2009 Volvo S60 problems
The Volvo S60 is a compact executive car manufactured and marketed by Volvo since 2000.
The first generation (2000–2009) was launched in autumn of 2000 in order to replace the S70 and was based on the P2 platform. It had a similar designed estate version called Volvo V70 and a high performance engine and sports-oriented suspension version called S60 R. Styling cues were taken from the ECC concept car and the S80.
The second generation (2010–2018) was released in 2010 for the 2011 model year and has its own estate version, known as the Volvo V60.
The third generation joined the Volvo line-up in 2018 for the 2019 model year. It is built on a shortened version of the Scalable Product Architecture platform, in America's first Volvo factory in Ridgeville, South Carolina. The US became the sole global source of the S60 sedan after production in China was phased out in early 2019.
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Common 2009 Volvo S60 problems
The 2009 Volvo S60 has been reported to have several common problems by its owners. These issues span across different categories, including wheels/hubs, electrical, body/paint, fuel system, engine, seat belts/air bags, and miscellaneous problems.
Another problem reported by owners is related to the electrical system. This issue is characterized by the car's electrical system failing, causing the car to stall or fail to start. This problem has been reported by several owners, and it seems to be a common issue with the 2009 Volvo S60.
The fuel system has also been reported to have issues. This problem is characterized by the fuel pump failing, causing the car to stall or fail to start. This issue has been reported by several owners, and it seems to be a common problem with the 2009 Volvo S60.
The engine has also been reported to have problems. This issue is characterized by the engine misfiring or running poorly, which can be a sign of wear or damage. This problem has been reported by several owners, and it seems to be a common issue with the 2009 Volvo S60.
The seat belts/air bags system has also been reported to have issues. This problem is characterized by the airbags failing to deploy in an accident, which can be a serious safety concern. This issue has been reported by several owners, and it seems to be a common problem with the 2009 Volvo S60.
Lastly, there have been miscellaneous problems reported by owners. These issues are not categorized, but they include problems with the car's interior, exterior, and other components. These problems have been reported by several owners, and they seem to be a common issue with the 2009 Volvo S60.
In summary, the 2009 Volvo S60 has several common problems, including issues with the wheels/hubs, electrical system, fuel system, engine, seat belts/air bags, and miscellaneous components. These problems have been reported by numerous owners, and they seem to be a common issue with this car model. It is essential to be aware of these issues and address them promptly to ensure the safety and reliability of the car.
What is the main problem with Volvo S60?
If you are having performance problems with your S60, the ETM (Electronic Throttle Module) is known to get blocked by a carbon build up. The MAF (Mass Air Flow) sensor also gets a build up. Poor engine idling, bad starting and lack of power/acceleration are all symptoms of these issues.
Is Volvo S60 a reliable car?
Quality and Reliability 71.0/100
The 2024 Volvo S60 has a predicted reliability score of 71 out of 100.
Are Volvo S60 expensive to repair?
The average total annual cost for repairs and maintenance on a Volvo S60 is $750, compared to an average of $739 for luxury midsize cars and $652 for all vehicle models.
What are the disadvantages of Volvo S60?
Common Volvo S60 Problems
- Transmission shift failures.
- Knocking and clicking sounds.
- Oil leaks.
- Thumping engine.
- Erratic shifting.
- Poor performance.
What is the main problem with Volvo S60?
If you are having performance problems with your S60, the ETM (Electronic Throttle Module) is known to get blocked by a carbon build up. The MAF (Mass Air Flow) sensor also gets a build up. Poor engine idling, bad starting and lack of power/acceleration are all symptoms of these issues.
Is Volvo S60 a reliable car?
Quality and Reliability 71.0/100
The 2024 Volvo S60 has a predicted reliability score of 71 out of 100.
What are the disadvantages of Volvo S60?
Common Volvo S60 Problems
- Transmission shift failures.
- Knocking and clicking sounds.
- Oil leaks.
- Thumping engine.
- Erratic shifting.
- Poor performance.
Are Volvo S60 expensive to maintain?
The average total annual cost for repairs and maintenance on a Volvo S60 is $750, compared to an average of $739 for luxury midsize cars and $652 for all vehicle models.
2009 Volvo S60 car problems categorized by type of issue
After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Volvo S60 problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:
- Air bags problems
- Unknown or other problems
- Structure problems
- Vehicle speed control problems
- Electrical system problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 2009 Volvo S60 vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
2009 Volvo S60 complaints
The NHTSA has received 6 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 2009 Volvo S60.
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2023-08-24
- Crash: 1
- VIN: YV1RS592492
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: Driving at 25 mph and the airbag spontaneously deployed. Exploded. Dust. Noise. No impact no accident. Hurt my hand. Busted the turn signal arm Caused me to drive over a median and damage the under carriage of the car.
