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2020 Volvo XC60 Owner Complaints

Updated May 30, 20264 Critical Recalls
Daniel Wilson

Complaint Summary

The 2020 Volvo XC60 has 24 reported complaints.

  • Top issues involve unknown or other and service brakes.

Reliability Score

Reliability Score

6.4/ 10

Based on 24 complaints

Most Frequent Issues

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

4 16.7%

SERVICE BRAKES

4 16.7%

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

4 16.7%

ENGINE

2 8.3%

WHEELS

2 8.3%

Quick Insights

  • The top category is UNKNOWN OR OTHER, accounting for 16.7% of all complaints.

  • Owners have reported issues across 13 distinct vehicle systems.

  • Note: Complaint data reflects owner reports and may not always indicate a verified defect. Compare with Recalls and TSBs for a complete picture.

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Complaint Summary

What owners keep reporting on the 2020 Volvo XC60

The 2020 Volvo XC60 has 24 owner complaints in this dataset. UNKNOWN OR OTHER is the most common complaint category, representing about 17% of the reports shown here.

Most common complaint categories

The top complaint groups for the 2020 Volvo XC60 are UNKNOWN OR OTHER (4), SERVICE BRAKES (4), ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (4).

Are these complaints a serious red flag?

Potentially. 12 complaint reports involve higher-attention systems like brakes, steering, engine, powertrain, fuel, suspension, airbags, or electrical components, which is enough to justify a focused inspection.

What should buyers inspect on a used 2020 Volvo XC60?

Start with the top complaint systems, compare them against the recall report, then inspect service records for evidence that those same areas were already repaired or monitored.

Read the full buyer guideRecall report and remedy notesMaintenance costs and intervals2019 XC60 complaints2021 XC60 complaints2018 XC60 complaints

Detailed Complaint Log

Showing 13 of 13 systems

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

4 Reports17% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

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

6/24/2020

Initially the center tablet would blackout while I’m backing out of my driveway, I put in reverse. Camera works. I back out and camera completely turns off. Not an issue with dirty camera as it comes in and off. Several times while I’m driving the entire instrument panel blacks out! It’s happened 5x in the last two months and I don’t drive much. I have taken to the dealer and told Volvo by emails and chat features and no one seems concerned. They could not see it happen while they drove it so they are not worried. I don’t feel safe in this car. Safety was the only reason I chose Volvo. Also the radio makes weird sounds, repaired twice lane assist is not working properly and they are not fixing it, braking system wasn’t working but they thankfully did a recall and fixed that. This car does not hold steady while driving despite the lane assist and all the fancy features I expected was working when purchased.

11/9/2022

2 more complaints are available in this category.

SERVICE BRAKES

4 Reports17% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2020 VOLVO XC60. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 45 MPH, WHEN THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO DECELERATE INDEPENDENTLY AND SHE DEPRESSED ON THE BRAKE PEDAL TO STOP THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT STATED NO WARNING LIGHT WAS ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT STATED SHE CONTINUED TO DRIVE TO HER DESTINATION. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 20V144000 (FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE). THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO LOCAL DEALER VOLVO CARS SAN DIEGO LOCATED AT 5350 KEARNY MESA RD, SAN DIEGO, CA 92111, (858) 279-9700 WHERE THE RECALL REPAIRS WERE COMPLETED. THE CONTACT STATED AFTER THE RECALL WAS COMPLETED, WHILE DRIVING AT A SLOW SPEED AND APPROACHING ANOTHER VEHICLE TURNING TO THE RIGHT WHEN SHE EXPERIENCED THE FAILURE FOR THE SECOND TIME. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN BACK TO THE DEALER AND WAS UNABLE TO DUPLICATE THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED WHILE DRIVING AT LOW SPEED AT A PARKING LOT WHEN THE VEHICLE FORCEFULLY APPLIED THE BRAKES. THE CONTACT STATED THE AUTOMATIC INTERVENTION WARNING LIGHT WAS ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED A WHIPLASH AND CONCUSSION AND SEEK MEDICAL ATTENTION 3 DAYS LATER. THE CONTACT STATED SHE HAD EXPERIENCED THE FAILURE ON 4 DIFFERENT OCCASION AND ALSO WHEN GEARS ON REVERSE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED LOCAL DEALER VOLVO CARS CARLSBAD LOCATED AT 6830 AVENIDA ENCINAS, CARLSBAD, CA 92011. (760) 931-7100 AND UNABLE TO DUPLICATE THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER HAD BEEN INFORMED OF FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 6,000.

