2016 Volvo S60 problems

ENGINE

In November of 2021, I purchased my dream car, a 2016 Volvo s60 Cross Country, proud to own a vehicle from a company known for their safe and reliable vehicles. In April of 2022, a class action case ([XXX], et al., v. Volvo Car USA, LLC, Volvo Cars of North America, LLC, and Volvo Personvagnar AB) was issued against Volvo due to a KNOWN-TO-VOLVO DESIGN FLAW in their engines which could lead to engine failure. The case was settled out of court in early 2023 and Volvo issued an extended warranty for vehicles owners to take preventative measures against potential engine failure. Although my car is listed under the extended warranty, I was never sent any notice of it from Volvo. On [XXX], while driving on a highway, at speed limit, my 2016 Volvo s60 Cross Country's engine failed. I learned about the Extended Warranty from a National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Quality Bulletin (Extended Warranty P10183: I5T Oil Consumption Replace; Model Year 20132016 S60, 2015-2016 V60, V60CC and XC60, 2016 XC70, S60CC and S60L) while researching the issue with my car online. I contacted Volvo Customer Care to ask why I was not sent notice and what they could do. I was told that to open a case with Volvo I would need a diagnostic from a dealership. On August 5, 2024, I took my car in for a diagnostic at Patrick Volvo Cars in Schaumburg, IL, from who I also purchased the car in 2021. August 6, 2024 I received a partial diagnostic and was told that they would require 10x the original diagnostic price to find the root of the issue in the engine. On the same day, I called Volvo customer care and opened a case. After weeks of little to no communication, on September 3 Volvo denied my case. I was not provided any opportunity to communicate over the phone with my case manager at Volvo - only after she sent me the decision did I receive a call from her to learn Volvo does not care about my side of the story. Please view attached documents for more details, thank you. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT

NHTSA complaint #11617818 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

SEAT BELTS

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 16V798000 (Seat Belts). The dealer also repaired an unstated electrical failure. The contact stated that the cells in the battery were faulty. The vehicle was repaired but the failure recurred. The contact stated that after several weeks, the SRS warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken back to the local dealer who informed the contact that the vehicle had been in an accident previously and the wiring was faulty. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who informed the contact of a fault with the rear of the battery. The auxiliary battery was draining, and the battery was leaking. The mechanic informed the contact that the pretensioner needed to be replaced; however, the mechanic was unable to obtain the parts from the manufacturer. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no additional assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 27,859.

NHTSA complaint #11524899 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

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 16V798000 (Seat Belts). The dealer also repaired an unstated electrical failure. The contact stated that the cells in the battery were faulty. The vehicle was repaired but the failure recurred. The contact stated that after several weeks, the SRS warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken back to the local dealer who informed the contact that the vehicle had been in an accident previously and the wiring was faulty. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who informed the contact of a fault with the rear of the battery. The auxiliary battery was draining, and the battery was leaking. The mechanic informed the contact that the pretensioner needed to be replaced; however, the mechanic was unable to obtain the parts from the manufacturer. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no additional assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 27,859.

NHTSA complaint #11524899 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

AIR BAGS:SRS MALFUNCTION WARNING LAMP/LIGHT

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 16V798000 (Seat Belts). The dealer also repaired an unstated electrical failure. The contact stated that the cells in the battery were faulty. The vehicle was repaired but the failure recurred. The contact stated that after several weeks, the SRS warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken back to the local dealer who informed the contact that the vehicle had been in an accident previously and the wiring was faulty. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who informed the contact of a fault with the rear of the battery. The auxiliary battery was draining, and the battery was leaking. The mechanic informed the contact that the pretensioner needed to be replaced; however, the mechanic was unable to obtain the parts from the manufacturer. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no additional assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 27,859.