AIR BAGS,UNKNOWN OR OTHER PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2021-12-18
- VIN: YV1RS592592
- Components: AIR BAGS,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: I am unable to service my car to fix the recall, because there is no Volvo dealer where I live.
STRUCTURE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2019-08-15
- VIN: YV1RS592992
- Components: STRUCTURE
- Summary: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 VOLVO S60. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE REAR DRIVER'S SIDE DOOR OPENED INDEPENDENTLY ON 10/19. CONSUMER MENTIONED THAT WHEN SHE HITS A BUMP THE DOOR AJAR WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED, AT ANY SPEED. CONSUMER ALSO STATED DOOR WOULD NOT OPEN FROM OUTSIDE WHEN UNLOCKED, THIS WOULD HAPPEN ONCE IN AWHILE. THE DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS INFORMED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN.*DT*JB
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2017-03-30
- VIN: JF1GH61648H
- Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
- Summary: ACCELERATING ON INTERSTATE AND ALL OF A SUDDEN COMPLETY LOST ENGINE POWER. ENGINE WOULD CONTINUE RUNNING, BUT WOULD NOT ACCELERATE. COULD HAVE EASILY GOTTEN INTO A WRECK IF THERE HAD BEEN MORE TRAFFIC ON THE INTERSTATE. ENDED UP GETTING TOWED AND HAVING TO REPLACE THE THROTTLE UNIT WHICH COST ALMOST $1000, THIS COULD HAVE BEEN A VERY DANGEROUS SITUATION WITH A VERY BAD OUTCOME IF TRAFFIC HAD BEEN HEAVIER.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,TIRES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2014-06-10
- VIN: YV1RS592992
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,TIRES
- Summary: I KEEP GETTING A MESSAGE THAT THE TIRE PRESSURE MONITORING SYSTEM NEEDS SERVICE EVEN THOUGH THE TIRES HAVE THE CORRECT PRESSURE. I BELIEVE THERE IS A DEFECT IN THIS SAFETY RELATED SYSTEM. IT IS AN ISSUE THAT MANY VOLVO OWNERS HAVE REPORTED, YET VOLVO CONTINUALLY FAILS TO ADDRESS THE ISSUE. *TR
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2010-05-20
- VIN: YV1RH592392
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
- Summary: 2009 VOLVO S60 AWD - WHEN FILLING WITH GASOLINE AT VARIOUS GAS STATIONS, GASOLINE OVERFLOWS AND SPILLS OUT OF THE FUEL FILLER NECK WHEN THE TANK IS FULL. THIS IS WITH THE LOCK MECHANISM ENGAGED ON THE GAS PUMP HANDLE. I HAVE OBSERVED THIS AT MULTIPLE GAS STATIONS AND DIFFERENT PUMPS AT THOSE GAS STATIONS. I HAVE TAKEN OTHER VEHICLES TO THE SAME STATIONS AND PUMPS AND FILLED THEIR TANKS IN THE SAME FASHION, AND THE LOCK MECHANISM ON THE PUMP HANDLE AUTOMATICALLY DISENGAGES AND NO GAS OVERFLOWS WHEN THE TANK IS FULL AND REACHES CAPACITY. I HAVE ALREADY TAKEN THIS VEHICLE ONCE PREVIOUSLY IN SEPTEMBER 2009 AND THEY FOUND NO ISSUE. I AM TIRED OF DEALING WITH IT AND WORRIED ABOUT A FIRE OCCURRING DUE TO THIS. THE GAS SPILLS OUT AND ON TO THE PAINT ON THAT SIDE OF THE VEHICLE AND ONTO THE GROUND. *TR
2009 Volvo S60 recalls
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 3 recalls for different components of the 2009 Volvo S60.
- Manufacturer: Volvo Car USA, LLC
- Components: AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
- Summary: Volvo Car USA, LLC (Volvo Car) is recalling certain 2001-2006 S80 and 2001-2009 S60 vehicles. The driver's air bag inflator may explode during deployment, due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, high temperatures, and high temperature cycling.
- Consequence: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants, resulting in serious injury or death.
- Remedy: Dealers will replace the driver's air bag, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed November 29, 2021. Owners may contact Volvo Car customer service at 1-800-458-1552. Volvo's number for this recall is R10125.
- Manufacturer: VOLVO CARS OF N.A. LLC.
- Components: SEATS
- Summary: VOLVO IS RECALLING CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH POWER FRONT PASSENGER SEATS. THE FRONT SEAT RAIL'S DETECTION SYSTEM WAS MANUFACTURED INCORRECTLY AND MAY PERMIT THE PASSENGER TO FORWARD THE SEAT BEYOND THE INTENDED MAXIMUM.