10/13/2020

1. One day after getting car the rear rotors were defective and had to be replaced. 2. Second problem affected stop/start mechanism. Brought car in four times for this repair. First 3 times service department had no idea what was causing problem. Last time brought in for this problem a stop/start battery was replaced. 3. New most dangerous problem is that while driving car the dashboard display turned into a bright barcode (I took a picture if needed). Stoped car at red light and upon restarting car same problem existed. Went to restaurant and upon leaving 90 minutes later same problem exhausted. This morning when dealer came to pick up car display was working. My wife drives car and this last problem scared her very much and she is frightened to drive car not knowing when and if this, or other problems will again occur. You could not see the speed you were driving at nor how much gas was left. Also, this occurred at night and the light from the barcode display was so bright that it interfered with driving. Have other Volvo owners experienced this problem ? This car is a lemon. And only 16 months old.

10/25/2021

2 more complaints are available in this category.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

4 Reports17% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2020 VOLVO XC60. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 45 MPH, WHEN THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO DECELERATE INDEPENDENTLY AND SHE DEPRESSED ON THE BRAKE PEDAL TO STOP THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT STATED NO WARNING LIGHT WAS ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT STATED SHE CONTINUED TO DRIVE TO HER DESTINATION. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 20V144000 (FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE). THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO LOCAL DEALER VOLVO CARS SAN DIEGO LOCATED AT 5350 KEARNY MESA RD, SAN DIEGO, CA 92111, (858) 279-9700 WHERE THE RECALL REPAIRS WERE COMPLETED. THE CONTACT STATED AFTER THE RECALL WAS COMPLETED, WHILE DRIVING AT A SLOW SPEED AND APPROACHING ANOTHER VEHICLE TURNING TO THE RIGHT WHEN SHE EXPERIENCED THE FAILURE FOR THE SECOND TIME. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN BACK TO THE DEALER AND WAS UNABLE TO DUPLICATE THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED WHILE DRIVING AT LOW SPEED AT A PARKING LOT WHEN THE VEHICLE FORCEFULLY APPLIED THE BRAKES. THE CONTACT STATED THE AUTOMATIC INTERVENTION WARNING LIGHT WAS ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED A WHIPLASH AND CONCUSSION AND SEEK MEDICAL ATTENTION 3 DAYS LATER. THE CONTACT STATED SHE HAD EXPERIENCED THE FAILURE ON 4 DIFFERENT OCCASION AND ALSO WHEN GEARS ON REVERSE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED LOCAL DEALER VOLVO CARS CARLSBAD LOCATED AT 6830 AVENIDA ENCINAS, CARLSBAD, CA 92011. (760) 931-7100 AND UNABLE TO DUPLICATE THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER HAD BEEN INFORMED OF FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 6,000.

10/13/2020

1. One day after getting car the rear rotors were defective and had to be replaced. 2. Second problem affected stop/start mechanism. Brought car in four times for this repair. First 3 times service department had no idea what was causing problem. Last time brought in for this problem a stop/start battery was replaced. 3. New most dangerous problem is that while driving car the dashboard display turned into a bright barcode (I took a picture if needed). Stoped car at red light and upon restarting car same problem existed. Went to restaurant and upon leaving 90 minutes later same problem exhausted. This morning when dealer came to pick up car display was working. My wife drives car and this last problem scared her very much and she is frightened to drive car not knowing when and if this, or other problems will again occur. You could not see the speed you were driving at nor how much gas was left. Also, this occurred at night and the light from the barcode display was so bright that it interfered with driving. Have other Volvo owners experienced this problem ? This car is a lemon. And only 16 months old.

10/25/2021

2 more complaints are available in this category.

ENGINE

2 Reports8% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

The contact owns a 2020 Volvo XC60. The contact stated that the service required warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and the mechanic stated that the upper engine torque mount had separated from the motor mount bracket and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was 52,000. The VIN was not available.

5/23/2023

Severe oil leak coming from the engine. I had it in the Volvo Dealership, they claimed it was due to a loose oil filter. When I drove the vehicle home and parked in my driveway, It started to stain the driveway with a fresh oil leak.