NHTSA complaint #11524899 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

The alternator seized on the highway snapping the serpentine belt which got sucked into the timing and stopped the car in the left lane at highway speed. The timing guard failed allowing the belt to damage the timing. Volvo says it needs a head job I have possession of the vehicle and all maintenance records. Cars behind me dodged onto the shoulder to avoid hitting me. There was no warning. Furthermore this is a known problem a quick search of Volvo forums turned up over a dozen cars with insufficient timing guards

NHTSA complaint #11519617 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ENGINE

The alternator seized on the highway snapping the serpentine belt which got sucked into the timing and stopped the car in the left lane at highway speed. The timing guard failed allowing the belt to damage the timing. Volvo says it needs a head job I have possession of the vehicle and all maintenance records. Cars behind me dodged onto the shoulder to avoid hitting me. There was no warning. Furthermore this is a known problem a quick search of Volvo forums turned up over a dozen cars with insufficient timing guards

NHTSA complaint #11519617 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

Driver door latch not engaging. Door opened at low speed.

NHTSA complaint #11482723 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ENGINE

At 86K miles can smell oil burning and add 1 quart light comes on. It's said Volvo is aware of a defect with the piston rings causing oil to consume and burn away. They aren't willing to address the issue outside warranty expiration. They did recently indicate how Volvo changed the requirement for using 5W30 oil to claim now Volvo changed there minds. How now only 0W20 full synthetic oil must be used. The label under the hood says use 5W30 only. It appears that Volvo is changing oil types because they know there's an issue with the piston rings and is trying to cover up a defect by doing so.

NHTSA complaint #11481894 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

VISIBILITY/WIPER

Windscreen wiper motors failed during inclement weather making visibility impossible. The vehicle was only approximately 2 years old at the time of failure. This created a serious safety issue and may have led to a crash and injury. The dealer diagnosed the issue as failed wiper motors and replaced the motors under manufacturer's warranty.

NHTSA complaint #11440996 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

SEAT BELTS

2016 VOLVO S60. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARD TO NHTSA SAFETY RECALL 20V-378. *LD THE CONSUMER STATED THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME COMPLETING THE RECALL REPAIR.

NHTSA complaint #11414832 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

VISIBILITY/WIPER

THE SUNROOF SPONTANEOUSLY EXPLODED OUTWARD ON THE HIGHWAY, NO POSSIBILITY OF ROAD DEBRIS HITTING IT AS NO OTHER CARS WERE NEARBY, AND I WAS NOT CLOSE TO AN OVERPASS. I BELIEVE TEMPERATURE FLUCTUATION CAUSES IT, AS I WAS RECENTLY IN BELOW-FREEZING WEATHER (15*F). ON THE DAY OF THE EXPLOSION I DROVE SOUTH STARTING AT 40*F DRIVING TO 86*F.

NHTSA complaint #11386035 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

WHEELS

WE BOUGHT THIS CAR USED FROM A VOLVO DEALERSHIP IN AUGUST OF 2019 WHILE STILL UNDER FACTORY WARRANTY. IT HAS 19-INCH VOLVO ALLOY WHEELS WITH 235/40/R19 TIRES. IN A LITTLE OVER A YEAR, TWO OF THE WHEELS HAVE CRACKED PRESUMABLY AFTER HITTING POTHOLES. WE HAD BOTH WHEELS REPAIRED AT A PROFESSIONAL WHEEL REPAIR FACILITY. THE REPAIR WORKED (SO FAR) ON THE FIRST WHEEL BUT THE PROBLEM HAS RECURRED TWICE ON THE SECOND WHEEL REPAIR. THE VOLVO DEALERSHIP'S ONLY OFFER IS TO SELL US A NEW WHEEL AT OVER $700 EACH. WE HAVE NEVER CRACKED A WHEEL PREVIOUSLY IN OVER 40 YEARS OF DRIVING. THIS WHEEL/TIRE COMBINATION SHOULD NEVER HAVE BEEN ALLOWED ON THE ROAD BEING SO PRONE TO CRACKING. WE ARE AT A MUCH-INCREASED RISK OF A FLAT TIRE/BLOWOUT AND POSSIBLE ACCIDENT. THE CAR ALSO CAME FROM THE FACTORY WITHOUT A SPARE TIRE WHICH IS ALSO NOT GOOD SINCE WE ARE MORE LIKELY TO BE STRANDED IN THE EVENT OF A FLAT TIRE. WE NO LONGER CONSIDER THIS CAR ROADWORTHY AND ARE FACED WITH THE EXPENSIVE OPTIONS OF EITHER REPLACING THE DAMAGED WHEEL WITH A NEW VOLVO WHEEL (AND EXPECT THE SAME RESULT), REPLACING ALL FOUR WHEELS WITH AFTERMARKET WHEELS THAT MAY OR MAY NOT BE BETTER, OR SELLING THE CAR. WE SHOULD NEVER HAVE BEEN PUT IN THIS POSITION FROM A SAFETY AND FINANCIAL PERSPECTIVE BY THIS WHEEL OR WHEEL/TIRE COMBINATION BEING ALLOWED ON THE ROAD.

