YearToAvoid

Volvo V60 Best and Worst Years (2011–2025)

The Volvo V60 years to avoid are 2015, 2016, 2020, and 2024, based on the highest NHTSA complaint index scores (100, 86, 79, and 93 respectively). No year is flagged as best; 2011-2014 and 2022/2025 show the lowest complaint indexes (0-36).

Avoid 2015Avoid 2016Avoid 2020Avoid 2024

Model years
15
2011–2025
NHTSA complaints
57
Recall campaigns
16
Crashes reported
2
Fires reported
0
Top problem area
Engine

V60 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.

Complaint Index by model year (0 = fewest issues, 100 = most)0255075100’11’12’13’14’15’16’17’18’19’20’21’22’23’24’25
Complaint Index: 0 = fewest issues, 100 = most, relative to other years of this model. Avoid Caution Good Best

Volvo V60 problems and recalls by year

YearVerdictIndexComplaintsCrashesFiresRecallsTop issueMPGNCAP
2011No verdict00002———
2012No verdict70002———
2013No verdict140002———
2014No verdict210002———
2015Avoid10021202Engine23—
2016Avoid8614004Engine23—
2017No verdict643006Structure & Body26—
2018No verdict431002Visibility & Wipers26—
2019No verdict572003Structure & Body25—
2020Avoid798003Brakes27—
2021No verdict501003Electrical System27—
2022No verdict290003—30.5—
2023No verdict712004Electrical System31—
2024Avoid935002Collision Avoidance & Cameras——
2025No verdict360002—31—

V60 years to avoid: what went wrong

2015 Volvo V60 Index 100 · 21 complaints · 2 recalls

The 2015 V60 has the highest complaint index (100) in the lineup and ranks worst overall. Engine problems dominate, making up 52% of complaints for the year with a median failure mileage of 33,100. Owners also reported brake issues at a median 35,000 miles. The year carries 2 recall campaigns, including a seat belt anchor cable replacement and a door latch fix affecting multiple Volvo models. Some complaints describe stalling and brake failure incidents, with reported crashes and injuries tied to this model year.

2024 Volvo V60 Index 93 · 5 complaints · 2 recalls

The 2024 V60 has a complaint index of 93, the second-worst year despite having only 2 recall campaigns. Collision avoidance and camera problems, plus visibility and wiper issues, each represent 40% of complaints. Owners reported rearview camera images not displaying properly, windshield cracking without impact, and brake pedals requiring full depression before stopping. Recalls cover rearview camera image display defects affecting several Volvo models built in this era.

2016 Volvo V60 Index 86 · 14 complaints · 4 recalls

The 2016 V60 shows a complaint index of 86, the third-worst year. Engine issues account for 36% of complaints with a median failure mileage of only 1,551, and electrical system problems make up 29% at a median 1,600 miles, pointing to early-life failures. Owners reported stalling shortly after purchase and unexpected engine shutdowns. The year has 4 recall campaigns, including a seat belt buckle stud inspection and the same seat belt anchor cable and door latch recalls shared with other years.

2020 Volvo V60 Index 79 · 8 complaints · 3 recalls

The 2020 V60 carries a complaint index of 79. Brakes and electrical system issues each account for 38% of complaints, with brake-related failures reported at a median of 1,650 miles and electrical failures at a median of just 500 miles. The year has 3 recall campaigns, including a high-voltage battery short-circuit risk, a low-pressure fuel pump fuse failure, and an Automatic Emergency Braking software/hardware incompatibility. Owners described unexpected automatic braking and blank instrument displays.

Most common Volvo V60 problems (all years)

Share of NHTSA complaints by component group. A complaint naming two components counts once in each.

  1. Engine17 (30%)
  2. Electrical System10 (18%)
  3. Brakes8 (14%)
  4. Visibility & Wipers7 (12%)
  5. Other6 (11%)
  6. Structure & Body6 (11%)
  7. Collision Avoidance & Cameras5 (9%)
  8. Seat Belts3 (5%)
  9. Suspension, Wheels & Tires3 (5%)
  10. Transmission & Powertrain3 (5%)

Frequently asked questions

What year Volvo V60 should I avoid?
Based on NHTSA complaints and recalls, avoid the 2015, 2016, 2020, and 2024 Volvo V60. These years have the highest complaint index scores of 100, 86, 79, and 93 respectively, compared to 0-36 for the cleanest years.
Is the 2015 Volvo V60 reliable?
The 2015 V60 has the highest complaint index (100) of any V60 model year and ranks worst overall in NHTSA owner complaints. Engine problems account for 52% of its complaints, with a median failure mileage of 33,100.
Does the Volvo V60 have engine problems?
Engine issues are the top problem area across all V60 model years, representing 30% of the 57 total complaints. The 2015 and 2016 model years show the heaviest concentration of engine-related complaints.
How many recalls does the Volvo V60 have?
Across all 15 model years covered (2011-2025), the Volvo V60 has 16 total recall campaigns. The 2016 and 2024 model years each have multiple recalls, including seat belt and rearview camera issues.
Which Volvo V60 years have the fewest complaints?
The 2011, 2012, 2022, and 2025 model years show the lowest complaint index values, ranging from 0 to 36, and none are flagged as Avoid years.

Sources: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation complaint and recall databases; U.S. EPA fuel economy data; NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings. Complaints are unverified owner reports.

Data updated Sep 24, 2026. Read the methodology and data sources. The Complaint Index is based on NHTSA owner complaints and recalls; it is not a reliability rating.