Last updated: 2026-04-20

RELIABILITY SCORE: 75/100 (GOOD)

2020 Volvo XC60 Reliability Report

Name: 2020 Volvo XC60
Brand: Volvo

The 2020 Volvo XC60 scores 75/100 ("Good"). With 6 recalls and 17 owner complaints, reliability is acceptable but not class-leading.

Full Breakdown Compare Models

Recalls

Complaints

Complaint Rate

5.3per 10,000 sold

Est. Repair Cost

$746

Annual Fuel Cost

$2,900–$3,000

Detailed Score Breakdown

Complaint Severity73/100

Component-weighted complaints normalized by sales volume

Repair Costs80/100

Independent repair cost ratings

Recall Impact65/100

Recall count weighted by severity

Issue Diversity80/100

Breadth of reported problem categories

The Verdict

Consider

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

Top Issues to Watch

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (4)
SERVICE BRAKES (2)
ENGINE (2)

Generation & Refresh (US)

Post-Redesign (Year 3)

2020 is year 3 of the Second generation (2017–present).

Redesigned for the 2018 model year.
Well-established in its generation — most early issues should be resolved.
A refresh arrives in 2021.
2nd generation XC60 (US).

What this means for buyers

Well into the generation cycle — most design and manufacturing issues should be resolved by now.

2018: Second generation (2017–present) Launch

Generation start — new platform.

2020: This Model Year

2020 is year 3 of the Second generation (2017–present).

2021: Mid-Cycle Refresh

Updated features and styling tweaks.

2025: Mid-Cycle Refresh

Updated features and styling tweaks.

Should You Buy the 2020 Volvo XC60?

At 75/100, the 2020 Volvo XC60 lands in "Good" territory — acceptable, but not class-leading. 2020 is year 3 of the Second generation (2017–present).

Owners log 17 complaints on this model year — enough to suggest attention is needed, but no single failure mode dominates yet.

Get a pre-purchase inspection on any used example, with extra attention to electrical system (4). An extended warranty is worth pricing out.

Compared to the 2021 Volvo XC60, which scored the same. See also the 2019 Volvo XC60 for an earlier comparison.

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

−Above-average recall count
−ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: Owners of the 2020 Volvo XC60 frequently report issues with the vehicle's... (4 complaints)
−SERVICE BRAKES: Uneven wear and rotor problems (2 complaints)

Compare 2020 Volvo XC60 With

2020 Audi Q3

Reliability: 69/100

Good

2020 BMW X1

Reliability: 74/100

Good

Common Problem Categories

Safety

LOW RISK

6 manufacturer recalls issued

Other

HIGH RISK

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (4)
SERVICE BRAKES (2)

See detailed breakdown by component ↓

Recall Overview

recalls on record

The 2020 Volvo XC60 has 6 recalls on record, which is above average. A high count can flag multiple component concerns, though it also shows the manufacturer is actively addressing known issues.

NHTSA.gov →

Complaint Breakdown

5.3

per 10,000 sold

Segment avg: 21.2

LowAvgHigh

Low

Safety Incidents

Crashes

Fires

Injuries

Deaths

★★★★★

NHTSA 5/5 Stars

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

2020 Volvo XC60 Recall Details

6 recalls have been issued for the 2020 Volvo XC60. All recall repairs are performed free of charge at authorized dealerships.

23V0010002023-01-05

STEERING

Volvo Car USA, LLC (Volvo Car) is recalling certain 2019-2022 V60CC, XC60, and XC90 vehicles. During steering gear assembly, double screws may have been assembled on top of each other, which can cause a screw to fall into the gearbox housing.

Consequence

A screw inside the gearbox housing can cause the steering wheel to lock up and increase the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Dealers will replace the steering gear, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed March 1, 2023. Owners may contact Volvo Car's customer service at 1-800-458-1552. Volvo Car's number for this recall is R10213.

21V7160002021-09-15

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC

Volvo Car USA, LLC (Volvo Car) is recalling certain 2021 S90L, 2020-2021 XC60, and XC90 vehicles. An improperly welded rotor and shaft may separate within the integrated brake system.

