RoadVitals

2005 Volvo S60

Recalls, owner-reported complaints, investigations and safety data

Data refreshed

Owner complaintsComplaints are reports submitted to NHTSA by owners and drivers. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a complaint does not establish that a defect exists. Volume is influenced by how many of a vehicle were sold, how long it has been on the road, and how much attention an issue has received.
44
Latest Nov 9, 2021
Safety recallsA safety recall is issued when a manufacturer or NHTSA determines that a vehicle has a safety-related defect or does not comply with a federal motor vehicle safety standard. Recall repairs are free. Whether a specific vehicle is covered depends on its VIN — a recall listed for a model year does not necessarily apply to every vehicle of that year.
4
Latest Sep 30, 2021
InvestigationsNHTSA opens an investigation to examine whether a safety defect may exist. An open investigation is not a determination that a defect exists, and many investigations close without a recall. Investigations can, however, lead to one.
0
Crash or fire reportedComplaints whose submitter recorded that a crash or a fire occurred. These are the reporter's own answers on the NHTSA form, not verified findings.
0

Overview

Our database contains 44 NHTSA owner-reported complaints for the 2005 Volvo S60, most frequently naming the fuel system, engine and tires & wheels categories. 4 safety recalls have been issued covering this model year; and 174 manufacturer communications are on file.

Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.

What owners report

Complaints grouped by the component NHTSA recorded

  • Fuel system1018.5%
  • Engine1018.5%
  • Tires & wheels611.1%
  • Electrical611.1%
  • Driver assistance47.4%
  • Body & structure47.4%
  • Steering23.7%
  • Powertrain (other)23.7%

Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.

Safety recalls

4 campaigns cover this model year

View all 4

Recalls apply to specific vehicles, not to every vehicle of a model year. Check your VIN with NHTSA or your manufacturer's dealer to confirm whether a recall affects your vehicle.

Check a VIN on NHTSA.gov
21V766000

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE

Sep 30, 2021
259,383 units potentially affected
The defect: 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.
The risk: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants, resulting in serious injury or death.
The 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.
Volvo Car USA, LLCManufacturer number R10125View on NHTSA.gov
10V566000

EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:NAVIGATIONAL SYSTEM(GLOBAL POSITIONING SYSTEM)

Nov 8, 2010
416 units potentially affected
The defect: VOLVO IS RECALLING CERTAIN VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH GARMIN 760 PORTABLE GLOBAL POSITIONING SYSTEM (GPS) UNITS BECAUSE THE BATTERIES ON THOSE UNITS MAY OVERHEAT.
The risk: AN OVERHEATED BATTERY COULD LEAD TO A FIRE.
The 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.
VOLVO CARS OF N.A. LLC.Manufacturer number R231View on NHTSA.gov
07E023000

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:MASTER CYLINDER

Mar 29, 2007
13,128 units potentially affected
The defect: CERTAIN CARDONE MASTER CYLINDERS WITH PART NUMBERS 10-2925, 10-2987, 10-2987MZA, 10-3083, 11-3015, 11-3042, 11-3044, 11-3045, 11-3047, 11-3064, AND 11-3156, AND WITH DATE CODES LOWER THAN DCA7078 SOLD AS REPLACEMENT EQUIPMENT FOR USE ON THE VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. THE SEAL ON MASTER CYLINDER CAN FAIL AND LEAK BRAKE FLUID.
The risk: LOSS OF BRAKE FLUID CAN RESULT IN POOR BRAKING PERFORMANCE, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
The remedy: CARDONE WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER TO REPURCHASE ANY DEFECTIVE MASTER CYLINDERS. THE RECALL BEGAN DURING APRIL 2007. OWNERS CAN CONTACT CARDONE AT 1-800-777-4780.
CARDONE INDUSTRIES, INC.View on NHTSA.gov

Recent owner complaints

Reports submitted to NHTSA, shown in the owner's own words

View all 44
Interior & seats
Filed Nov 9, 2021

While I was driving I felt very hot under my buttock than I heard it pop and burst, I pulled over to check, oh my got (OMG) thanks God I'm safe! There was a burn on my car seat!

