Head-to-head reliability
Volvo S60 vs Volvo V60
How the Volvo S60 and Volvo V60 compare on NHTSA complaints, recalls and crash reports — and which is the lower-risk used buy.
Based on NHTSA owner-complaint & recall records
Volvo S60 vs Volvo V60: The S60 has 298 complaints and 13 crash-related reports over 10 years, while the V60 has 58 complaints and 1 crash-related report. The V60 averages 5.8 complaints per year versus 29.8 for the S60. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Volvo S60 or Volvo V60 more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Volvo S60
The Volvo S60 is a luxury sedan that, over ten years, has generated 298 owner complaints—about 29.8 per year—and 36 recalls. The most common trouble spots are the electrical system, brakes, and steering, with owners describing sudden power loss, brake failure, and steering noises. While many complaints are serious, the high volume suggests a car that demands regular attention and a thorough pre-purchase inspection.
Volvo V60
The Volvo V60 is a wagon variant that has far fewer complaints: 58 over ten years, or about 5.8 per year, with 32 recalls. Electrical and brake issues still appear, but the lower rate suggests a less troubled ownership experience. However, recalls for back-over prevention software and air bags mean you should verify all safety fixes are done.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Volvo S60 | Volvo V60 |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 298 | 58 Better |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 36 | 32 Better |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 13 | 1 Better |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 29.8 | 5.8 Better |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 7 | 1 Better |
Source: NHTSA owner complaints & recall records.
What actually goes wrong
The problems owners report
The most-complained-about systems on each vehicle — what fails, and what owners say in their own words.
Volvo S60
- 01ELECTRICAL SYSTEM77
- 02UNKNOWN OR OTHER61
- 03SERVICE BRAKES46
- 04STEERING32
- 05FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE32
Owners report the SRS warning light coming on and, in one case, a brand-new car losing all power, steering, and lights while driving at night. These failures can leave you stranded or unable to control the car, so a pre-purchase electrical check is critical.
Complaints describe sudden loss of braking power, with a hissing air leak behind the pedal or the brake pedal going all the way to the floor. This is a direct safety risk, so any soft or noisy brake pedal should be investigated immediately.
Owners hear squeaks and creaks from the steering wheel when cold, often linked to the airbag spring or trim. While not always dangerous, repeated repairs suggest a persistent annoyance that can be costly to chase.
This system appears in the top components, though specific complaint text is not provided. Buyers should test the automatic braking and warning features to ensure they function, as faults could reduce crash protection.
“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 16V…”
“PURCHASED A BRAND NEW 2016 VOLVO S60 - THE CAR AT INCIDENT DATE HAD 200 MILES ON IT. WHILE DRIVING IN TRAFFIC ON A CALIFORNIA FREEWAY - THE CAR LOST ALL POWER, STEERING, LIGHTS, ETC WHILE IN THE NUMBER 4 OF 7 LANE FREEWAY AT NIGHT. THE CAR WAS BLACKED OUT, NO…”
Volvo V60
- 01ELECTRICAL SYSTEM20
- 02SERVICE BRAKES13
- 03UNKNOWN OR OTHER7
- 04VISIBILITY/WIPER7
- 05FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM6
A high-pressure fuel pump failure shut down the car and left owners stranded, with the vehicle unable to shift into neutral. This can happen without warning, so a fuel pump and electrical system inspection is wise.
The Brake Control Module (BCM) can fail prematurely, throwing trouble codes and affecting braking. Owners also report acceleration failure and low battery warnings, so brake and charging systems should be checked.
Owners report exploding sunroofs and rearview mirrors that drift downward over time, requiring constant adjustment. These issues affect visibility and can be dangerous if the sunroof shatters while driving.
This component is among the top complaints, though specific text is not provided. Given the fuel pump shutdown reported under electrical, buyers should verify fuel system health and any related recalls.
