Volvo S60i problems

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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.

photo of Volvo S60i car production

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Volvo S60i model years

volvo s60i 2016 photo
S60i 2016
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Common Volvo S60i problems

The Volvo S60 is a luxury sedan known for its minimalist style, excellent safety ratings, and transmission performance issues. Transmission performance issues seem to be most common in model years from 2001 to 2014.

Another common problem with the Volvo S60 is front strut mount failure. The front upper strut mounts on Volvo S60s from the 2000s are likely to wear and fail prematurely. Strut mounts are part of the suspension system, and their failure can result in loud noises when going over bumps or potholes. The problem is most common in model years between 2001 and 2009.

Exterior light bulbs burning out quickly is another issue reported by Volvo S60 owners. While not the most severe problem, it can be disruptive and costly to replace. The phenomenon mostly occurs in model years between 2002 and 2012, and there is no fix available other than replacing the bulb itself.

Electronic throttle module failure is also a common problem with the Volvo S60. Owners have reported that S60 model years from 2001 to 2008 are at higher risk of experiencing this issue. Volvo at one point extended its warranty coverage of the part to ten years or 200,000 miles, but that ten-year period has lapsed for all of the affected model years.

In addition to these common problems, the Volvo S60 has also had issues with the vehicle connectivity module (VCM) that sends location information to the emergency services after a collision, loose nuts and screws on the rear suspension, and automatic emergency braking (AEB) that might not apply the brakes when the forward collision sensors detect an imminent collision.

In conclusion, while the Volvo S60 is a luxury sedan with excellent safety ratings and a minimalist style, it has a history of transmission performance issues, front strut mount failure, exterior light bulbs burning out quickly, and electronic throttle module failure. These issues can be costly to repair and disruptive to daily driving. However, if properly maintained with help from a certified Volvo service center, S60s can run reliably.

Volvo S60i

Is the Volvo S60 a reliable car?

The 2024 Volvo S60 has a predicted reliability score of 71 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.

How long should a Volvo S60 last?

The Volvo S60 is an excellent option for a long-lasting luxury sedan due to its longevity and reliability. The Volvo S60 is a highly reliable car with a durable build that can typically last for around 200,000 miles before any major repairs are needed, as long as it is properly maintained.

What is the problem with the 2012 Volvo S60 T5?

"Volvo was aware of issues with the 2012 S60 T5 engine and excessive oil consumption,issues with oil pressure warnings, PCV issues, piston ring issues. Volvo did not recall or fix these issues which leads to engine failure."

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.

Percentage distribution of complaints by Volvo S60i years

We have researched Volvo problems and analysed all the complaints filed against Volvo S60i cars and compiled the top 1 most problematic Volvo S60i model years:

Below you can see the percentage distribution of known problems by Volvo S60i model years.

Distribution of the number of complaints by Volvo S60i years

We've also compiled a chart for you with the number of complaints about Volkswagen Jetta cars of certain model years:

Volvo S60i car problems categorized by type of issue

After analysing all complaints related to Volvo S60i , it was concluded that the most common issues with these cars are:

  • Engine problems
  • Electrical system problems
  • Unknown or other problems
  • Seat belts problems
  • Visibility/wiper problems

The graph below shows statistics for all Volvo S60i vehicle components and the number of complaints received.

Distribution of the number of complaints where the accident occurred by S60i model years

A total of 1 complaints were registered in which the accident occurred. In the graph you can see the distribution of the number of complaints by model year.

The NHTSA has received 26 complaints about various vehicle components related to the Volvo S60i . Below are the 25 most recent complaints reported for Volvo S60i vehicles.

