2006 Volvo S60 Reliability Data: Problems & Recalls
Good The 2006 Volvo S60 has a complaint index of 37, ranking 13th of 20 model years, and carries a Good verdict relative to other S60 years. It has 31 NHTSA complaints, 3 recalls, and its top problem area is the engine with 9 complaints (29% share).
Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology
YearToAvoid Scorecard
- Complaint Index
- 37/100
- #13 of 20 S60 years
- Verdict
- Good
- vs. other years of this model
- Complaints
- 31
- unique NHTSA reports
- Recalls
- 3
- distinct NHTSA campaigns
- Crashes
- 1
- reported in complaints
- Fires
- 1
- Injuries
- 0
- Top issue
- Engine
- NHTSA overall rating
- Not rated
- EPA combined MPG
- 21
- 18 city / 26 hwy
- Injuries / deaths
- 0 / 0
Top 2006 Volvo S60 problems
Share of this year’s NHTSA complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.
- Engine9 (29%)
- Airbags6 (19%)
- Electrical System6 (19%)
- Brakes5 (16%)
- Fuel System5 (16%)
- Transmission & Powertrain4 (13%)
- Steering3 (10%)
- Suspension, Wheels & Tires2 (6%)
- Visibility & Wipers1 (3%)
A complaint can list more than one component, so shares add up to more than 100%. Shares are % of complaints.
What owners report
- Drivers report the driver's airbag failing to deploy in a low-speed crash while emitting a loud bang and a burning odor, with the airbag warning light coming on.
- Owners describe a sudden loss of braking power when driving uphill at moderate speed, sometimes tied to depressing the clutch, with the brake pedal needing to be released and reapplied to regain any stopping power.
- Some owners report the transmission shifter getting stuck in park even with the brake applied and the engine running properly.
- A front suspension link arm was reported to break in half during a low-speed turn, accompanied by a coolant warning light and a cracked radiator.
- One owner reported a tire failure at 40 mph in cold, wet weather, later linked to incorrect tire pressure labeling covered by a recall.
- Owners describe the steering having an extremely short turning radius, making tight or quick turns difficult in traffic.
2006 Volvo S60 recalls
3 NHTSA recall campaigns list this model year.
- NHTSA 21V766000Sep 30, 2021Airbags259,383 vehicles
Air bags:frontal:driver side:inflator module
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.
Risk: 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.
- NHTSA 10V566000Nov 8, 2010Other416 vehicles
Equipment:electrical:navigational system(global positioning system)
Volvo is recalling certain vehicles equipped with garmin 760 portable global positioning system (gps) units because the batteries on those units may overheat.
Risk: 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.
- NHTSA 06V375000Oct 3, 2006Other19,700 vehicles
Equipment:other:labels
Certain vehicles fail to conform to the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 110, "tire selection and rims." the label denoting the tire and loading pressure information is incorrect.
Risk: A misprinted label would lead to improper vehicle loading specifications or tire inflation which could result in a tire failure, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will mail the correct labels free of charge. The recall began on december 18, 2006. Owners may contact volvo at 1-800-458-1552.
2006 Volvo S60 fuel economy and fuel cost
- City
- 18 MPG
- Highway
- 26 MPG
- Combined
- 21 MPG
- Annual fuel cost (EPA)
- $3,800
- 15,000 mi/yr
- Fuel
- Premium
- Current regular gas
- $4.32/gal
- national avg.
EPA figures; median across configurations of this model year. Estimate your own cost with the fuel cost calculator.
2006 compared with other S60 years
Frequently asked questions
- Is the 2006 Volvo S60 reliable?
- Among the 20 model years of the S60 with data, 2006 ranks 13th worst with a complaint index of 37 and carries a Good verdict relative to other S60 years.
- What are the most common problems with the 2006 Volvo S60?
- NHTSA data shows the top problem area is the engine, with 9 complaints making up 29% of all reports, followed by airbags and electrical system issues at 19% each.
- Does the 2006 Volvo S60 have any recalls?
- NHTSA lists 3 recalls for the 2006 S60, covering a driver's airbag inflator that may explode during deployment, an overheating GPS unit battery, and incorrect tire pressure labeling.
- What is the median mileage for reported failures on the 2006 S60?
- Across all reported problems, the median mileage at failure was 46,562.5 miles, though brake complaints showed a much lower median mileage of 7,800 miles.
- How does the 2006 S60 compare to other years for fuel economy?
- The 2006 S60 gets an EPA-rated 21 mpg combined (18 city / 26 highway), with an estimated annual fuel cost of $3,800.