ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:PROPULSION SYSTEM:TRACTION BATTERY; ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE
2020 Volvo S60
Recalls, owner-reported complaints, investigations and safety data
Data refreshed
Overview
Our database contains 13 NHTSA owner-reported complaints for the 2020 Volvo S60, most frequently naming the driver assistance, electrical and brakes categories. 4 safety recalls have been issued covering this model year; 1 NHTSA investigation names it; and 228 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.
Complaint activity over time
When owners filed reports about this model year
View as table
| Month | Complaints filed | Cumulative |
|---|---|---|
| Jan 2020 | 1 | 1 |
| Jan 2021 | 1 | 2 |
| Feb 2021 | 1 | 3 |
| May 2021 | 1 | 4 |
| Jun 2021 | 1 | 5 |
| Dec 2021 | 1 | 6 |
| Jun 2022 | 1 | 7 |
| Jan 2025 | 2 | 9 |
| Jun 2026 | 1 | 10 |
| Aug 2026 | 1 | 11 |
| Oct 2026 | 1 | 12 |
| Nov 2026 | 1 | 13 |
What owners report
Complaints grouped by the component NHTSA recorded
- Driver assistance517.9%
- Electrical517.9%
- Brakes517.9%
- Steering310.7%
- Suspension27.1%
- Engine27.1%
- Visibility13.6%
- Interior & seats13.6%
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
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.govAIR BAGS:FRONTAL
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING:FUSES AND CIRCUIT BREAKERS; FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP
Safety investigations
NHTSA inquiries naming this vehicle. An investigation is not a finding of a defect.
Pedestrian alert sounds
NHTSA received a petition on or about July 18, 2022, requesting that Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) 141 be applied to all electric and hybrid vehicles operating in the United States. The petition can be reviewed at NHTSA.gov under ODI Number 11486072. FMVSS 141 establishes performance requirements for pedestrian alert sounds for motor vehicles. The standard applies to hybrid and electric vehicles that have a gross vehicle weight rating of 4,536 KG or less or are defined as low-speed vehicles. The standard became fully applicable to all such vehicles manufactured on or after March 1, 2021.On January 27, 2023, NHTSA opened Defect Petition (DP) 22-005 to evaluate the subject matter described in the petition. On June 24, 2023 and as supplemented on June 25, 2023, the petitioner notified NHTSA he was withdrawing his petition. The petitioner indicated that, based on his review of data, there is no justification for asserting potential benefits that could be derived from actions sought by my petition. Based on the petitioner's withdrawal, DP22-005 is closed. Closure of this DP does not represent a determination by NHTSA regarding the subject matter of the petition.
Recent owner complaints
Reports submitted to NHTSA, shown in the owner's own words
Vehicle came to a stop at a crosswalk approximately two minutes after start up/exiting a parking lot. Engine began revving uncommanded at high RPM with no accelerator input. Driver applied heavy brake pressure to hold the vehicle stationary while pedestrians crossed. Shifter could not be moved to neutral or park. Dashboard instructed driver to press and hold the start knob to shut down the engine; this worked. On restart, uncommanded revving resumed immediately and engine was shut down again. A third start approximately 5 minutes later was normal, and the vehicle was driven home without recurrence. If particular or unusual warning lights were displayed, driver did not notice them.
- NHTSA ID
- 11775384
- Incident
- Oct 31, 2026
I own a 2020 Volvo S60 Momentum with approximately 58,000 miles. I am reporting a sunroof drainage system failure that caused extensive water intrusion and damage to electrical components. In October 2026, Volvo Cars of Brooklyn inspected my vehicle and confirmed in writing: "Drains clogged causing water intrusion." The Volvo technician removed the seats and carpeting and discovered significant water accumulation beneath the carpeting, mold buildup, a corroded audio module, corroded wiring harness connectors, and damaged electrical wiring. The rear bench seat was also saturated with water, and the technician recommended replacing it. Additionally, the interior hood release cable was found to be significantly rusted, although its connection to the leak has not been established. My primary safety concern is that water entered areas containing electrical wiring and electronic modules, potentially causing electrical malfunctions or loss of vehicle functions. Corrosion of the hood release cable may also interfere with opening the hood. I initially discovered water accumulating on the rear passenger-side floor. I was unaware that the sunroof drainage system was causing the problem. No associated dashboard warnings or electrical failures while driving have been reported. The failure and resulting damage were confirmed by an authorized Volvo dealership through a documented inspection and video recording. The affected components can be inspected through coordination with the dealership. The estimated repairs total approximately $8,000. I am requesting that NHTSA investigate whether the sunroof drainage system in 2020 Volvo S60 vehicles may allow water intrusion that damages electrical components and creates potential safety hazards.