Latest 25 complaints

Volvo S60i 2016
  • Date Of Incident: 2024-06-26
  • Date Complaint: 2024-10-03
  • VIN: YV4612UM0G2
  • Components: ENGINE
  • Summary: In November of 2021, I purchased my dream car, a 2016 Volvo s60 Cross Country, proud to own a vehicle from a company known for their safe and reliable vehicles. In April of 2022, a class action case ([XXX], et al., v. Volvo Car USA, LLC, Volvo Cars of North America, LLC, and Volvo Personvagnar AB) was issued against Volvo due to a KNOWN-TO-VOLVO DESIGN FLAW in their engines which could lead to engine failure. The case was settled out of court in early 2023 and Volvo issued an extended warranty for vehicles owners to take preventative measures against potential engine failure. Although my car is listed under the extended warranty, I was never sent any notice of it from Volvo. On [XXX], while driving on a highway, at speed limit, my 2016 Volvo s60 Cross Country's engine failed. I learned about the Extended Warranty from a National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Quality Bulletin (Extended Warranty P10183: I5T Oil Consumption Replace; Model Year 20132016 S60, 2015-2016 V60, V60CC and XC60, 2016 XC70, S60CC and S60L) while researching the issue with my car online. I contacted Volvo Customer Care to ask why I was not sent notice and what they could do. I was told that to open a case with Volvo I would need a diagnostic from a dealership. On August 5, 2024, I took my car in for a diagnostic at Patrick Volvo Cars in Schaumburg, IL, from who I also purchased the car in 2021. August 6, 2024 I received a partial diagnostic and was told that they would require 10x the original diagnostic price to find the root of the issue in the engine. On the same day, I called Volvo customer care and opened a case. After weeks of little to no communication, on September 3 Volvo denied my case. I was not provided any opportunity to communicate over the phone with my case manager at Volvo - only after she sent me the decision did I receive a call from her to learn Volvo does not care about my side of the story. Please view attached documents for more details, thank you. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Volvo S60i 2016
  • Date Of Incident: 2020-06-01
  • Date Complaint: 2023-06-01
  • VIN: LYV402FK4GB
  • Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,SEAT BELTS,AIR BAGS
  • Summary: The contact owns a 2016 Volvo S60. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the SRS warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who repaired the vehicle under NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V378000 (Seat Belts) and 16V798000 (Seat Belts). The dealer also repaired an unstated electrical failure. The contact stated that the cells in the battery were faulty. The vehicle was repaired but the failure recurred. The contact stated that after several weeks, the SRS warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken back to the local dealer who informed the contact that the vehicle had been in an accident previously and the wiring was faulty. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who informed the contact of a fault with the rear of the battery. The auxiliary battery was draining, and the battery was leaking. The mechanic informed the contact that the pretensioner needed to be replaced; however, the mechanic was unable to obtain the parts from the manufacturer. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no additional assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 27,859.
