Home · 2013 Volvo XC60 T8 Plug-in Hybrid · Complaints

What 66 owners told NHTSA about the 2013 Volvo XC60 T8 Plug-in Hybrid

These are the actual owner complaints behind this car’s reliability verdict, filed with the federal government, unedited. They’re unverified reports, not confirmed defects: read them as leads for your pre-purchase inspection, not a diagnosis.

All (66)Crash / fire / injury (4)Visibility & wipers (29)Electrical system (9)Airbags (7)Body & structure (5)Engine (3)Brakes (2)Driver assistance (2)Steering (2)Electronic Stability Control (esc) (1)Equipment Adaptive/mobility (1)

Newest first · 66 complaints · page 1 of 3

Jun 18, 2026Visibility & wipers

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.

NHTSA ODI 11744958

Mar 2, 2026Visibility & wipers

During a heavy rain storm, I noticed water running down the inside of the windshield. It impaired my vision.

NHTSA ODI 11721556

Nov 30, 2025Electrical systemSpeed controlFire

The accelerator got stuck and and the engine went full power. It would not shut off and the overheated.

NHTSA ODI 11702146

Jun 17, 2025Body & structure

Factory installed windshield is leaking profusely due to faulty adhesive/primer. This is a well known issue that causes havoc on vital electronic systems and should be a national recall. The loose windshield bond can cause the windshield to detach during a crash. The failed windshield bond compromises the structural integrity of the roof.

NHTSA ODI 11667548

May 6, 2025AirbagsCrash

"During airbag deployment, the driver’s hand was burned with blistering. I believe hot gas or chemicals vented abnormally. This caused a painful injury requiring treatment."

NHTSA ODI 11659242

Dec 14, 2024Visibility & wipers

Faulty seal in OEM windshield sealant/silicone causing water to leak on the inside of car, headliner, and inner windshield. Can cause visibility issues and mildew.

NHTSA ODI 11630743

Nov 28, 2024Visibility & wipers

The windshield has come loose at the top allowing water to get into the vehicle when it rains. Water pools on the floor of driver’s side, the headliner gets wet, and the interior smells moldy.

NHTSA ODI 11627848

Aug 8, 2024Electrical system

The component or system that failed is the driver side door controls for all four windows and both side mirrors. My safety is at risk as I am unable to adjust my mirrors manually or electronically in order to see. I am also unable to roll down any of the windows in the vehicle from the driver door in the event of an emergency. Yes, the problem has been confirmed by the Volvo service center. According to my local Volvo service center, this is a common problem in Volvos and they are very familiar with the repair needed to correct. The problem is that the driver door wiring is zip-tied together and over time, as the driver door opens and closes, the zip tie chafes the insulation off of the wiring causing the copper part of the wires to be exposed and twisted together. There are no warning lights reporting this issue, only that the window and mirror controls stop working. The following video link between 9:38-12:16 explains this issue in Volvos. I am writing to advocate for a vehicle recall. I believe this is a manufacturing flaw which could have been avoided by simply using electrical tape and not a zip tie. The repair has been quoted at $800. Driver side door entry is an essential function and should not be a cause for an electrical fire or drivers’ and passengers’ safety. Link: [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ODI 11607357

Jun 21, 2024Driver assistance

The vehicle came to a stop in two different occasions (6 months apart) without a reason. The first occasion was while exiting the freeway, there was no car or object in front of me. The second time I had gone over a manhole and the car screeched to a halt on a city street. I was very fortunate that in both occasions I did not have a car behind me or this malfunction would have caused a collision. After the car stopped I was able to continue driving. After the car stopped the message "Auto braking by City Safety" appeared on the dashboard.

NHTSA ODI 11595698

Jun 21, 2024Driver assistance

The car came to a complete stop without a reason. This happened while exiting the freeway and no cars or objects were in front of me. I was very lucky that I did not have a car behind me or this would have caused a collision. After the car stopped the message "auto braking by City Safety" appeared on my dashboard

NHTSA ODI 11595702

Jan 23, 2024

The windshield leaks. The seal is no good. I get wet every time it rains. No repair messages or warning lights were issued by the car. The repair service inspected the car, and they stated the factory glue was non-existent on the seal. Very poor.

NHTSA ODI 11567310

Dec 1, 2023Visibility & wipers

The windshield leaks when I am driving from the passenger side and the driver side. Last rain a lot of water got into the car which makes it very dangerous to drive and obviously to break since it gets slippery. I live in the mountains, and we get a lot of rain and now I have to pay out of pocket to get it diagnosed when even the service advisor said that that particular year and models leaks a lot.

NHTSA ODI 11557991

Nov 30, 2023Visibility & wipers

Water enters from the front of the windshield while driving.

NHTSA ODI 11557746

Aug 30, 2023Electrical system

I recently was forced to use the pry-off cap and manual key entry to get into my 2013 Volvo XC60. This was due to the vehicle’s lack of response to the fob, there was no communication between the fob and the electrical system. Once inside, inserting the fob, the engine started but the entire instrument cluster was flashing intermittently the various warning lights, and the windows could not be lowered. The cluster showed failure of speedometer, tachometer, brake system, seat belts and all other gauges on the cluster. Not knowing whether it was safe to drive, I turned it off. I returned later and turned it on, same problem. I went around the block, contacted the Volvo dealer for consultation, and secured an emergency appointment to bring it in. On the next day/the appointment, I drove the car in, during which the systems seemed to have reset themselves, but halfway there the problem started again. At this point the vehicle has been there (Howard Orloff Volvo, 1924 N. Paulina St, Chicago, 1.877.570.6927) since the 28th, they have not been able to give me a diagnosis, and the bill is over $600. How can this problem NOT be a safety risk for ordinary person such as myself? It is my understanding, from researching this, that this is a common and recurring problem so why has there NOT been a recall for what is obviously a defect inherent in this make and model car? Kindly respond with a reference number for this complaint. Thank you very much.