“Me and my partners safety was put at risk when the vehicle’s high pressure fuel pump went out, shut the car down, and left us stranded in the middle of two lane traffic. What was scarier was how the vehicle couldn’t be manually overridden to shift into neutra…”
“Me and my partners safety was put at risk when the vehicle’s high pressure fuel pump went out, shut the car down, and left us stranded in the middle of two lane traffic. What was scarier was how the vehicle couldn’t be manually overridden to shift into neutra…”
Official recalls
Safety recalls on record
Federal recall campaigns — the defect, the risk, and the fix. Confirm any open recall was completed before you buy.
Volvo S60 — 36 recalls
The defect: Volvo Cars of N.A., LLC (Volvo) is recalling certain 2008-2016 V70 and XC70, 2007-2016 S80, 2011-2018 S60 and V60, 2016-2018 S60 Cross Country, 2014-2020 S60L, 2009-2015 S80L, 2009-2016 XC60 and 2015-2018 V60 Cross Country vehicles. The flexible steel cable that connects the seat belt to the front…
The risk: An unsecured occupant has an increased risk of injury in the event of a crash.
The fix: Volvo will notify owners, and dealers will replace the seat belt anchor cable for both front seats. The recall began December 10, 2020. Owners may contact Volvo customer service at 1-800-458-1552. Volvo's number for this recall is R10029.
The defect: Volvo Cars of N.A., LLC (Volvo) is recalling certain 2008-2016 V70 and XC70, 2007-2016 S80, 2011-2018 S60 and V60, 2016-2018 S60 Cross Country, 2014-2020 S60L, 2009-2015 S80L, 2009-2016 XC60 and 2015-2018 V60 Cross Country vehicles. The flexible steel cable that connects the seat belt to the front…
The risk: An unsecured occupant has an increased risk of injury in the event of a crash.
The fix: Volvo will notify owners, and dealers will replace the seat belt anchor cable for both front seats. The recall began December 10, 2020. Owners may contact Volvo customer service at 1-800-458-1552. Volvo's number for this recall is R10029.
The defect: 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.
The risk: A door that is not securely latched could open while the vehicle is in motion, increasing the risk of injury to a vehicle occupant.
The fix: 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.
The defect: Volvo Car USA LLC (Volvo) is recalling certain model year 2017 S60 and S60 Cross Country, V60 and V60 Cross Country, and XC60 vehicles manufactured August 16, 2016, through October 21, 2016. The affected vehicles have driver and front passenger seat side mounted side air bags (SAB) with inflator in…
The risk: If the air bag inflator initiator fails to ignite, the air bag will not deploy, increasing the risk of injury.
The fix: Volvo will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and, if necessary, replace the front seat side air bags, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin on February 13, 2017. Owners may contact Volvo customer service at 1-800-458-1552.…
Volvo V60 — 32 recalls
The defect: Volvo Car USA, LLC (Volvo Car) is recalling certain 2021-2025 XC40, 2022 V90, 2022-2025 S90, V90CC, C40, XC60, 2023-2025 S60, V60, V60CC, XC90, and 2025 EC40 and EX40 vehicles. The rearview camera image may not display when the vehicle is placed in reverse. As such, these vehicles fail to comply wi…
The risk: A rearview camera image that does not display reduces the driver's view of what is behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: The software will be updated by a dealer or through an over-the-air (OTA) update, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 27, 2025. Owners may contact Volvo Car customer service at 1-800-458-1552. Volvo Car's number for…
The defect: Volvo Car USA, LLC (Volvo Car) is recalling certain 2021-2025 XC40, 2022 V90, 2022-2024 C40BEV, 2022-2025 S90, V90CC, XC60, 2023-2025 S60, V60, V60CC, XC90, and 2025 EC40, and EX40 vehicles. The rearview camera image may not display when the vehicle is placed in reverse. As such, these vehicles fai…
The risk: A rearview camera image that does not display reduces the driver's view behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: The software will be updated by a dealer or through an over-the-air (OTA) update, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed February 24, 2026. Owners may contact Volvo Car’s customer service at 1-800-458-1552. Volvo Car's numb…
The defect: Volvo Car USA LLC (Volvo) is recalling certain 2017-2019 Volvo XC90, S90, V60, V60 Cross Country, V90, XC40, XC60, and V90 Cross Country vehicles. The software installed in the Vehicle Connectivity Module (VCM) may have an error causing the Telematics and Driver Support Systems to function improper…
The risk: If the GPS location is not provided to emergency personnel it can inhibit emergency response in the event of a crash or injury.
