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Volvo XC60 check engine light comes on

22 of the 660 owner complaints about the Volvo XC60 describe check engine light, most of them for the 2021 model year.

owner complaints
22
worst model year
2021
typical mileage
18,000
Is there a fix? There are 2 recalls for this area of the car. See below

By model year

  • 2025
    1
  • 2023
    1
  • 2022
    2
  • 2021
    6
  • 2020
    2
  • 2019
    2
  • 2018
    2
  • 2016
    1
  • 2015
    2
  • 2012
    2
  • 2010
    1

What owners say

Filed Oct 28, 2026 · Electrical, Engine · NY

The vehicle is experiencing repeated, unpredictable engine stalling while in motion and under active acceleration. The engine cuts out completely within 15–30 seconds or after several minutes of driving, without displaying any check-engine lights or diagnostic warning messages. This presents an immediate, severe safety hazard to the driver, passengers, and surrounding motorists on public roads. The vehicle is currently grounded as it is unsafe to operate.

Filed Aug 22, 2026 · Electrical, Fuel system · GA

On July 28, 2026, while driving my 2020 Volvo XC60 T8 Polestar Engineered, the vehicle repeatedly displayed “Hybrid system failure – Service required,” together with the check-engine light and hybrid/battery warning indicators. The warning repeatedly reappeared while the vehicle was being driven. I brought the vehicle to an authorized Volvo dealer, North Point Volvo, on July 30, 2026. The dealer diagnosed a fault in high-voltage battery cell module “B” and documented that the module requires replacement. Repair Order #522934 states that the replacement parts are on order with “NO ESTIMATED TIME OF ARRIVAL.” The dealer advised me that the vehicle was mechanically safe to drive as long as I did not charge it. Because the hybrid-system failure warning repeatedly appeared while driving and the diagnosed fault involves the high-voltage traction battery, I did not consider continued operation appropriate. The vehicle remains unrepaired at the Volvo dealer. I am reporting this because the failure involves the high-voltage propulsion battery and occurred while driving. I am not aware of any crash, fire, injury, or loss of propulsion associated with my incident.

Filed Aug 12, 2026 · Electrical · IA

My SUV has a had the check engine light on from a failed battery cell for my 2021 grey Volvo XC60 recharge (VIN [XXX]). I have been without the electric functionality (to charge the hybrid car or use electric power) since mid December and waiting on a warranty part since Dec. 23, 2025. I have been told April 2026 and then August 2026 for this warranty issue that both the dealership and Volvo corporate have agreed is under warranty and needs replaced to make the car functional as intended. They claim the part as been backordered for the entire 8 months. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed Jun 9, 2026 · Body, Electrical · VA

The seal on my 2020 Volvo XC60 moonroof allowed water to leak under the floorboards. My car is only 6 years old. We had a lot of rain over a short period and I noticed the sound of water sloshing around under the floor. Nothing was wet inside the car. My Check Engine light came on as well. I took it to the Volvo service dept. They are now saying wires are corroded and that it will cost me over $11,000 to fix this problem. Again - my car is only 6 years old, and less than 70K miles. With my previous Volvo, that I had for 18 years, I never had this problem.

