Recall 19V046 covers 45,990 2018-2019 Volvo XC60 SUVs for separating tailgate lift arms. Repair will be free at any franchised Volvo dealer.
Volvo is recalling 45,990 2018-2019 XC60 SUVs because cold temperatures can freeze the tailgate lifting arms and cause them to separate from the vehicle. If the arms separate, they can project rearward with significant force and increase the risk of injury; the Volvo dealer repair will be free once the remedy is ready.
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What's wrong?
The power operated tailgate on the 2018-2019 Volvo XC60 uses lifting arms, also called drive units, to raise and hold the rear hatch. Each arm has an inner tube, an outer tube, clips, and a spring that supplies lifting force. When the system works correctly, those parts move together so the tailgate opens smoothly and stays supported.
On affected XC60 SUVs, moisture and cold temperatures can let ice form between the inner and outer plastic tubes. The clip that holds the outer tube does not have enough strength for that frozen condition. If the clip breaks, the outer tube shifts out of place and the lifting arm loses structural strength. When the tailgate is operated after that, the arm can separate and release the spring rearward with force.
What you notice is tied to cold weather operation. Listen for unusual noise from the tailgate, or a tailgate that stops working or loses lifting function in freezing conditions.
Who's affected?
Spans the 2018 and 2019 XC60 model years with the same tailgate body-structure component.
| 2019 Volvo XC60 | body structure |
|---|---|
| 2018 Volvo XC60 | body structure |
| Units affected | 45,990 |
| Field incidents | NHTSA has logged 50 field incidents to date. |
A matching 2018-2019 Volvo XC60 does not guarantee inclusion. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific SUV is included.
What's the safety risk?
If the tailgate lift arms separate, parts can project rearward with significant force, increasing the risk of injury. Keep people clear of the tailgate while operating it, especially in freezing weather. If it makes noise or loses function, stop using the tailgate and contact the dealer. Repair will be free at any franchised Volvo dealer once available.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2018-2019 Volvo XC60 is included in this recall.
- Wait for Volvo's repair notice or customer-service confirmation before scheduling the tailgate-lift-arm replacement.
- Contact a franchised Volvo dealer once your VIN is ready for the free tailgate-lift-arm replacement that secures the arms so they do not separate in cold weather.
- Bring the recall notice if Volvo mailed one. If not, reference recall number 19V046 when you call.
- Avoid standing directly behind the open tailgate until the repair is complete.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Volvo technician will replace the tailgate lift arms with improved parts. The final dealer repair will be free once Volvo opens it for your vehicle. The work addresses lift arms that freeze in cold conditions and separate from the tailgate area. Volvo has a general reimbursement plan on file for this campaign, so documented out-of-pocket repairs tied to the tailgate lift arms are handled through that standard plan. Bring repair paperwork to the service desk and ask how Volvo processes reimbursement for recall 19V046.
| Reimbursement | Reimbursement available |
|---|
Timeline
| January 18, 2019 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| January 18, 2019 | Dealer notification began |
| January 18, 2019 | Dealer notification ended |
| February 20, 2019 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
| May 14, 2019 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 19V046?
Recall 19V046 covers 45,990 2018-2019 Volvo XC60 vehicles with tailgate lifting arms that can freeze in cold conditions and separate from the vehicle. If the arms separate, they can project rearward with significant force and increase injury risk.
What should I do if my 2018-2019 Volvo XC60 is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific XC60 is included in recall 19V046. If it is, contact a franchised Volvo dealer and ask for recall R89910. Volvo told owners the recall repair began May 14, 2019.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to repair the defect at no cost. Volvo dealers will replace the tailgate lift arms with an improved design free of charge, and Volvo lists customer service at 1-800-458-1552.
What is the safety risk?
The injury risk comes from the tailgate lift arms separating from the vehicle. In cold conditions, the arms can freeze, separate, and project rearward with significant force. Keep people clear of the tailgate area until a Volvo dealer completes the free repair.
What if I bought my Volvo XC60 used?
The free recall repair still applies. Recall coverage follows the vehicle, not the first owner. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific XC60 is included, then call a franchised Volvo dealer and reference recall 19V046 or Volvo recall R89910.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/19V046000 |
|---|---|
| Volvo customer service | 1-800-458-1552 |
| NHTSA recall # | 19V046 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 19V046000 |
Source documents
-
Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF) - Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Recall Investigation Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Owner Notification Letter (PDF)
- Download Owner Notice (PDF)
- Download Recall Report (PDF)
- Download Quarterly Report (PDF)
- Download Recall Acknowledgement (PDF)
This article is generated from NHTSA's primary recall filings and reviewed against the source on May 25, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →