Owners have filed 14 complaints
about the 2021 Volvo S60 with NHTSA between 2021 and 2026.
The largest single group is the electrical system.
Across this model's run it ranks 19 of 19 worst.
The letter says how bad. This says what kind — whether this year drew
an unusual number of complaints, unusually dangerous
ones, or failures that arrived unusually early.
The dashed ring is 50 — the national norm. Further out is worse.
Complaint volume — 8
Against the median year of the Volvo S60. 50 means typical for this
model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 0
0% of these complaints
involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of
9.7%.
Early failure — not reported
Too few complaints recorded a mileage to measure this.
Complaints filed with NHTSA, by model year. Bar colour is the FaultScore grade:
A
B
C
D
F
ungraded
What breaks on a 2021 Volvo S60
Every complaint is filed against a part. Follow any row for the complaints about that part alone.
Electrical System
428.6%
Other & Unspecified
321.4%
Windows, Mirrors & Wipers
321.4%
Brakes
214.3%
Steering
17.1%
Engine & Cooling
17.1%
When owners complained
A spike years after the car went on sale usually means a part wearing
out on schedule across the whole fleet — the kind of pattern no single
owner can see from inside their own car.
May 2021peak 3Aug 2026
NHTSA investigations into the 2021 Volvo S60
An investigation is the step before a recall: the agency has seen enough
complaints to look into a pattern itself. An open one means it thinks
something may be wrong and nothing has been fixed yet.
DP22005Opened 27 Jan 2023Closed 7 Aug 2023ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:PROPULSION SYSTEM
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 Marc...
Recalls on the 2021 Volvo S60
A complaint is one owner's allegation. A recall is the point at which
the manufacturer or a regulator agreed the defect is real and dangerous
enough to fix for free — however old the car is.
Canada — Transport Canada
Canada runs its own recall programme, and its campaigns do not
always mirror the American ones.
Recall 2025147585 units in Canada
High Voltage
Issue: On certain vehicles, there could be a problem inside the high-voltage battery. As a result, the battery modules could overheat and short circuit. Note: This recall only affects certain plug-in hybrid (PHEV) models. Safety Risk: A short circuit in the high-voltage battery can create a fire risk, even while the vehicle is parked and turned off. Corrective Actions: To reduce the safety risk, Volvo advises not to charge your vehicle until the recall repairs have been completed. Volvo will notify owners by mail and advise you to take your vehicle to a dealership to inspect and, if necessary, replace the high-voltage battery module(s). The dealer will also install an advanced diagnostic software that will monitor the high-voltage battery and warn you if it detects a problem. If you see this warning, you should contact a dealership to arrange replacement of the affected high-voltage battery module(s).
Recall 202362016 units in Canada
Airbag
Issue: On certain vehicles, the bolts that attach the front-passenger airbag may not have been properly tightened. As a result, the airbag may not inflate properly in a crash. Safety Risk: An airbag that does not work properly could create an increased risk of injury in a crash. Corrective Actions: Volvo will notify owners by mail and advise you to take your vehicle to a dealership to inspect and, if necessary, tighten the front-passenger airbag bolts.
Recall 202259531,117 units in Canada
Visual System
Issue: On certain vehicles, a software problem could cause the top-view camera to display instead of the rearview camera image when you are reversing. Canadian regulations require the rearview image to display when reversing. Note: This recall only affects vehicles equipped with a 360-degree park assist camera. Safety Risk: A rearview camera image that does not display could reduce a driver's ability to see behind the vehicle while backing up. This could increase the risk of a crash. Corrective Actions: Volvo will notify owners in writing and send a wireless over-the-air update to each vehicle. If the update cannot be completed successfully, or for vehicles without over-the-air (OTA) update capability, Volvo will instruct you to schedule an appointment to have the update performed by a dealer.
Recall 20215403,078 units in Canada
Seats And Restraints
Issue: On certain vehicles, the passenger seat belt assemblies may contain defective automatic locking retractors (ALR). As a result, the seat belts may not properly lock to secure a child seat. Note: The vehicle's lower universal anchorage system (UAS) is not affected by this defect and may still be used to secure a child seat. Safety Risk: A seat belt that is used to secure a child restraint but is not properly locked could increase the risk of injury in a crash. Corrective Actions: Volvo will notify owners by mail and instruct you to take your vehicle to a dealer to inspect the seat belts. They will be replaced, if necessary.