6/14/2024

WHEELS

2 Reports8% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

- 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

6/6/2023

Good Morning: I've attached a letter that I've written to Volvo USA regarding their security lug bolts on the wheels of their vehicles and the adapter that they provide to remove this. I found out after incurring a flat tire that these adapters are often non-functional and that the dealer is well aware of this. I think this is an issue that Volvo should address for all current and past owners. Also, during this incident I experienced what I think is a flaw in their tire pressure monitoring system - it illuminated a yellow caution which, I've seen happen when one tire was not at the same pressure as the others. In this instance the tire was flat. Shouldn't that warrant a different indication? Thank you for your attention to this.

10/16/2024

VISIBILITY

1 Report4% of total

Previewing the first 1 complaint summaries.

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

6/24/2020

VISIBILITY/WIPER

1 Report4% of total

Previewing the first 1 complaint summaries.

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.

12/28/2020

TIRES:SIDEWALL

1 Report4% of total

Previewing the first 1 complaint summaries.

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.

12/14/2021

FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING

1 Report4% of total

Previewing the first 1 complaint summaries.

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.

7/28/2022

LANE DEPARTURE: ASSIST

1 Report4% of total

Previewing the first 1 complaint summaries.

Initially the center tablet would blackout while I’m backing out of my driveway, I put in reverse. Camera works. I back out and camera completely turns off. Not an issue with dirty camera as it comes in and off. Several times while I’m driving the entire instrument panel blacks out! It’s happened 5x in the last two months and I don’t drive much. I have taken to the dealer and told Volvo by emails and chat features and no one seems concerned. They could not see it happen while they drove it so they are not worried. I don’t feel safe in this car. Safety was the only reason I chose Volvo. Also the radio makes weird sounds, repaired twice lane assist is not working properly and they are not fixing it, braking system wasn’t working but they thankfully did a recall and fixed that. This car does not hold steady while driving despite the lane assist and all the fancy features I expected was working when purchased.

11/9/2022

AIR BAGS

1 Report4% of total

Previewing the first 1 complaint summaries.

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.

11/28/2022

AIR BAGS:SRS MALFUNCTION WARNING LAMP/LIGHT

1 Report4% of total

Previewing the first 1 complaint summaries.

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.

11/28/2022

POWER TRAIN

1 Report4% of total

Previewing the first 1 complaint summaries.

- 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

6/6/2023

About This Data

Data and Methodology

MethodologyHow we score →

Scores are derived from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints, normalized by vehicle segment averages.

FAQ

What are the most common owner complaints for the 2020 Volvo XC60?

The most reported complaint category for the 2020 Volvo XC60 is UNKNOWN OR OTHER, with 4 owner reports. That is about 17% of all complaints logged here. Other recurring themes include UNKNOWN OR OTHER, SERVICE BRAKES, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM.

Are complaints about the 2020 Volvo XC60 a serious warning sign?

Potentially. 12 complaint reports fall into higher-attention systems such as brakes, steering, engine, powertrain, fuel, suspension, airbags, or electrical components. That does not prove every vehicle has a defect, but repeated complaints in those systems justify a more careful pre-purchase inspection.

How should buyers use complaint data for the 2020 Volvo XC60?

Use complaints as an early pattern to investigate, not a standalone verdict. Start with the top complaint categories, compare those themes against the recall report and maintenance guide, then inspect service records for evidence that the same problem areas were already addressed. If the same issue appears repeatedly across complaints and recalls, treat it as a real ownership-risk flag.

Are complaints about the 2020 Volvo XC60 severe?

12 complaint reports involve higher-attention systems such as brakes, steering, engine, powertrain, fuel, suspension, airbags, or electrical components, which is enough to justify a focused inspection before purchase.

Complaint list entries are sourced from owner-submitted NHTSA ODI records.

Read complaint summaries

Volvo XC60: How should complaint data influence buying decisions?

Use complaint patterns together with recalls and maintenance guidance to estimate ownership risk and inspection priorities.

Carfocal links complaint data directly to recall and maintenance routes for the same model year.

Return to full vehicle report
Complaint entries
24
Top-topic view
5 grouped topics shown
Primary source
NHTSA ODI owner complaint records

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In this guide

  1. 01Overview
  2. 02Common Problems
  3. 03Owner Complaints
  4. 04Data and Methodology

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