This is a Service Manager Bulletin: Windshield Cleaning Operation Service Interval Change. Will only be performed at 20k
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2013 Volvo XC60 visibility problems
moderate 25 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $350 · see visibility across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
25
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$350
When does it fail?
Of the 25 visibility complaints filed for the 2013 Volvo XC60, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 75,000-100,000 mi.
0-25k
25-50k
50-75k
75-100k
100-125k
125-150k
150k+
Each bar shows the share of total complaints filed at that mileage range. Peak failure window highlighted. Some owners report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 miles symptom-free. Maintenance habits and driving conditions shift the curve as much as mileage alone.
What stands out
Of the 4 model years of Volvo XC60 we track for visibility problems, this one carries the most owner complaints on file — 25.
Visibility accounts for 38% of every owner complaint on file for this vehicle — the dominant problem area across 4 categories tracked.
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 ↗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 ↗This is a Technical Journal: "BLIS service required" may be displayed in DIM(Drivers Information Module) intermittently during start, without any corresponding DTC's set. This may occur if the BLIS camera heating element is broken due to a hot spot, or if the lead cable for the heater element has become loose due to a bad soldering. Start the engine and make sure that the ambient temperature is below 28ºC (82ºF) to activate the heater function. Test the heater element function by touching the BLIS camera lens with your finger, or spray ice spray to see if the ice disappear. If there is no heat detected, then remove the mirror from the car and access the heater element for inspection. * If th
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Unusual noise from the A/C system may occur at different times. This TJ describes some of the known issues that have been reported and the most effective repairs. As with all A/C issues the customers concern should be dupilcated, a Climate control system check should be performed and it should be confimed that the system has the correct charge.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
Water is leaking into the cabin at the top edge of the windshield, most commonly on the driver's side, but spreading to the passenger side over time. The leak occurs whenever it rains, during car washes, and is especially bad in heavy downpours and winter. Multiple owners and glass technicians confirm the factory adhesive seal is unbonded or eroded; some report you can push the windshield out of the frame by hand. Water streams down the inside of the windshield, drips onto the driver's hands and steering wheel, pools on the floor, soaks the headliner, and creates mold smell.
The leak creates a serious driving hazard. Cold water dripping on hands and lap distracts from steering and braking. Water streaking the interior glass impairs forward visibility, forcing drivers to wipe the windshield one-handed while moving or even pull over on busy highways. One owner reported frozen water on the brake pedal floor in sub-zero temps, making it sluggish and unsafe. Water also seeps into electrical cavities and the dash, creating potential for electrical failure near airbag and autonomous braking systems.
Windshield replacement costs around $1,000 because of required electronics recalibration. Dealers charge $300+ just to inspect and claim the issue is owner maintenance, not warranty. Volvo has refused to recall despite repeated complaints spanning 2010–2015 model years and despite acknowledging awareness of the defect.
Same Volvo XC60 visibility reports on nearby years: 2010 · 2012
Failure modes owners describe
Windshield Adhesive/Seal Bond Failure — Top Edge
Factory-installed windshield seal or adhesive breaks down over time, allowing water intrusion at the top edge of the windshield. Multiple owners report the seal is unbonded, eroded, or absent altogether. The windshield can be pushed out of the frame by hand in some cases. Glass companies in the field confirm this is a manufacturing defect with the original bonding material. The leak typically initiates at the driver's side top corner but can progress across both sides.
When: Occurs within 2–8 years of ownership; one owner reported onset after dealer car wash; worsens with heavy rain, car washes, snow, and winter conditions
Symptoms owners cite: Water streams down inside of windshield, impairing visibility; Water drips onto driver's hands, lap, steering wheel, and dashboard; Water pools on driver's side floor and headliner; Interior develops mold and sour smell; Windshield seal visibly unbonded or absent at top; Windshield can be pushed upward out of frame; Leak worsens in braking and sharp stops due to water sloshing forward into cavity at top edge; Condensation further reduces visibility
Repairs/costs cited: Windshield replacement required; cost cited as ~$1,000 due to recalibration of electronics (lane-keeping assist, airbag sensors). Resealing is not a permanent fix; dealers have indicated it is owner maintenance, not warranty. Some glass shops aware of the issue; Volvo dealers charge $300+ just for inspection and offer no warranty coverage post-factory period.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Volvo has declined to issue a recall despite acknowledged awareness. One owner contacted Volvo, who asked for dealer inspection first but offered no commitment to cover repair. Dealers state resealing is owner responsibility and will not warranty the windshield during removal, creating liability concern if glass breaks during service.
Safety and Visibility Hazards from Water Intrusion
Water leak creates acute distraction and impaired visibility while driving at highway speeds. Drivers forced to wipe the windshield with one hand while operating the vehicle or to pull over to side of busy roads. Cold water dripping on hands and lap diverts attention from steering and braking. Frozen water on floor can make brake pedal sluggish or non-functional in freezing conditions. Obscured sightline poses collision and rollover risk, especially in heavy traffic or inclement weather.
When: Immediate and ongoing during rain, snow, and car washes; particularly hazardous in heavy downpours, winter driving, and highway speeds
Symptoms owners cite: Driver distraction from sudden water dripping; Impaired forward visibility due to water streaks on interior glass; Difficulty gripping steering wheel due to cold, wet hands; Emergency need to pull over to clear windshield; Brake pedal frozen and non-functional in sub-zero temperatures; Water accumulation on dashboard and electrical areas
Repairs/costs cited: Immediate workaround is frequent wiping with towel while driving; long-term fix is windshield replacement. No owner reports temporary sealing or field repairs.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No recall issued despite recognition of safety hazard. Dealers acknowledge the defect but classify it as outside warranty and owner responsibility.
Electrical and Interior Water Damage
Water infiltration from windshield seal failure penetrates headliner, electrical console (upper light console), and dashboard areas. Accumulated moisture promotes mold and mildew growth, creating interior odor. Owners report potential for severe electrical failures from water damage near safety-critical systems (automatic emergency braking, airbag deployment circuits).
When: Develops after months to years of repeated water intrusion; mold and odor become noticeable after multiple rain events
Symptoms owners cite: Wet headliner; Water pooling on interior floor; Mold and mildew odor inside cabin; Potential risk of electrical failure (not yet reported as manifest in these narratives, but cited as concern)
Repairs/costs cited: Owners cite spending hundreds of dollars on remediation (mold treatment, interior drying). No specific repair costs detailed beyond windshield replacement.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No coverage or recall; owner responsibility to manage secondary damage.
Windshield Detachment Risk Under Impact
Eroded adhesive bond creates risk that windshield will disengage during accident, rollover, or airbag deployment. One owner confirmed by windshield technician that bonding material is eroded enough to allow the glass to be pushed out of frame. This poses catastrophic safety risk if collision or rollover occurs.
When: Risk present once seal failure is evident; no reported instances of actual detachment, but owners cite concern based on technician feedback
Symptoms owners cite: Windshield loose at top edge and able to be pushed by hand; Bonding material visibly eroded; No structural support if airbag deploys or vehicle rolls
Repairs/costs cited: Full windshield replacement is the only remedy; resealing alone does not restore structural integrity.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No recall or structural reinforcement program. Volvo declines to address this as a manufacturing defect.
Sunroof Drain Clog (Secondary Mention)
One owner research indicates sunroof drain lines frequently clog, causing water to back up and leak from windshield or onto floor. Not independently verified in these narratives but cited as an associated factory issue in the XC60 model line.
When: Timing unclear; mentioned as a related issue occurring on 2010–2015 Volvo models
Symptoms owners cite: Water leaking from windshield when sunroof drain is clogged; Water on floor of vehicle from backed-up drain
Repairs/costs cited: Drain cleaning or clearing would address this; no repair costs cited
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Volvo is reported to be aware but unwilling to address via recall.
Synthesized from 25 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 7 most recent
There is a leak in the top left corner of the windshield. There are not cracks, breaks or abrasions on the windshield. I have looked into the problem and it seems that all glass companies in the area are aware of the problem and say that it is an original/manufacturing issue. This is a safety concern because if it is raining while I am driving then this would impair my visibility and cause…
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.
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…
Factory installed windshield seal is unbonded and water runs down the inside of the windshield while driving in snow and rain, reducing visibility with no way of clearing it while driving. Water penetration from the windshield also produces condensation, further reducing visibility. Yesterday while driving it began raining while I was driving at 60 MPH on the highway and water began running down…
Water enters from the front of the windshield while driving.
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.
Water is leaking down the inside of the windshield while driving in rain. It comes from the top edge and streaks down the drivers side (left side). I spoke with a mechanic that services my vehicle and was told if it was a sunroof drain issue it would be coming down the pillars and getting on the floor. They were confident that it was the windshield that was leaking and referred me to a local auto…
Had visibility trouble with your 2013 Volvo XC60?
File a complaint with NHTSA → It's free, official, and how every report above got here — owner filings are the federal safety record this page is built on.
Common questions
How serious is the visibility problem on the 2013 Volvo XC60?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 25 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?
Across the 10 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most visibility failures cluster between 79,000 and 115,000 miles, with the median around 94,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 79,000; a quarter make it past 115,000. Maintenance history matters more than the odometer alone — this is the reported failure window, not a guarantee.
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.
Related
Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database. Verify the raw federal record at
nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2013/Volvo/XC60.
Severity ratings are derived from reported crashes, fires, injuries, and fatalities. Repair cost estimates are
independent-shop national averages and may differ in your area. Some links on this page are affiliate links.