Consequence

Separation of the rotor and shaft may cause a reduction in braking assistance and a loss of the Antilock Brake System (ABS) and Electronic Stability Control (ESC), increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Dealers will replace the hydraulic unit, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed October 22, 2021. Owners may contact Volvo Car customer service at 1-888-458-1552. Volvo Car's number for this recall is R10120.

21V4140002021-06-02

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

Volvo Car USA, LLC (Volvo Car) is recalling certain 2019-2020 V90, XC60, S60, V60, V60CC, S90, V90CC, S90L, and XC90 vehicles. The low-pressure fuel pump can blow a fuse and fail.

Consequence

Failure of the low-pressure fuel pump can cause a stall, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Dealers will replace the fuse, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 2, 2021. Owners may contact Volvo Car customer service at 1-888-458-1552. Volvo Car's number for this recall is R10100.

VIN History Report

Buying a used 2020 Volvo XC60? Check its history first

Every 2020 Volvo XC60 has a different past. A VIN check reveals hidden accidents, title problems, odometer rollbacks, and open recalls that reliability scores can't show you.

Accidents
Open Recalls
Title History
Odometer Rollback

2020 Volvo XC60 NHTSA Safety Ratings

Overall Safety Rating

Crash Test Results by Configuration (expand)

Gas Powertrain

Driver: 5/5Passenger: 5/5

Rollover risk: 15.5%

Safety Technologies

Dynamic Head Restraints (Driver, Front Passenger, Rear Seat)Head Restraint (Driver)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)Torso/Pelvis (Driver, Front Passenger)Knee (Not Available)Additional Air Bags (Not Available)Meets Side Air Bag Out-of-Position Requirements (Yes)LATCH Locations (Rear Seat)Safety Power Windows (Anti-Pinch) (Standard)Safety Power Windows (Anti-Pinch) locations (Driver, Front Passenger, Rear Seat)

View full safety data on NHTSA.gov →

Volvo XC60Repair 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.

MPG & Annual Running Costs

Gas

23–24 MPG

Running cost: $3,650–$3,750/yr

Fuel + repair

20–22 city / 27–29 hwy MPG

Plug-in Hybrid

27 MPG

Running cost: $3,300/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 2020 EPA label cycle.

Gas trims

Trim	Drive	Trans.	City	Hwy	Comb	Fuel Cost
XC60 FWD 2.0L 4-cyl	Front-Wheel Drive	Automatic (S8)	22	29	24	$2,900
XC60 AWD 2.0L 4-cyl	All-Wheel Drive	Automatic (S8)	20	27	23	$3,000
XC60 AWD 2.0L 4-cyl	All-Wheel Drive	Automatic (S8)	20	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	27	$2,550

Used Buying Checklist

Key things to inspect or verify before purchasing a 2020 Volvo XC60.

Inspect brake rotors for warping or uneven wear
Test dashboard display for malfunctions or blackouts
Check for oil leaks around the engine area
Test automatic hatch feature for unintended activation
Verify windows for any signs of spontaneous shattering
Ensure rearview mirrors extend properly in cold weather

2020 Volvo XC60 Common Problems by Component

17 owner complaints grouped by vehicle system.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (4)SERVICE BRAKES (2)ENGINE (2)UNKNOWN OR OTHER (2)POWER TRAIN (1)VISIBILITY (1)VISIBILITY/WIPER (1)TIRES (1)Other (3)

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

4 complaints

Owners of the 2020 Volvo XC60 frequently report issues with the vehicle's electrical system. Commonly noted symptoms include dashboard and instrument panel malfunctions, such as the display turning into a bright barcode or completely blacking out, which impacts the visibility of speed and fuel levels, particularly at night. Some owners also describe the vehicle decelerating or braking independently, sometimes triggering automatic intervention warnings, and one report includes an injury due to this issue. These problems often occur at low mileages, around 6,000 miles, and continue to persist despite multiple visits to dealerships. Safety implications include the inability to see critical driving information and unexpected vehicle behavior, which may pose a risk to drivers and passengers.

