Volvo uses the “Recharge“ brand name for its plug-in hybrid models which means that the XC60 is a plug-in hybrid version of the regular compact Volvo XC60 SUV. The XC60 Recharge combines a traditional gasoline engine with a small battery pack and electric motor in order to make it smoother, more efficient, but also more complex.
With such added level of complexity, one can surely be suspicious about how reliable or unreliable the XC60 Recharge might be. If that is something that interests you, you’ve come to the right place as the topic of today’s article is Volvo XC60 Recharge problems where we are going to list all the specific problems related to the XC60 and what you need to do to get them solved!
Electrical problems are the most common problems for all versions of the XC60 and it seems like the Recharge is no different. The infotainment system is also a big problem as it can suffer from a wide variety of issues such as freezing, phone connectivity issues, and a whole load of other notable problems.
The A/C can also be a problem, especially when the car is driving in EV mode while suspension problems are present all across the range, including the Recharge model. All in all, the XC60 Recharge has quite a few issues up its sleeve, so be sure to keep an eye out for these when buying one.
More about Volvo XC60 weaknesses
Electrical Problems
Electrical problems are by far the most common problems with the XC60 as a whole, and the XC60 Recharge is no different. The most common electrical problems of the XC60 are related to a whole load of accessory-related problems, but also a few specific ones.
The charging system can suffer from being slow to respond and slow to top up the battery while reduced range can also be a problem, especially during cold winter. Electrical connections can sometimes lose connection which can be a problem, but that is a rather rare occurrence indeed. Battery drain is also a problem, so much so that the battery can become completely drained for no obvious reason.
Infotainment System Problems
The Volvo XC60, including its hybrid variant, the XC60 Recharge, is equipped with an infotainment system that provides a range of features for drivers and passengers. While infotainment systems can occasionally experience issues, such as software glitches, connectivity problems, navigation errors, or audio malfunctions, these problems are not unique to the XC60.
Owners encountering such issues can check for software updates, perform system resets, or contact Volvo customer support or a dealership for assistance. Volvo has been suffering from software-related infotainment system problems for years and it seems like those aren’t getting any less frequent as time goes on.
A/C Problems
The air conditioning system on the XC60 Recharge can also be a burden in certain situations, but the weirdest complaint of them all is that the A/C refuses to heat the car up when the car is driving in EV mode. Refrigerator leaks can cause the car to stop blowing cold air when needed while a blower fan failing can stop the system from blowing air at all.
Unusual noises or unpleasant odors coming from the A/C system could indicate a problem with the compressor, blower motor, or other components. Be sure to inspect the entire system if you are in the market for an XC60 Recharge as A/C problems can be really frustrating during hot summer months or cold winter months.
Suspension Problems
Suspension problems can occasionally occur in the Volvo XC60, including the XC60 Recharge model. These issues can manifest as uneven tire wear, a bumpy ride, strange noises, or compromised handling. To address suspension problems, it’s recommended to visually inspect the components for damage or wear, and if necessary, seek assistance from a Volvo dealership or authorized service center.
Some of these are down to normal wear and tear, but many people believe that the serviceable lifespan of some of the Volvo XC60 Recharge components is still way too short for what the car is. Either way, inspect the suspension system thoroughly if you are interested in buying a Volvo XC60 used.
FAQ Section
Is the Volvo XC60 Recharge Electric?
Even though some models of the Volvo Recharge family truly are fully electric, the XC60 is a plug-in hybrid, at least for now. In electric mode, the XC60 Recharge can do around 19-35 miles in complete EV silence which can be enough for your daily commute.
However, for those wanting a full-on compact Volvo premium electric SUV, they will have to wait until Volvo comes out with the next generation of the XC60 which is likely going to come out in the next year or two. The 2023 XC40 Recharge is a full-on electric SUV that can do around 220 miles on a single charge.
Is There an Electric Volvo XC90?
There are no full-on electric versions of the XC90, but rather a hybrid called XC90 Recharge which shares the same powertrain as the XC60 Recharge. Volvo did recently come out with the brand-new EX90 which is going to replace the XC90 in the coming years.
The EX90 is a full-on electric SUV that promises to offer more than enough range for all of your daily needs. It is expected of Volvo to follow that up with an EX60 which is going to do the same as the XC60. We will have to wait and see when any of this is going to materialize, so be sure to keep an eye out for electric Volvo SUVs in the future.
Which Volvo XC60 Engine is Best?
Likely the best Volvo XC60 engine is the T8 Recharge because it offers a healthy 455hp and a 0-60mph time of just 4.9 seconds which is an amazing number for what is essentially a small 4-cylinder engine mated to an electric engine.
The T8 is powered by a 2.0L 4-cylinder turbocharger engine that makes 310hp on itself, but with the added electric motor and a 19kWh battery, the power of the T8 Recharge goes up to 455hp and 552lb-ft of torque which is arguably even more impressive.