NHTSA complaint #11374391 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

SERVICE BRAKES

THE BRAKE SUDDENLY LOST BRAKING POWER AFTER THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED AT A RED LIGHT ON A LOCAL STREET. EVERY TIME I PRESS THE BRAKE PEDAL AFTER THE INCIDENT, I COULD HEAR A SOUND OF AIR LEAKING SOMEWHERE BEHIND THE PEDAL. OTHER SYSTEMS SEEM FINE AND I MANAGED TO ROLL THE CAR BACK TO OUR PARKING LOT ABOUT HALF A MILE AWAY, AND HAD THE CAR TOLLED TO A LOCAL DEALER THE NEXT DAY. I WAS TOLD LATER BY THE DEALER THAT IT'S CAUSED BY MALFUNCTION OF BRAKE "BOOSTER" OR VACUUM PUMP(?) AND REPAIRED IT AT A COST OF ~$2500.00

NHTSA complaint #11361642 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

SEAT BELTS

THE MANUFACTURER HAS NOT CORRECTED A KNOWN RECALL. NOR HAVE I RECEIVED AN UPDATE. THIS IS THE SECOND NOTICE IN THE ATTACHED DOCUMENT. THEY STATE THERE IS NOT YET PARTS AVAILABLE TO CORRECT IT. BUT ACCORDING TO THE NHTSA WEB SITE VIN LOOK-UP, THE RECALL IS LISTED AS RECALL INCOMPLETE. WHEN IF THERE IS NO FIX AVAILABLE IT SHOULD BE LISTED AS RECALL INCOMPLETE. REMEDY NOT YET AVAILABLE. WE HAVE RECEIVED RECALL NOTIFICATIONS, THE FIRST ATTACHMENT. WE HAVE NOT RECEIVED A FOLLOW-UP NOTIFICATION FOR EITHER RECALL NOTICES. IN THE ONE FOR NHTSA RECALL 20V-378 RECALL R10029: FRONT SEAT BELT FASTENER STATES: "UNFORTUNATELY AT THIS TIME, REPLACEMENT PARTS ARE NOT AVAILABLE FOR THIS REPAIR. PLEASE BE ASSURED THAT VOLVO IS WORKING TO SECURE THE NEEDED REPLACEMENT SEAT BELT FASTENER AS SOON AS POSSIBLE. ESTIMATED TIME FOR PARTS IN STOCK IS END OF NOVEMBER, 2020. WE WILL SEND YOU A SECOND NOTIFICATION LETTER AS SOON AS THE NEW REPLACEMENT FASTENER IS AVAILABLE." MY PROBLEM IS THAT I AM A U.S. GOVERNMENT CIVILIAN EMPLOYEE PREPARING TO RELOCATE FROM ITALY TO THE U.S. I SHIPPED THIS CAR TO ITALY FROM THE U.S. IN NOVEMBER 2018. THE SHIPPING COMPANY WILL NOT SHIP A CAR WITH AN OPEN RECALL. I NEED SOMETHING IN WRITING THAT ACCURATELY REFLECTS THE RECALL STATUS; "RECALL INCOMPLETE" OR "RECALL INCOMPLETE. REMEDY NOT YET AVAILABLE"?

