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Volvo XC60 key fob problems

10 of the 663 owner complaints about the Volvo XC60 describe key fob or push-button start problems, most of them for the 2025 model year.

owner complaints
10
worst model year
2025
Is there a fix? There are 7 recalls for this area of the car. See below

By model year

  • 2025
    3
  • 2023
    1
  • 2021
    2
  • 2018
    1
  • 2015
    2
  • 2011
    1

What owners say

Filed Nov 1, 2026 · Electrical, Engine · AZ

On the night of XXX, my 2015 Volvo XC60 exhibited a cluster of electrical failures with a passenger aboard: the panoramic roof switch was unresponsive, the headlights cut out completely, the fuel gauge was inoperative, and the key fob was dead (no unlock, no hatch release; the vehicle sometimes would not start). The next morning, XXX, on [XXX] westbound at approximately 80 mph in heavy traffic, in darkness and a torrential downpour, I switched on the rear fog lights for visibility and the headlights went completely out; the vehicle's electronic systems failed at highway speed. My passenger ([XXX]) and I were not injured. I recorded 28 seconds of video of the instrument panel during the event: the display cycles (warnings present, then gone, then back), the gear indicator changes on its own, and the fuel gauge sits on empty throughout. The vehicle limped to a friend's house and is now parked and cannot be driven. A post-incident diagnostic scan (codes read, not cleared) shows 20 fault codes across 8 modules, centered on the Central Electronic Module — including DIM U042268 (invalid data received from the CEM), ECM codes for a shutdown-timer failure, lost communication with the immobilizer, and 'the engine cannot start,' plus a power-steering battery-voltage fault. The battery is a brand-new AGM battery and read 12.0 volts. The same morning I found the left front brake caliper leaking brake fluid (photographed). This vehicle also has an open safety complaint for a different failure — VOQ #XXX(airbags did not deploy and seatbelts did not lock in a XXX hit-and-run) — and the pre-existing SRS fault code from that complaint (XXX) is still present in this scan. I am filing the electrical failure separately so both problems are categorized accurately. Documentation (photographs, the in-event video, the complete scan) is in my possession and available on request. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed Jul 25, 2026 · Body · TX

Volvo 2025 XC60 T8. Rear liftgate closed without request nearly causing an eye injury. The liftgate was open, I was moving back and forth emptying packages from the cargo area. I turned to return to the car and the liftgate had started to come down (unrequested. I had NOT pushed the physical button on the liftgate or on the key fob). My eye was within 2 in of hitting the corner of the liftgate. I am taking the car to the dealer to report the incident. I do not see any active recalls posted for this safety issue.

Filed Jul 1, 2026 · Driver assistance, Locks · NJ

The entire right ride of the car just stopped working. Back right door became permanently locked and could not open from outside or inside. When hitting lock/unlock buttons on key fob i) front passenger door would not lock/unlock and ii) right side mirror would not fold in/out. Blind spot monitor and TPMS said they needed service. Left side of car was fine and worked. Car would start normally. I checked all relevant fuses and none were blown. Then all of a sudden it all started working again. My fear is that in the heat of summer what if all doors became locked somehow and i did not have the key fob with the manual key? I have 2 children

Filed Jun 21, 2026 · Driver assistance, Electrical · DC

I own a 2025 Volvo XC60 plug-in hybrid (PHEV). The vehicle has recurring software defects that create a serious safety risk. First, the infotainment and central control system repeatedly reboots while I am driving. On a single trip from Washington, DC to Burlington, Vermont, the system rebooted approximately 8 to 10 times. It has also rebooted within minutes of starting the vehicle during local driving. Each reboot blanks the center display, which disables the backup/parking camera and interrupts the speedometer and driver-information display, climate controls, and other functions. Losing these displays and controls while the vehicle is in motion is a significant safety hazard. Second, after installing a Volvo over-the-air (OTA) software update, the vehicle was rendered completely inoperable. It would not unlock or start and could not be accessed through the key fob or the Volvo Cars app, and it had to be towed to the dealer. Based on numerous owner reports, failed OTA updates that disable the vehicle this way are a known, recurring problem on these models. Third, the front and rear parking cameras have both cracked during normal use, with no impact damage, and the vehicle displays a "parking cameras need cleaning" message at nearly every stop. No crash or injury has occurred. I have reported these issues to the selling dealer and to Volvo customer care. The reboot and lockout problems are recurring and have not been durably resolved.

