Last updated: 2026-03-04
2023 Volvo XC60 Reliability Score & Common Problems
The 2023 Volvo XC60 scores 74/100 ("Good"). With 5 recalls and 40 owner complaints, reliability is acceptable but not class-leading.
2023 is the last model year of the Second generation (2017–present).
Recalls
5
Complaints
40
Complaint Rate
10.1
per 10k sold
Below avgEst. Annual Cost
$746
Below avgMajor Repair Risk
7%
NHTSA Rating
5/5
Score Breakdown
Component-weighted complaints normalized by sales volume
Independent repair cost ratings
Recall count weighted by severity
Breadth of reported problem categories
Acceptable reliability — worth considering with a pre-purchase inspection.
Top Issues
5 recalls on record
Generation & Refresh (US)
2023 is the last model year of the Second generation (2017–present).
- Final-year models are typically the most refined version of a generation.
- 2 years after the last refresh (2021).
- 2nd generation XC60 (US).
What this means for buyers
Final-year models are usually the most polished version of a generation, but resale value may dip as buyers anticipate the next redesign.
Second generation (2017–present)
Should You Buy the 2023 Volvo XC60?
The 2023 Volvo XC60 scores 74/100 ("Good"), placing it in acceptable but not class-leading territory. 2023 is the last model year of the Second generation (2017–present).
With 40 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 (16). An extended warranty may provide additional peace of mind.
Compared to the 2025 Volvo XC60, which scored 2 points higher. See also the 2022 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
- Moderate recall count
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: Infotainment system and key fob recognition (16 complaints)
- UNKNOWN OR OTHER: Several issues with the 2023 Volvo XC60 in the UNKNOWN OR OTHER category (5 complaints)
Compare 2023 Volvo XC60 With
Common Problem Categories
Safety
- 5 manufacturer recalls issued
Other
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (16)
- UNKNOWN OR OTHER (5)
- SERVICE BRAKES (4)
- VISIBILITY/WIPER (3)
- FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE (2)
- POWER TRAIN (2)
- TIRES (2)
- WHEELS (1)
- STRUCTURE (1)
- FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM (1)
- STEERING (1)
- LANE DEPARTURE (1)
- BACK OVER PREVENTION (1)
Recall Overview
5
recalls on record
The 2023 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
10.1
per 10k soldSegment avg: 12.7
Safety Incidents
Crashes
1
Fires
0
Injuries
1
Deaths
0
Data sourced from NHTSA complaint filings and manufacturer recall notices. Complaint narratives are owner-reported.
2023 Volvo XC60 Recall Details
5 recalls have been issued for the 2023 Volvo XC60. All recall repairs are performed free of charge at authorized dealerships.
BACK OVER PREVENTION
Volvo Car USA, LLC (Volvo Car) is recalling certain 2021-2025 XC40, 2022 V90, 2022-2024 C40BEV, 2022-2025 S90, V90CC, XC60, 2023-2025 S60, V60, V60CC, XC90, and 2025 EC40, and EX40 vehicles. The rearview camera image may not display when the vehicle is placed in reverse. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, "Rear Visibility."
Consequence
A rearview camera image that does not display reduces the driver's view behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
The software will be updated by a dealer or through an over-the-air (OTA) update, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed February 24, 2026. Owners may contact Volvo Car’s customer service at 1-800-458-1552. Volvo Car's number for this recall is R10333. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall will be searchable on NHTSA.gov beginning February 16, 2026. This recall replaces previous NHTSA recall number 25V282. Vehicles previously repaired under recall 25V282 will need to have the new remedy performed.
BACK OVER PREVENTION
Volvo Car USA, LLC (Volvo Car) is recalling certain 2021-2025 XC40, 2022 V90, 2022-2025 S90, V90CC, C40, XC60, 2023-2025 S60, V60, V60CC, XC90, and 2025 EC40 and EX40 vehicles. The rearview camera image may not display when the vehicle is placed in reverse. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, "Rear Visibility."