Filed Jan 5, 2026 · Acceleration, Engine · DC

Component/System that failed: The engine (T5 Drive-E) experienced sudden loss of propulsion and entered reduced engine performance mode. The vehicle is currently available for inspection and was towed to an authorized Volvo dealer following the incident. How safety was put at risk: On July 3, 2025, while driving approximately 75 mph on a crowded interstate highway in rural Ohio with cruise control engaged, the vehicle suddenly and without warning lost propulsion. Traffic included semi-trucks and other vehicles, with limited shoulder availability. The sudden loss of acceleration at highway speed created an immediate risk of rear-end collision and left the vehicle unsafe to operate. Confirmation or reproduction: Prior to the failure, in July 2024 at approximately 92,000 miles, I reported abnormal oil consumption to an authorized Volvo dealer and raised a known Volvo service advisory related to oil consumption in the T5 Drive-E engine. The dealer acknowledged the advisory but refused testing, stating the vehicle did not meet Volvo’s internal threshold. After the failure, a service agent acknowledged that this issue is known to occur in this model at approximately this mileage. Inspections: The vehicle was serviced at an authorized Volvo dealer in Bethesda, Maryland just days prior to the incident. Following the failure, the vehicle was towed to an authorized Volvo dealer in Columbus, Ohio. Volvo Cars USA has not repaired the vehicle and denied a goodwill request. Warnings or symptoms prior to failure: There were no warning lamps or messages prior to the loss of propulsion. The engine warning light and a “Reduced Engine Performance” message appeared only after power was lost.

Filed Dec 16, 2025 · Transmission · CT

Serpentine belt failure at 70K miles. Was driving back home when I felt the traction misbehaving and the check engine light came on. Was able to get home safely and brought the car to the garage the next open day. During inspection, serpentine belt was found missing 1 rib and was caught in splash fan. Had to pay almost $1000 to replace it as insurance had run out a couple months prior. Volvo tech said it was almost surely a defect in the belt as these last typically ~150k miles and they had seen other such recent cases of early failure. I was not happy having to pay to replace a defective part which moreover was about to catastrophically fail, destroying my engine/traction and potentially hurting me. Thankfully the check engine light, which was apparently unrelated (oxygen sensor which needed to be replaced for another $1000) brought me to the garage before the accident happened.

Filed Nov 30, 2025 · Electrical, Engine · CA

Let me Preface this with, my Make, Model, and year for these problems have been recalled back in 2021, however I was not the owner then and my VIN was not listed as an affected vehicle i guess, nonetheless the problem is exactly the same as experienced by those that were listed on the recalls in the past. Im the 2nd owner of this vehicle and I have owned it for almost 3 years now. In July 2025 after a summer rain in so. cal, I was a couple blocks from home running errands and after being stopped at a light, i began to accelerate and felt like the vehicle was loosing power, I made it home but definitely not able to go the speed limit and once i got home I couldnt shift it into any gear and the vehicle would not turn off. So I had to remove the fuses under the hood, I left them out for a few hours and let the car sit off in my garage during that time. I later came back put the fuses back in and then the car wouldnt turn over. I had it taken to the dealership by AAA and thats when i first learned of the sunroof leak, I contacted Volvo Headquarters and got no help and explained all of the same to the service dept at the dealership working on my car. Long story short the dealership allegedly found water under my interior carpet which obviously damaged modules, I am still paying on that repair. Fast forward to October 2025, same thing all over again only this time the dealership tells me essentially its on the house, however they had my car 3 weeks and did no repairs only got water out of it once again and “brushed off some corrosion”. When I pick it up, it immediately starts funny, i turn the car off and walk right back into the service dep t& raise my concern, to which i was told they had no problem with a hard start up, and we go out to my car & it starts up fine, so i leave 4 days after I got my car back, the check engine light comes on, & immediate warning of reduction of engine power & sure enough thats what it did. today it enters safety mode & wont start

Filed Jul 17, 2025 · Driver assistance, Electrical · CT

I am writing to formally express my significant concerns and dissatisfaction with the recurring software and system issues I have experienced with my Volvo XC60, purchased on 1st February 2025, approximately four months ago. The vehicle’s Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) is [XXX] . Since taking delivery, I have encountered multiple persistent problems that have severely impacted the vehicle’s functionality and my overall driving experience. These issues include: Car Sensors: The sensors frequently malfunction, leading to inconvenience and raising serious safety concerns. Heads-Up Display: The display intermittently shuts off, limiting access to critical driving information. Cruise Control: This feature is entirely non-functional, significantly detracting from the driving experience. Sound System: Following a recent service visit, the audio system has completely stopped working, with no sound from the music system, indicators, or system alerts. Check Engine Light: The malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) repeatedly illuminates, suggesting potential issues with the engine or related systems, likely triggered by sensor malfunctions. This persistent warning heightens my concerns about the vehicle’s safety and reliability. Despite multiple visits to your service center—exceeding ten occasions—these issues remain unresolved. The service team has typically reset error messages or updated the software, only for the problems to reoccur shortly thereafter. Most recently, the sound system failure emerged post-service, further compounding my frustration with this brand-new vehicle. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed Nov 20, 2024 · Electrical, Engine · 18,000 miles · NY

The contact owns a 2021 Volvo XC60. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle inadvertently lost motive power. The contact pulled over to the shoulder, and the vehicle continuously turned on and off independently. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, who determined that the auxiliary battery power was low and that the vehicle needed a software update. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, and a case was opened. The failure mileage was 18,000.

Filed Sep 7, 2024 · Electrical, Engine · CT

August 23rd, 2024, the car started hesitating when gas was applied. The transmission light came on, then the parking brake light came on saying it was turned off, the check engine light came on, the volvo on call light came on, and the car wouldnt turn off. I moved the shift into different gears, and was able to turn the car off. I waited a while and started the car again. This time the on call, and check engine light stayed on. I called the dealership, was told it was probably a low battery. Had me come in Monday the 26th to have it checked. But Saturday the car wouldn't start right away, and all the warning lights came back on and wouldn't shift gears. Had to call AAA to have it towed. Got a call from the dealership Monday August 26th. Was told they were testing the battery to see if it fails so they could replace it under warranty. They ended up replacing the battery, and told me there was a lot of water in the trunk under the spare tire, where the battery for the on call is located. Said there was a gap in the sunroof weather stripping where tree debris probably clogged the drain pipes. They cleaned that out, and replaced the sunroof weather stripping which was under warrenty. But I was told the water and clogged pipe was not under warrenty, and had to pay for that? September 6th, 30k service and check the on call light that never went off. They found 1.5 inches of water under my front carpet and will be checking for electrical damage and corrosion. They told me this is not covered under the warranty and advised to call my insurance. My safety concern is future electrical issues/ failures while driving. At any time something could malfunction. Thats a huge safety concern and not feeling safe to drive the car. There is nothing about this huge problem in the warranty or maintenance to check the drains !!! September 9th I will call the claims department and notify the adjuster. Also call back the dealership. Prior to this I've had no problems with the car.

Related recalls

Engine and engine cooling: engine: engine control module (ecu/ECM)Reported October 20, 2022 · 15,674 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Volvo Car USA, LLC (Volvo Car) is recalling certain 2022-2023 S60, V60, S90L, XC60, and XC90 vehicles. An electronic control module (ECM) software error may prevent the combustion engine from starting, causing a loss of drive power.
Risk
The vehicle may lose drive power as the high voltage battery is depleted, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Dealers will update the ECM software, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed December 8, 2022. Owners may contact Volvo Car's customer service at 1‑800‑458‑1552. Volvo Car's number for this recall is R10198.

Recall number 22V793000 · Recall details

Engine and engine coolingReported November 17, 2010 · 6,046 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Volvo is recalling certain model year 2011, s80, s60, xc70 and xc60 vehicles. The software calibration for the fuel cut-off functionality in the engine control module (ECM) is too sensitive.
Risk
Sudden engine stall could occur increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Dealers will update the ECM and TCM with new software free of charge. The safety recall is expected to begin on or before december 10, 2010. Owners may contact volvo at 1‑800‑458‑1552 or at [email protected].

Recall number 10V579000 · Recall details

Questions about the Volvo XC60 check engine light

Why does the check engine light come on in the Volvo XC60?

Owners who report it most often also describe won't start, engine stalls while driving and hesitation when accelerating, and the codes they mention most are U0286 and B1087.

Which Volvo XC60 years have check engine light problems?

The model years with the most reports are 2021 (6 complaints), 2012 (2 complaints) and 2015 (2 complaints).

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