In the European service world, Volvo visibility failures land on our lifts with regularity. 124 complaints across 20 year-model entries (2005–2016) is consistent with what we move in parts orders. The pattern repeats across model years, which usually points to a shared component supplier rather than a single bad production batch. 2 crash reports on file. Not a high count, but the failure mode has put owners in the position to file. Independent-shop repair on this category runs around $350; dealer pricing tends to run thirty to forty percent higher on European brands. Wipers, washers, backup camera, defroster — exercise all of them on the test drive. None of these failures are emergencies but they add up.
ProblemsByVin VOLVO / VISIBILITY
20 model-year entries · 2005–2016
Volvo visibility problems
124 owner complaints filed with NHTSA against Volvo vehicles for visibility issues. See visibility across all makes →
Complaints
124
Recalls
0
Year-models
20
Avg fix
$350
2crashes
1injury
Worst-affected Volvo model-years for visibility Top 20 by complaint volume
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20
2013 Volvo XC60
24 complaints · ~$350 moderate
2012 Volvo XC60
21 complaints · ~$350 moderate
2010 Volvo XC60
10 complaints · ~$350 moderate
2011 Volvo C30
6 complaints · ~$350 moderate
2005 Volvo S40
6 complaints · ~$350 moderate
2013 Volvo S60
5 complaints · ~$350 moderate
2011 Volvo XC60
5 complaints · ~$350 moderate
2006 Volvo S40
5 complaints · ~$350 moderate
2005 Volvo XC90
5 complaints · ~$350 severe
2012 Volvo S60
4 complaints · ~$350 moderate
2012 Volvo XC70
4 complaints · ~$350 moderate
2010 Volvo S80
4 complaints · ~$350 moderate
2010 Volvo C30
4 complaints · ~$350 severe
2016 Volvo S60
3 complaints · ~$350 moderate
2013 Volvo XC70
3 complaints · ~$350 moderate
2012 Volvo C30
3 complaints · ~$350 moderate
2008 Volvo S80
3 complaints · ~$350 moderate
2008 Volvo XC70
3 complaints · ~$350 moderate
2008 Volvo S40
3 complaints · ~$350 severe
2007 Volvo S80
3 complaints · ~$350 moderate
Active recalls — Volvo visibility 10 on file
On certain vehicles, if the wiper arm is activated in extreme winter weather conditions and without lifting the wiper arms and cleaning the windshield prior to moving, the wiper arm might slip on its driveshaft, resulting in an inability to move the wipers from the park position
Inoperative wipers under inclement weather conditions could cause a crash due to impaired visibility.
Fix: Dealers will replace the wiper arms and retaining nuts. The recall began on september 5, 2006. Owners may contact Volvo cars at 1-800-458-1552.
Volvo Car of N
The risk of the front wiper arms nut fixation to loosen and not holding the arm in correct position, the wiper function could be reduced and vision could be impaired, thus increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Volvo Car will notify owners, and dealers will tighten the nuts holding the front windshield wiper arms in position, free of charge. The recall began September 29, 2020. Owners may contact Volvo Car customer service at 1-800-458-1552. Volvo Car's number for this recall is R10044.
Volvo Trucks North America (Volvo Trucks) is recalling certain 2022-2024 VNR, VNL, VHD, and VAH trucks
Inoperative windshield wipers can reduce visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Dealers will replace the windshield wiper motor assembly, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed November 1, 2023. Owners may contact Volvo Trucks customer service at 1-800-528-6586. Volvo Trucks number for this recall is RVXX2309.
Volvo trucks is recalling 127,764 my 2001-2008 vhd, vnl, vnm, and my 2005-2008 vt trucks
If this happens a short circuit may occur, which over time could possibly lead to a vehicle fire.
Fix: Volvo will replace the wiper motor free of charge. Since this recall involves a large number of vehicles, Volvo will release the recall in stages as parts are received. Priority will be given to the vehicles located in the regions/states that have a corrosive environment. The recall began on september 30, 2009. Owners may contact Volvo trucks at 1-800-528-6586.
Volvo Car USA, LLC (Volvo) is recalling certain 2025 S90 vehicles
Windows that detach can create a road hazard and increase the risk of a crash or injury. In addition, the front windshield may not properly support a passenger air bag deployment, increasing the risk of injury during a crash.
Fix: Dealers will remove and reinstall the windows, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 24, 2025. Owners may contact Volvo's customer service at 800-458-1552. Volvo's number for this recall is R10307.
Volvo Trucks North America (Volvo) is recalling certain model year 2011-2012 VAH, VHD, VNL, and VNM trucks manufactured February 1, 2010, through September 30, 2010 and June 1, 2011, through November 30, 2011
Inoperable wipers may result in poor driver visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Volvo will notify owners and dealers will replace the windshield wiper motor, free of charge. The recallbegan on December 6, 2013. Owners may contact Volvo at 1-336-393-2000. Volvo's recall number is RVXX1304.
On certain sport utility vehicles, under certain conditions, the climate control module (ccm) may receive a 'shut-down signal' from the engine control module (ECM) after ignition key insertion
Inoperative defrosters under inclement weather conditions could cause impaired visibility which has the potential to result in personal injury and/or vehicle and property damage.
Fix: The ECM software will be upgraded. The recall began on january 28, 2008. Owners may contact Volvo at 1-800-458-1552.
Volvo trucks is recalling certain model year 2010-2011 vnl trucks
This could allow the glass to come loose and possibly fall out increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Dealers will inspect and replace the window as required free of charge. The safety recall began on june 4, 2010. Owners may contact Volvo trucks at 1-800-528-6586.
Volvo Car USA LLC (Volvo) is recalling certain model year 2016 XC90 vehicles manufactured January 27, 2015, to April 23, 2016
If the switch is unintentionally pressed and the sunroof panel closes, there is an increased risk of occupant injury.
Fix: Volvo will notify owners, and dealers will perform a software upgrade that disables the auto-close function, free of charge. The recall began June 24, 2016. Owners may contact Volvo customer service at 1-800-458-1552 or by visiting http://Volvo.custhelp.com. Volvo's number for this recall is R89702.
Volvo trucks is recalling certain model year 2009-2010 vnl, vt, and 780 trucks manufactured from march 1, 2008 through february 6, 2009
The upper window hinges may fail and allow the glass to fall out of the window frame creating a road hazard and increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Dealers will inspect and repair as required free of charge. The safety recall began on december 1, 2010. Owners may contact Volvo trucks at 1-800-528-6586.
Common questions
How many Volvo visibility complaints are on file with NHTSA?
124 complaints across 20 model-year entries from 2005 to 2016. No active recall campaigns currently cover this category for Volvo.
Which Volvo model has the most visibility complaints?
The 2013 Volvo XC60 leads with 24 complaints in this category. Next: 2012 XC60 (21) and 2010 XC60 (10).
What does it cost to fix Volvo visibility problems?
Independent shops average $350 for visibility repairs across the Volvo lineup. Dealer pricing tends to run twenty to forty percent higher. Specific cost depends on the failure mode and parts availability.
Are there Volvo visibility recalls?
Yes — 10 active recall campaigns cover visibility on Volvo vehicles. Recall fixes are free regardless of mileage or warranty status. The list below shows current campaigns with their NHTSA numbers.
Related
Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) public records database.
Editorial commentary written by Frank DeSantis, an independent contributor to ProblemsByVin
and not affiliated with Volvo.
Severity ratings derive from reported crashes, fires, injuries, and fatalities on the NHTSA complaint and recall record.
Repair cost averages reflect independent-shop pricing and may differ in your area.