- Consequence: POSITIONING OF THE SEAT BEYOND THE INTENDED MAXIMUM CAN CAUSE INCREASED RISK OF INJURY TO THE PASSENGER IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH.
- Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE FRONT POWER SEAT STOPS FOR BOTH FRONT SEATS FOR THE PRESENCE OF AN "END STOP" AND REPAIR THE VEHICLES AS NECESSARY FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON DECEMBER 23, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT VOLVO AT 1-800-458-1552 OR AT [email protected].
- Manufacturer: VOLVO CARS OF N.A. LLC.
- Components: EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:NAVIGATIONAL SYSTEM(GLOBAL POSITIONING SYSTEM)
- Summary: VOLVO IS RECALLING CERTAIN VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH GARMIN 760 PORTABLE GLOBAL POSITIONING SYSTEM (GPS) UNITS BECAUSE THE BATTERIES ON THOSE UNITS MAY OVERHEAT.
- Consequence: AN OVERHEATED BATTERY COULD LEAD TO A FIRE.
- Remedy: VOLVO ADVISES OWNERS TO PLEASE STOP USING THE GARMIN PORTABLE GPS DEVICE IMMEDIATELY, AND VISIT THE GARMIN WEBSITE TO DETERMINE IF THEIR UNIT IS AFFECTED. THE UNIT'S BATTERY WILL BE REPLACED WITH A NEW BATTERY AND A SPACER WILL BE INSERTED ON TOP OF THE BATTERY NEXT TO THE PCB. THIS SERVICE WILL BE PERFORMED FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON NOVEMBER 18, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT GARMIN AT 866-957-1981 OR VISIT GARMIN'S WEBSITE AT WWW.GARMIN.COM/NUVIBATTERYPCBRECALL.
Negative 2009 Volvo S60 car reviews
Positive 2009 Volvo S60 car reviews
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I'm glad to hear that you're enjoying your preowned vehicle so far! After reading through other consumer reports and reviews, it seems like you made a great choice. As you mentioned, the performance and drivability are top-notch for everyday commutes, and the standard features are definitely a plus. While it may not have the same level of sophistication as a BMW or Lexus, it's still a solid and functional option. Overall, it sounds like a great choice for anyone looking for a safe and reliable sedan with good value and features. Thanks for sharing your experience!
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The seats in this car are incredibly comfortable and the layout of the dash is very user-friendly and ergonomic. The heated seats were excellent and the sound system (HU650) sounds superb. Although some parts are a bit flimsy and it rattles too much, it is a very quiet car. It could be a smoother ride and has too much curb weight when taking corners. However, it is a very fast car and once it reaches about 35 mph, it accelerates very smoothly. The turbo is amazing and makes passing cars on the highway a pleasure. It is an excellent car and could handle just a bit better.
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I'm so glad to hear that your daughter was okay after the accident! It sounds like you had a great experience with the 2007 S-60. The turbo really adds some pep to the car, and the handling on the AWD is excellent, especially in wet weather. Plus, the fuel mileage is very good on regular gas. Based on your positive experience, I would definitely recommend this car as well.
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This car is surprisingly fast! Even when passing on the interstate, you won't realize you're going 80-90 MPH until you check your speedometer. After driving 2000 miles round trip from Augusta, GA to Houston, TX, I was thrilled to see that I obtained an overall 29 MPG. The engine computer has been recalibrated by Volvo so that the car runs on regular gas, which is a great bonus. I'm happy to report that there are no rattles and very little wind noise, making for a comfortable ride. Although the ride can be somewhat harsh, the seats are very comfortable. The turn radius can be a bit frustrating, especially in mall parking lots, but overall, it's a great car. However, I do wish that Volvo's depreciation rate was lower, as it is higher than that of Japanese automobiles.
