Last updated: 2026-10-10
2018 Volvo XC60 Reliability Report
The 2018 Volvo XC60 rates good for reliability, but stalling and water leaks into the electrical system are the problems to check.
Recalls
5
Complaints
35
Complaint Rate
10.7per 10,000 sold
Est. Repair Cost
$746
Annual Fuel Cost
$2,900–$3,000
Detailed Score Breakdown
Component-weighted complaints normalized by sales volume
Independent repair cost ratings
Recall count weighted by severity
Breadth of reported problem categories
The Verdict
First year of the second generation, with good reliability and a middle ranking among XC60 years, led by stalling and water-leak complaints.
Top Issues to Watch
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (11)
- SERVICE BRAKES (4)
- LANE DEPARTURE (3)
Generation & Refresh (US)
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.
2018: Second generation (2017–present) Launch
Generation start — new platform.
2021: Mid-Cycle Refresh
Updated features and styling tweaks.
2025: Mid-Cycle Refresh
Updated features and styling tweaks.
Should You Buy the 2018 Volvo XC60?
Good reliability, and better than most 2018 SUVs. Among the eight scored XC60 years, this one sits in the middle. Independent repair-cost data puts yearly repair spending at $746, against $859 for the class. The 2019 model rates about the same, so neither year has a clear edge.
The biggest worry is the electrical system. Owners describe the engine shutting off at a stop and not restarting, often after auto stop/start engages. Some say the steering column and brake pedal locked. Others say the engine died while driving, which removes power steering and brake assist. Water getting in through a clogged windshield drain, the windshield seal, or the sunroof has damaged wiring and modules, with airbag warnings and gear selector errors following. Some failures returned after dealer repairs. Federal records list five recalls, covering seats (two), structure, visibility and wipers, and the electrical system.
Ask for proof that every recall was completed. Check the sunroof and windshield area for signs of water, and ask what service history exists on the brakes.
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: Engine shuts off at a stop and fails to restart, often after the auto... (11 complaints)
- −SERVICE BRAKES: Brake pads and rotors wear out early, often needing replacement around 25,000... (4 complaints)
Compare 2018 Volvo XC60 With
Common Problem Categories
Safety
LOW RISK- 5 manufacturer recalls issued
Other
HIGH RISK- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (11)
- SERVICE BRAKES (4)
Recall Overview
5
recalls on record
A moderate 5 recalls are on file for the 2018 Volvo XC60. Each one points to a specific safety or compliance issue identified by the manufacturer or NHTSA — check the list below before buying.
NHTSA.gov →Complaint Breakdown
10.7
per 10,000 soldSegment avg: 27.1
Safety Incidents
3
Crashes
0
Fires
4
Injuries
0
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.
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.
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.
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.
Buying a used 2018 Volvo XC60? Check its history first
Electrical system problems lead owner complaints about the 2018 Volvo XC60, and 5 recalls were issued for it. A VIN check shows whether this car's recall work was done, plus accident, title, and odometer history.
- Accidents
- Open Recalls
- Title History
- Odometer Rollback
2018 Volvo XC60 NHTSA Safety Ratings
Crash Test Results by Configuration (expand)
Gas Powertrain
Rollover risk: 0.0%
Safety Technologies
Volvo XC60Repair Costs & Maintenance
Maintenance Rating
4Maintenance rating: 4 out of 5Based 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
7%
chance of a major repair
Annual Cost Comparison
Category-level averages derived from publicly available industry reports (AAA, CarMD). Model-level estimates produced by Auto Reliability Index.
MPG & Annual Running Costs
Gas
23–24 MPG
Running cost: $3,650–$3,750/yr
Fuel + repair
21–22 city / 27–28 hwy MPG
Plug-in Hybrid
26 MPG
Running cost: $3,400/yr
Fuel + repair
26 city / 28 hwy MPG
Running cost includes EPA fuel-cost estimate and independent repair-cost data (repair cost estimated at model level). Excludes routine maintenance, depreciation, and insurance. Data as of 2018 EPA label cycle.
Gas trims
| Trim | Drive | Trans. | City | Hwy | Comb | Fuel Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| XC60 AWD 2.0L 4-cyl | All-Wheel Drive | Automatic (S8) | 22 | 28 | 24 | $2,900 |
| XC60 AWD 2.0L 4-cyl | All-Wheel Drive | Automatic (S8) | 21 | 27 | 23 | $3,000 |
Plug-in Hybrid trims
| Trim | Drive | Trans. | City | Hwy | Comb | Fuel Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| XC60 AWD PHEV 2.0L 4-cyl | All-Wheel Drive | Automatic (S8) | 26 | 28 | 26 | $2,650 |
Used Buying Checklist
Key things to inspect or verify before purchasing a 2018 Volvo XC60.
Inspect the rear brake pads and rotors for thin pads or warping, and check the records for repeated brake replacements.
Check carpet under the seats and dash for dampness or water stains, and confirm the sunroof and windshield drains are clear.
