Head-to-head reliability
Volvo XC60 vs Volvo S60
How the Volvo XC60 and Volvo S60 compare on NHTSA complaints, recalls and crash reports — and which is the lower-risk used buy.
Based on NHTSA owner-complaint & recall records
Volvo XC60 vs Volvo S60: The XC60 averages 112.8 complaints per year and has 44 recalls, while the S60 averages 29.8 complaints per year and has 36 recalls. The XC60 also has 80 crash-related complaints versus 13 for the S60. Both show electrical and brake issues, but the S60 has fewer overall. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Volvo XC60 or Volvo S60 more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Volvo XC60
The Volvo XC60 is a luxury compact SUV with a high complaint volume: 1,128 over 10 years, averaging about 113 per year. Electrical system issues dominate, with 427 complaints, often involving battery problems and warning lights. Owners also report unexpected automatic braking and intermittent power loss, which can be alarming. With 44 recalls and 80 crash-related complaints, it demands careful inspection before purchase.
Volvo S60
The Volvo S60 is a midsize sedan with far fewer complaints: 298 over 10 years, about 30 per year. Electrical problems lead with 77 complaints, including total power loss while driving. Brake failures and steering noises are also reported. With 36 recalls and 13 crash-related complaints, it appears less problematic overall, but serious safety issues still exist.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Volvo XC60 | Volvo S60 |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 1,128 | 298 Better |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 44 | 36 Better |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 80 | 13 Better |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 112.8 | 29.8 Better |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 79 | 7 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 XC60
- 01ELECTRICAL SYSTEM427
- 02UNKNOWN OR OTHER206
- 03SERVICE BRAKES165
- 04FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE158
- 05LANE DEPARTURE98
Owners frequently report battery drain, start/stop system warnings, and rotten smells from vents. These can leave you stranded or cause costly repairs, and the battery location is a common frustration.
Complaints describe the automatic braking system activating for no reason, sometimes bringing the car to a complete stop in traffic. This unexpected braking could cause a rear-end collision.
Reports include sudden unintended acceleration while braking and brake failure. One owner said the car surged forward even with strong brake pressure, which is a serious safety concern.
Intermittent loss of power at highway speeds and phantom auto-braking are reported. These issues can be unpredictable and dangerous, especially at high speeds.
“The support battery for start/stop started to show on the dash and tells me that service is required about 2 weeks ago. "THE LOCATION OF THE BATTERY IS MY CONCERN". A month ago, the air coming out from the vent of the ac/heater started to smell like a rotten…”
“Dear NHTSA, I would like to submit a safety complaint regarding my 2026 Volvo XC60 Ultra, purchased new and currently with approximately 5,939 miles. I am submitting this complaint because I have experienced repeated vehicle behaviors that I believe may have…”
Volvo S60
- 01ELECTRICAL SYSTEM77
- 02UNKNOWN OR OTHER61
- 03SERVICE BRAKES46
- 04STEERING32
- 05FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE32
Owners report SRS warning lights and total power loss while driving, leaving the car blacked out with no steering or lights. This is extremely dangerous, especially at night or in traffic.
Complaints include sudden loss of braking power, with the pedal going to the floor and air leaking sounds. One driver had to shift to park to stop, indicating a severe failure.
Steering wheel squeaks and creaks when cold, often linked to the airbag spring. While not always a failure, it can indicate worn components and may require repeated repairs.
Issues like doors not latching properly and unresolved wheel noises are reported. These can affect safety and lead to frustrating dealer visits without a fix.
“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…”
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 XC60 — 44 recalls
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.…
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, 2022-2025 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…
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.…
Buyer analysis
Volvo XC60 or Volvo S60: which should you buy?
The Volvo S60 has far fewer complaints per year (about 30 vs. 113 for the XC60) and fewer crash-related reports (13 vs. 80). In practice, this suggests the S60 may be less likely to leave you dealing with frequent repairs, but both models have serious safety-related complaints that warrant a thorough inspection.
Key differences
- The XC60 has nearly four times as many complaints per year as the S60, with electrical issues being the most common.
- XC60 owners report unexpected automatic braking and unintended acceleration, while S60 owners report total power loss and brake failure.
- The XC60 has more crash-related complaints (80) and injuries (79) than the S60 (13 crashes, 7 injuries).
- Both have electrical problems, but the XC60's are more frequent and include battery and start/stop issues.
- Check for battery health and start/stop system warnings; many owners report battery drain and service messages.
- Test the automatic braking system in a safe area to ensure it doesn't activate unexpectedly, and ask about any software updates.
- Inspect for SRS warning lights and ask if the seat belt recall was performed; electrical issues can cause total power loss.
- Test the brakes thoroughly for any sponginess or air leaks, and listen for steering noises when cold.
Before you buy
- Obtain a full vehicle history report and confirm all recalls have been repaired.
- Have a mechanic inspect the electrical system, including battery and alternator, for both models.
- Test drive at highway speeds to check for power loss or unexpected braking.
- For the XC60, specifically test the forward collision avoidance and lane departure systems.
- For the S60, check for brake pedal feel and any steering wheel noises when starting cold.
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 XC60 | Volvo S60 |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 37 | 0 |
| 2024 | 46 | 40 |
| 2023 | 216 | 3 |
| 2022 | 370 | 75 |
| 2021 | 124 | 32 |
| 2020 | 88 | 32 |
| 2019 | 108 | 69 |
| 2018 | 108 | 4 |
| 2017 | 16 | 17 |
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 XC60 or Volvo S60 in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Volvo XC60 vs Volvo S60
- Volvo XC60 total complaints
- 1,128
- Volvo S60 total complaints
- 298
- Volvo XC60 total recalls
- 44
- Volvo S60 total recalls
- 36
- Volvo XC60 avg complaints/year
- 112.8
- Volvo S60 avg complaints/year
- 29.8
- More reliable overall
- Volvo S60
- Volvo XC60 top complaint area
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Volvo S60 top complaint area
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM