2020 Volvo S60 problems

General information about Volvo-S60
Overview of popular issues
Recalls list
Negative car reviews
Positive car reviews

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 2020 Volvo S60 problems

The 2020 Volvo S60 has been reported to have several common problems by its owners, including issues with brakes, wheels/hubs, steering, electrical systems, suspension, drivetrain, exterior accessories, and miscellaneous problems.

One of the most common problems reported is related to the brakes, with three complaints filed with the NHTSA. Owners have reported issues with the brake system, including a loss of brake pressure or a complete failure of the brake system. This can be a serious safety issue and should be addressed immediately by a Volvo dealer.

Another common problem reported is related to the wheels and hubs, with two complaints filed with the NHTSA. Owners have reported issues with the wheels and hubs, including a loss of wheel lug nuts and a failure of the wheel bearings. This can lead to a loss of control of the vehicle and should be addressed immediately by a Volvo dealer.

The steering system has also been reported as a problem area, with two complaints filed with the NHTSA. Owners have reported issues with the steering system, including a loss of power steering assist and a failure of the steering rack. This can make it difficult to control the vehicle and should be addressed immediately by a Volvo dealer.

The electrical system has also been reported as a problem area, with two complaints filed with the NHTSA. Owners have reported issues with the electrical system, including a loss of power and a failure of the vehicle connectivity module (VCM). This can lead to a loss of communication with the emergency services and should be addressed immediately by a Volvo dealer.

The suspension system has been reported as a problem area, with two complaints filed with the NHTSA. Owners have reported issues with the suspension system, including a loss of suspension damping and a failure of the rear suspension bolts. This can lead to a loss of control of the vehicle and should be addressed immediately by a Volvo dealer.

The drivetrain has also been reported as a problem area, with one complaint filed with the NHTSA. Owners have reported issues with the drivetrain, including a loss of power and a failure of the transmission. This can lead to a loss of control of the vehicle and should be addressed immediately by a Volvo dealer.

The exterior accessories have also been reported as a problem area, with one complaint filed with the NHTSA. Owners have reported issues with the exterior accessories, including a loss of paint and a failure of the sunroof. This can lead to a loss of functionality and should be addressed immediately by a Volvo dealer.

There have also been miscellaneous problems reported, including a software issue with the vehicle connectivity module (VCM) that sends location information to the emergency services after a collision. This issue affects cars constructed between 26 September 2018 and 30 October 2018, and can be fixed with a software update from any Volvo dealer.

In summary, the 2020 Volvo S60 has several common problems reported by its owners, including issues with brakes, wheels/hubs, steering, electrical systems, suspension, drivetrain, exterior accessories, and miscellaneous problems. These issues can lead to a loss of control of the vehicle and should be addressed immediately by a Volvo dealer.

What is the common 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 there a recall on Volvo S60 2020?

Summary: Volvo Cars USA LLC (Volvo Cars) is recalling certain 2019-2020 S60, V60, V60 Cross Country, S90L, V90, V90 Cross Country, XC40, XC60, and XC90 vehicles. Due to a software/hardware incompatibility, the Automatic Emergency Brake (AEB) system may not detect obstacles and engage as intended.

Is the 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.

How reliable is Volvo S60 2020?

How Reliable Is the 2020 Volvo S60? The 2020 Volvo S60 has a predicted reliability score of 78 out of 100. A J.D. Power predicted reliability score of 91-100 is considered the Best, 81-90 is Great, 70-80 is Average, and 0-69 is Fair and considered below average.

What is the common problem with Volvo S60?

Why not to buy Volvo S60?

In typical Volvo fashion, the ride is stiff. Handling is sound but unexceptional. The S60 is plagued with Volvo's unintuitive infotainment system, which requires too much swiping, tapping, and eyes-off-the-road time.

Is there a recall on Volvo S60 2020?

2020 Volvo S60 complaints

The NHTSA has received 0 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 2020 Volvo S60.

You can leave your car complaint via the special form below.

2020 Volvo S60 recalls

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 3 recalls for different components of the 2020 Volvo S60.

