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Model reliability

Volvo S60 reliability

The Volvo S60 fails its MOT about as often as most cars over 10 years old: 36.1% of 11,953 tests failed in 2023, against 39.7% on average.

Up to 5 years old
14% failed their MOT
About average
From 1,485 MOT tests of Volvo S60s this age.
Where it does worse than other cars this age
Fails 72% more oftenTyre condition5.5% vs 3.2%Fix about £90
Fails 56% more oftenMechanical brake components2.8% vs 1.8%
6 to 10 years old
21.9% failed their MOT
About average
From 6,493 MOT tests of Volvo S60s this age.
Where it does worse than other cars this age
Fails 50% more oftenMechanical brake components4.2% vs 2.8%
Fails 30% more oftenExhaust emissions2.6% vs 2%Fix about £150
Fails 45% more oftenSteering linkage components1.6% vs 1.1%
Advised 90% more oftenRegistration plate lamp(s)4% vs 2.1%Fix about £30
Over 10 years old
36.1% failed their MOT
About average
From 11,953 MOT tests of Volvo S60s this age.
Where it does worse than other cars this age
Fails 43% more oftenBrake performance8.3% vs 5.8%
Fails 33% more oftenHeadlamp aim7.2% vs 5.4%Fix about £30
Fails 80% more oftenABS / EBS / ESC1.8% vs 1%
Fails 3× as oftenFuel system1% vs 0.4%
Advised 41% more oftenSprings8.9% vs 6.3%Fix about £150
Advised 31% more oftenRegistration plate lamp(s)6.8% vs 5.2%Fix about £30
Advised 32% more oftenHeadlamps4.9% vs 3.7%Fix about £30
Safety recalls

42 DVSA recalls for the Volvo S60

Most cover a batch of cars built in a set period, and dealers fix them free. Sweep’s check shows the recalls for a car’s age and whether the DVSA has one outstanding.

R/2025/11724 Mar 2025Built 2019–2021SPA1 Cell Modules

On affected vehicles the High Voltage (HV) Battery may have a manufacturing defect which could cause the battery cells to overheat when the HV Battery is fully charged. In a worst-case scenario there is a risk of fire when the vehicle is parked up with a fully charged HV Battery.

Fix: Check and replace the HV Battery if necessary and install modified software.

Recalled models: S60 · 40 vehicles

R/2024/4465 Nov 2024Built 2019–2020BCM2 – Push Road

The rod connecting the brake pedal to the brake booster may not have been assembled correctly. The final torque might not be according to manufacturing specification due to deviations in the equipment. If the rod does disconnect the mechanical connection between brake pedal and brake booster cannot be guaranteed. In the worst-case scenario if the rod disconnects the brake pedal function cannot be guaranteed

Fix: A Volvo retailer will check and if necessary tighten the rod to correct specification.

Recalled models: S60 · 55 vehicles

R/2023/34027 Nov 2023Built 2018–2023The passenger air bag may not have been correctly secured.

The passenger air bag may not have been correctly secured.

Fix: Inspect and re torque retaining bolts.

Recalled models: S60 · 17 vehicles

R/2023/2634 Sept 2023Built 2021–2023During driving or idle the O-Ring may become twisted or break. Should this occur there could be an oil leak a message for low engine oil level displayed in the vehicle or an unusual smell in the cabin. In a worst case scenario this could cause a thermal event.

During driving or idle the O-Ring may become twisted or break. Should this occur there could be an oil leak a message for low engine oil level displayed in the vehicle or an unusual smell in the cabin. In a worst case scenario this could cause a thermal event.

Fix: Replace O-Ring

Recalled models: S60 · 13,701 vehicles

R/2023/02524 Jan 2023Built 2022–2023There may be a potential software error in the brake control module.

There may be a potential software error in the brake control module.

Fix: Update the brake control module software.

Recalled models: S60 · 10,197 vehicles

R/2022/31327 Oct 2022Built 2021–2022A software error may prevent the engine control module from starting the engine

The Engine Control Module (ECM) may prevent the combustion engine from starting.�

Fix: Download updated software.

Recalled models: S60 · 4,755 vehicles

R/2021/33118 Sept 2021Built 2020–2021Potentially insufficient or missing welding connection in the hydraulic unit of the brake system

There may be an insufficient or missing welding connection in the Hydraulic Unit of the Brake System.

Fix: Replace the Hydraulic Unit.

Recalled models: S60 · 28 vehicles

R/2021/2822 Aug 2021Built 2021Pressure in the fuel tank could cause the fuel level sender to indicate fuel in the tank when it could be empty

Pressure in the fuel tank could cause the fuel level sender to indicate fuel in the tank when it could be empty.