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
Camarillo, CA
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The "Maintenance Mode" required to change the wiper blades malfunctioned, and the wipers- without the rubber blades attached- suddenly smashed onto the windshield, creating a large star crack/shatter, which spread across the entire windshield in two long cracks by the next day. If someone's hand had been in the path of the wipers, it would have been cut or broken by the force/sharp edge. The "Maintenance Mode" should not disengage unless the car is seriously jostled or put into gear (did not occur). This malfunction of the system is a safety concern in itself and has created a secondary safety concern with the severely damaged windshield. A case was opened with Volvo Corporate on XXX (case #XXX). Volvo has NEVER contacted me regarding this. I have called [XXX] and [XXX]) each week to check in and have been told that my case manager is not available, I can not change case managers to someone available or speak to anyone other than the phone operator. I have waited up to 1.5 hours on hold or received an automated return call 2+ hours later, often missing it. I emailed ([XXX]) as recommended by an operator with pictures and video of the incident and damage. I visited our local dealer ([XXX] in [XXX]) and spoke with the service manager. He did not have an open case for our vehicle. He said he would email the local headquarters. When I followed up with him the next week- after he did not respond to my email a week after he supposedly emailed them- he told me there was no local headquarters and that he emailed the same address I had previously. We contacted the dealer where the vehicle was purchased ([XXX]). They looked up our account and said there was no open case connected to our account,/name even though I have a case number I have used in every call to Volvo Corporate, which they have told me was under investigation. They also indicated that they have heard this same experience from other customers. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11758056 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Camarillo, CA
VISIBILITY/WIPER
The "Maintenance Mode" required to change the wiper blades malfunctioned, and the wipers- without the rubber blades attached- suddenly smashed onto the windshield, creating a large star crack/shatter, which spread across the entire windshield in two long cracks by the next day. If someone's hand had been in the path of the wipers, it would have been cut or broken by the force/sharp edge. The "Maintenance Mode" should not disengage unless the car is seriously jostled or put into gear (did not occur). This malfunction of the system is a safety concern in itself and has created a secondary safety concern with the severely damaged windshield. A case was opened with Volvo Corporate on XXX (case #XXX). Volvo has NEVER contacted me regarding this. I have called [XXX] and [XXX]) each week to check in and have been told that my case manager is not available, I can not change case managers to someone available or speak to anyone other than the phone operator. I have waited up to 1.5 hours on hold or received an automated return call 2+ hours later, often missing it. I emailed ([XXX]) as recommended by an operator with pictures and video of the incident and damage. I visited our local dealer ([XXX] in [XXX]) and spoke with the service manager. He did not have an open case for our vehicle. He said he would email the local headquarters. When I followed up with him the next week- after he did not respond to my email a week after he supposedly emailed them- he told me there was no local headquarters and that he emailed the same address I had previously. We contacted the dealer where the vehicle was purchased ([XXX]). They looked up our account and said there was no open case connected to our account,/name even though I have a case number I have used in every call to Volvo Corporate, which they have told me was under investigation. They also indicated that they have heard this same experience from other customers. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11758056 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Muscatine, IA
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Air conditioning evaporator core is leaking refrigerant into cabin
NHTSA complaint #11738038 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Muscatine, IA
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The high voltage coolant heater failed. It will not heat when running solely on battery. Defrost therefore will not get warm to clear windshield
NHTSA complaint #11721000 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Muscatine, IA
VISIBILITY/WIPER
The high voltage coolant heater failed. It will not heat when running solely on battery. Defrost therefore will not get warm to clear windshield