4 complaints total1 injury

SERVICE BRAKES

2 complaints

Owners of the 2020 Volvo XC60 report issues with the service brakes, particularly involving uneven wear and rotor problems. One owner describes significant rear brake wear at around 20,000 miles, with the rear brakes showing only 10% life remaining compared to 90% for the front brakes, suggesting potential issues with the emergency brake not disengaging. Another owner notes repeated problems with brake rotors, including warping and high spots, requiring multiple replacements at 13,058 miles and again at 22,996 miles, with symptoms of rotor surging starting at 33,000 miles. These issues may lead to excessive brake wear and could potentially impact vehicle safety if not addressed, although no incidents of crashes or loss of control are reported. Buyers should be aware of these patterns when considering a used 2020 Volvo XC60.

2 complaints total

ENGINE

2 complaints

Owners of the 2020 Volvo XC60 report issues related to engine components, particularly with the upper engine torque mount and oil leaks. Complaints frequently mention the service required warning light activating, with one owner noting the upper engine torque mount separating from the motor mount bracket at approximately 52,000 miles. Another owner describes a severe oil leak attributed to a loose oil filter, which persisted even after dealer service, leading to driveway stains. While no safety incidents such as crashes or fires are reported, these issues may indicate potential maintenance needs for prospective buyers, especially around the 50,000-mile mark.

2 complaints total

UNKNOWN OR OTHER (2 complaints)

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

2 complaints

Owners report two primary issues with the 2020 Volvo XC60 related to the hatch and windows. One complaint describes the automatic hatch opening and closing feature activating unintentionally, posing a risk of injury by trapping individuals, especially children, as it closes. An incident is noted where the hatch opened and pinned someone against a wall, leading to concerns about disabling this feature. Another complaint involves the passenger side window shattering spontaneously while driving at normal highway speed, with no external impact observed, raising worries about potential defects in the window glass. These issues highlight potential safety implications, including injury risk from the hatch and concerns about window integrity.

2 complaints total1 injury

POWER TRAIN (1 complaints)

POWER TRAIN

1 complaint

2023-05-01

- Back left axle went loose with the back left wheel while driving, causing the car to rotate 45 degrees, scratching the ground. Once the car drifted back horizontally, I used the brakes to stop the car. Multiple pictures show the defect. Back left lights where the axle went off and the wheel is not broken, showing no collision. Liquid escaped from the bottom. Available for inspection and photos as well. -Had I not been able to use the brakes after the car rotated sideways, we would have crashed. This could have caused major injuries to us and/or others. -The police inspected the car and didn't qualify it as an accident since they said no damages, other objects, or vehicles were involved. The manufacturer's local shop made a 4 lines and inaccurate report to qualify it as an accident falsely. If there were an accident, lights would brake before the axle and there was no pothole -There were no warnings. It happened suddenly

VISIBILITY (1 complaints)

VISIBILITY

1 complaint

2020-06-11

WHILE DRIVING ON A FREEWAY (70 DEGREES EXTERNAL TEMP), MY RIGHT REAR WINDOW SPONTANEOUSLY SHATTERED WITH NO CONTACT. THERE WAS A LOUD POP AND THE ENTIRE WINDOW SHATTERED INTO TINY BITS. *TR

VISIBILITY/WIPER (1 complaints)