- NHTSA ID
- 11772138
- Incident
- Oct 12, 2026
On two separate occasions in the past two months June 6 and Aug. 15, this vehicle experienced a severe unintended engine surge / unintended acceleration event while at a complete stop with my foot firmly on the brake. On both occasions, the engine RPMs spiked above 1,000 RPM, forcing the vehicle to pull heavily against the brakes as if trying to race forward into the intersection. On the most recent event (Aug. 15) when stopping at a red light it appeared that the supercharger kicked in, pulling against the brakes. Six or eight pedestrians were crossing directly in front of the vehicle. If I had taken my foot of the brake I would have hit them. 1.June 12, 2026 Service Visit (RO #192480, attached): Following the June 6 incident, the vehicle was brought to Beyer Volvo Cars Falls Church, Va. The repair order explicitly notes:"Tech found the front sunroof drains to have clogged with dirt/debris and the floorboard to be full of water.""Interior was removed to dry out carpets and the sunroof drains were cleared." Clogged sunroof drains cause water ingress down the A pillar. 2.Diagnostic Code & Part Replacement: During this visit, fault code 161615 was retrieved. The technician noted "unable to duplicate the problem at this time" regarding the engine flare, and no physical inspection or remediation of the flooded wiring harnesses or module connectors beneath the carpet was performed. This same A6 electrical code 161615 was noted on a previous service on 25 Sep. 2025, (RO#184284, attached). There is clear precedent with NHTSA Recall 22V-288 (of a different Volvo model, the XC40), where water intrusion into Volvo wiring harnesses caused corrosion and unintended acceleration. Given that my passenger footwell flooded prior to the engine surge, the CAN bus harness and floor connectors beneath that carpet must undergo a full electrical continuity and corrosion inspection, not just a surface drying. I am requesting further service by the dealer.
- NHTSA ID
- 11758721
- Incident
- Aug 15, 2026
See attached document for complaint.
- NHTSA ID
- 11742020
- Incident
- Mar 22, 2026
The car has “detected” a crash many times and automatically stopped even on the highway. It jerks and to slam on the brakes and then keeps going. It’s very dangerous and I have a strong theory it’s the model in general and not an isolated situation with my car.
- NHTSA ID
- 11638095
- Incident
- Jan 7, 2025
The contact owns a 2020 Volvo S60. The contact stated that while at a stop light, the vehicle erroneously drove forward and crashed into a second vehicle. The contact indicate that during the crash the collision avoidance feature did not activate. No injuries were reported. A police report was taken at the scene and the vehicle was towed away. The cause of the failure was not determined. The manufacturer and local dealer were notified of the incident. The failure mileage was 16,000.
- NHTSA ID
- 11633726
- Incident
- Dec 28, 2021
- Mileage
- 16,000 mi
It is unknown what caused this issue but ever since I bought my vehicle on April 5, 2021, I have been experiencing vibration issues when driving between 65-75 MPH. I have had my vehicle inspected at multiple Volvo Service Centers across Texas and no one can seem to figure out what is causing the vibration issues. My front rotors have been replaced 3 TIMES, my rear rotors have been replaced once, I have had multiple tire rotations, alignments and balancing from Volvo Service Centers and even from Discount Tire. With all of these items serviced/repaired/replaced, the vibration is still present in the steering wheel traveling at highway speeds. I went on a test drive today, 6/22/22, with a Volvo Service Technician and he confirmed that the vibration is valid. He also stated that the only thing left to do is to replace all 4 tires, at my cost, to see if the vibration goes away. He advised that when new cars are on the lot parked waiting to be sold, dealerships typically inflate the tires to about 50 PSI so as to avoid any "flat spots" on the tires. He also stated that many dealers also typically do not inflate tires on their new fleet due to the rough ride it causes. I have contacted Volvo regarding this issue without any remedy or advice. Additionally, my Volvo dealer cannot say for sure that they will reimburse me for tires, if I do choose to replace my current ones, even though this issue has been present since day 1.