NHTSA complaint #11721000 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Sacramento, CA
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
2021 Volvo S60 T8 AWD, VIN [XXX] , ~71k miles Component: SUNROOF / DRAINAGE SYSTEM / ELECTRICAL SYSTEM Summary: Water entered the passenger compartment through clogged sunroof drain hoses and accumulated under the front passenger seat, causing catastrophic failure of wide angle module (WAM) and related electronic components (incl. front camera and wipers). Description: After moderate rain, a large amount of water was discovered under the front passenger seat. The vehicle began displaying multiple warning messages (camera faults, wiper faults). The authorized Volvo retailer diagnosed failure of the WAM and other modules due to water intrusion originating from the sunroof drainage system. This is a known, recurring defect acknowledged by Volvo in multiple Technical Service Bulletins: - TJ 31372-2 (Water leakage via sunroof drain hoses) - TJ 35382 (Updated drain hoses - new part number) - TJ 29322-3 (Water ingress passenger footwell / CEM area) The original drain hoses are too narrow and prone to clogging, causing water to overflow into the passenger compartment instead of exiting the vehicle. This creates a serious safety risk: - Potential failure of SRS airbag system - Loss of electronic stability control and ABS - Loss of 360 camera and blind-spot monitoring - Risk of electrical fire or short-circuit - Failure of wipers (mine stopped working when I was driving under the rain) Repair estimate: $17,825 Repair is going to be delayed over 2 months awaiting parts from Sweden. Vehicle was properly maintained; 70,000-mile service performed at authorized Volvo retailer on 9/24/25 - no drainage issues were noted or addresses at that time. This identical failure has been reported by hundreds of owners of 2019-2024 SPA-platform Volvos (S60, V60, XC60, XC90) on NHTSA complaints, Volvo forums, and in ongoing litigation. Despite multiple TSBs and redesigned parts, Volvo has not issued a recall or notified owners of the need for preventive maintenance. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA
NHTSA complaint #11701998 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Sacramento, CA
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
2021 Volvo S60 T8 AWD, VIN [XXX] , ~71k miles Component: SUNROOF / DRAINAGE SYSTEM / ELECTRICAL SYSTEM Summary: Water entered the passenger compartment through clogged sunroof drain hoses and accumulated under the front passenger seat, causing catastrophic failure of wide angle module (WAM) and related electronic components (incl. front camera and wipers). Description: After moderate rain, a large amount of water was discovered under the front passenger seat. The vehicle began displaying multiple warning messages (camera faults, wiper faults). The authorized Volvo retailer diagnosed failure of the WAM and other modules due to water intrusion originating from the sunroof drainage system. This is a known, recurring defect acknowledged by Volvo in multiple Technical Service Bulletins: - TJ 31372-2 (Water leakage via sunroof drain hoses) - TJ 35382 (Updated drain hoses - new part number) - TJ 29322-3 (Water ingress passenger footwell / CEM area) The original drain hoses are too narrow and prone to clogging, causing water to overflow into the passenger compartment instead of exiting the vehicle. This creates a serious safety risk: - Potential failure of SRS airbag system - Loss of electronic stability control and ABS - Loss of 360 camera and blind-spot monitoring - Risk of electrical fire or short-circuit - Failure of wipers (mine stopped working when I was driving under the rain) Repair estimate: $17,825 Repair is going to be delayed over 2 months awaiting parts from Sweden. Vehicle was properly maintained; 70,000-mile service performed at authorized Volvo retailer on 9/24/25 - no drainage issues were noted or addresses at that time. This identical failure has been reported by hundreds of owners of 2019-2024 SPA-platform Volvos (S60, V60, XC60, XC90) on NHTSA complaints, Volvo forums, and in ongoing litigation. Despite multiple TSBs and redesigned parts, Volvo has not issued a recall or notified owners of the need for preventive maintenance. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA
NHTSA complaint #11701998 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Sacramento, CA
VISIBILITY/WIPER
