The Volvo XC60 is a compact premium executive SUV that was first introduced for the 2009 model year and has since been completely refreshed only once in 2017. The XC60 slots between the smaller Volvo XC40 and the largest Volvo XC90 representing a middle ground in Volvo’s premium SUV offering. In this article, we are going to go over all the Volvo XC60 electrical problems, and tell you what to look out for!
The first area of concern is the infotainment system situation as the infotainment system in the XC60 is known to suffer from a wide variety of reliability issues that can cause all sorts of glitches and gremlins. The CEM (Central electronic module) is known to fail on older models of the XC60 which can be a huge issue as the CEM is tasked with controlling many of the car’s essential functions.
Sensor and warning light issues have also been reported to a great length and typically include problems such as engine lights, brake light issues, and issues with the airbags. Battery drain and battery problems have also been reported and including unknown battery drain, and difficulties starting the car up.
Last, but not least, the A/C has had its fair share of issues during the lifespan of the XC60 which means that it can stop blowing cold/warm air without a particular reason. If you want to know more about these problems, stick around and find out!
Worst Volvo XC60 years and why you should avoid them.
Infotainment System Issues
The infotainment system in the Volvo XC60 has been a source of reported issues for some owners. Complaints have included instances of freezing or crashing, unresponsive touchscreens, and problems with Bluetooth connectivity. These problems can disrupt audio playback, navigation, and the seamless integration of mobile devices.
While not all XC60 owners experience these issues, they can be frustrating when they occur. To resolve these problems, you will have to either perform a system reset or will even have to replace certain hardware components which can add up to a fairly large repair bill.
CEM Issues
The CEM is responsible for controlling various functions within the vehicle, including power windows, door locks, lighting, and other electrical systems. Issues with the CEM can lead to malfunctions in these components. Some owners have experienced failures or faults in the CEM, resulting in non-functional or intermittent operation of electrical features.
This can include power windows not working, door locks malfunctioning, or lights behaving erratically. These issues can be inconvenient and affect the overall functionality of the vehicle. To resolve these, a software reset can help, if not, a brand-new CEM is going to be needed.
Sensor and Warning Light Issues
Various sensor and dashboard warning light issues have been reported by some owners of the Volvo XC60. These problems manifest as false warning lights appearing on the instrument cluster, indicating issues with various systems such as the engine, brakes, or airbags, but in most cases, nothing is actually wrong.
False warning lights can be caused by faulty sensors or wiring connections, leading to incorrect readings and triggering warning indicators when there is no actual problem. This can be concerning and confusing for drivers, potentially leading to unnecessary repairs or concerns about vehicle safety. Moreover, if an actual problem does happen, you will not be able to tell with enough certainty.
Battery Drain
Several factors can contribute to battery drain in the XC60. One common cause is the presence of parasitic electrical draws, which are components or systems that continue to consume power even when the vehicle is turned off. Examples include malfunctioning modules, interior lights, or aftermarket accessories that were improperly installed.
Because this can be a tricky problem to properly diagnose, you will have to take your XC60 to a Volvo dealership in order for them to diagnose the entire car and try to find out why these are taking place.
A/C Problems
Insufficient cooling can be caused by low refrigerant levels, a malfunctioning compressor, or restricted airflow. It is recommended to check the system for any signs of leaks and to properly maintain the A/C by replacing the filters whenever needed. If the blower motor fails, your system won’t be able to blow any air and that is typically related to a faulty motor resistor.
Last, but not least, some of the controls such as the fan speed control, the temperature control, and air direction controls can fail which will seem like your A/C is failing, but in reality, only your buttons are failing.
More about all the XC60 problems.
FAQ Section
How Reliable is the Volvo XC60?
The compact-sized premium executive Volvo XC60 is generally a very reliable car that should be able to stand the test of time without too many issues. Granted, you will have to maintain it and address all the issues that come your way, but if you do that in a timely manner, your XC60 should have no problems lasting more than 200,000 miles.
Overall, the Volvo XC60 is generally considered a reliable luxury SUV, but it’s important to consider individual factors such as maintenance history, driving conditions, and regular upkeep to ensure optimal reliability and longevity.
When is the New Volvo XC60 Coming Out?
Volvo is set to come out with a refreshed model of the XC60 in 2023/24, but there is no information on when the next-gen, fully-redesigned XC60 is going to come out. The XC60 still looks fairly fresh which means that a full-on refresh isn’t all that necessary, but it sure would be welcome as most other models from this segment have had full-on refreshes during the lifespan of the 2nd gen XC60.
Volvo is likely going to come out with a new XC60 sometime in the next year or two and should also include a full-on electric model to keep up with the market demand.
Is the Volvo XC60 A Spacious SUV?
Yep, the Volvo XC60 is definitely a spacious SUV, but nowhere near as spacious as its big brother, the XC90. The XC60 offers a comfortable and roomy cabin that can accommodate both passengers and cargo with ease.
The XC60 provides ample legroom and headroom in both the front and rear seats, allowing occupants to travel comfortably, even on long journeys. In terms of cargo space, the XC60 offers a generous amount of room for luggage, groceries, or other belongings. The rear seats can be folded down in a 60/40 split, further expanding the cargo capacity when needed.