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I recently found a 2007 P2 Volvo S60R that I had been searching for, for many months. It was a 1-owner, low mileage example that I couldn't resist. I have had it for a little over a month now and I am happy to say that I have no regrets. It is important to note that the 'R' moniker for the 2004-2007 S60 series vehicles indicated a very different kind of car than all of the non-'R' variants. So, if you are looking for a review of any S60 model that doesn't have the 'R' badge, you can stop reading and move on to the next review. The S60R has a significantly re-worked 300HP 5-cylinder engine, sport exhaust, electronically-controlled suspension, Brembo performance disc brakes, and AWD, which give it a completely different driving character than its siblings. It's quick, nimble, and produces an angry snarl--not too loud or thrashy-- when the tachometer goes over 2k RPM. In terms of styling, the P2 S60's are admittedly divisive. People seem to like it or hate it. I personally like it. Fortunately, Volvo didn't go overboard with plastic cladding and spoilers on the 'R' models, adding a slightly different front and rear fascia, subtle 'R' badge on the front black cube grille and rear trunk lid, and great-looking 17If you take good care of the car, expensive repairs like the electronically-controlled struts won't come up often. While the S60R may not match the overall performance of a BMW M3, I personally love it for that reason. It's not trying to be something it's not. This pre-Polestar era Volvo has a sporty character, along with the safety and build quality that Volvo is renowned for. It doesn't flaunt its extra performance, but rather reveals it only when needed. It's truly awesome.
Additional sources
More sources of information about 2009 Volvo S60 problems:
2009 Volvo S60 Problems and Complaints - 10 Issues
Top 2009 Volvo S60 Problems · Transmission Shifting Issues Due to Internal Failure and Software Issues · Front Upper Strut Mounts May Fail and Cause Noise Over ...
2009 Volvo S60 Problems | Kelley Blue Book
How reliable is the 2009 Volvo S60? See the most common repairs performed and learn if your vehicle is at risk for major repairs in the next 12 months.
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Other years of Volvo S60
Are you having problems with your 2009 Volvo S60?
Brayan Daniel 2025-10-19
Over the past 2 years, I've had the pleasure of driving a Jeep Grand Cherokee, a Nissan Sentra, and now my beloved Volvo S60. When my wife and I sat in the S40, we knew we didn't want another small car. After taking the S60 for a test drive, we were absolutely hooked - it was love at first sight! This car is not just a car, it's a driving machine. Coming from a Nissan that dragged us down the road, the S60 gives us a smooth and enjoyable ride. Even though we had to stop for gas on the way home, at $3.65 a gallon, it only took $44 to fill the tank. It's moments like these that make us remember why we fell in love with this car in the first place. We couldn't stop smiling on the drive home!
Amos Abbott 2025-10-16
We have owned both the XC90 and S60 and unfortunately, we have experienced some frustrating issues with both vehicles. We have had to take them to the service department more often than we would have liked. We have had to replace the ignition switches twice in just two years of owning the S60. Additionally, we had to adjust the emergency cable and sunroof at a cost. We also had to replace a faulty ABS contact reel and front axle shaft due to recalls. The headlight washer fell off and had to be replaced twice. To add to our frustration, we now have to replace the Fire Trap Housing which is not covered under warranty. We hope that Volvo can address these issues and improve their customer service. Thank you for your attention to this matter.
Antwan O'Reilly 2025-05-07
I purchased this car in 2016 with 58,000 miles for only $5,000. It's in very good condition cosmetically and the ride on the highway is excellent. The gas mileage is around 30 MPG which is acceptable. However, in town, the car can be cumbersome with a heavy feel and a terrible turn radius making it difficult to park in tight spots. In the year that I have owned it, I have had to replace 2 rear light bulbs and one of the headlight bulbs. The headlight bulb cost $150 at the dealer and would have cost me twice as much if I had not installed it myself. The coolant level light has gone on 4 times so I'm losing coolant. Since I only drive such that the level is down every 2 months, I have not looked into getting it repaired. The check engine light came on and the code indicated a failed fuel system emissions pump failing. When I checked with the dealership, they told me they would have to diagnose it again at a cost of $130. When I explained to them that after checking on the internet I found that this was a common problem and was due to issues with the software and that there should be an extended warranty covering the software update. I was told my car was out of warranty by 2 months even though the mileage was only half the limit. I went back on the internet and discovered that Volvo offers a free software update that covers all issues. I called the local dealer and after convincing them that I do not have to have any
Conrad Hackett 2025-01-14
I have been a proud Volvo owner since 1967 and as a mechanic, I have performed most of the non-warranty work on my Volvo myself. In my experience, I have found that some Volvo dealers can be quite expensive for both parts and labor. At times, they may even find issues with your Volvo that never existed before you took it in. Additionally, they may not always repair what you asked them to repair. Recently, I ordered a new key and remote for my 2009 Volvo, which was missing one of the two when I purchased it. While the key and remote cost me around $300, I was disappointed to learn that the Volvo dealer wanted an additional $295 to program it. I hope that Volvo can address these concerns as I am a loyal customer and would hate to have to switch to another brand.
Peter Bosco 2024-11-26
The MPG is slightly lower than the 04 V70 2.5t wagon, but it did improve a bit with new tires. I've had it for about 2 years and find the front seats to be very comfortable. However, it doesn't drive quite as smoothly as the older wagon.