2021 Volvo S60 T8 AWD, VIN [XXX] , ~71k miles Component: SUNROOF / DRAINAGE SYSTEM / ELECTRICAL SYSTEM Summary: Water entered the passenger compartment through clogged sunroof drain hoses and accumulated under the front passenger seat, causing catastrophic failure of wide angle module (WAM) and related electronic components (incl. front camera and wipers). Description: After moderate rain, a large amount of water was discovered under the front passenger seat. The vehicle began displaying multiple warning messages (camera faults, wiper faults). The authorized Volvo retailer diagnosed failure of the WAM and other modules due to water intrusion originating from the sunroof drainage system. This is a known, recurring defect acknowledged by Volvo in multiple Technical Service Bulletins: - TJ 31372-2 (Water leakage via sunroof drain hoses) - TJ 35382 (Updated drain hoses - new part number) - TJ 29322-3 (Water ingress passenger footwell / CEM area) The original drain hoses are too narrow and prone to clogging, causing water to overflow into the passenger compartment instead of exiting the vehicle. This creates a serious safety risk: - Potential failure of SRS airbag system - Loss of electronic stability control and ABS - Loss of 360 camera and blind-spot monitoring - Risk of electrical fire or short-circuit - Failure of wipers (mine stopped working when I was driving under the rain) Repair estimate: $17,825 Repair is going to be delayed over 2 months awaiting parts from Sweden. Vehicle was properly maintained; 70,000-mile service performed at authorized Volvo retailer on 9/24/25 - no drainage issues were noted or addresses at that time. This identical failure has been reported by hundreds of owners of 2019-2024 SPA-platform Volvos (S60, V60, XC60, XC90) on NHTSA complaints, Volvo forums, and in ongoing litigation. Despite multiple TSBs and redesigned parts, Volvo has not issued a recall or notified owners of the need for preventive maintenance. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA
NHTSA complaint #11701998 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Coalinga, CA
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Tire has a defect
NHTSA complaint #11676297 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Sedgwick, ME
SERVICE BRAKES
I believe that there is a material or design defect in the front brakes of this car that is leading to the premature failure of the front brake rotors. Two sets of front brake rotors have been replaced on the car due to excessive warping in the first 15K miles of operation. I purchased the car in June 2022 as a certified used car with roughly 9K miles on it. As soon as I drove it I could tell the brakes had a problem due to a high vibration level in steering wheel and throughout the car upon brake application above 30 mph. The dealer agreed and replaced the front rotors. The replaced parts were retained by the dealers under Volvo's warranty terms In November 2023, after roughly 4500 miles on the new rotors, the car again developed a noticable, although less severe, steering wheel vibration upon braking. In December 2023, with 6K miles on the front rotors, a dealer (different from the original one) again replaced them under warranty due to warping. I can't speak to the care given in operating the car prior to my acquiring it, but my wife and I are very gentle drivers. For comparison, we owned a 2001 Volvo S80, purchased new, for 16 years and about 120K miles and in that time replaced the front pads once, and never had to replace the rotors.
NHTSA complaint #11560138 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Columbus, OH
SERVICE BRAKES
My car developed a severe shake in the steering wheel and pulsing in the brake pedal while under braking. The problem has worsened to the point that braking at high speed creates a serious shaking. I took the car to the dealership and they diagnosed the problem as warped rotors. The car started this with less than 15000 miles on the car. The dealer contacted Volvo to fix under warranty due to the defective parts. Volvo declined to fix the rotors because they are a "wear item". This is not normal wear. In fact, during the inspection (10/8) it was noted that the pads still have plenty of life and would not need to be replaced. If the situation were that I had worn out the pads and rotors, I would understand Volvo's position but the warpage is abnormal. When I called in to schedule the initial inspection the technician I spoke with agreed that this is unusual for an S60. When I asked if the rotors would warp again after replacement, I was told by the dealership they have never seen someone come back with warped rotors after replacing them. If it were environmental or driving habits, you would expect this problem to return after replacing the rotors. The warped rotors are a known issue with Volvo. If you search the swedespeed.com website, you will see numerous reports of S60 owners having the same problem. The dealership claims the reason my rotors are warped is because of rust build up causing hot spots and that the car must have sat outside in the rain a long time. This car has been garaged its entire life and is driven daily so rust buildup is not an issue. This rotor and pad combination is defective and fails prematurely.
