This is a Service Manager Bulletin: Windshield replacement products.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2013 Volvo XC70 visibility problems
moderate 3 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $350 · see visibility across all vehicles →
Complaints
3
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$350
When does it fail?
Of the 3 visibility complaints filed for the 2013 Volvo XC70, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 25,000-50,000 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
No new NHTSA visibility complaint has been filed on this vehicle in over 3 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 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.
What owners are reporting 3 most recent
Top windshield seal leaks, causing water running down windshield, and excess condensation creating visibility issues. Known problem by Volvo USA and dealers.
Windshield loose at top sealing surface per mechanic. Leaks at times during car wash, heavy rain.
Windshield seal failure. Water/rain/carwash now leaks into the cabin of the car down the inside of the windshield directly in front of the driver's field of vision, obscuring visibility while driving. This is a clear safety hazard that is well chronicled on Volvo owner-sites. Volvo needs to issue a recall, as this affects the entire P3 platform (S60/V70/XC70)
Had visibility trouble with your 2013 Volvo XC70?
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 XC70?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 3 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 3 complaints filed, visibility issues most often appear around 26,592 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.
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/XC70.
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.