The fix: Volvo will notify owners, and dealers will correct the software, free of charge. The recall began December 26, 2018. Owners may contact Volvo customer service at 1-800-458-1552. Volvo's number for this recall is R39917.
The defect: Volvo Car USA LLC (Volvo) is recalling certain model year 2017 S60 and S60 Cross Country, V60 and V60 Cross Country, and XC60 vehicles manufactured August 16, 2016, through October 21, 2016. The affected vehicles have driver and front passenger seat side mounted side air bags (SAB) with inflator in…
The risk: If the air bag inflator initiator fails to ignite, the air bag will not deploy, increasing the risk of injury.
The fix: Volvo will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and, if necessary, replace the front seat side air bags, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin on February 13, 2017. Owners may contact Volvo customer service at 1-800-458-1552.…
Buyer analysis
Volvo S60 or Volvo V60: which should you buy?
The Volvo V60 has far fewer complaints per year (5.8 vs. 29.8) and only 1 crash-related complaint compared to 13 for the S60. In practice, this means the V60 is likely to spend less time in the shop for unexpected failures, though both models have recalls that must be addressed.
Key differences
- The S60 has 298 complaints over 10 years versus 58 for the V60, a five-fold difference in reported problems.
- S60 owners frequently report sudden power loss and brake failure, while V60 complaints include fuel pump shutdown and sunroof explosion.
- The S60 has 13 crash-related complaints and 7 injuries; the V60 has 1 crash-related complaint and 1 injury.
- Both have many recalls (36 for S60, 32 for V60), but the V60's recalls often involve software for back-over prevention and air bags.
- Check for any history of electrical gremlins: test all lights, warning indicators, and ensure the SRS light is not on.
- Inspect the brakes for a soft pedal, hissing sounds, or recent repairs; a brake failure at speed is a reported hazard.
- Ask about the high-pressure fuel pump and any stalling incidents; a sudden shutdown can leave you stranded.
- Test the sunroof for cracks or leaks and check the rearview mirror for drift; both are reported problems.
Before you buy
- Verify all open recalls are completed by checking the NHTSA VIN lookup for both models.
- Take a long test drive including highway speeds to check for sudden power loss, brake issues, or steering noises.
- Have a mechanic inspect the electrical system, brakes, and fuel pump (especially on the V60).
- For the S60, specifically test the forward collision avoidance system and listen for steering squeaks.
- For the V60, inspect the sunroof for cracks and ensure the rearview mirror stays in position.
Year by year
Which model years to avoid
Complaints per model year for both vehicles — lower is better. The spikes are the years to scrutinize.
| Year | Volvo S60 | Volvo V60 |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 0 | 0 |
| 2024 | 40 | 6 |
| 2023 | 3 | 3 |
| 2022 | 75 | 1 |
| 2021 | 32 | 6 |
| 2020 | 32 | 18 |
| 2019 | 69 | 3 |
| 2018 | 4 | 1 |
| 2017 | 17 | 6 |
| 2016 | 26 | 14 |
Check the actual car
Comparing models is smart. Checking the VIN is essential.
Brand averages tell you the trend. A VIN check tells you what's wrong with the specific Volvo S60 or Volvo V60 in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Volvo S60 vs Volvo V60
- Volvo S60 total complaints
- 298
- Volvo V60 total complaints
- 58
- Volvo S60 total recalls
- 36
- Volvo V60 total recalls
- 32
- Volvo S60 avg complaints/year
- 29.8
- Volvo V60 avg complaints/year
- 5.8
- More reliable overall
- Volvo V60
- Volvo S60 top complaint area
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Volvo V60 top complaint area
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM