Volvo S60 Best and Worst Years (2011–2025)
Across 15 model years, the Volvo S60 shows a complaint index high of 100 in 2012, with 2013, 2015, and 2024 also flagged Avoid. The 2021 model year rates Best with an index of just 21 and only 8 complaints. Engine problems dominate overall at 41% of the 423 total complaints.
- Model years
- 15
- 2011–2025
- NHTSA complaints
- 423
- Recall campaigns
- 28
- Crashes reported
- 26
- Fires reported
- 5
- Top problem area
- Engine
S60 Complaint Index by year
Higher = more complaints, crashes, fires, injuries, deaths and Do-Not-Drive recalls per year on the road, relative to other years of this model.
Volvo S60 problems and recalls by year
| Year | Verdict | Index | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Recalls | Top issue | MPG | NCAP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2011 | Caution | 64 | 5 | 2 | 0 | 6 | Suspension, Wheels & Tires | 21 | — |
| 2012 | Avoid | 100 | 121 | 8 | 0 | 8 | Engine | 22 | 5★ |
| 2013 | Avoid | 93 | 87 | 5 | 1 | 4 | Engine | 23 | 5★ |
| 2014 | Caution | 57 | 25 | 1 | 0 | 3 | Engine | 23 | 5★ |
| 2015 | Avoid | 79 | 58 | 3 | 2 | 2 | Engine | 23 | 5★ |
| 2016 | Good | 43 | 25 | 1 | 0 | 4 | Engine | 23 | 5★ |
| 2017 | Good | 36 | 16 | 1 | 0 | 5 | Structure & Body | 26 | 5★ |
| 2018 | No verdict | 7 | 4 | 0 | 0 | 1 | Brakes | 26 | 5★ |
| 2019 | Caution | 71 | 25 | 1 | 2 | 4 | Electrical System | 28 | — |
| 2020 | Good | 29 | 11 | 1 | 0 | 4 | Brakes | 27 | — |
| 2021 | Best | 21 | 8 | 0 | 0 | 3 | Electrical System | 26.5 | — |
| 2022 | Caution | 50 | 15 | 0 | 0 | 4 | Electrical System | 30 | — |
| 2023 | No verdict | 14 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 6 | Collision Avoidance & Cameras | 30 | — |
| 2024 | Avoid | 86 | 20 | 3 | 0 | 3 | Collision Avoidance & Cameras | 30 | — |
| 2025 | No verdict | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 | — | 30 | — |
S60 years to avoid: what went wrong
2012 Volvo S60 Index 100 · 121 complaints · 8 recalls
The 2012 S60 has the highest complaint index (100) in the lineup, with 121 complaints and 8 recalls. Engine problems make up 55% of complaints, with a median failure mileage of 83,250. Owners also reported electrical system issues (16%, median 66,000 miles) and structure/body concerns including door latches that could break. One owner described a loss of steering control and traction control failure leading to a crash. Airbag non-deployment during collisions was also reported. Compared to other S60 years, 2012 stands out for both volume and severity of reported problems, including 13 injuries and 8 crashes.
2013 Volvo S60 Index 93 · 87 complaints · 4 recalls
The 2013 S60 carries a complaint index of 93 with 87 complaints and 4 recalls. Engine issues account for 46% of complaints at a median 74,000 miles. Owners reported airbags failing to deploy in frontal and rear-end collisions, sometimes alongside a 'srs airbag service urgent' warning message. Electrical system complaints (9%) included a taillight fire reported in a parked vehicle. A separate recall addressed incorrect manufacture-year labeling on some units. Relative to other S60 years, 2013 shows a high share of airbag-related crash complaints alongside engine trouble.
2024 Volvo S60 Index 86 · 20 complaints · 3 recalls
The 2024 S60 has a complaint index of 86 with 20 complaints and 3 recalls, including two separate recalls for rearview camera image display problems. Collision Avoidance & Cameras issues lead at 35% of complaints. Owners reported infotainment system glitches affecting the backup camera, and multiple incidents of unintended acceleration paired with brake failure, one at a median 4,000 miles. Electrical system complaints (30%) included multimedia screen failures requiring factory resets. A separate recall covered improperly secured passenger airbags on 2019-2024 S60 vehicles.
2015 Volvo S60 Index 79 · 58 complaints · 2 recalls
The 2015 S60 has a complaint index of 79 from 58 complaints and 2 recalls. Engine problems lead at 47% of complaints, median 65,000 miles, and include a reported engine compartment fire in a parked, unoccupied vehicle. Owners also described sudden unintended acceleration events, including one where the vehicle allegedly moved from 5 mph to 60 mph while pulling into a garage with airbags failing to deploy. Electrical system complaints made up 16% at a median 64,999.5 miles. Two fires were recorded for this year, more than most other model years.
Most common Volvo S60 problems (all years)
Share of NHTSA complaints by component group. A complaint naming two components counts once in each.
- Engine172 (41%)
- Other71 (17%)
- Electrical System70 (17%)
- Brakes37 (9%)
- Structure & Body35 (8%)
- Suspension, Wheels & Tires30 (7%)
- Collision Avoidance & Cameras24 (6%)
- Visibility & Wipers24 (6%)
- Steering23 (5%)
- Airbags21 (5%)
Frequently asked questions
- Which Volvo S60 years should I avoid?
- NHTSA data flags 2012, 2013, 2015, and 2024 as Avoid years for the S60, based on complaint index values of 100, 93, 79, and 86 respectively. 2012 has the highest complaint index and complaint count (121) of any S60 model year.
- What is the best Volvo S60 year to buy?
- The 2021 S60 is rated Best, with a complaint index of only 21 and just 8 complaints logged with NHTSA.
- What is the most common problem with the Volvo S60?
- Engine problems are the top issue across all S60 years, accounting for 172 of 423 total complaints, or 41%. Electrical system issues rank second at 17%.
- Does the 2024 Volvo S60 have any recalls?
- Yes. The 2024 S60 has 3 recalls, including two separate campaigns for rearview camera image display issues and one for improperly secured passenger airbags covering 2019-2024 S60 vehicles.
- How many total complaints does the Volvo S60 have?
- Across all 15 model years covered (2011-2025), NHTSA lists 423 total complaints and 28 recall campaigns for the Volvo S60.