Consequence
A rearview camera image that does not display reduces the driver's view of what is behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
The software will be updated by a dealer or through an over-the-air (OTA) update, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 27, 2025. Owners may contact Volvo Car customer service at 1-800-458-1552. Volvo Car's number for this recall is R10320.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Volvo Car USA, LLC (Volvo Car) is recalling certain 2023 S60, V60CC, XC60, XC90, XC40, and C40 vehicles. A diagnostic trouble code (DTC) may be falsely detected for the emergency call system (e-call) and display "e-Call Service Required" in the driver information module (DIM).
Consequence
The false warning message could prevent the detection of an actual e-call system failure, which could delay an emergency response during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
Remedy
Dealers will update the telematics and connectivity antenna module (TCAM) software, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed May 16, 2023. Owners may contact Volvo Car's customer service 1-800-458-1552. Volvo Car's number for this recall is R10225.
2023 Volvo XC60 NHTSA Safety Ratings
Overall Safety Rating
Crash Test Results by Configuration (expand)
Gas / PHEV Powertrain
Rollover risk: 15.5%
Safety Technologies
Volvo XC60 Repair 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.
When Buying a Used 2023 Volvo XC60
Key things to inspect or verify before purchasing, based on the most common reported issues.
- Test infotainment system for freezing or shutdowns
- Verify key fob detection and vehicle start functionality
- Inspect brake pedal responsiveness, especially in reverse
- Check for unexpected automatic braking during low-speed maneuvers
- Examine tire tread for unusual wear or chunks missing
- Ensure windshield wipers operate correctly, especially in snow
Check Any 2023 Volvo XC60's History Before You Buy
Reliability scores tell you what to expect from the 2023 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.
Powered by VINExposed.com — free vehicle history reports using public title and safety data.
2023 Volvo XC60 Common Problems by Component
40 owner complaints grouped by vehicle system.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
16 complaintsOwners report frequent issues with the 2023 Volvo XC60's electrical system, particularly involving the infotainment system and key fob recognition. Complaints often describe the infotainment system randomly shutting down, affecting other functions like climate control, navigation, and safety features, sometimes requiring a reset. Key fob detection failures are also noted, preventing the vehicle from starting. These issues often appear within the first few months of ownership, with some vehicles having less than 1,500 miles. Safety implications include unexpected power loss, "phantom braking," and propulsion system warnings that may limit speed, posing potential risks during highway driving. This information is critical for potential buyers assessing the reliability of this model.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
5 complaintsOwners report several issues with the 2023 Volvo XC60 in the UNKNOWN OR OTHER category. Complaints frequently mention problems with the side-view memory mirrors not returning to the correct position after unlocking the vehicle, potentially affecting visibility and increasing the risk of accidents. Another common issue involves the air conditioning system, which may become non-functional upon starting the car, affecting windshield defrosting and visibility. A malfunctioning "p" button is also noted, where failure to engage park mode results in the vehicle rolling, posing a risk to pedestrians and property. These issues are observed at various mileage points, with some occurring as early as 3,000 miles, and have led to safety concerns such as impaired visibility and vehicle movement.
SERVICE BRAKES
4 complaintsOwners report issues with the braking system of the 2023 Volvo XC60, particularly when the vehicle is in reverse. Complaints frequently mention that the brake pedal becomes non-depressible, making the car difficult to stop, and in some cases, requiring multiple attempts or shifting into drive to regain brake functionality. One owner describes the automatic braking system activating without any apparent obstacles, while others note the brake pedal feeling unusually stiff during reverse maneuvers. These issues appear to occur intermittently, and while no specific mileage range is consistently reported, they present potential safety implications due to the temporary loss of braking control.