NHTSA ODI 11541669

Jun 11, 2023Airbags

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 nhtsa.

NHTSA ODI 11526446

Jun 7, 2023Visibility & wipers

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.

NHTSA ODI 11525751

Apr 9, 2023Visibility & wipers

Water leaking every time it rains. Running down the windshield on the inside and making it difficult to see and dangerous as I’m having to wipe while I’m driving.

NHTSA ODI 11516214

May 18, 2022Visibility & wipers

While driving in the rain, water leaked in the through the top of the windshield, dripping on me and running down the inside of the windshield. This is a distraction for the driver to deal with the shock of getting wet while driving, as well as, and most importantly, a major visibility issue to have to deal with water on the inside of the windshield that impacts the driver's line of sight. I have read online that this model vehicle (and similar) has a known issue with the adhesive securing the windshield in place breaking down over time. If this is not corrected on my vehicle, the windshield could come loose and detach from the vehicle. It is *shocking* that there is not a recall in place for this model and similar vehicles impacted.

NHTSA ODI 11465174

Mar 25, 2022Engine

The contact owns a 2013 Volvo XC60. The contact stated while driving approximately 35 MPH, the vehicle lost motive power and stalled in the middle of the road. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The contact was able to restart the vehicle and proceeded to his destination. The failure recurred several times. The contact had not taken the vehicle to a local dealer. The vehicle had not been diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 100,574.

NHTSA ODI 11458378

Mar 12, 2022Electrical systemVisibility & wipers

The issue is with the windshields separating from the bonding agent ( not sealing ) it is cause for a safety issue not only because it is loose and can move when pushed up , but water is entering the vehicle through the top part of the windshield and entering the electrical controls for the lights and sun roof causing a potential short or shock hazard, not to mention ruining the interior of the vehicle ,( headliner, mold..etc..). I and many other's ( see link below) feel it is necessary to have Volvo make the replacement of windshields in their vehicles . https://beranek.agrrmag.com/2015/04/volvo-glass-bonding-issue/

NHTSA ODI 11456424

Jan 5, 2022Visibility & wipers

Yesterday ice-cold water was dripping onto my lap while I was driving (distracting), as well as obstructing my vision while it ran down the inside of the glass. In addition, water collected at the footwell made it soggy and being that it was 5 degrees overnight it was frozen solid making the break pedal almost non-functional.

NHTSA ODI 11446418

Dec 29, 2021

The front seal on my windshield glass is not connected, the adhesive us either gone or not working anymore. You can push the glass up and see it move visibly when pushed. The leak is impacting my safety while driving. Yesterday ice cold water was dripping onto my lap while I was driving (distracting), as well as obstructing my vision while it ran down the inside of the glass. An independent glass company has inspected the windshield and duplicated the issues I have mentioned above. They mentioned that they have seen many of these faulty windshield seals and thought there might be a recall, but I have not been able to see one from Volvo.

NHTSA ODI 11445478

Nov 22, 2021Airbags

Windshield leaks while raining. Mold getting into headliner and the drips affect my visibility. The water intrudes into airbag area and could affect airbag lifespan and efficiency. Can affect electrical safety features in car. Cannot see while driving . Other people all over internet have this issue . Reported it to dealer.

NHTSA ODI 11441245

Nov 4, 2021Electrical system

Summary: Vehicle suddenly and completely loses all electric power. i.e. no lights, including hazard lights or brake lights, no engine, no power steering. Status: The root issue has occurred twice, and the vehicle is pending service to positively diagnose and repair the issue. First occurrence: Driver parked the vehicle, turned off the engine, and remained inside with standard electric power active. Upon exiting the vehicle and closing the driver’s door, the door lock button did not respond. Returning to the vehicle it became apparent the reason for the lock failure was the absence of electric power. During the process of preparing to connect jumper cables, electric power returned. This was without actually connecting to a jump source. Second occurrence, 1 day after first: While driving at 60 MPH on a highway, electric power suddenly ceased. Driver unable to activate hazard lights or any other warning to other vehicles. Driver was able to steer to roadside and come to a stop. At suggestion of mechanic shop, driver opened battery compartment and tapped the cables connected to the battery terminal, and power returned. Mechanic suggested hairline fracture of metal connectors of positive cable connecting to vehicle power. Now awaiting mechanic diagnosis and repair. Fortunately the failure did not result in a collision, but does present a clear safety hazard upon its occurrence. The mechanic’s suggestion leads to the suspicion this is a known issue with the vehicle component.

NHTSA ODI 11439425

Oct 23, 2021Fuel system

The gas gauge no longer reports accurate level of fuel in tank. Thousands of people have reported this issue, yet no recall exists, though this endangers lives - especially in the deserts of the southwest. Volvo service quotes are aways ripoffs, quoting $3000 minimum.

NHTSA ODI 11437908

Older →

Working with the data? Download all 66 complaints as CSV · fetched from NHTSA July 18, 2026

How to use these: a complaint is one owner’s report, filed voluntarily and published unverified. Patterns matter more than any single story. If several owners describe the same failure at similar mileage, put that system at the top of your pre-purchase inspection list. Back to the full 2013 Volvo XC60 T8 Plug-in Hybrid verdict →