Fix: Update software which will allow the electronic fuel tank ventilation valve to release pressure when required.

Recalled models: S60 · 256 vehicles

R/2021/2057 Jun 2021Built 2018–2019There is a risk that the 15amp fuse could blow which will prevent the low pressure fuel pump from operating

There is a risk that the 15amp fuse could blow which will prevent the low pressure fuel pump operating.

Fix: Replace the 15A fuse with a 20A fuse which can withstand this peak.

Recalled models: S60 · 14,380 vehicles

R/2020/21016 Jul 2020Built 2013–2016There is a risk for trapped air to be in the cooling system which may result in insufficient cooling of engine components

There is a risk for trapped air to be in the cooling system which may result in insufficient cooling of engine components.

Fix: Add an extra degassing line (Bleeder Hose) between the cooling system radiator and the cooling system expansion tank which will evacuate the trapped air

Recalled models: S60 · 76,945 vehicles

R/2020/2058 Jul 2020Built 2012–2017There is a risk for trapped air to be in the cooling system

There is a risk for trapped air to be in the cooling system which may result in insufficient cooling of engine components.

Fix: Add an extra degassing line (Bleeder Hose) between the cooling system radiator and the cooling system expansion tank which will evacuate the trapped air.

Recalled models: S60 · 15,167 vehicles

R/2020/1921 Jul 2020Built 2010–2018Potential breakage/fatigue of a flexible steel cable supporting the front seatbelt anchor point

Potential breakage/fatigue of a flexible steel cable supporting the front seatbelt anchor point.

Fix: Replace the seat belt fastener with a new designed seat belt fastening.

Recalled models: S60 · 170,160 vehicles

R/2020/07316 Mar 2020Built 2019–2020Software issue means that automatic emergency brake system may not engage

The Automatic Emergency Brake System a function of the IntelliSafe system may not always engage increasing the risk of a collision

Fix: Affected vehicles must have new software downloaded

Recalled models: S60 · 56,385 vehicles

R/2019/1807 Oct 2019Built 2012–2018The engine's plastic inlet manifold may melt and deform

The engines plastic inlet manifold may melt and deform

Fix: Update vehicles with improved soot reducing software cleaning of TMAP and EMAP. Fit additional hoses where necessary.

Recalled models: S60

R/2018/3774 Jan 2019Built 2015–2016Small cracks on the inside of a rubber fuel hose

Small cracks on the inside of a rubber fuel hose.

Fix: Replacement of affected fuel hoses.

Recalled models: S60 · 30,777 vehicles

R/2017/0023 Jan 2017Built 2016One or more airbags may fail to deploy in the event of a collision

It has been identified by the manufacturer that the air-bag initiator does not meet specification. This can therefore result in the initiator not functioning correctly which can lead to none deployment of the air-bag. Should a collision occur then there is an increased risk of injury to the occupants of the vehicle.

Fix: Recall all affected vehicles to replace the air-bags with a new quality assured component.

Recalled models: S60 · 1,415 vehicles

R/2016/2571 Nov 2016Built 2015–2016Seatbelt may separate from the buckle

It has been identified there is a possibility the front seatbelt buckle stud may not have been punched correctly during production. This may result in a separation between the buckle and seatbelt bracket if the vehicle is involved in a collision.

Fix: Recall all affected vehicles to inspect the seatbelt buckle and if required to replace the seatbelt buckle.

Recalled models: S60 · 47 vehicles

R/2016/24926 Oct 2016Built 2010–2015Coolant leakage may result in a fire

It has been identified that during the engine warm-up process and under certain driving/climate conditions for instance periods of high acceleration or high engine load immediately after a cold start in cold climates there is the possibility for coolant leakage or oil seepage. This can lead to the possibility in a worst-case scenario of smoke or a slow developing fire in the engine compartment. However the driver will receive a warning message on the Driver�s Information Module indicating a low coolant level.

Fix: Recall all affected vehicles to modify the coolant bypass valve and install a new exhaust manifold gasket.

Recalled models: S60 · 3,192 vehicles

R/2016/02719 Feb 2016Built 2015–2016Stalling and loss of steering power assistance

Involved vehicles may have a software issue which could cause the engine to momentarily cut-out and restart while driving. This could also cause disturbances in some electrical systems such as shut down of the instrument cluster infotainment system and loss of power steering assistance.

Fix: Recall the vehicles that are likely to be affected and upgrade the software of the control units.

Recalled models: S60 · 7,237 vehicles

R/2015/25318 Jan 2016Built 2014–2015Fuel guage may not show fuel level correctly

Fuel gauge may not show correct level

Fix: The remedy is not yet available for all models. Until a remedy is available the manufacturer advises to maintain fuel level above approx one third.

