Last updated: 2026-03-04

Good

2018 Volvo XC60 Reliability Score & Common Problems

Name: 2018 Volvo XC60
Brand: Volvo

The 2018 Volvo XC60 scores 74/100 ("Good"). With 5 recalls and 35 owner complaints, reliability is acceptable but not class-leading.

2018 is the first model year of the Second generation (2017–present).

Recalls

Complaints

Complaint Rate

10.7

per 10k sold

Below avg

Est. Annual Cost

$746

Below avg

Major Repair Risk

NHTSA Rating

N/A

Score Breakdown

Complaint Severity35%

68/100 (Good)

Component-weighted complaints normalized by sales volume

Repair Costs30%

80/100 (Excellent)

Independent repair cost ratings

Recall Impact20%

68/100 (Good)

Recall count weighted by severity

Issue Diversity15%

82/100 (Excellent)

Breadth of reported problem categories

Consider

Acceptable reliability — worth considering with a pre-purchase inspection.

Top Issues

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (11)SERVICE BRAKES (4)LANE DEPARTURE (3)

5 recalls on record

Generation & Refresh (US)

Redesign Year

2018 is the first model year of the Second generation (2017–present).

First-year models may have unresolved issues from the new design.
Redesigned for the 2018 model year.
Refreshed in 2021, 2025.
2nd generation XC60 (US).

What this means for buyers

First-year models carry more risk — early production issues are common. Consider waiting for the second year if reliability is a priority.

Compare 2018 pricing and recall counts against 2019+ before deciding.

Second generation (2017–present)

2018selected

2019

2020

2021refresh

2022

2023

Should You Buy the 2018 Volvo XC60?

The 2018 Volvo XC60 scores 74/100 ("Good"), placing it in acceptable but not class-leading territory. As a first-year redesign, early-adopter issues are common.

With 35 owner complaints, some reported issues may need attention, but we don't yet see evidence of a single dominant failure mode.

A pre-purchase inspection is recommended for used examples, with particular attention to electrical system (11). An extended warranty may provide additional peace of mind.

Compared to the 2019 Volvo XC60, which scored 2 points lower.

Pros

Acceptable reliability score
$113 cheaper to maintain than avg luxury compact SUVs
Low major repair risk (7%)
Below-average complaint rate for SUV

Cons

Moderate recall count
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM issues reported (11 complaints)
SERVICE BRAKES issues reported (4 complaints)

Compare 2018 Volvo XC60 With

Good

2018 Audi Q3

Score: 74/100

Good

2018 BMW X1

Score: 69/100

Common Problem Categories

Safety

5 manufacturer recalls issued

Other

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (11)
SERVICE BRAKES (4)
LANE DEPARTURE (3)
STRUCTURE (3)
STEERING (2)
UNKNOWN OR OTHER (2)
TIRES (2)
SEAT BELTS (1)
POWER TRAIN (1)
SUSPENSION (1)
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE (1)
VISIBILITY/WIPER (1)
AIR BAGS (1)
ENGINE (1)
EXTERIOR LIGHTING (1)

See detailed breakdown by component ↓

Recall Overview

recalls on record

The 2018 Volvo XC60 has 5 recalls on record. This is a moderate number. Each recall represents a safety or compliance issue identified by the manufacturer or NHTSA. All recall repairs are performed free of charge at authorized dealerships, regardless of warranty status.

NHTSA.gov →

Complaint Breakdown

10.7

per 10k sold

Segment avg: 23.5

LowAvgHigh

Moderate

Safety Incidents

Crashes

Fires

Injuries

Deaths

Data sourced from NHTSA complaint filings and manufacturer recall notices. Complaint narratives are owner-reported.

2018 Volvo XC60 Recall Details

5 recalls have been issued for the 2018 Volvo XC60. All recall repairs are performed free of charge at authorized dealerships.

19V2200002019-03-20

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.

Consequence

If the nuts are missing, in the event of a crash, the front seat structure and position may be affected, increasing the risk of injury.

Remedy

Volvo will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the front seat rails for missing flange nuts, installing them as necessary, free of charge. The recall began May 7, 2019. Owners may contact Volvo customer service at 1-800-458-1552. Volvo's number for this recall is R19931.

19V0460002019-01-18

STRUCTURE

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.

Consequence

If the tailgate lifting arms separate, the arms could project rearward with significant force, increasing the risk of injury.