VISIBILITY/WIPER (3 complaints)
VISIBILITY/WIPER
3 complaintsOwners of the 2023 Volvo XC60 report issues with both the rear windows and windshield wipers. A recurring problem involves the rear windows becoming blurry in hot weather, with some owners noting that the manufacturer is aware but has not addressed the issue. Windshield wiper failures are also reported, particularly in snowy conditions where snow accumulation can render the wipers inoperable, leading to visibility issues and one minor collision with a snowbank. Another owner describes a complete failure of the front windshield wipers during unexpected snowfall, with the dealership acknowledging an internal service bulletin but unable to provide a timely fix. These issues often occur during winter months and pose significant safety risks due to impaired visibility.
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE (2 complaints)
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE
2 complaintsOwners of the 2023 Volvo XC60 report issues with the forward collision avoidance system, specifically related to the vehicle's automatic braking feature. Complaints frequently mention the car braking abruptly without any apparent obstruction, with one report detailing an incident where this led to an injury from the sudden stop. Symptoms include intense sensor beeping and unexpected automatic braking during low-speed maneuvers, such as parking or reversing. These issues are reported within the first week to ten days of ownership, suggesting they may occur early in the vehicle's life. The sudden braking poses safety implications, particularly in scenarios where it could lead to bodily harm or vehicle control challenges.
POWER TRAIN (2 complaints)
POWER TRAIN
2 complaintsOwners report two primary issues with the 2023 Volvo XC60's power train. One complaint describes the engine unexpectedly surging to high RPMs during braking, requiring the driver to apply significant braking force and shift to neutral to regain control. This issue occurs at approximately 300 miles. Another complaint involves the gear shift indicator showing the vehicle in park while it continues to roll, along with erratic steering behavior when using adaptive cruise control and auto-centering features, noted around 400 miles. These symptoms suggest potential safety implications, including difficulty controlling the vehicle's speed and direction.
TIRES (2 complaints)
TIRES
2 complaintsOwners report issues with the Pirelli Scorpion Zero All Season tires on the 2023 Volvo XC60, specifically noting that the tread is falling off in chunks on both the front and back tires. The complaints do not specify mileage ranges or timelines, so it's unclear when this issue typically arises. No safety implications such as crashes, fires, or loss of control are mentioned in the complaints. This information may be useful for potential buyers to consider when inspecting the tire condition on used models of this vehicle.
WHEELS (1 complaints)
WHEELS
1 complaintYesterday, while driving on highway, I received a tire pressure warning for all four tires. I filled all tires to the recommended 35psi. The warning went away. Today, after I parked my vehicle, I saw a “parking brake service required” message on my dash. The “park” indicator on my dash started flashing. Now, I’m worried about a brake failure. I only mentioned the tire pressure warning bc I’ve never had multiple error messages like this before.
STRUCTURE (1 complaints)
STRUCTURE
1 complaintAfter having my car for three weeks, the paint was permanently damaged by an inordinate amount of leaf prints and water stains. Even multiple rounds of polishing didn't fix the issue. Volvo claims this is not covered under warranty, as the damage occurred because of outside influences. I have a hard time believing they think this is an acceptable level of damage from a quite benign, normal level of outside exposure, especially because the dealership GM, the salesman, the detailer, and several car paint experts have never seen this before.
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM (1 complaints)
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
1 complaintWhile switching lanes the vehicle became unresponsive to throttle input, momentarily leaving me floundering in the new lane unable to accelerate, with cars quickly approaching. This was then followed by a jolt of power after pumping the gas pedal and then normal acceleration behavior. There were no dashboard warnings or sounds to indicate any driver assistance systems were activated. This has occurred once before (at ~1000 miles) but has not been inspected by the dealer. In both cases the incidents were preceded by slowing down for traffic before switching lanes.
When Do 2023 Volvo XC60 Problems Start?
Based on owner complaint patterns, here's when common issues tend to appear.
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).
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.
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 |
Volvo XC60 Reliability Compared to Other Years
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the 2023 Volvo XC60 reliable?
What are the most common problems with the 2023 Volvo XC60?
How many recalls does the 2023 Volvo XC60 have?
Is the 2023 Volvo XC60 expensive to maintain?
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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