with the 2013 Volvo XC60 reported?
Among the 30 complaints that include a mileage, the median is 60,000 miles and the middle half falls between 45,000 and 94,000 miles; 33% were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles.
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 29, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate. Crash ratings are from NHTSA’s New Car Assessment Program. Fuel economy is from the EPA and DOE (fueleconomy.gov).
Complaint counts come from NHTSA’s public complaint database; we count each complaint once. The source records for this vehicle are on nhtsa.gov. Scores and trends are our own summaries of that data, described in the methodology. This page is not legal, safety or repair advice: for a specific vehicle, check its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls and ask a qualified mechanic. See an error? Tell us.