Volvo V60
Reliability, NHTSA Complaints & Recall History
10 model years analyzed (2017–2026). All data sourced directly from the NHTSA public complaints and recall database — the same data used by federal regulators.
Checking a specific Volvo V60? Run a VIN check for its exact history.
⭐ NHTSA NCAP Crash Test Ratings
New Car Assessment ProgramNCAP crash tests measure how well a vehicle protects occupants in controlled frontal crash, side crash, and rollover scenarios. Stars are awarded per category (5 = safest). These laboratory results are independent of owner complaints and are performed by NHTSA engineers on new production vehicles.
NCAP crash test ratings for this model are not yet loaded or this vehicle was not tested in the years analyzed. NHTSA tests a subset of new vehicles each year. Check nhtsa.gov/ratings directly for the latest results.
AI Interpretation
Low ConfidenceBelow AverageBased on the limited data, complaints are concentrated in the 2017 model year, with the most common component category being 'Unknown or Other.' Power train and fuel/propulsion system issues also appear, but the low complaint volume and high number of recalls suggest caution when interpreting these patterns.
- The 2017 model year accounts for the majority of complaints (6 out of 7).
- The most frequently cited component category is 'Unknown or Other' with 3 complaints.
- Power train and fuel/propulsion system each have 2 complaints.
- There are 28 recalls across the 2017–2026 model years, which is high relative to the number of complaints.
- Unknown or Other components are the most common complaint category.
- Power train issues are reported in 2 complaints.
- Fuel/propulsion system issues are reported in 2 complaints.
The 2017 model year has the most complaints (6), driven primarily by unknown/other, power train, and fuel/propulsion system components.
Model years 2019–2021 show zero complaints, which may suggest fewer reported issues, but the low overall complaint count makes this inconclusive.
- Check for any open recalls related to power train or fuel/propulsion system.
- Verify all open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- Request service records for any reported components, especially for 2017 models.
- Have a mechanic inspect the vehicle, focusing on power train and fuel system.
🔔 NHTSA Safety Recalls
28 recalls foundSafety recalls are mandatory repair campaigns ordered by NHTSA when a vehicle defect poses an unreasonable risk to safety. Manufacturers are required to fix recalled vehicles free of charge. Always verify open recalls before buying a used car.
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Source: NHTSA Recalls Database. Data covers model years 2017–2026. Always run a VIN-specific check below for the most up-to-date open recall status.
🔧 Most-Reported Problem Areas
Based on component keywords extracted from all 7 NHTSA complaints.
📋 NHTSA Complaint Reports
7 totalThese are consumer-submitted safety complaints filed directly with NHTSA. Each complaint describes a real owner's experience. Complaints flagged as crash-related or fire-related are highlighted.
REARVIEW MIRRORS DO NOT RETURN TO THEIR SAVED POSITIONS AFTER SHIFTING INTO REVERSE THEN SHIFTING BACK INTO DRIVE. THIS WILL COMPOUND OVER TIME AND SHIFT THE REARVIEW MIRROR POSITIONS LOWER AND LOWER. STORED POSITIONS ARE NOT AFFECTED, AS RECALLING A SAVED DRIVER SETTING WILL MOVE THE MIRRORS BACK TO THE CORRECT STORED POSITIONS.
The sunroof on this vehicle shattered while I was driving. A loud bang and a shower of glass ensued. There were no vehicles directly ahead of me or aircraft flying overhead when the incident occured. I wasn't insured and was able to pull off the road to inspect. No flying object hit the glass as some suspect. The glass shattered on its own. There have been no issues with the sunroof and opening/closing/tilt functions operated as normal. The vehicle will be inspected and repaired at a dealer.