Remedy

Volvo has notified owners, and dealers will replace the tailgate lift arms with an improved designed, free of charge. The recall began May 14, 2019. Owners may contact Volvo customer service at 1-800-458-1552. Volvo's number for this recall is R89910.

25V8180002025-11-25

SEATS

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.

Consequence

A seat with loose bolts may not properly restrain an occupant during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.

Remedy

Dealers will tighten the front seat bolts, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 17, 2025. Owners may contact Volvo's customer service at 1-800-458-1552. Volvo's number for this recall is R10345. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall will be searchable on NHTSA.gov beginning December 5, 2025.

2018 Volvo XC60 NHTSA Safety Ratings

Crash Test Results by Configuration (expand)

Gas Powertrain

Rollover risk: 0.0%

Safety Technologies

Dynamic Head Restraints (Not Available)Head Restraint (Driver, Front Passenger, Rear Seat)Advanced Belt Feature (Standard)Adjustable Upper Belt Anchorage (Driver, Front Passenger)Seat Belt Reminder System (Driver, Front Passenger, Rear Seat)Frontal Air Bag (Driver, Front Passenger)Curtain (Driver, Front Passenger, Rear Seat)Pelvis/Torso/Shoulder (Driver, Front Passenger)Knee (Driver)Additional Air Bags (Not Available)Meets Side Air Bag Out-of-Position Requirements (Yes)LATCH Locations (Rear Seat)Safety Power Windows (Anti-Pinch) (Available)Safety Power Windows (Anti-Pinch) locations (Driver, Front Passenger, Rear Seat)

View full safety data on NHTSA.gov →

Volvo XC60 Repair Costs & Maintenance

Maintenance Rating

Based on NHTSA complaint patterns, recall severity, and publicly available cost benchmarks.

Est. Annual Maintenance

$746

vs $859 avg for luxury compact SUVs

vs $652 avg for all vehicles

Repair Frequency

0.5

unscheduled repair visits per year

Severe Repair Probability

chance of a major repair

Annual Cost Comparison

XC60

$746

Category Avg

$859

All Vehicles

$652

Category-level averages derived from publicly available industry reports (AAA, CarMD). Model-level estimates produced by Auto Reliability Index.

When Buying a Used 2018 Volvo XC60

Key things to inspect or verify before purchasing, based on the most common reported issues.

Test auto stop/start feature for unexpected engine shut-off
Inspect rear brake pads and rotors for premature wear
Check for water leaks around sunroof and windshield
Test Park Assist Pilot for unexpected acceleration
Verify lane departure and blind spot monitoring systems function properly
Inspect tires for noise-reducing foam detachment and vibration
Check for dashboard warning lights and messages

Check Any 2018 Volvo XC60's History Before You Buy

Reliability scores tell you what to expect from the 2018 XC60 in general — but every car has its own story. Uncover past accidents, title issues, odometer rollbacks, and service records for a specific Volvo XC60 with a free VIN lookup.

Run a Free VIN Check

2018 Volvo XC60 Common Problems by Component

35 owner complaints grouped by vehicle system.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (11)SERVICE BRAKES (4)LANE DEPARTURE (3)STRUCTURE (3)STEERING (2)UNKNOWN OR OTHER (2)TIRES (2)SEAT BELTS (1)Other (7)

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

11 complaintsSafety-related

Owners of the 2018 Volvo XC60 frequently report issues related to the vehicle's electrical system, particularly engine shut-offs and malfunctions with the auto stop/start feature. Complaints commonly describe the engine shutting off unexpectedly, often while stopped or at low speeds, and failing to restart, which in some cases has led to crashes and injuries. Water leakage into the vehicle, affecting electrical components such as airbags and the main wiring harness, is another reported problem. These issues often emerge early, with some reports occurring as soon as 1,200 miles, and can result in a loss of steering and braking assistance, posing significant safety risks. Prospective buyers should be aware of these potential electrical system failures and their implications for vehicle safety and reliability.

11 complaints total2 crashes3 injuries

SERVICE BRAKES

4 complaints

Owners report that the 2018 Volvo XC60 frequently experiences premature wear of rear brake pads and rotors, with some noting replacement needs as early as 20,000 to 25,000 miles. Several complaints describe brake pad thickness falling below 3mm and mention costly replacements. Additionally, one owner reports severe rotor warping at under 27,000 miles, although their brake pads were still in good condition. No safety incidents such as crashes or loss of control are noted in the complaints. Used car buyers should be aware of potential recurring brake maintenance at relatively low mileage intervals.

