On two separate occasions, this vehicle experienced electrical system malfunctions, the inability to shift gears, increased/uncontrollable engine RPMs, diminished vehicle performance and the inability to turn off the vehicle normally. When the vehicle was repaired, these problems were determined to be caused by a water leak in the sunroof which infiltrated the electrical systems. According to the trained Volvo mechanic, this leak is endemic to this model of Volvo and is known by Volvo to be a design issue which has been reported to the DOT (see Manufacturer Communication Details 35503.4.0). These failures caused me to be stranded in traffic with little ability to safely operate the vehicle.
Volvo XC60 water leak problems
41 of the 663 owner complaints about the Volvo XC60 describe water leaks into the cabin, most of them for the 2013 model year.
- owner complaints
- 41
- worst model year
- 2013
- typical mileage
- 85,000
Is there a fix? There are 3 recalls for this area of the car. See below
By model year
Often reported together
Won't shift 2Won't start 1Wipers 1Stalling 1Check engine light 1
What owners say
Windshield leaks water into cabin. Volvo dealership charged $190 to diagnose problem. Told me I need a new windshield but they do not do glass replacement or repairs. They said sealant is bad at top of windshield. This is the original factory windshield. They referred me to a independent glass company who quoted $900 - $1285 for replacement. Cannot repair only install new windshield. This seems to be a known problem with Volvo cars and the sealant that was used at factory? Not covered by insurance. Car was parked outside during rain.
Water leaking from the windshield seal (possibly the moonroof) gets into electronics under the dash and causes the transmission to stop working properly and also causes the engine to just stop completely. It happened 4 years ago and Volvo replaced a module but it happened again a week ago.
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.
After it rains, i've noticed water collecting in both the passenger and driver side footbeds. It started off nominally and I was easily able to use a cloth. I thought it might have been human error, that I left the window cracked open a bit. The most recent incident (this past weekend 5/4/24) there was a significant puddle on the driver's side. After further research, I discovered the culprit is likely an unbonded windshield, and that this is a KNOWN issue for Volvos, but especially for (2010) xc60s. Having an unbonded windshield seems like a significant hazard risk as the structural integrity of the entire windshield is compromised, as well as risk of electrical components getting wet as the water leaks through the car (and the ripple effects of that).
Vehicle completely had multiple warning lamps come on while I was driving and it was apparent the computer was failing. Car would not turn off when I moved to turn off the ignition knob. When restarted, car would not shift. Car had to be taken to dealership by tow truck. Dealership notes that water leaked through sunroof over time and accumulated under seats of car, entering into electrical systems. This is also noted by owners of other Volvo cars in public forums.
Water enters from the front of the windshield while driving.
Front windshield is not sealed properly. Leaks water at top of windshield and onto the steering wheel. This is not a problem with the sunroof.
Water leakage from top of windsheild due to common failure of sealant (known to Volvo) falls directly into steering wheel airbag and, from there, flows into the seam between airbag module and the steering wheel and collecting behind the airbag subjecting the electrical connections of the airbag to moisture trapped behind the airbag. See photos. No warning lights yet. Vehicle is available for inspection by the federal safety agency.
Several ounces of water leaking onto drivers hands on steering wheel from top of windshield when braking in adverse weather conditions is a severe and dangerous distraction to driving and braking. Condition first noticed in first heavy rain storm soon after using drive-through car wash, and persisted and worsened steadily thereafter. This condition is particularly dangerous as it occurs only when driver attempts to slow the vehicle at an intersection, and water in the roof flows forward into, and fills, the cavity that contains the top edge of the windshield with a large quantity of water which then flows onto the driver's hands and lap with no warning. Dealer is aware of defective windshield seals common to this year and model but will not assume repair beyond warranty period.
Related recalls
Structure: body: tailgate
- What is wrong
- Volvo Car USA LLC (Volvo) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Volvo XC60 vehicles. Under certain conditions and cold temperatures, the tailgate lifting arms may freeze which may cause the lifting arms to separate from the vehicle.
- Risk
- If the tailgate lifting arms separate, the arms could project rearward with significant force, increasing the risk of injury.
- Remedy
- Volvo has notified owners, and dealers will replace the tailgate lift arms with an improved designed, free of charge. The recall began May 14, 2019. Owners may contact Volvo customer service at 1‑800‑458‑1552. Volvo's number for this recall is R89910.
Recall number 19V046000 · Recall details
Structure: body
- What is wrong
- Volvo is recalling certain model year 2012 s60 and xc60 passenger vehicles. An incorrect mixture of underbody coating and over-application can result in rigid, icicle-like areas hanging from vehicles undercarriage.
- Risk
- If this condition exists, the underbody coating may penetrate the fuels lines and cause fuel leakage, increasing the risk of a fire.
- Remedy
- Dealers will inspect the vehicle undercarriage, and if excessive underbody coating is found in the fuel line area, it will be removed. If the inspection reveals that the fuel lines are damaged, they will be replaced. The safety recall began on april 25, 2012. Owners may contact volvo customer care center at 1‑800‑458‑1552.
Recall number 12V101000 · Recall details
Structure: body: roof and pillars
- What is wrong
- Volvo is recalling model year 2010 xc60 vehicles built without the panoramic roof and delivered to puerto rico for failing to comply with the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 201, "occupant protection in interior impact."
- Risk
- In the event of a crash the front seat occupants may not have proper protection.
- Remedy
- These four vehicles are in the possession of dealers in puerto rico and dealers will replace the headliner in the vehicle prior to sale.
Recall number 09V463000 · Recall details
Questions about the Volvo XC60 water leak
Which Volvo XC60 years have water leaks into the cabin problems?
The model years with the most reports are 2013 (14 complaints), 2012 (12 complaints) and 2010 (8 complaints).
VIN decoder
See the problems and recalls for an exact car
Buying a used Volvo XC60?
Check the exact car before you pay: accidents, salvage or flood titles, odometer readings and previous owners.
Check its history