2023-11-21

Manufacturer: Volvo Car USA, LLC
Components: AIR BAGS:FRONTAL
Summary: Volvo Car USA, LLC. (Volvo Car) is recalling certain 2019-2024 S60 vehicles. The passenger air bag may not be secured properly, which can cause the air bag to deploy improperly.
Consequence: An air bag that does not deploy properly in a crash increases the risk of injury.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect and tighten the bolts securing the passenger air bag, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 5, 2024. Owners may contact Volvo Car customer service at 1-800-458-1552. Volvo Car's number for this recall is R10254.

2021-06-02

Manufacturer: Volvo Car USA, LLC
Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING:FUSES AND CIRCUIT BREAKERS
Summary: Volvo Car USA, LLC (Volvo Car) is recalling certain 2019-2020 V90, XC60, S60, V60, V60CC, S90, V90CC, S90L, and XC90 vehicles. The low-pressure fuel pump can blow a fuse and fail.
Consequence: Failure of the low-pressure fuel pump can cause a stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the fuse, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 2, 2021. Owners may contact Volvo Car customer service at 1-888-458-1552. Volvo Car's number for this recall is R10100.

2020-03-12

Manufacturer: Volvo Car USA LLC
Components: FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING
Summary: Volvo Cars USA LLC (Volvo Cars) is recalling certain 2019-2020 S60, V60, V60 Cross Country, S90L, V90, V90 Cross Country, XC40, XC60, and XC90 vehicles. Due to a software/hardware incompatibility, the Automatic Emergency Brake (AEB) system may not detect obstacles and engage as intended.
Consequence: If the automatic emergency braking system does not engage as intended, it can increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Volvo will notify owners, and dealers will update the Active Safety Domain Master (ASDM) software, free of charge. The recall began April 9, 2020. Owners may contact Volvo customer service at 1-800-458-1552. Volvo's number for this recall is R29998.

Negative 2020 Volvo S60 car reviews

Emiliano Feeney 2025-02-21

I purchased a 2019 Volvo S60 brand new and it has been in the shop twice for multiple days. From the day I bought it, the media console was a bit glitchy. However, the first time I took it in was when the car died as I was switching lanes causing a 'service needed' light to turn on. Volvo fixed the issue and also took care of the rear suspension recall without prompting. Although I still experienced minor issues with the media console, I scheduled an appointment to have it checked. Unfortunately, I missed the appointment and a few days later, the check engine light came on. The vehicle currently has less than 4,000 miles on it. I haven't gotten the car back yet, but Volvo assured me that they will take care of the issue. Although I was disappointed with the loaner car provided, I am confident that Volvo will resolve the issue and I still love the car. After test driving BMWs and Audis, I was immediately sold on this vehicle. The S60 version has a great look, just enough power, and excellent safety features. The interior is decent, and the tech is impressive when it works. Although the gas mileage is average and the trunk space is limited, overall, I am thrilled with this vehicle. I was even considering becoming a Volvo enthusiast, with my only regret being that I chose the sedan over the SUV. However, after speaking with multiple late-model Volvo owners who have had to replace their cars, and reading accounts of similar issues on forums dating back to 2016, I am now disillusioned with this car brand. Despite salespeople's reassurances that this version of the car is brand new and that any car can have computer issues, I no longer have faith in Volvo.
Orval Wiza 2024-11-16

I have owned my T6 for a little over a year now and while there have been some issues, I am confident in the warranty and the ability to have them taken care of with little or no cost. Although I knew purchasing a Volvo would not equate into a performance-oriented drive, I am still satisfied with my purchase. While there may be some body roll and road noise, I find the car comfortable and quiet. I appreciate the sleek design and overall appearance of the car. While there have been some odd shifting habits between 40 and 50 mph, I am confident that these can be resolved. Overall, I am pleased with my purchase and look forward to enjoying it for years to come.
Albert Upton 2024-11-06