VISIBILITY/WIPER

1 complaint

2020-12-28

VEHICLE: 2020 VOLVO XC60 - DRIVER OUTSIDE REAR VIEW MIRROR FAILS TO AUTOMATICALLY EXTEND FROM A VEHICLE LOCKED ROTATED INWARD POSITION WHEN OUTSIDE IN FREEZING WEATHER. THE MIRROR REMAINS ROTATED INWARD FACING THE INTERIOR OF THE VEHICLE. A CALL TO VOLVO USA CUSTOMER SERVICE FOR ADVICE GAVE THE RESPONSE - "WAIT TILL IT UNFREEZES". THERE DOES NOT SEEM TO BE A METHOD TO ROTATE IT MANUALLY OTHER THAT FORCE WHICH APPEARS TO CAUSE BREAKAGE. IF YOU CAN'T WAIT, IT LEAVES THE DRIVER WITHOUT A MEANS OF EASILY SEEING APPROACHING TRAFFIC. FULLY ROTATING THE HEAD CREATES OTHER POTENTIAL FOR KEEPING AN EYE ON TRAFFIC AHEAD. VEHICLE WAS STATIONARY, AND OUTSIDE WITH TEMPERATURE IN ABOUT 31 F DEGREES IN A DRIVEWAY. PASSENGER MIRROR PERFORMED AS INTENDED. THIS HAS APPEND 2 TIMES. TODAY 12/28/2020 IN ZIP CODE 98077 & 12/26/2020 IN ZIP CODE 99338. BOTH IN THE SAME WEATHER CONDITIONS.

TIRES (1 complaints)

TIRES

1 complaint

2021-12-01

Without incident, the rear driver side tire on our 2020 Volvo XC60 blew out on the sidewall on December 1, 2021. The tire, original to our purchase of the new vehicle, had approximately 10,600 miles on it. There was no other damage to any other part of the tire or wheel. Unfortunately, even though we requested Discount Tire (who replaced the tire) to keep the tire for us, they did not so we don't have it for inspection. Regardless, I have several pictures and a couple of videos of the tire (while on the vehicle). No accident occurred and the other three tires on the vehicle are still undamaged.

FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE (1 complaints)

FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE

1 complaint

2022-07-28

Driving on Rte 211 in Oak Island, NC, slowing to turn with no one in front or behind me, emergency breaking engaged, bring the car to a full stop.

AIR BAGS (1 complaints)

AIR BAGS

1 complaint

2022-10-28

The contact owns a 2020 Volvo XC60. The contact stated that while driving approximately 35 MPH, an SRS service air bag message was displayed. The vehicle was not taken to an independent mechanic or dealer for diagnosis or repairs. The contact stated that the failure reoccurred and was awaiting an appointment with the dealer. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.

When Do 2020 Volvo XC60 Problems Start?

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

13,000–33,000 milesService brakes wear

6,000 milesElectrical system failures

Best & Worst Volvo XC60 Years

Comprehensive reliability analysis based on NHTSA data, owner complaints, and historical performance.

Best Volvo XC60 Years to Buy

Based on reliability index score

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).

Top Pick

Good

2025

4Recalls

22Complaints

Good

2021

5Recalls

31Complaints

Good

2020

(Current Model)

6Recalls

17Complaints

Volvo XC60 Years to Avoid

No Volvo XC60 years are statistical outliers in our data.

All model years score consistently well. The Volvo XC60 maintains one of the highest industry standards for long-term durability across its entire production span.

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.

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(selected)	75/100	+3	Good	6	17
2019	72/100	-2	Good	8	33
2018	74/100	—	Good	5	35

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the 2020 Volvo XC60 reliable?

The 2020 Volvo XC60 has a "Good" reliability rating with a score of 75/100. It is reasonably reliable with 6 recalls and 17 owner complaints, though some issues have been reported.

What are the most common problems with the 2020 Volvo XC60?

The most commonly reported problems with the 2020 Volvo XC60 include: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (4 complaints), SERVICE BRAKES (2 complaints), ENGINE (2 complaints), UNKNOWN OR OTHER (2 complaints), POWER TRAIN (1 complaints). These issues were identified from owner complaints analyzed by Auto Reliability Index.

How many recalls does the 2020 Volvo XC60 have?

The 2020 Volvo XC60 has 6 recalls on record. Recalls are safety or compliance fixes issued by the manufacturer and repaired at no cost at authorized dealerships.

Is the 2020 Volvo XC60 expensive to maintain?

The 2020 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 75/100, some repairs may be needed, but overall ownership costs are manageable.

Don’t buy a 2020 Volvo XC60 without checking its VIN first — hidden accidents, title issues, and open recalls could cost you thousands.

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Look Up a VIN →

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.

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