NHTSA complaint #11360378 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

STRUCTURE:BODY

THE MANUFACTURER HAS NOT CORRECTED A KNOWN RECALL. NOR HAVE I RECEIVED AN UPDATE. THE RECALL NOTICES STATE THERE IS NOT YET PARTS AVAILABLE TO CORRECT IT. BUT ACCORDING TO THE NHTSA WEB SITE VIN LOOK-UP, THE RECALL IS LISTED AS RECALL INCOMPLETE . WHEN IF THERE IS NO FIX AVAILABLE IT SHOULD BE LISTED AS RECALL INCOMPLETE. REMEDY NOT YET AVAILABLE . WE HAVE RECEIVED RECALL NOTIFICATIONS, THE FIRST ATTACHMENT. WE HAVE NOT RECEIVED A FOLLOW-UP NOTIFICATION FOR EITHER RECALL NOTICES. IN THE ONE FOR NHTSA RECALL 19V849 (RECALL R89978: DOOR LATCHES) STATES: "UNFORTUNATELY AT THIS TIME, REPLACEMENT PARTS ARE NOT AVAILABLE FOR THIS REPAIR. PLEASE BE ASSURED THAT VOLVO IS WORKING TO SECURE THE NEEDED REPLACEMENT DOOR LATCHES AS SOON AS POSSIBLE. WE WILL SEND YOU A SECOND NOTIFICATION LETTER AS SOON AS THE REPLACEMENT DOOR LATCHES ARE AVAILABLE." MY PROBLEM IS THAT I AM A U.S. GOVERNMENT CIVILIAN EMPLOYEE PREPARING TO RELOCATE FROM ITALY TO THE U.S. I SHIPPED THIS CAR TO ITALY FROM THE U.S. IN NOVEMBER 2018. THE SHIPPING COMPANY WILL NOT SHIP A CAR WITH AN OPEN RECALL. I NEED SOMETHING IN WRITING THAT ACCURATELY REFLECTS THE RECALL STATUS; "RECALL INCOMPLETE" OR "RECALL INCOMPLETE. REMEDY NOT YET AVAILABLE"?

NHTSA complaint #11360375 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ENGINE

I HAVE 86,585 MILES ON THE CAR AND HAVE FOLLOWED OR EXCEEDED THE MANUFACTURES RECOMMENDATION ON OIL CHANGES. NOW I AM TOLD AFTER MY LAST OIL CHANGE THAT THE ENGINE IS CONSUMING A LOT OF OIL. AT 80,000 MILES MY VOLVO DEALERSHIP CHANGED THE TYPE OF OIL THEY WERE PUTTING IN THE CAR FROM 5W-30 FULL SYN. TO 0W20 FULL SYN. I BELIEVE THERE IS A PROBLEM WITH THE ENGINE AND VOLVO KNOWS IT BY TRYING TO STOP THE OIL USAGE BY CHANGING THE TYPE OF OIL THEY RECOMMEND. WHAT DO I DO IF I HAVE A ENGINE PROBLEM WITH MY CAR ???

NHTSA complaint #11338534 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

2016 VOLVO S60 AUDIO MODULE HAD TO BE REPLACED BECAUSE IT COMPLETELY STOPPED WORKING. THIS CONTROLS THE NAVIGATION SYSTEM, TELEPHONE, RADIO, CAR OPTIONS, AUDIO FOR SAFETY ALERTS, ETC. STOP WORKING AS I WAS DRIVING ON A CITY STREET. ALSO DRAINED BATTERY AND I HAD TO REPLACE THE BATTERY TOO.

NHTSA complaint #11326514 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)

2016 VOLVO S60 AUDIO MODULE HAD TO BE REPLACED BECAUSE IT COMPLETELY STOPPED WORKING. THIS CONTROLS THE NAVIGATION SYSTEM, TELEPHONE, RADIO, CAR OPTIONS, AUDIO FOR SAFETY ALERTS, ETC. STOP WORKING AS I WAS DRIVING ON A CITY STREET. ALSO DRAINED BATTERY AND I HAD TO REPLACE THE BATTERY TOO.

NHTSA complaint #11326514 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

VISIBILITY/WIPER

SEMI-CIRCULAR STRESS FRACTURE IN WINDSHIELD OCCURRED ON ITS OWN AT SOME POINT AFTER DRIVING IT. NO IMPACT AT ALL. FRACTURE STARTS FROM DRIVER'S SIDE UPPER CORNER DOWN TOWARDS DRIVER'S VIEWING AREA AND THEN CURVES UPWARD.

NHTSA complaint #11318027 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

STRUCTURE:BODY

RECEIVED A RECALL LETTER IN JANUARY 2020 BUT NO FOLLOWUP FROM VOLVO YET. IT IS A SAFETY CONCERN REGARDING FAULTY DOOR LATCHES AND I AM CONCERNED WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE.