NHTSA ID
11439950
Incident
Nov 9, 2021
Driver assistancePowertrain (other)
Filed Aug 17, 2019

ANGLE/COLLAR GEAR/SLEEVE, HALDEX AWD. HUNDREDS OF THOUSANDS OF AWD VOLVOS HAVE THIS ISSUE YET VOLVO HAS NEVER TAKEN ACTION OR RECALLED PART. THIS IS JUST ONE OF MANY ISSUES THOUSANDS OF VOLVO'S HAVE. BUT THE AWD SYSTEM NON FUNCTIONING DUE TO STRIPPED TEETH CAUSED BY RUST BECAUSE OF INADEQUATE GREASE/LUBE ETC. ON THOUSANDS OF VEHICLES RANGING FROM THEIR SMALL SEDANS TO SUV'S SHOULD BE SOMETHING. THEY HAVE EVEN UPDATED THE ANGLE GEAR/COLLAR SLEEVE WITH ONE THAT HAS "HARDENED" TEETH, BUT NO RECALL ON A PART OF THE VEHICLE THAT IS SUPPOSE TO ALWAYS FUNCTION. A LOT WERE LUCKY ENOUGH IT HAPPENED WHILE STILL UNDER WARRANTY. BUT GETTING STUCK/STRANDED IN SNOW BECAUSE YOUR VEHICLE IS ONLY 2 WHEEL DRIVE WHEN ITS SUPPOSE TO BE AWD. I DID NOT FIND OUT MY AWD DID NOT WORK UNTIL I HAD GOTTEN STUCK IN THE SNOW. TURNS OUT HUNDREDS IF NOT THOUSANDS OF PEOPLE HAD TO FIND OUT THIS SAME WAY. I BELIEVE VOLVO HAS JUST BEEN LUCKY NO ONE HAS DIED YET DUE TO FAILED AWD SYSTEM. I AM NOT CERTAIN ABOUT WHAT CONDITIONS NEED TO BE MET BEFORE A RECALL IS DONE. THIS IS JUST ONE OF THE ISSUES WITH VOLVO'S. I AM NOT SURE ON THE EXACT DATE MY AWD SYSTEM STOPPED WORKING BECAUSE DRIVING ON ANYTHING OTHER THAN SNOW, OR ICE YOU CANNOT TELL. BUT A SIMPLE SEARCH ON THE INTERNET AND HUNDREDS IF NOT THOUSANDS OF PEOPLE STARTING EARLY AS 2000'S TO MOST RECENT AS 2019 HAVING SAME ISSUES, SOME MORE THAN ONCE, AND A FEW COMING UP WITH THEIR OWN WAY OF FIXING VOLVOS ISSUE. BUT PHOTOS CAN BE FOUND ALL OVER THE WEB. ALSO VOLVO SELLS THESE ADVERTISED AS AWD WHEN IN FACT IT IS FWD ALL TIME, UNTIL FRONT TIRES LOSE TRACTION WHICH ONLY THEN DO THE REAR WHEELS ENGAGE. YET CAN BREAK OR MALFUNCTION EVEN THOUGH THEY ONLY EVER COME ON 20-30% OF THE VEHICLES TOTAL MILES DRIVEN. NOT SURE OF AWD DEFINITION BUT I ALWAYS THOUGHT IT STOOD FOR ALL WHEEL DRIVE, NOT FRONT WHEEL DRIVE; ALL WHEEL DRIVE WHEN FRONT WHEELS LOSE TRACTION.

NHTSA ID
11244571
Incident
Oct 1, 2017
Mileage
130,000 mi
Seat belts
Filed Sep 13, 2017

MY SEAT BELT GOT STUCK IN THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE . NOW I'M GETTING A SERVICE MESSAGE ABOUT THE SRS SERVICE URGENT I DON'T KNOW WHY IT GOT STUCK BUT IT DID I CAN'T GET IT OUT OF SEAT BELT CLIP .

NHTSA ID
11023384
Incident
Sep 11, 2017
Mileage
63,611 mi
Filed Jul 23, 2016

APPLIED BRAKE, ENGINE CONTINUED TO ACCELERATE. I HAD TO PUMP THE BRAKE SEVERAL TIMES RAPIDLY BEFORE THE ENGINE DECELERATED. THIS HAS OCCURRED ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS.

NHTSA ID
10887911
Incident
Jun 2, 2016
Mileage
27,800 mi
Airbags
Filed May 27, 2016

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 VOLVO S60. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE SRS AIR BAG LIGHT REMAINED ILLUMINATED EVER SINCE THE VEHICLE WAS PURCHASED TEN MONTHS AGO. THE DEALER WAS UNABLE TO DIAGNOSE THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE RECURRED AND WAS NOT REMEDIED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 215,077. UPDATED 08/10/16*LJ *CN

NHTSA ID
10871227
Incident
Jul 23, 2015
Mileage
215,077 mi
Engine
Filed Mar 9, 2016

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 VOLVO S60. WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 40 MPH, THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED AND THE ENGINE STALLED. THE VEHICLE RESTARTED, BUT THE ENGINE STALLED AGAIN. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE MASS AIR FLOW SENSOR FAILED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED, BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 165,000.

