This is a Service Manager Bulletin: Windshield Cleaning Operation Service Interval Change. Will only be performed at 20k
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2011 Volvo XC60 visibility problems
moderate 5 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $350 · see visibility across all vehicles →
Of the 4 model years of Volvo XC60 we track for visibility problems, this one has the fewest owner complaints on file (5).
No new NHTSA visibility complaint has been filed on this vehicle in over 15 years — the issue may be aging out of the active population.
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering visibility on this vehicle — documented repair instructions, service campaigns, or warranty extensions sent to dealers. A TSB isn't a recall (it's not a free safety remedy), but it's the manufacturer acknowledging the issue and how to fix it.
This is a Service Manager Bulletin: Windshield replacement products.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Title BLIS fault tracing . Status Released Status 2012 - Ref No US25788.1.1 en - US Date 04 - 16 Issue 2012 - Issuer - Date 01 - 19 Vida Partner 3 US 7510 Volvo Cars North America Reference Func Group 8462 Func Desc electrical outside mirrors , compl Attachment File Name File Size 156 water egress.pdf 0.1225 MB 134 - 135 - 136 - 124 . pdf 0.2876 MB 542 . pdf 0.2610 MB 544 - 545 . pdf 0.2104 MB TJ 24108 . pdf 0.1225 MB 533 - 156 - 275 . pdf 0.2665 MB TJ 21232 BLIS Functionality and Diagnostic Guide.pdf 0.1098 MB Vehicle Type Eng Struc Week Type Eng Sales Body Gear Steer Model Year Plant Chassis range Desc Range 0000150 - 124 2007 - 2012 0 - 0 0999999 0000150 - 134 2011 - 2012 0 - 0 9999999 00
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Title BLIS fault tracing . Status Released Status 2012 - Ref No US25788.1.1 en - US Date 04 - 16 Issue 2012 - Issuer - Date 01 - 19 Vida Partner 3 US 7510 Volvo Cars North America Reference Func Group 8462 Func Desc electrical outside mirrors , compl Attachment File Name File Size 156 water egress.pdf 0.1225 MB 134 - 135 - 136 - 124 . pdf 0.2876 MB 542 . pdf 0.2610 MB 544 - 545 . pdf 0.2104 MB TJ 24108 . pdf 0.1225 MB 533 - 156 - 275 . pdf 0.2665 MB TJ 21232 BLIS Functionality and Diagnostic Guide.pdf 0.1098 MB Vehicle Type Eng Struc Week Type Eng Sales Body Gear Steer Model Year Plant Chassis range Desc Range 0000150 - 124 2007 - 2012 0 - 0 0999999 0000150 - 134 2011 - 2012 0 - 0 9999999 00
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This is a Technical Journal: Washer system layout for identifying leakage points REF NO : ISSUING DEPARTMENT : CAR MARKET : United States and Canada TJ 25153 Technical Service PARTNER : ISSUE DATE : STATUS DATE : 3 US 7510 Volvo Car USA 2016 - 03 - 17 2016 - 03 - 24 FUNC GROUP : FUNC DESC : 3634 Washer Page 1 of 24 Attachment File Name File Size TJ 25153 S60 MY11 - , V60 , S60 , V60CC.pdf 0.8349 MB TJ 25153 S80 MY07 - , V70 MY08 - , XC70 MY08 - . pdf 0.7857 MB TJ 25153 S90 ( 234 ) MY17 - . pdf 1.4623 MB TJ 25153 V90V90CC ( 235236 ) MY17 - . pdf 1.5192 MB TJ 25153 XC90 ( 256 ) MY16 - . pdf 2.1365 MB TJ 25153_XC60 . pdf 0.8801 MB Vehicle Type Eng Struc Week Type Eng Sales Body Gear Steer Model
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
What owners are reporting 1 most recent
Tl*the contact owns a 2011 Volvo xc60. She noticed that the rear view mirror was tinted so much that she could not see out of the rear window. An authorized dealer was notified and stated that the vehicle was operating normal. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 5 and the current mileage was 2,500
Common questions
How serious is the visibility problem on the 2011 Volvo XC60?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 5 complaints have been filed. Repairs average $350 and most owners catch it before it causes a breakdown.
At what mileage does the visibility typically fail?
Based on the 5 complaints filed, visibility issues most often appear around 49,000 miles. Some report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 with no symptoms. Maintenance habits matter — vehicles that received timely fluid services and were not regularly overworked tend to last longer.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $350 for visibility repairs on this vehicle. Dealer pricing tends to run 20-40% higher. The exact figure depends on the specific failure mode, parts availability, and your local labor rates. If you're outside factory warranty, an extended service contract often covers this category.
Are there any recalls related to visibility?
No active recalls currently cover visibility issues on this vehicle. The complaints filed represent owner-reported failures that haven't risen to the level of a manufacturer-issued recall — but they're still worth knowing about before you buy or budget for repairs.