Filed Dec 28, 2025 · Body, Electrical · VA

On December 28 the tailgate on my Volvo 2025 xc60 PHEV began to open and close randomly while it was not running, parked in my garage and and plugged in. I unplugged the car from the charger, firmly closed the tailgate and went back in side my house. I checked on the car several minutes later to find the tail gate open again. I again firmly closed the tail gate and this time ensured that I locked the car with the button on the key fob. 10 minutes later the tailgate was open again, while the car was parked, turned off and not plugged in. After closing the tailgate again, I now locked the car via the app. When I checked again in 15 minutes the car was unlocked, but the tailgate was still closed. All of these incidents happened between 8 am and 9:45am. I was able to take video and still pictures of the incidents. Several weeks ago, I was driving and noticed that my tailgate was open. I had recently left a shopping center so I figured I had some how not closed the tailgate properly. This would be the first time I ever made such a mistake. I pulled over, closed the tailgate and continued on. I now wonder if this was a similar problem. Safety risks include injury to people from the tailgate itself and risk of loss and damage to items in the vehicle and the vehicle itself. This is an additional incident of a previously reported issue with the electrical system of this vehicle.

Filed Jan 23, 2023 · Electrical, Engine · 300 miles · CT

The contact owns a 2023 Volvo XC60. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to recognize the key fob. Due to the failure, the vehicle failed to start after multiple attempts with the key fob message displayed and a warning chime was heard. The contact also stated that the coolant warning light was illuminated. The contact had taken the vehicle to the dealer and the thermostat was replaced the vehicle and the warning light disappeared. The contact stated that despite a software update being performed, the key fob failure persisted. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 300. The contact stated that the manufacturer was notified and will not buy the vehicle back. The service dealer is unable to replicate the issue and therefore have no solution to the problem. The contact feels as though the vehicle is unsafe to drive.

Filed Jan 3, 2023 · Driver assistance, Electrical · SC

1.What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? Blind spot sensor repeatedly malfunctioning. Vehicle generates "service required" message, and it appears that blind spot monitors fail to illuminate. Child safety locks also deactivate without driver input. Vehicle is currently available for inspection. 2. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? Dealer has updated the software multiple times but has not attempted to assess the hardware. 3. Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? No. 4. Were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? Drivers side door buttons periodically do not illuminate and do not operate windows or locks. Vehicle cannot be locked at times, or only passenger side doors can be locked. Key fob and manufacturer app only work to lock the vehicle sometimes. Issues began approximately July 2022 and have repeated intermittently. Issues seem to be occurring more frequently and for longer. Issues have been particularly frequent and long lasting in the last week; vehicle last serviced at the dealer approximately 12/22/2022.

Filed Mar 27, 2019 · Electrical · 84,000 miles · MS

The remote keyless drive system does not work as described by volvo and mine has, very much, become a safety issue as well as many other volvo owners. Nothing on my key fob works unless you are within 12 inches of the car.imam 100% disabled with multiple sclerosis and my wife has terminal brain cancer. When we drive to appointments etc, due to my short term memory issues, I can't remember exactly where I parked my car. Also, the panic button doesn'nt work for the above reasons. Every time I am out, I'm taking a chance of getting mugged, robbed or car jacked because of this faulty safety feature on my volvo car. The volvo technical journal 27316.7.2, explains what's happening, but volvo will only attempt to fix it, if I pay for the parts and labor. According to volvo forums, this safety issue is common and your agency should recall every volvo with this issue and have volvo repair it at no charge. If I get robbed, mugged or carjacked, due to the key fob and panic button not working, I will bring legal action against volvo. This key fob/receiver malfunction happens every single time I get in my car.

Filed Sep 29, 2018 · 1,500 miles · CA · 1 injury

Key fob can activate the lift gate when key is in pocket because the buttons are too sensitive on the fob leading to a person getting injured by automatically closing trunk. Vehicle was stationary loading groceries into trunk.

Filed Apr 3, 2012 · Electrical, Engine · 16,950 miles · FL

Tl* the contact owns a 2011 volvo s60. The contact stated that using the remote key fob, the vehicle was locked. The contact returned to the vehicle twenty-five minutes later and the doors were unlocked, and the engine was turned on. The dealer was notified of the failure, but denied any assistance with repairs to the vehicle. The manufacturer was not contacted and the vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 16,950 and the current mileage was 17,000.

Related recalls

Electrical system: propulsion system: traction batteryReported March 24, 2025 · 7,483 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Volvo Car USA, LLC (Volvo Car) is recalling certain 2020-2021 S90, 2020-2022 S60, V60, XC60, XC90, and 2022 V90 plug-in hybrid vehicles. The high-voltage battery may experience a short circuit within the battery module when the battery is fully charged and the vehicle is parked.
Risk
A short circuit in a high-voltage battery increases the risk of a fire.
Remedy
Owners are advised not to charge their vehicles until the remedy has been completed. Dealers will inspect and replace the high-voltage battery module as necessary. In addition, dealers will update the software to monitor the battery. All repairs will be performed free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 28, 2025. Owners may contact Volvo Car's customer service at 1‑800‑458‑1552. Volvo Car's number for this recall is R10312.