I am afraid, someone may get KILLED. . . The car unexpectedly just starts to 'free wheel'. It all started approximately 6 weeks ago and progressively became worse. IT IS A SOFTWARE PROBLEM. I am a retired Software Engineer and worked in military defense for a government contractor. - - so, I know a software problem when I see it. My car just started to 'free wheel' (meaning, I have no control over the transmission or gas pedal). I was driving over by our local College and stopped for a light. When the light turned Green, I took my foot off the brake and pressed the accelerator. I went No where. . . (me - what is WRONG)? I pressed the accelerator again - nothing (the engine wouldn't even 'rev'). The car is still in gear, but nothing is happening! ! ! Now, what do I do? (the car is 'free-wheeling' - HELP - - no control or transmission). I am at a Green light and going NO WHERE. Then, in Panic (thinking this maybe a Software), I put the transmission in 'neutral' for a few seconds and then back in gear and put my foot on the accelerator. There is a hesitation, but the 'engine catches (can hear it slowly rev) and I start to move. Because it started while I was starting up from a STOP (at a STOP light), I thought it might have something to do with the 'Auto Stop / Start' function (actually, this exacerbates the problem). Then, Christmas day, coming back from visiting it happened again (I forgot to turn OFF the 'Auto Stop / Start') which is what I thought was causing the problem. BUT what made it much more DANGEROUS was: I was doing a 'left turn' on a busy street and almost got KILLED. So, all seemed to be OK, if I (remember) to turn OFF the 'Auto Stop / Start' function. UNTIL today, I was making a right turn on a busy street. As soon as I was over the railroad tracks, the car started to 'free-wheel'. ([XXX], NOW WHAT DO I DO)? I coasted to the right curb and 'glanced' over at the 'Auto Stop/start - it was ON (Oooh, NO). It just gets worse. . INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).
THE FRONT SEATS ROCK/WOBBLE BEYOND AN ACCEPTABLE LEVEL AND PRESENT A SAFETY ISSUE. IT'S VERY SUBTLE BUT ONCE YOU NOTICE YOU CAN'T NOT NOTICE. IT HAPPENS ALL THE TIME AT VERY LOW SPEED WHEN BRAKING (I.E. PULLING OUT OF MY GARAGE AND SWITCHING FROM REVERSE TO DRIVE) OR EVEN IN SUCH SIMPLE SITUATIONS AS GETTING INTO THE CAR. IT'S THE BACK OF THE SEAT THAT WOBBLES, BUT THE BOTTOM. I TOOK MY CAR INTO MY LOCAL MECHANIC AND HE SAID THAT THE ONLY FIX IS TO REPLACE THE ENTIRE SEAT AS IT'S CAUSED BY A POORLY-DESIGNED PIVOT THAT IS PART OF THE SEAT ASSEMBLY. HE SAID HE THINKS THERE MIGHT BE A FIX OUT FOR THE 2018 MODEL YEAR BUT THAT THE 2017 HAS NOT BEEN ADDRESSED, EVEN THOUGH THEY ARE THE SAME DESIGN AND EVEN THOUGH HE HAS SEEN A NUMBER OF OTHER V60S WITH THIS ISSUE COMING UP. IT'S SIMPLY POOR DESIGN THAT IS PROHIBITIVELY EXPENSIVE TO CORRECT. I DO NOT FEEL SAFE DRIVING A CAR WITH A LOOSE SEAT AS I WONDER WHAT WOULD HAPPEN SHOULD I EXPERIENCE A CRASH. WILL THE WHOLE BACK OF THE SEAT COLLAPSE IF IT'S ALREADY LOOSE? I BELIEVE THIS SHOULD BE A RECALL ISSUE OR REPLACED FOR FREE BY VOLVO.
