Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (power windows, windshield, wipers, mirrors, sunroof).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2013 Volvo XC60 owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
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 glass business for repair. I read on a car forum about other Volvo car owners having the exact same problem with their Volvos that are around the same age as mine. It seems to be a glass adhesion failure that consistently occurs on the top edge of the Volvo OEM windshields. …
The problem started 2 years ago and has progressively become worse. The original windshield is leaking water, which drains down inside the A-pillar and windshield. Water also leaks into the air-bag in the A-pillar, and moisture may come in contact with the electronic parts in the dashboard, creating a safety issue and a potential fire hazard. Last year I contacted Tucson Volvo for help, and they referred me to JD Auto Glass [phone]). The local dealer refused to take any responsibility for this safety defect. There have been heavy rains recently in Tucson, and water is dripping onto my lap while I am driving, and trying to wipe the dashboard dry. This causes a major distraction and obstructs my vision, since the water continuously runs down the inside of the windshield glass. Yesterday I contacted Tucson Volvo again, and they referred me to Tony's AutoGlass [phone]). …
Several ounces of water leaking onto drivers hands on steering wheel from top of windshield when braking in adverse weather conditions is a severe and dangerous distraction to driving and braking. Condition first noticed in first heavy rain storm soon after using drive-through car wash, and persisted and worsened steadily thereafter. This condition is particularly dangerous as it occurs only when driver attempts to slow the vehicle at an intersection, and water in the roof flows forward into, and fills, the cavity that contains the top edge of the windshield with a large quantity of water which then flows onto the driver's hands and lap with no warning. Dealer is aware of defective windshield seals common to this year and model but will not assume repair beyond warranty period.
While driving in the rain, water leaked in the through the top of the windshield, dripping on me and running down the inside of the windshield. This is a distraction for the driver to deal with the shock of getting wet while driving, as well as, and most importantly, a major visibility issue to have to deal with water on the inside of the windshield that impacts the driver's line of sight. I have read online that this model vehicle (and similar) has a known issue with the adhesive securing the windshield in place breaking down over time. If this is not corrected on my vehicle, the windshield could come loose and detach from the vehicle. It is *shocking* that there is not a recall in place for this model and similar vehicles impacted.
Noticed rain entering car from front windshield on the driver's side. Car was taken to an auto glass company thinking it was a seal. The technician showed me that there was no seal on the top of the windshield. He informed me that if I pushed the top of the windshield up I could confirm the seal was broken. He suggested I take it to the dealer ship because this was not a new issue. When I took it to the dealership the female auto adviser said she had not heard of such a problem. I contacted Volvo and was informed I needed to take it to the dealership for them to diagnose but did not indicate whether or not they would correct the damage.
The issue is with the windshields separating from the bonding agent ( not sealing ) it is cause for a safety issue not only because it is loose and can move when pushed up , but water is entering the vehicle through the top part of the windshield and entering the electrical controls for the lights and sun roof causing a potential short or shock hazard, not to mention ruining the interior of the vehicle ,( headliner, mold..etc..). I and many other's ( see link below) feel it is necessary to have Volvo make the replacement of windshields in their vehicles . https://beranek.agrrmag.com/2015/04/volvo-glass-bonding-issue/
Windshield leaks water into cabin. Volvo dealership charged $190 to diagnose problem. Told me I need a new windshield but they do not do glass replacement or repairs. They said sealant is bad at top of windshield. This is the original factory windshield. They referred me to a independent glass company who quoted $900 - $1285 for replacement. Cannot repair only install new windshield. This seems to be a known problem with Volvo cars and the sealant that was used at factory? Not covered by insurance. Car was parked outside during rain.
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 lot.
Yesterday ice-cold water was dripping onto my lap while I was driving (distracting), as well as obstructing my vision while it ran down the inside of the glass. In addition, water collected at the footwell made it soggy and being that it was 5 degrees overnight it was frozen solid making the break pedal almost non-functional.
I purchased a certified pre-owned 2013 Volvo XC60 from a local Volvo dealership in June 2016. After approximately 18 months of owning the vehicle, I noticed a slight leak from the driver's side windshield after having the car washed. The leak became increasingly worse over the following few months, as I also noticed water accumulating on the driver's side floor during heavy rains. Subsequently, I took the vehicle to the Volvo dealership where it was purchased. I was told by the service department the windshield needed to be resealed, which is considered part of the owner's maintenance. Additionally, I was informed the dealership is not responsible for the windshield breaking during removal to reseal. I've since researched this issue being a factory problem with the primer and/or sealant used by Volvo, which can cause the windshield to pop out during an impact. …
Window & Wiper complaints in other XC60 years
Frequently asked questions
How common are window & wiper problems on the 2013 Volvo XC60?
NHTSA has 29 complaints about the windows, wipers & sunroof of the 2013 Volvo XC60, 44% of the model year's 66 complaints. The component named most often is windshield (2 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2013 Volvo XC60 window & wiper problems?
No. NHTSA lists no windows, wipers & sunroof recall for the 2013 Volvo XC60, though it has 3 recalls for other components. If the problem is widespread, a repair may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin — ask a dealer.
At what mileage do 2013 Volvo XC60 window & wiper problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 84,000 miles.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.