Recalled models: S60 · 1,109 vehicles

R/2015/25421 Dec 2015Built 2014–2015Fuel guage may not show fuel level correctly

Fuel gauge may not show correct level

Fix: The remedy is not yet available for all models.. Until a remedy is available the manufacturer advises to maintain fuel level above approx one third.

Recalled models: S60 · 2,743 vehicles

R/2015/24916 Dec 2015Built 2015Fuel guage may not show fuel level correctly

Fuel gauge may not show correct level

Fix: Dependent on affected Model update software. Until updated the manufacturer advises to maintain fuel level above approx one third.

Recalled models: S60 · 5,354 vehicles

R/2015/04019 Feb 2015Built 2011–2015Parking brake may unintentionally release

Vehicles with manual gearboxes and start/stop functionality have Parking Brake Module (PBM) software that may allow the parking brake to unintentionally release. The unintended release of the parking brake can only occur when the engine is running and the gearstick moved so it will happen when the vehicle is attended.

Fix: Recall the vehicles that are likely to be affected to download upgraded Parking Brake Module (PBM) software.

Recalled models: S60 · 2,146 vehicles

R/2013/14028 Nov 2013Loss of power steering assistance

The auxiliary drive belt tensioner can suffer from premature wear which may cause it to fail. This can lead to loss of steering power assistance and a slight possibility of loss of drive should the drive belt or tensioner invade the cambelt area.

Fix: Recall the vehicles that are likely to be affected to replace the auxiliary drive belt and tensioner.

Recalled models: S60 · 3,134 vehicles

R/2012/14413 Nov 2012Trim panel may cause injury during collision

Volvo's quality follow-up procedures have identified an issue with a limited number of S60 & V60 Volvos (MY2013). The securing screws for the inner A-pillar panels may have been torqued incorrectly. This could cause the A-pillar panels to crack and this may affect the attachment of the trims during a collision should the inflatable curtain be activated. If the trims become detached they could cause injury to the occupants in the front seats. The corrective action is to replace both A-pillar trims as well as the securing screws.

Fix: Replace both trim panels and screws.

Recalled models: S60 · 70 vehicles

R/2012/05624 Apr 2012Engine may fail

There could be a sudden and unexpected failure of the bottom end of the engine because of a non-conformity during production of the connecting rods.

Fix: Recall the vehicles that are likely to be affected to replace the engine.

Recalled models: S60 · 6 vehicles

R/2012/03213 Mar 2012Built 2012Fuel may leak

Some vehicles may have had excessive underbody protection applied which when drying. could have formed small stalactite shaped formations. These formations may have formed close to the underbody fuel lines and could damage them and cause a fuel leak. Due to the positioning of the fuel lines escaping fuel or fuel vapour could potentially lead to a fire.

Fix: Inspect all vehicles and cut any stalactite shaped formations off. If the fuel line is damaged it will be replaced. Only 1% of vehicles are expected to have any damage to the fuel line.

Recalled models: S60 · 481 vehicles

R/2012/0287 Mar 2012Airbags may not deploy in a collision

It has been identified that the wiring harness for the SRS system may not have been correctly attached to the front seat frames. It is possible that continued adjustment of the seat position may cause the harness to become detached. If this should occur a warning light will illuminate on the instrument panel warning the driver of a fault with the SRS system. However in this condition the front and side airbags may not deploy if the vehicle is involved in a collision.

Fix: Recall all affected vehicles for an inspection of the wiring harnesses and ensure that it is correctly routed and secured. If not then reroute and securing of the wiring harness.

Recalled models: S60 · 9,330 vehicles

R/2011/09420 Jul 2011Loss of power steering fluid

It is possible that the upper power steering return line may become detached which will result in the loss of power steering fluid. This will result in fluid leaking onto the road surface leaking into the engine bay and the driver experiencing heavy steering.

Fix: Recall the affected vehicles for the replacement of the power steering return line.

Recalled models: S60 · 213 vehicles

R/2011/06327 May 2011Engine may stall

It is possible that due to a software issue fuel may not be pumped from one side (passive side) of the fuel tank to the other side (active side). This can occur even if the fuel gauge is reading a quarter full. If fuel transfer is not possible it may cause the engine to stall.

Fix: In the first instance drivers are requested to keep their vehicle's fuel tanks above half full. Then all affected vehicles will be recalled for the upgrade of the software.

Recalled models: S60 · 1 vehicles

R/2011/0564 May 2011Engine may stall

Vehicles may have an incorrectly manufactured fuel supply line which could lead to fuel leakage. In worst cases the fuel line could become detached and the engine would stall without warning to the driver.