Volvo S60i 2016
  • Date Of Incident: 2022-10-29
  • Date Complaint: 2023-04-29
  • VIN: YV149MFM7G2
  • Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE
  • Summary: The alternator seized on the highway snapping the serpentine belt which got sucked into the timing and stopped the car in the left lane at highway speed. The timing guard failed allowing the belt to damage the timing. Volvo says it needs a head job I have possession of the vehicle and all maintenance records. Cars behind me dodged onto the shoulder to avoid hitting me. There was no warning. Furthermore this is a known problem a quick search of Volvo forums turned up over a dozen cars with insufficient timing guards
Volvo S60i 2016
  • Date Of Incident: 2022-09-01
  • Date Complaint: 2022-09-03
  • VIN: YV126MFK9G2
  • Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER
  • Summary: Driver door latch not engaging. Door opened at low speed.
Volvo S60i 2016
  • Date Of Incident: 2022-04-01
  • Date Complaint: 2022-08-29
  • VIN: YV126MFK0G1
  • Components: ENGINE
  • Summary: At 86K miles can smell oil burning and add 1 quart light comes on. It's said Volvo is aware of a defect with the piston rings causing oil to consume and burn away. They aren't willing to address the issue outside warranty expiration. They did recently indicate how Volvo changed the requirement for using 5W30 oil to claim now Volvo changed there minds. How now only 0W20 full synthetic oil must be used. The label under the hood says use 5W30 only. It appears that Volvo is changing oil types because they know there's an issue with the piston rings and is trying to cover up a defect by doing so.
Volvo S60i 2016
  • Date Of Incident: 2019-01-18
  • Date Complaint: 2021-11-19
  • VIN: YV126MFK1G2
  • Components: VISIBILITY/WIPER
  • Summary: Windscreen wiper motors failed during inclement weather making visibility impossible. The vehicle was only approximately 2 years old at the time of failure. This created a serious safety issue and may have led to a crash and injury. The dealer diagnosed the issue as failed wiper motors and replaced the motors under manufacturer's warranty.
Volvo S60i 2016
  • Date Of Incident: 2020-08-29
  • Date Complaint: 2021-05-04
  • VIN: LYV402FK7GB
  • Components: SEAT BELTS
  • Summary: 2016 VOLVO S60. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARD TO NHTSA SAFETY RECALL 20V-378. *LD THE CONSUMER STATED THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME COMPLETING THE RECALL REPAIR. *JS
Volvo S60i 2016
  • Date Of Incident: 2021-01-01
  • Date Complaint: 2021-01-01
  • VIN: YV126MFK8G2
  • Components: VISIBILITY/WIPER
  • Summary: THE SUNROOF SPONTANEOUSLY EXPLODED OUTWARD ON THE HIGHWAY, NO POSSIBILITY OF ROAD DEBRIS HITTING IT AS NO OTHER CARS WERE NEARBY, AND I WAS NOT CLOSE TO AN OVERPASS. I BELIEVE TEMPERATURE FLUCTUATION CAUSES IT, AS I WAS RECENTLY IN BELOW-FREEZING WEATHER (15*F). ON THE DAY OF THE EXPLOSION I DROVE SOUTH STARTING AT 40*F DRIVING TO 86*F.
Volvo S60i 2016
  • Date Of Incident: 2020-10-17
  • Date Complaint: 2020-11-12
  • VIN: LYV402FM3GB
  • Components: WHEELS