NHTSA ID
10845677
Incident
Feb 24, 2016
Mileage
165,000 mi
Filed Feb 1, 2016

TRANSMISSION HAS HARD ERATIC SHIFTING FROM FIRST TO SECOND. THEN SECOND TO THIRD GEAR WITH OVER REVING BEFORE ENGAGING INTO GEAR. DRIVING AROUND CORNERS TRANSMISSION COMPLETELY SLIPS OUT OF GEAR, OVER REVS AND THEN LUNGES FORWARD VERY HARD. VERY UNSAFE FOR THE SAFEST BRAND OF CAR ON THE MARKET. RECALL?

NHTSA ID
10823609
Incident
May 1, 2015
Mileage
128,000 mi
EngineFuel system
Filed Apr 27, 2015

TWICE NOW OVER A TEN DAY PERIOD FIRST WHEN REDUCING SPEED TO A STOP OR THEN AGAIN AT A SPEED OF LESS THAN 5 MPH, THE CAR DIED...FIRST THE ENGINE DIED THEN ALL ELSE DIED. THE CAR WENT DEAD. I STILL HAD MY STEERING AND SLOWLY ROLLED TO THE CURBED THEN AS I GENTLY PUT ON THE BRAKES THE CAR JERKED TO A HALT. DURING THE SECOND INCIDENT THE CAR STILL JERKED AFTER I HAD STOPPED. A LOUD SOUND OF A FAN FROM THE ENGINE COULD BE HEARD. THE FAN STOPPED AFTER 10 TO 15 SECONDS. AFTER A MINUTE I RESTARTED THE CAR AND MADE IT HOME BOTH TIMES. *TR

NHTSA ID
10713001
Incident
Apr 17, 2015
Mileage
74,171 mi

Manufacturer communications

A bulletin sent by a manufacturer to its dealers. Not a recall, and repairs are not necessarily free.

35526.1.8

ENGINE

This is a Technical Journal: Text plus 2 PDFs and 1 .PNG Oil Consumption test. Perform the test. Follow service procedure
 Description and Service sections updated to clarify that vehicle reports are not required.

37809.1.1

This is a TJ text only - The purpose of this TJ is to be a master reference list to easily identify any components that are on prior approval. This TJ will be regularily updated as items are added or removed from prior approval.
 Current items under prior approval are listed in the "Service" section

19245

This is a Technical Journal. Vehicle type and platform identification.

8501

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

This is a Technical Journal: Remote connection, BOMGAR application. Before joining a remote session:
 •Connect a suitable battery maintainer/charger and verify that the battery voltage indicated in VIDA is between 12.5V and 14.9V.
 •Connect to the vehicle over a wired connection using a VOE (Volvo OBD to Ethernet) adapter and perform a NEW vehicle readout.

S10303

Volvo Cars USA LLC and Volvo Car Canada LTD on behalf of the Volvo Car Corporation has decided to launch Service Action S10303 on certain model year 2025 EX90 vehicles.
 Volvo Car Investigations have identified that there is a pairing issue with the key fob.
 As a result, there is a possibility that the customer’s key fob is not paired to the vehicle.
 The corrective action is to download SP Software.
 S10303 affects 151 vehicles in the U.S and 5 in Canada.

S10303

Volvo Cars USA LLC and Volvo Car Canada LTD on behalf of the Volvo Car Corporation has decided to launch Service Action S10303 on certain model year 2025 EX90 vehicles.
 Volvo Car Investigations have identified that there is a pairing issue with the key fob.
 As a result, there is a possibility that the customer’s key fob is not paired to the vehicle.
 The corrective action is to download SP Software.
 S10303 affects 151 vehicles in the U.S and 5 in Canada.

Manufacturers file copies of the bulletins they send to dealers with NHTSA. These often describe diagnostic or repair procedures for a known condition. They are not recalls: repairs described in a bulletin are usually only free if the vehicle is still under warranty or the manufacturer has extended coverage.

Compare model years

Complaint and recall counts across every year of this model

Volvo S60 by model year
YearComplaintsRecallsInvestigationsIssue Index
2025020—
2024183060.5
2023360—
2022154146.9
2021731—
2020104158.0
2019244157.6
2018410—
2017155060.5
2016254044.5
2015572051.0
2014253051.1
2013864052.0
20121218057.7
2011560—
2010000—
2009730—
2008102056.5
2007212047.9
2006314043.2
2005Viewing444041.1
20041986054.0
20031207046.8
20021869255.3
20012239357.4
2000102—
1999002—
1993000—

Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers. Older model years have had longer for reports to accumulate.