4 complaints total

LANE DEPARTURE

3 complaints

Owners of the 2018 Volvo XC60 frequently report issues with the lane departure and assist systems. Complaints describe the blind spot monitor turning off unexpectedly and the lane keep system disengaging without sufficient warning, which is indicated only by a small icon change on the instrument cluster. This behavior has been observed consistently since the vehicle's purchase in early 2018. Additionally, owners express concerns about the system's inability to maintain lane position, which could lead to veering off the road if the driver does not promptly take control. These issues suggest potential safety implications, particularly if the driver is unable to respond immediately to the system's disengagement.

3 complaints total

STRUCTURE (3 complaints)

STRUCTURE

3 complaints

Owners of the 2018 Volvo XC60 report issues primarily related to door components. Multiple complaints describe interior door handles fracturing, with one instance occurring at approximately 21,300 miles. Another owner reports a right rear door lock failing to release, affecting safety as rear passengers could not exit until a temporary repair was made. Parts availability is a noted issue, delaying repairs for some structural recalls and replacements. These structural issues, particularly with door functionality, are significant for potential buyers to consider due to their impact on vehicle usability and passenger safety.

3 complaints total

STEERING (2 complaints)

STEERING

2 complaintsSafety-related

Owners of the 2018 Volvo XC60 report issues related to the steering system, particularly involving the Park Assist Pilot feature and power steering warnings. One owner describes a crash incident where the Park Assist Pilot accelerated and turned unexpectedly fast during a parking maneuver, leading to a collision with a garage column. Another owner mentions frequent dashboard warnings indicating "POWER STEERING ASSISTANCE TEMPORARILY REDUCED" and intermittent issues with the auto parking and engine stop/start functions, causing discomfort for the driver. These complaints highlight potential safety implications, including loss of control during parking and distracting warnings while driving. Buyers considering this model should be aware of these reported issues, particularly with automated parking features and power steering alerts.

2 complaints total1 crash

UNKNOWN OR OTHER (2 complaints)

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

2 complaints

Owners of the 2018 Volvo XC60 report issues related to the sensitivity of the key fob, which can inadvertently activate the lift gate, leading to potential injury. One owner describes an incident where the lift gate closed automatically while loading groceries, resulting in an injury. Additionally, complaints frequently mention intermittent issues with dashboard warnings, such as "POWER STEERING ASSISTANCE TEMPORARILY REDUCED" and auto parking alerts, as well as inconsistent performance of the engine's start/stop feature, particularly after initial use during a drive. These complaints do not specify mileage ranges, but they highlight potential safety implications, such as distraction while driving and unexpected vehicle behavior.

2 complaints total1 injury

TIRES (2 complaints)

TIRES

2 complaints

Owners of the 2018 Volvo XC60 frequently report issues with the Continental CrossContact tires, specifically involving the detachment of noise-reducing foam inside the tires. Typical symptoms include severe vibration and noise while driving, particularly noticeable at highway speeds, with one owner experiencing these issues at around 39,000 miles. The detachment of the foam leads to an imbalance in the tires, causing significant vehicle vibration and potential difficulty in maintaining control. While no accidents are reported, the severity of the vibration prompts safety concerns, as one owner had to reduce speed and drive with hazards on. Buyers should be aware of these issues, especially when evaluating vehicles with similar mileage and tire specifications.

2 complaints total

SEAT BELTS (1 complaints)

SEAT BELTS

1 complaint

2018-02-28

THE SEATBELT WARNING ONLY SOUNDS FOR A FEW SECONDS THEN GOES SILENT AND NEVER SOUNDS AGAIN. THIS OCCURS AT ENGINE START, AND ALSO IF I UNBUCKLE THE BELT WHILE MOVING. THIS HAPPENS TO THE DRIVER AND PASSENGER BELTS. I TOOK THE CAR TO THE DEALERSHIP WHERE I PURCHASED IT, THEY HAD IT OVERNIGHT AND THE NEXT DAY TOLD ME THAT THIS IS THE WAY IS WAS DESIGNED. I CALLED VOLVO USA CUSTOMER SUPPORT AND WAS TOLD TO TAKE IT TO A DEALER, AND THEN BEGAN TELLING ME THAT HIS VOLVO ( UNKNOWN MODEL OR YEAR) DID NOT DO THIS. THE CAR HAS 1,300 MILES.