  • Summary: WE BOUGHT THIS CAR USED FROM A VOLVO DEALERSHIP IN AUGUST OF 2019 WHILE STILL UNDER FACTORY WARRANTY. IT HAS 19-INCH VOLVO ALLOY WHEELS WITH 235/40/R19 TIRES. IN A LITTLE OVER A YEAR, TWO OF THE WHEELS HAVE CRACKED PRESUMABLY AFTER HITTING POTHOLES. WE HAD BOTH WHEELS REPAIRED AT A PROFESSIONAL WHEEL REPAIR FACILITY. THE REPAIR WORKED (SO FAR) ON THE FIRST WHEEL BUT THE PROBLEM HAS RECURRED TWICE ON THE SECOND WHEEL REPAIR. THE VOLVO DEALERSHIP'S ONLY OFFER IS TO SELL US A NEW WHEEL AT OVER $700 EACH. WE HAVE NEVER CRACKED A WHEEL PREVIOUSLY IN OVER 40 YEARS OF DRIVING. THIS WHEEL/TIRE COMBINATION SHOULD NEVER HAVE BEEN ALLOWED ON THE ROAD BEING SO PRONE TO CRACKING. WE ARE AT A MUCH-INCREASED RISK OF A FLAT TIRE/BLOWOUT AND POSSIBLE ACCIDENT. THE CAR ALSO CAME FROM THE FACTORY WITHOUT A SPARE TIRE WHICH IS ALSO NOT GOOD SINCE WE ARE MORE LIKELY TO BE STRANDED IN THE EVENT OF A FLAT TIRE. WE NO LONGER CONSIDER THIS CAR ROADWORTHY AND ARE FACED WITH THE EXPENSIVE OPTIONS OF EITHER REPLACING THE DAMAGED WHEEL WITH A NEW VOLVO WHEEL (AND EXPECT THE SAME RESULT), REPLACING ALL FOUR WHEELS WITH AFTERMARKET WHEELS THAT MAY OR MAY NOT BE BETTER, OR SELLING THE CAR. WE SHOULD NEVER HAVE BEEN PUT IN THIS POSITION FROM A SAFETY AND FINANCIAL PERSPECTIVE BY THIS WHEEL OR WHEEL/TIRE COMBINATION BEING ALLOWED ON THE ROAD.
Volvo S60i 2016
  • Date Of Incident: 2020-09-09
  • Date Complaint: 2020-09-28
  • VIN: YV126MFK9G2
  • Components: SERVICE BRAKES
  • Summary: THE BRAKE SUDDENLY LOST BRAKING POWER AFTER THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED AT A RED LIGHT ON A LOCAL STREET. EVERY TIME I PRESS THE BRAKE PEDAL AFTER THE INCIDENT, I COULD HEAR A SOUND OF AIR LEAKING SOMEWHERE BEHIND THE PEDAL. OTHER SYSTEMS SEEM FINE AND I MANAGED TO ROLL THE CAR BACK TO OUR PARKING LOT ABOUT HALF A MILE AWAY, AND HAD THE CAR TOLLED TO A LOCAL DEALER THE NEXT DAY. I WAS TOLD LATER BY THE DEALER THAT IT'S CAUSED BY MALFUNCTION OF BRAKE "BOOSTER" OR VACUUM PUMP(?) AND REPAIRED IT AT A COST OF ~$2500.00
Volvo S60i 2016
  • Date Of Incident: 2020-01-24
  • Date Complaint: 2020-09-22
  • VIN: YV126MFK2G2
  • Components: STRUCTURE
  • Summary: THE MANUFACTURER HAS NOT CORRECTED A KNOWN RECALL. NOR HAVE I RECEIVED AN UPDATE. THE RECALL NOTICES STATE THERE IS NOT YET PARTS AVAILABLE TO CORRECT IT. BUT ACCORDING TO THE NHTSA WEB SITE VIN LOOK-UP, THE RECALL IS LISTED AS RECALL INCOMPLETE . WHEN IF THERE IS NO FIX AVAILABLE IT SHOULD BE LISTED AS RECALL INCOMPLETE. REMEDY NOT YET AVAILABLE . WE HAVE RECEIVED RECALL NOTIFICATIONS, THE FIRST ATTACHMENT. WE HAVE NOT RECEIVED A FOLLOW-UP NOTIFICATION FOR EITHER RECALL NOTICES. IN THE ONE FOR NHTSA RECALL 19V849 (RECALL R89978: DOOR LATCHES) STATES: "UNFORTUNATELY AT THIS TIME, REPLACEMENT PARTS ARE NOT AVAILABLE FOR THIS REPAIR. PLEASE BE ASSURED THAT VOLVO IS WORKING TO SECURE THE NEEDED REPLACEMENT DOOR LATCHES AS SOON AS POSSIBLE. WE WILL SEND YOU A SECOND NOTIFICATION LETTER AS SOON AS THE REPLACEMENT DOOR LATCHES ARE AVAILABLE." MY PROBLEM IS THAT I AM A U.S. GOVERNMENT CIVILIAN EMPLOYEE PREPARING TO RELOCATE FROM ITALY TO THE U.S. I SHIPPED THIS CAR TO ITALY FROM THE U.S. IN NOVEMBER 2018. THE SHIPPING COMPANY WILL NOT SHIP A CAR WITH AN OPEN RECALL. I NEED SOMETHING IN WRITING THAT ACCURATELY REFLECTS THE RECALL STATUS; "RECALL INCOMPLETE" OR "RECALL INCOMPLETE. REMEDY NOT YET AVAILABLE"?
Volvo S60i 2016
  • Date Of Incident: 2020-08-29
  • Date Complaint: 2020-09-22
  • VIN: YV126MFK2G2
  • Components: SEAT BELTS