NHTSA complaint #11317752 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

STRUCTURE:BODY

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 VOLVO S60. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 19V849000 (LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES) HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE RECALL REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE CONTACT CONTACTED AN UNKNOWN DEALER AND WAS INFORMED THE PART WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED NAY FAILURE. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT.

NHTSA complaint #11315670 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ENGINE

WHEN THE CAR'S ECO START/STOP IS ON, THE CAR WILL SHUT OFF FOR NO REASON FORCING ME TO TURN OFF THE CAR TO RESTART IT. SOMETIME IT HAPPENS WHEN THE CAR IS STOPPED BUT A FEW TIMES THE CAR WAS IN MOTION WHEN THE CAR JUST TURNS OFF. THIS HAS HAPPEN AT LEAST 10 TIMES SINCE I OWNED THE CAR. THE LAST TIME WAS 1/27/20. I WAS ALMOST HIT FROM BEHIND BY ANOTHER CAR.

NHTSA complaint #11306194 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

WHEELS

VOLVO DEALERS FAILED TO FIX A WHEEL NOISE ISSUE IN MY CAR AFTER SIX VISITS IN THE PAST THREE MONTHS. AXLE, TIRE, SHOCK, AND WHEEL ARE ALL CHANGED AND IT IS STILL THERE. WITHOUT A REAL TEST ON THE REMAINING THREE TIRES ON THE ROAD, NOW VOLVO DEALER STARTS TO BLAME THE REMAINING THREE TIRES WHICH WERE CLAIMED AS "GOOD" BY THEIR DEALER TECHNICIANS AT THE VERY BEGINNING. VOLVO REFUSED TO SEND CORPORATE TECHNICIANS TO CHECK THE ISSUE, AND REFUSED TO DO ANYTHING ELSE FOR THE CASE. THE NOISE IS VERY LOUD WHEN THE CAR IS DRIVEN IN 40-45 MILES PER HOUR. IT IS POSSIBLE THAT THERE ARE OTHER PROBLEMS THEY HAVEN'T DETECT WITH THE UNUSUAL NOISE IN THE CAR.

NHTSA complaint #11252643 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

VOLVO DEALERS FAILED TO FIX A WHEEL NOISE ISSUE IN MY CAR AFTER SIX VISITS IN THE PAST THREE MONTHS. AXLE, TIRE, SHOCK, AND WHEEL ARE ALL CHANGED AND IT IS STILL THERE. WITHOUT A REAL TEST ON THE REMAINING THREE TIRES ON THE ROAD, NOW VOLVO DEALER STARTS TO BLAME THE REMAINING THREE TIRES WHICH WERE CLAIMED AS "GOOD" BY THEIR DEALER TECHNICIANS AT THE VERY BEGINNING. VOLVO REFUSED TO SEND CORPORATE TECHNICIANS TO CHECK THE ISSUE, AND REFUSED TO DO ANYTHING ELSE FOR THE CASE. THE NOISE IS VERY LOUD WHEN THE CAR IS DRIVEN IN 40-45 MILES PER HOUR. IT IS POSSIBLE THAT THERE ARE OTHER PROBLEMS THEY HAVEN'T DETECT WITH THE UNUSUAL NOISE IN THE CAR.

NHTSA complaint #11252643 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

VOLVO FAILED TO NOTIFY CONSUMER OF A MANUFACTURER'S DEFECT WITH THE VOLVO SPARK PLUGS BEING UNSTABLE IN ITS ORIGINAL HOUSING, WHICH RESULTED IN 'RECALLED SPARK PLUGS'. AS A RESULT THE SPARK PLUG ENDS BROKE OFF AND CAUSED PERMANENT DAMAGED TO THE ENGINE (CYLINDER #4 HAS LITTLE TO NO COMPRESSION, MISFIRE). THE CAR SMOKES AND EXTREMELY DANGEROUS TO DRIVE; IT IS SUBJECT TO CATCH ON FIRE. THE CAR WAS IN MOTION WHEN THE ENGINE LIGHT AND OIL LIGHT CAME ON.

NHTSA complaint #11203374 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.