POWER TRAIN (1 complaints)

POWER TRAIN

1 complaint

2022-10-02

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.

SUSPENSION (1 complaints)

SUSPENSION

1 complaint

2023-04-22

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.

When Do 2018 Volvo XC60 Problems Start?

Based on owner complaint patterns, here's when common issues tend to appear.

1,200–26,000 milesElectrical system failures

20,000–27,000 milesService brake wear

30,000–39,000 milesTire vibration issues

Best & Worst Volvo XC60 Years

Best Volvo XC60 Years to Buy

The best Volvo XC60 year is 2025 with a reliability score of 76/100, rated good. Other strong picks include 2021 (75/100) and 2020 (75/100).

Good

2025

4 recalls · 22 complaints

Good

2021

5 recalls · 31 complaints

Good

2020

6 recalls · 17 complaints

Volvo XC60 Years to Avoid

No Volvo XC60 years are statistical outliers in our data — all years score consistently.

See full Volvo XC60 years-to-avoid analysis →

Volvo XC60 Reliability Score Trend

Volvo XC60 reliability has remained consistent across model years, averaging 74/100.

avg 74

Scores 0–100. Higher is better. Current year highlighted.

Volvo XC60 reliability scores by year
Year	Score	Rating
2018	74/100	Good
2019	72/100	Good
2020	75/100	Good
2021	75/100	Good
2022	72/100	Good
2023	74/100	Good
2025	76/100	Good

Volvo XC60 Reliability Compared to Other Years

Reliability scores compared across model years
Year	Score	vs Prior Year	Rating	Recalls	Complaints
2026	74/100 (predicted)	—	Predicted	3	4
2025	76/100	+2	Good	4	22
2023	74/100	+2	Good	5	40
2022	72/100	-3	Good	6	60
2021	75/100	0	Good	5	31
2020	75/100	+3	Good	6	17
2019	72/100	-2	Good	8	33
2018(selected)	74/100	—	Good	5	35

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the 2018 Volvo XC60 reliable?

The 2018 Volvo XC60 has a "Good" reliability rating with a score of 74/100. It is reasonably reliable with 5 recalls and 35 owner complaints, though some issues have been reported.

What are the most common problems with the 2018 Volvo XC60?

The most commonly reported problems with the 2018 Volvo XC60 include: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (11 complaints), SERVICE BRAKES (4 complaints), LANE DEPARTURE (3 complaints), STRUCTURE (3 complaints), STEERING (2 complaints). These issues were identified from owner complaints analyzed by Auto Reliability Index.

How many recalls does the 2018 Volvo XC60 have?

The 2018 Volvo XC60 has 5 recalls on record. Recalls are safety or compliance fixes issued by the manufacturer and repaired at no cost at authorized dealerships.

Is the 2018 Volvo XC60 expensive to maintain?

The 2018 Volvo XC60 has estimated annual repair costs of $746/year, which is $113 less than the luxury compact SUVs average of $859. With a reliability score of 74/100, some repairs may be needed, but overall ownership costs are manageable.

How We Calculate Reliability Scores

Auto Reliability Index scores are calculated on a 0–100 scale using a weighted formula that combines multiple public data sources. Each factor is weighted based on its predictive value for real-world ownership experience.

Key Ranking Factors

Complaint Severity

NHTSA owner complaints weighted by component category (e.g., powertrain, safety systems, electronics, cosmetic) — safety-critical issues carry more weight than cosmetic ones. Adjusted for sales volume so high-volume models aren't unfairly penalized.

Repair Costs

Independent reliability ratings based on repair frequency, average repair costs, and severity of typical repairs for each model.

Recall Impact

Number of NHTSA recalls weighted by severity. “Stop driving” and fire-risk recalls are penalized more heavily than minor software or labeling recalls.

Issue Diversity

Measures how many major vehicle systems (engine, transmission, electrical, braking, etc.) have recorded complaints. A vehicle with issues spread across many systems may indicate systemic quality issues.

Scores are grouped into four tiers:

80–100: Excellent — Top-tier reliability, minimal issues
60–79: Good — Reliable with some minor concerns
40–59: Mixed — Notable issues, research before buying
0–39: Risky — Significant problems, proceed with caution

Data is sourced from NHTSA recall records, owner complaint filings, and independent repair databases. Scores are recalculated as new data becomes available. While the weighting model is proprietary, all underlying data sources are public and traceable.