2018 Volvo XC60 Problems and Top Complaints – Is Your Car A Lemon?

Brake and electrical issues among the top complaints received by the NHTSA from vehicle owners

Updated on Author: Brian Jones

Updated on Author: Brian Jones

Premium SUVs are in a tough competition with one another, but many owners flocked to the 2018 Volvo XC60. The newest lineup claims to offer “comfort for all,” but the defects just cause disappointment. This model suffers from issues with the electrical system, seats, structure and service brakes.

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NHTSA Complaints for the 2018 Volvo XC60

Complaint CategoryNumber of Complaints
Electrical System
7
Service Brakes
6
Structure:body
3
Electronic Stability Control
2
Engine
2
Steering
2
Tires
2
Unknown Or Other
2
Air Bags
1
Air Bags:frontal
1

Problems with the Electrical System

The electrical system is responsible for everything with the vehicle, from the way it drives to the entertainment features in the cabin. When the system becomes faulty, it’s beyond annoying for occupants.

Here’s one example from an Edmunds customer review. “My XC60 voice navigation does not work for iPad. My dealer agreed and started a case with Volvo. Volvo now said that’s how it works. So when I say [play] and the car asks what song I would like. When I say I am hungry it brings up sites in another state. To go to FM radio you need to know the call letters of a station or frequency. A few times I said go to an address. It did not work. When I had a chance to stop and go into the settings it was set for New Mexico.But Volvo says that’s how it works.”

It turns out that there’s a larger issue with the GPS system. NHTSA Campaign Number 18V800000 states that 17,000 vehicles have a GPS system that can’t give emergency personnel the correct location in the event of an accident. The problem stems from software within the Vehicle Connectivity Module. Hopefully, emergency personnel aren’t being sent to the wrong state as the owner in the comments above was. It’s a good thing that this model offers comfort because injured people might be left waiting for some time.

Problems with the Seats

While discussing the comfort of this SUV, it’s time to discuss the seats in greater detail. This is another part of the Volvo that seems to fail.

Read another Edmunds customer review. “The passenger seat makes the worst noise.  Will definitely be my last Volvo.”

This isn’t the biggest concern. NHTSA Campaign Number 19V220000 states that the front seats can move in an accident. The nuts for the seats could be missing, which affects the front seat structure and leaves occupants in danger. This occurs with both the driver and passenger seat. As one of the taglines being about safety, one would think there would have been a stronger focus on the seat design. Apparently, safety and comfort are two different things.

Problems with the Tailgate

It turns out that the seats aren’t the only part of the structure that’s lacking. Customers complain about numerous other troubles.

Here’s an example from an Edmunds user. “This was my 3rd XC60 and will be my last.  First – windshield shattered – not only did it spider where the rock hit it – it had a crack that was independent of the initial spider – glass shop said they had never seen anything like it. They were on backorder and could not get one for a while.  Had to put up a fuss to get a loaner until they were able to get a new one.  Next – the trunk even after the recall needs to be slammed shut about half the time.”

It shouldn’t surprise anyone to find out that there’s yet another recall worth mentioning. NHTSA Campaign Number 19V046000 affects 45,000 vehicles and states that the tailgate lifting arms can freeze and separate. Furthermore, the arms could be projected rearward with excessive force, leading to an injury. Of course, this isn’t something to worry about for owners that live in warm environments. Apparently, the Volvo SUV wants to live near the beach full-time.

Problems with the Brakes

Along with the issues related to the structure and construction, there are major concerns with the service brakes, which is a vital component that should be working as intended.

One more Edmunds customer review says, “Needed to replace the brakes with under 20,000 miles – rotors warped.”

Volvo isn’t trying to hide any braking problems either. Service Bulletin #TJ34246-1-0-2018 states that there can be various brake noises caused by a multitude of problems. Technicians are given the tools needed to figure out where the noise is coming from and repair it. Owners might have purchased this Volvo to receive comfort, but instead, they find themselves fighting back against the inability of the automaker to create a well-built SUV. They should have saved money and bought a cheap Chevy SUV instead.

Your Lemon Law Legal Rights

Think you have a lemon? Sit back and let the experts work out your lemon case at no cost to you. The law makes Volvo pay legal fees. You may be able to get your lemon out of your life. Every year, auto manufacturers buy back, replace or pay cash settlements to thousands of ‘lemon’ owners like you.

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Brian Jones

About the Author:

Brian Jones spent more than 30 years working as an ASE Certified Master Tech and Parts Specialist at multiple dealerships. Brian has become an authority in the industry, traveling across the country to consult for car dealerships and contributing his expertise as a writer for several major automotive publications. In his spare time, Brian enjoys working on pickup trucks, muscle cars, Jeeps and anything related to motorsports.

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