Fix: Replace fuel supply line.

Recalled models: S60 · 1 vehicles

R/2010/23322 Dec 2010Passenger seat may not be fitted correctly

It is possible that the driver's and passenger's front powered seats may not be fitted with the front stop lug. The lug restricts the movement of the seats and if not fitted it is possible to position the seats too far forward or backwards. This could increase the chances of injury should the vehicle be involved in an accident.

Fix: Recall all affected vehicles to inspect for fitment of the lugs and if found to be missing fit new lugs.

Recalled models: S60 · 103 vehicles

R/2010/2243 Dec 2010Fire may occur

On certain five cylinder engines it is possible that the high pressure fuel pipes may not have been correctly installed and may leak. This should be identified by a smell of fuel from the engine bay. However it is possible that in extreme cases an engine bay fire could occur.

Fix: Recall all affected vehicles and replace the high pressure pipes.

Recalled models: S60 · 845 vehicles

R/2010/21526 Nov 2010Engine may cut out

When driving at low speeds a fault within the software calibration of the engine and transmission control modules may lead to a drop in the engine idle speed when braking or releasing the accelerator. In extreme cases this may result in the engine cutting out without warning.

Fix: Recall the vehicles that are likely to be affected to upgrade the engine/transmission software.

Recalled models: S60 · 64 vehicles

R/2010/16518 Oct 2010Airbag may not deploy as intended.

It is possible that an electrical short circuit within a connector could result in the illumination of the Airbag System Service Required message and Supplemental Restraint System warning lamp on the dashboard. Should this occur the driver's airbag would not deploy as intended if the vehicle is involved in a collision.

Fix: Recall all affected vehicles to check and rework the connector.

Recalled models: S60 · 6,844 vehicles

R/2010/14521 Sept 2010Bonnet may open unintentionally

On a small number of S60 cars it is possible that secondary bonnet catch will not lock in the closed position correctly. If the bonnet is not closed correctly it is possible that the secondary bonnet catch will not secure the bonnet which could result in it opening unintentionally.

Fix: Recall the affected vehicle for inspection and adjustment to the lock if required.

Recalled models: S60 · 233 vehicles

R/2010/09916 Jul 2010Engine may seize

On effected petrol and diesel engines a spring clamp on the radiator hose connecting it to the water inlet pipe may be insecure. If not rectified the engine may lose coolant overheat seize and suddenly slow the vehicle rapidly to a halt.

Fix: Recall the vehicles that are likely to be affected to have the radiator hose adequately secured.

Recalled models: S60 · 326 vehicles

R/2007/05813 Mar 2007Fire may occur

The electric cooling fan control unit's metal cover may not have the correct corrosion protection. Should corrosion occur water may enter the control unit causing an electrical malfunction and in extreme cases cause a fire in the engine compartment.

Fix: Recall the vehicles that are likely to be affected to fit an improved fan assembly.

Recalled models: S60 · 388 vehicles

R/2004/21623 Dec 2004Electric cooling fan may overheat

Volvo have identified that due to certain climatic conditions the electric cooling fan may overheat and in extreme cases cause a fire within the engine bay.

Fix: Recalled vehicles will have the cooling fan assembly replaced.

Recalled models: S60 · 35,024 vehicles

R/2004/01226 Jan 2004Possible suspension collapse

The nut securing the front suspension strut lower ball joint to the control arm may loose its axial tension due to an out tolerance condition. This could adversely affect the directional control of the vehicle.

Fix: Fit a modified ball joint to control arm securing nut.

Recalled models: S60 · 9,735 vehicles

R/2004/0077 Jan 2004Possible fuel leak from injector pipes.

The fuel injector pipes may not have been fitted correctly and as a consequence could leak.

Fix: Examine all potentially affected vehicles and replace any incorrectly fitted injector pipes.

Recalled models: S60 · 287 vehicles

R/2003/1598 Oct 2003Possible fuel leak

There is a possibility of a restriction in a T - Piece in the fuel return line which could lead to a pressure build up which could blow the pipe off with resulting leakage of fuel.

Fix: Recall affected vehicles and replace T - Piece with quality assured type.

Recalled models: S60 · 1,090 vehicles

DVSA vehicle safety recalls (Crown copyright, Open Government Licence).

Checking a Volvo S60 before you buy

Look at the parts above at the viewing, and read the car’s own MOT history: advisories for the same parts suggest the problem is already starting. Sweep’s free check shows every MOT, advisory and mileage reading for a registration.

Source: DVSA anonymised MOT tests 2023 (Open Government Licence v3.0). Failure rates compare this model with all cars in the same age band. Fix prices are typical independent-garage estimates.
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