I BOUGHT THIS 2017 V60 FROM CRIPPEN VOLVO IN 2019 WITH ONLY AROUND 1000MILES ON IT. I AM THE FIRST OWNER. THE TRANSMISSION ACT WEIRDLY ON THE SECOND DAY I BOUGHT IT. IT HAS A POWE CUT BETWEEN 1ST GEAR AND 2 ND GEAR, JUST LIKE DRVING A MANUAL. (ONLY WHEN IT IS COMPLETELY WARM) BRING IT TO CRIPPEN VOLVO, THEY UPDATE THE SOFTWARE OF TCM, THINGS GET BETTER A BIT. BUT STILL JERKY FROM 1ST GEAR TO 2ND GEAR. BRING IT TO SUBURBAN VOLVO, THEY RESET EVERYTHING OF THE SOFTWARE. THINGS GET BETTER A BIT, BUT THE PROBLEM CAME BACK SEVERAL DAYS AFTER THAT. IN MARCH 2020, BRING IT TO SUBURBAN VOLVO AGAIN, TECHNICIAN THERE OPENED A CASE WITH VOLVO USA, VOLVO USA TOLD THEM TO REPLACE THE WHOLE TRANSMISSION. JOB GOT DOWN AFTER A MONTH. IN LATE APRIL, PROBLEM COM BACK AGAIN, THE NEW TRANSMISSION JERKY FROM 1ST TO 2ND GEAR WHEN IT IS COMPLETELY WARM, (JUST GET OFF THE HIGHWAY) I DON'T KNOW HOW THEY WILL HANDLE IT NEXT. I WILL GO THERE AGAIN ON 4/30 I ALSO HEAR POPPING NOISE FROM THE FUEL TANK EVERY TIME I TOP UP THE FUEL TANK. IT SEEMS LIKE IS THE BAD FUEL PUMP CAUSES THE PROBLEM.
THE POWER GET CUT WHEN SHIFTING FROM 1ST GEAR TO 2ND GEAR. FEEL MORE JERKY WHEN UPHILL. THE FUEL TANK MAKE POPPING NOISE (LIKE BOILING WATER) WHEN IT IS FULL TO THE TOP (100%)
COLLISION PREVENTION AT SLOW SPEED DEFECTIVE
Showing 7 of 7 total NHTSA complaints. Source: NHTSA Complaints Database
Check a Specific Volvo V60
This page shows fleet averages across all 10 model years. Enter a VIN to see the exact accident history, odometer records, title brands, and open recall status for a specific car.
📖 Understanding This Data
What is an NHTSA Complaint?
An NHTSA safety complaint is a report filed directly by a vehicle owner or driver describing a safety-related issue. Anyone can submit a complaint at NHTSA.gov. The number of complaints is a signal of how common a problem is — but complaints per model-year matter more than raw totals, since popular vehicles naturally receive more reports. The Volvo V60 has 7 complaints on record across 10 model years.
What is a Safety Recall?
A safety recall is a mandatory campaign issued by NHTSA when a vehicle component poses an unreasonable risk to safety or does not comply with federal motor vehicle safety standards. Unlike complaints (which are owner-reported), recalls are formally investigated and confirmed by regulators. Manufacturers must fix recalled vehicles free of charge. The Volvo V60 has 28 recall campaigns in the NHTSA database.
What Are Crash Complaints?
Crash complaints are NHTSA filings where the owner indicates a crash occurred as part of the incident. 0 of the Volvo V60's 7 complaints involved a crash. This metric is particularly important because it indicates how often defects resulted in actual collisions — a key safety signal beyond general reliability.
How Is the AI Rating Calculated?
The AI reliability rating (Below Average) is generated by analyzing the vehicle's total complaints, recall history, crash complaint ratio, fire complaint ratio, and top component failures relative to class averages. The rating provides a plain-English summary for buyers who want a quick verdict without parsing raw numbers. It is one input in your buying decision — always verify with a VIN-specific report.
Why Do Newer Years Have Fewer Complaints?
Newer model years appear to have fewer complaints because there has been less time for owners to file them. Complaints accumulate over years of ownership. A 2020 model year vehicle will typically show fewer complaints than a 2015 model year even if it is less reliable — simply because fewer owners have had time to report issues. Focus on complaints per year of market presence when comparing across model years.
Fleet Data vs. Individual VIN
Everything on this page reflects aggregated data across all Volvo V60 vehicles on the road — not any specific car. Two Volvo V60 vehicles of the same year can have very different histories: one may have been in three accidents and have an open recall; another may be clean. A VIN check gives you the individual car's history: accidents, title brands, odometer records, service history, and real-time recall status.
What Are NHTSA Investigations?
When NHTSA receives a pattern of related safety complaints, it opens a formal investigation. A Preliminary Evaluation (PE) is the first stage — NHTSA determines if a safety defect may exist. If evidence is strong, it escalates to an Engineering Analysis (EA), which can result in a mandatory recall. The Volvo V60 has 0 investigations on record (0 active). Investigations listed above may have already led to the recalls shown on this page.