Recall number 25V179000 · Recall details

Electrical systemReported March 22, 2023 · 393 vehicles affected
What is wrong
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).
Risk
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.

Recall number 23V188000 · Recall details

Electrical system: softwareReported November 13, 2018 · 17,548 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Volvo Car USA LLC (Volvo) is recalling certain 2017-2019 Volvo XC90, S90, V60, V60 Cross Country, V90, XC40, XC60, and V90 Cross Country vehicles. The software installed in the Vehicle Connectivity Module (VCM) may have an error causing the Telematics and Driver Support Systems to function improperly. As a result, the GPS will not provide location information to emergency personnel in the event of an emergency.
Risk
If the GPS location is not provided to emergency personnel it can inhibit emergency response in the event of a crash or injury.
Remedy
Volvo will notify owners, and dealers will correct the software, free of charge. The recall began December 26, 2018. Owners may contact Volvo customer service at 1‑800‑458‑1552. Volvo's number for this recall is R39917.

Recall number 18V800000 · Recall details

Electrical system: wiring: fuses and circuit breakersReported September 2, 2015 · 7,855 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Volvo Cars of North America, LLC. (Volvo) is recalling certain model year 2016 Volvo S60, V60, V60CC, XC60, XC70, and S80 vehicles manufactured April 8, 2015 to August 19, 2015. In certain driving conditions when using the automatic engine stop/start function, the starter motor fuse may blow, preventing the car from restarting when necessary.
Risk
If the vehicle is unexpectedly unable to be started in the middle of traffic, such as when stopped at an intersection, there is an increased risk of a crash.
Remedy
Volvo will notify owners, and dealers will replace the existing starter motor fuse with a higher amperage fuse, free of charge. The recall began on October 26, 2015. Owners may contact Volvo customer service at 1‑800‑458‑1552 or by visiting http://volvo.custhelp.com. Volvo's number for this recall is R39574.

Recall number 15V555000 · Recall details

Electrical systemReported August 21, 2013 · 7,767 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Volvo is recalling certain model year 2014 S60, S80, XC60 and XC70 vehicles equipped with keyless ignition. In the affected vehicles, the Central Electronic Module (CEM) will not perform as intended. As a result, the front windshield wipers might run continuously when the ignition is on. Also, the turn signals, high beams, and headlight switch might not work.
Risk
Malfunctioning head lamps and/or turn signals increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Volvo will notify owners, and dealers will upgrade the CEM software, free of charge. The recall began on October 3, 2013. Owners may contact Volvo at 1‑800‑458‑1552.

Recall number 13V377000 · Recall details

Electrical system: wiringReported February 28, 2012 · 32,552 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Volvo is recalling certain model year 2012 s60, xc60, s80 and xc70 vehicles manufactured from may 16, 2011, through october 6, 2011. In these vehicles, the wire harness under the front seats may have not been attached properly to the seat frame. As a result, when the seats are moved to adjust the seating position, the wire harness may get pulled, causing it to disconnect.
Risk
In the event of crash, the front and/or side impact air bags may deploy improperly or not at all, increasing the risk of injury. Also, the lap belt pretensioner may not deploy.
Remedy
Volvo will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and, if necessary, secure the seat wire harness. This service will be performed free of charge. The safety recall began on april 12, 2012. Owners may contact volvo cars at 1‑800‑458‑1552.

Recall number 12V075000 · Recall details

Electrical system: softwareReported September 1, 2009 · 11,993 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Volvo is recalling my 2008-2010 s80, model year 2009-2010 xc70 and model year 2010 xc60 vehicles. Under certain conditions the software within the central electronic module (cem) may not send a signal to the fuel pump electronic module (pem). This missing signal to the pem inhibits the start of the fuel pump. The driver may be able to start the engine in spite of the fuel pump not being activated due to residual pressure in the fuel system. In some cases, the driver may be able to drive the vehicle a short distance at idle but then the engine may stall.
Risk
If the vehicle stalls in certain conditions, a crash could occur.
Remedy
Dealers will download software to the vehicles' cem free of charge. The recall began on september 30, 2009. Vehicles in dealer's inventory will be repaired prior to delivery. Owners may contact volvo at 1‑800‑458‑1552.

Recall number 09V343000 · Recall details

Questions about the Volvo XC60 key fob

Which Volvo XC60 years have key fob or push-button start problems problems?

The model years with the most reports are 2025 (3 complaints), 2015 (2 complaints) and 2021 (2 complaints).

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