Let auto stop/start shut the engine off at a long stop and confirm it restarts promptly when you press the gas.
Watch the dash on the test drive for airbag, gear selector, or power steering assistance warnings.
Drive above 45 mph and feel for vibration or bouncing that could mean loose foam inside the tires.
Open every door from inside and outside, paying attention to the rear locks and the inside driver door handle.
Turn on Pilot Assist on the highway and note how clearly it warns you when steering help turns off.
Put the key fob in your pocket and move around near the car to check the liftgate does not open or close by itself.
2018 Volvo XC60 Common Problems by Component
35 owner complaints grouped by vehicle system.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
11 complaintsSafety-relatedThe engine shuts off at a stop and fails to restart, often after the auto stop/start feature engages. Some reports describe a locked steering column and brake pedal. Others describe the engine dying while driving, which takes away power steering and brake assist. A second pattern is water getting in through a clogged windshield drain, the windshield seal, or the sunroof. The water damages wiring and modules and triggers airbag warnings, gear selector errors, and shifting problems. Some failures come back after dealer repairs. Of 11 complaints, 2 involve crashes and 3 involve injuries.
SERVICE BRAKES
4 complaintsBrake pads and rotors wear out early, often needing replacement around 25,000 miles. Rear pads and rotors come up most, and rotors can warp even while the pads are still in good shape. Some owners report replacing pads and rotors again at about 25,000-mile intervals. Dealers disagree on the cause. Some call it a common problem on newer models, while others call it normal wear. No crashes or injuries are reported.
LANE DEPARTURE
3 complaintsPilot Assist steering help shuts off, and once it does, the car can drift out of its lane or off the road. Complaints say the handoff comes with little or no warning. Sometimes the only sign is a small steering wheel icon in the instrument cluster turning from green to grey. Another report says the blind spot monitor turns itself off without warning. No crashes are reported. The risk is a driver who is not ready to take back control.
STRUCTURE (3 complaints)
STRUCTURE
3 complaintsDoor hardware fails. The inside driver door handle cracks more than once, and a rear door lock can jam so the door will not open from inside or outside. No warning message appears when the lock fails. Parts shortages drag out repairs. In one case a replacement lock assembly took days to arrive, and another complaint describes a recall repair held up because the dealer had no parts. No crashes or injuries are reported.
STEERING (2 complaints)
STEERING
2 complaintsSafety-relatedPark Assist Pilot can reverse and turn faster than the driver can react. In one crash-related complaint, the rear bumper hits a garage column even though the system showed no obstruction warning. Separately, a warning reading "Power steering assistance temporarily reduced" comes on while driving, along with parking assist alerts and an engine stop/start feature that works only some of the time. These warnings are unsettling enough that some drivers avoid the car.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER (2 complaints)
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
2 complaintsThe power liftgate can operate on its own because the key fob buttons are sensitive enough to be pressed inside a pocket. One complaint reports an injury from a closing liftgate while loading the cargo area. Another report repeats the problems listed under steering: the "Power steering assistance temporarily reduced" warning and parking alerts appearing while driving. The same report says the engine stop/start feature works at the start of a drive and then stops working for the rest of the trip.
TIRES (2 complaints)
TIRES
2 complaintsSevere vibration and bouncing at road speed come from the noise-reducing foam glued inside the tires. The foam comes loose and bunches up, throwing the tire out of balance. Reports describe louder road noise first, then shaking that forces drivers to slow down or pull over. In one case the shaking came from the rear starting at 45 mph. An alignment does not fix it. The tires have to come off the rims before the problem shows. One case involves Continental CrossContact 255/45R20 tires at 39,000 miles.
SEAT BELTS (1 complaints)
SEAT BELTS
1 complaintTHE 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 complaintHave 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 complaintThere 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.
Best & Worst Volvo XC60 Years
Best Volvo XC60 Years to Buy
Based on reliability index scoreVolvo XC60 Years to Avoid
No Volvo XC60 years are statistical outliers in our data.
Scores stay between 72 and 76 across 8 scored model years.
Volvo XC60 Reliability Score Trend
Scores 0–100. Higher is better. Current year highlighted.
| 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 |
| 2026 | 74/100 | Good |
Volvo XC60 Reliability Compared to Other Years
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the 2018 Volvo XC60 reliable?
What are the most common problems with the 2018 Volvo XC60?
Does the 2018 Volvo XC60 have engine stalling problems?
How many recalls does the 2018 Volvo XC60 have?
How often do the brakes wear out on the 2018 Volvo XC60?
Don’t buy a 2018 Volvo XC60 without checking its VIN first — hidden accidents, title issues, and open recalls could cost you thousands.
How we score the 2018 Volvo XC60
Of the four inputs behind this score, the 2018 Volvo XC60 does best on how many systems draw complaints (82/100) and worst on recall impact (68/100). Scores weight complaint severity at 35%, repair costs at 30%, recall impact at 20%, and the spread of complaints across systems at 15%, with complaint counts adjusted for US sales. Read the full methodology.
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