- NHTSA ID
- 11470504
- Incident
- Apr 5, 2021
Ongoing Problem as mentioned in Volvo's Technical Journal "Speed Dependent Vibrations at Highway Speeds" Ref No: TJ 20803.20.0 . At any speed of 75 mph and above the front continuously vibrates. The tires have been replaced two times in less than 2 weeks and road forced balanced by the dealership twice. The vibration does not go away. The dealership does not want to address the issue. The car is NEW.
- NHTSA ID
- 11443977
- Incident
- Apr 1, 2021
Manufacturer communications
A bulletin sent by a manufacturer to its dealers. Not a recall, and repairs are not necessarily free.
This is a Technical Journal: Text only no attachments - This TJ is issued to highlight potential keyless issues caused by electromagnetic interference from aftermarket equipment and to emphasize the importance of keeping the remote control key away from objects that may emit interference or obstruct radio signals to or from the vehicle.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
This is a Technical Journal text only no attachments : Improved 12V battery test in VIDA. The 12V battery test in VIDA has been improved. The improved test lets you check batteries below 11.5V with the battery in the vehicle and a shorter test time. (Follow the instructions in VIDA)Don´t charge the battery before the test, jump start the vehicle if needed. Read out the vehicle with VIDA and start the test.
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
This is a TJ - Text plus 1 PDF attachment - f the headlamp horizontal light aim cannot be adjusted via the set screw, If the horizontal light aim cannot be adjusted because the cogwheel knob is broken, do not replace the entire headlamp. Instead, use the spare part kit part number 32476677 to replace the affected component, please follow the instructions under "Service".
This is a Technical Journal: Text plus 1 .jpg attachment - If remote control key is not detected by the car and shows message in DIM "Car key not found" or if functions such as lock/unlock are not working, please follow advice for detecting key
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
This is a Technical Journal: Headlamp condensation inside lens - information/leak test. If the result is not ok (air leak), it is ok to replace the headlamp
POWER TRAIN
This is a Technical Journal: Intermittent knocking noise during acceleration. If the sound corresponds to attached sound file, change front drive shafts to the below part numbers.
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
| Year | Complaints | Recalls | Investigations | Issue Index |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 0 | 2 | 0 | — |
| 2024 | 22 | 3 | 0 | 63.4 |
| 2023 | 3 | 6 | 0 | — |
| 2022 | 16 | 4 | 1 | 49.0 |
| 2021 | 8 | 3 | 1 | — |
| 2020Viewing | 13 | 4 | 1 | 62.9 |
| 2019 | 25 | 4 | 1 | 61.1 |
| 2018 | 4 | 1 | 0 | — |
| 2017 | 17 | 5 | 0 | 61.6 |
| 2016 | 27 | 4 | 0 | 50.6 |
| 2015 | 60 | 2 | 0 | 54.2 |
| 2014 | 25 | 3 | 0 | 51.1 |
| 2013 | 87 | 4 | 0 | 51.9 |
| 2012 | 121 | 8 | 0 | 57.7 |
| 2011 | 5 | 6 | 0 | — |
| 2010 | 0 | 0 | 0 | — |
| 2009 | 7 | 3 | 0 | — |
| 2008 | 10 | 2 | 0 | 56.5 |
| 2007 | 21 | 2 | 0 | 47.9 |
| 2006 | 31 | 4 | 0 | 43.2 |
| 2005 | 44 | 4 | 0 | 41.1 |
| 2004 | 198 | 6 | 0 | 54.0 |
| 2003 | 120 | 7 | 0 | 46.8 |
| 2002 | 186 | 9 | 2 | 55.3 |
| 2001 | 223 | 9 | 3 | 57.4 |
| 2000 | 1 | 0 | 2 | — |
| 1999 | 0 | 0 | 2 | — |
| 1993 | 0 | 0 | 0 | — |
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.