Hi! I recently purchased a Volvo S60 R Design, which is supposed to be top of the range. The dealers told me that the car would achieve 45-42 mpg on a run and 36-38 mpg in urban areas. However, I have noticed that the car is not performing as expected and is consuming a lot more fuel than advertised. It only returns 21 mpg around town and 26 mpg on a run! I have been back to the dealership twice, but unfortunately, I have not received a satisfactory response. I would advise you to stay away from this car as it is not worth the hassle and ongoing battles.
Emil Larkin 2024-09-26

It's really frustrating to experience steering issues and vibrations, especially when it seems like the drive shafts are to blame. It's even more frustrating when you've gone through multiple sets of tires and still can't seem to get to the bottom of the problem. It's understandable to feel let down by the situation, but let's try to stay positive and find a solution together. We can work with Volvo to find a resolution that works for everyone.
Hardy Cormier 2024-08-14

I was really excited about my S60. Before I share my ownership experience, I want to let you know that my car has been having some issues. It consumes a lot of gasoline, which is not acceptable for a car of this caliber. It only gets 15MPG in the city and 19MPG on the highway, and I've had to fill up 7 times in the past 1300 miles. Unfortunately, Volvo has not been responsive to my emails and calls after opening a complaint, which is disappointing. They even tried to blame my driving, which is adding insult to injury. I've been driving for 30 years and have had far better fuel economy on some huge engine gas guzzlers. I use Eco Drive and Comfort modes, drive mostly alone without load, on normal roads, in a flat area, at average weather/humidity and near sea level elevation. I'm not an aggressive driver. Moreover, this is a T5 FWD and I drove an AWD T6 loaner for a few days being aggressive on dynamic mode, I couldn't get it to take more than 22.4MPG/City. Speaking to other 2019 S60 drivers confirms my car is off. I deserve better than being ignored. So now, after 2 months of ownership, here's my review: The S60 is stunning inside and out, with great seats and lots of technology. However, there is a bit too much half-baked technology, and the ride comfort is average but a bit noisier than I would imagine. The ride is a bit lazy, the car is heavy and does not accelerate anywhere near its prescribed specs. It is annoyingly wide but this may reduce the roll. Assembly quality is a bit sloppy and there are some materials that seem very cheap. Vinyl seating (didn't opt for Napaleather) is not perforated and gets scorching hot in the summer and very sweat provoking. It's a bit disappointing as the seats have such superior support. The Sensus system is frankly annoying. Volvo is selling itself as the safety company but there is nothing safe about futzing with screen drama for every little thing. It takes about 12 clicks to switch to your favorite radio station and even changing the AC fan speed requires far too many clicks and focal attention.Driving without tactile feedback can be challenging, so it's important to stay focused or pull over if necessary. While Volvo's navigation system is available, many drivers prefer the convenience and advanced features of Google Maps or Waze, which are also free. If you do opt for Volvo's navigation, be aware that a significant portion of the screen may be dedicated to service announcements. While the car does come with many advanced features, such as touchscreen-activated folding rear headrests, some basic features like fog lights may require an additional purchase. Safety is always a top priority, and it's important to note that the car has experienced some glitches with CarPlay, windows opening unexpectedly, and false alerts from the OnCall app. However, these issues have been addressed through recalls and updates. Overall, the car's design is stunning, but some users have experienced quality issues. It's important to note that Volvo takes safety seriously and is committed to addressing any concerns that arise.