  • Summary: THE MANUFACTURER HAS NOT CORRECTED A KNOWN RECALL. NOR HAVE I RECEIVED AN UPDATE. THIS IS THE SECOND NOTICE IN THE ATTACHED DOCUMENT. THEY STATE THERE IS NOT YET PARTS AVAILABLE TO CORRECT IT. BUT ACCORDING TO THE NHTSA WEB SITE VIN LOOK-UP, THE RECALL IS LISTED AS RECALL INCOMPLETE. WHEN IF THERE IS NO FIX AVAILABLE IT SHOULD BE LISTED AS RECALL INCOMPLETE. REMEDY NOT YET AVAILABLE. WE HAVE RECEIVED RECALL NOTIFICATIONS, THE FIRST ATTACHMENT. WE HAVE NOT RECEIVED A FOLLOW-UP NOTIFICATION FOR EITHER RECALL NOTICES. IN THE ONE FOR NHTSA RECALL 20V-378 RECALL R10029: FRONT SEAT BELT FASTENER STATES: "UNFORTUNATELY AT THIS TIME, REPLACEMENT PARTS ARE NOT AVAILABLE FOR THIS REPAIR. PLEASE BE ASSURED THAT VOLVO IS WORKING TO SECURE THE NEEDED REPLACEMENT SEAT BELT FASTENER AS SOON AS POSSIBLE. ESTIMATED TIME FOR PARTS IN STOCK IS END OF NOVEMBER, 2020. WE WILL SEND YOU A SECOND NOTIFICATION LETTER AS SOON AS THE NEW REPLACEMENT FASTENER IS AVAILABLE." MY PROBLEM IS THAT I AM A U.S. GOVERNMENT CIVILIAN EMPLOYEE PREPARING TO RELOCATE FROM ITALY TO THE U.S. I SHIPPED THIS CAR TO ITALY FROM THE U.S. IN NOVEMBER 2018. THE SHIPPING COMPANY WILL NOT SHIP A CAR WITH AN OPEN RECALL. I NEED SOMETHING IN WRITING THAT ACCURATELY REFLECTS THE RECALL STATUS; "RECALL INCOMPLETE" OR "RECALL INCOMPLETE. REMEDY NOT YET AVAILABLE"?
Volvo S60i 2016
  • Date Of Incident: 2020-07-09
  • Date Complaint: 2020-07-10
  • VIN: LYV402FK7GB
  • Components: ENGINE
  • Summary: I HAVE 86,585 MILES ON THE CAR AND HAVE FOLLOWED OR EXCEEDED THE MANUFACTURES RECOMMENDATION ON OIL CHANGES. NOW I AM TOLD AFTER MY LAST OIL CHANGE THAT THE ENGINE IS CONSUMING A LOT OF OIL. AT 80,000 MILES MY VOLVO DEALERSHIP CHANGED THE TYPE OF OIL THEY WERE PUTTING IN THE CAR FROM 5W-30 FULL SYN. TO 0W20 FULL SYN. I BELIEVE THERE IS A PROBLEM WITH THE ENGINE AND VOLVO KNOWS IT BY TRYING TO STOP THE OIL USAGE BY CHANGING THE TYPE OF OIL THEY RECOMMEND. WHAT DO I DO IF I HAVE A ENGINE PROBLEM WITH MY CAR ???
Volvo S60i 2016
  • Date Of Incident: 2020-03-12
  • Date Complaint: 2020-05-29
  • VIN: LYV402FM9GB
  • Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)
  • Summary: 2016 VOLVO S60 AUDIO MODULE HAD TO BE REPLACED BECAUSE IT COMPLETELY STOPPED WORKING. THIS CONTROLS THE NAVIGATION SYSTEM, TELEPHONE, RADIO, CAR OPTIONS, AUDIO FOR SAFETY ALERTS, ETC. STOP WORKING AS I WAS DRIVING ON A CITY STREET. ALSO DRAINED BATTERY AND I HAD TO REPLACE THE BATTERY TOO. *TR
Volvo S60i 2016
  • Date Of Incident: 2020-03-04
  • Date Complaint: 2020-03-14
  • VIN: YV126MFK2G2
  • Components: VISIBILITY/WIPER
  • Summary: SEMI-CIRCULAR STRESS FRACTURE IN WINDSHIELD OCCURRED ON ITS OWN AT SOME POINT AFTER DRIVING IT. NO IMPACT AT ALL. FRACTURE STARTS FROM DRIVER'S SIDE UPPER CORNER DOWN TOWARDS DRIVER'S VIEWING AREA AND THEN CURVES UPWARD.

Recalls Volvo S60i

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 1 recalls for different components of the Volvo S60i.You can explore the year of the Volkswagen Jetta you are interested in by selecting it from the list.

  • Model: Volvo S60i 2016
  • Report Received Date: 2019-11-26
  • Manufacturer: Volvo Car USA LLC
  • Components: LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:DOORS:LATCH
  • Summary: Volvo Car of USA LLC (Volvo) is recalling certain 2011-2017 S60, S60I, V60, S60CC and V60CC vehicles. A component within the door latches may break, making the doors difficult to latch and/or leading the driver or a passenger to believe a door is securely closed when, in fact, it is not.
  • Consequence: A door that is not securely latched could open while the vehicle is in motion, increasing the risk of injury to a vehicle occupant.
  • Remedy: Volvo will notify owners, and dealers will replace all four door latches, 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 R89978.

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