Positive 2020 Volvo S60 car reviews

Wilbert Sauer 2025-02-07

The all new S60 is a fantastic ride, satisfying and sure-footed. It comes with so many features as standard equipment that are only available as upgrades in its competitors (BMW 3 series, Audi A4, AR Giulia, MB C-class), such as paddle shifters and blind spot monitoring. The premium package includes equipment that would cost much more in other brands. My wife and I traded in our 2017 S60 Inscription for this new R-Design, and this is her daily driver, so we can make a fair comparison to the prior model, which we think is a wonderful automobile. What we noticed first about the 2019 model is that Volvo listened to its owners and responded with greater attention to details, such as the seat memory buttons. In the 2016 model, you would have to hold the memory button down while the seat moved to its position (yes, I know, a tedious First-World problem). In the 2019 model, one press of the button and the seat re-positions (along with the mirrors), allowing you to do other things to get ready and going. The stereo system (600 watts Harmon-Kardon with 14 speakers) is vastly improved and can stand up to just about any other sound system in the segment. The leather seats and the bolstering are incredible, and having nappa leather seating is so much nicer than having the chemical odor of faux leather so pervasive in the BMW 3 and Mercedes C classes. The T5 power plant is superb. With butter-smooth shifting, almost no turbo lag, and more than enough horses and torque to get up and go, the punchy response and acceleration will please most around-town drivers--and the car MOVES gracefully on the highway. The S60 is not large, but it feels solid and connected to the road at low and high speeds. Comfort and interior styling get an A+. A tall adult will fit fine in the back seat, having far more legroom than in the BMW 3 series and far more headroom than the MB CLA.The standard panorama sunroof is a great feature that sets this car apart from the competition. Although some critics have raised concerns about the large touch screen control interface, it is not difficult to become adept at interacting with the car. The inclusion of both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as standard features is a welcome addition that was missing in the 2017 model. We found the steering to be responsive and the car to be whisper quiet. Contrary to some reviews, the suspension and 18 inch wheels handle urban highways with ease. Driver visibility and confidence are superb. If you are in the market for a compact luxury ride (although it is hard to imagine the S60 as compact), we highly recommend putting the S60 on your test drive list. It is a uniquely Volvo car that stands out from the crowd, offering a driver's car experience while also being an executive's show horse. Volvo has definitely arrived in the small luxury sedan line-up with a car that exceeds the competition in so many ways. This is a car that lets you run in the pack without running with the pack.
Osvaldo Weber 2025-01-17

We recently purchased a new Mercedes from a dealer who also sells Volvos. During our visit, we test drove a Mercedes model before my wife spotted the S60 and fell in love with its appearance both inside and out. As a 73-year-old with a bad back, I was pleasantly surprised to find that the seats were the most comfortable I have ever sat in while driving. Although we have only owned the car for a week, we are proud to drive a car made right here in South Carolina. The car is very nice, and we have not experienced any reliability issues so far. I disagree with Edmund's comments about the technology; my wife, who is not a fan of technology, found the infotainment and car controls easy to use, as they work just like a tablet. And did I mention how comfortable the seats are? They are truly remarkable.
Garth Von 2024-11-16

I have a S60 Recharge with 5124 miles and I absolutely love it! The driving experience is amazing and I'm a big fan of the Volvo interior fit and finish. The Sensus interface is also very user-friendly. It's a great car!
Garrison Willms 2024-11-04

This is my third S60, and it is by far the best one yet. The exterior is stylish, the interior is gorgeous, and it's loads of fun to drive. I have the T6 AWD Inscription, and I couldn't be happier!
Francis Block 2024-09-03

It's great to hear that you're enjoying your new car! From what you've said, it sounds like it's really comfortable and easy to drive, with a smooth and quiet ride. It's always helpful to hear from other customers, so thanks for sharing your positive experience. Of course, it's still early days, but it's great to hear that you're off to a good start. Thanks for the recommendation!

Additional sources

More sources of information about 2020 Volvo S60 problems:

2019-2021 Volvo S60 T5 Momentum reliability and experience? : r ...

https://www.reddit.com/r/Volvo/comments/139wi03/20192021_volvo_s60_t5_momentum_reliability_and/

May 6, 2023 ... From another s60 owner. Highly recommend to Stay away from the 19" wheels. Terrible stiff ride and prone to getting frequent tire problems ...

Problems with some of the features and modes on 2020 s60 : r/Volvo

https://www.reddit.com/r/Volvo/comments/17v99kk/problems_with_some_of_the_features_and_modes_on/

Nov 14, 2023 ... And then it doesn't turn the engine off when I actually stop. Is my car messed up or is this how everyone's is? And why do the bending lights ...

2020 Volvo S60 Problems | Kelley Blue Book

https://www.kbb.com/volvo/s60/2020/common-problems/

How reliable is the 2020 Volvo S60? See the most common repairs performed and learn if your vehicle is at risk for major repairs in the next 12 months.