NHTSA complaint #11494338 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Englewood, NJ
STEERING
While I was going down a small side street that is a hill, the air conditioning system suddenly went off and immediately the entire car's mechanisms ceased. The engine stopped and the car was unstearable and the brakes were not working. I had my foot on the brake and that was not responsive, the car slid with all electrical systems not working and the brake not holding the car or stopping the movement of the car. I could not start the car to get the engine going.I could not stop nor start the car that slid into a major street that is a thoroughfare for a hospital. I had no control of the car at all. I attempted at least 7 times to start the Volvo that requires keeping your foot on the brake and turning a small switch that is located right next to the cup holder. Nothing would work. I called Volvo On Call who instead of immediately helping told me to call 911 since the car slid into the middle of the major street and it was an emergency regarding my safetly . A police officer came after a few minutes and blocked the traffic. Meanwhile, I was suddenly able by the 9 or 10th time to start the car and move it to the side of the road. The police officer drove in back of me literally a block away from where the Volvo dealer just happened to be located. There were no warning messages prior to the car ceasing. The car is now in the Volvo dealership who upon receiving it said that I must have gotten the ignition switch wet. This is totally false. I did not have any liquids nor should that be a reason why a car suddenly stops and becomes a piece of metal in the middle of the road. What's worse was that there is no emergency brake on this model. My life was in danger and I am lucky that I was not hit. A passenger got out of her car and stood next to mine in the middle of the road with oncoming traffic coming at my driver's side. Volvo dealership is claiming it's the starter switch and it must have shorted. There is a defect and safety problem requiring investigating.
NHTSA complaint #11418969 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Englewood, NJ
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
While I was going down a small side street that is a hill, the air conditioning system suddenly went off and immediately the entire car's mechanisms ceased. The engine stopped and the car was unstearable and the brakes were not working. I had my foot on the brake and that was not responsive, the car slid with all electrical systems not working and the brake not holding the car or stopping the movement of the car. I could not start the car to get the engine going.I could not stop nor start the car that slid into a major street that is a thoroughfare for a hospital. I had no control of the car at all. I attempted at least 7 times to start the Volvo that requires keeping your foot on the brake and turning a small switch that is located right next to the cup holder. Nothing would work. I called Volvo On Call who instead of immediately helping told me to call 911 since the car slid into the middle of the major street and it was an emergency regarding my safetly . A police officer came after a few minutes and blocked the traffic. Meanwhile, I was suddenly able by the 9 or 10th time to start the car and move it to the side of the road. The police officer drove in back of me literally a block away from where the Volvo dealer just happened to be located. There were no warning messages prior to the car ceasing. The car is now in the Volvo dealership who upon receiving it said that I must have gotten the ignition switch wet. This is totally false. I did not have any liquids nor should that be a reason why a car suddenly stops and becomes a piece of metal in the middle of the road. What's worse was that there is no emergency brake on this model. My life was in danger and I am lucky that I was not hit. A passenger got out of her car and stood next to mine in the middle of the road with oncoming traffic coming at my driver's side. Volvo dealership is claiming it's the starter switch and it must have shorted. There is a defect and safety problem requiring investigating.
NHTSA complaint #11418969 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Englewood, NJ
ENGINE
While I was going down a small side street that is a hill, the air conditioning system suddenly went off and immediately the entire car's mechanisms ceased. The engine stopped and the car was unstearable and the brakes were not working. I had my foot on the brake and that was not responsive, the car slid with all electrical systems not working and the brake not holding the car or stopping the movement of the car. I could not start the car to get the engine going.I could not stop nor start the car that slid into a major street that is a thoroughfare for a hospital. I had no control of the car at all. I attempted at least 7 times to start the Volvo that requires keeping your foot on the brake and turning a small switch that is located right next to the cup holder. Nothing would work. I called Volvo On Call who instead of immediately helping told me to call 911 since the car slid into the middle of the major street and it was an emergency regarding my safetly . A police officer came after a few minutes and blocked the traffic. Meanwhile, I was suddenly able by the 9 or 10th time to start the car and move it to the side of the road. The police officer drove in back of me literally a block away from where the Volvo dealer just happened to be located. There were no warning messages prior to the car ceasing. The car is now in the Volvo dealership who upon receiving it said that I must have gotten the ignition switch wet. This is totally false. I did not have any liquids nor should that be a reason why a car suddenly stops and becomes a piece of metal in the middle of the road. What's worse was that there is no emergency brake on this model. My life was in danger and I am lucky that I was not hit. A passenger got out of her car and stood next to mine in the middle of the road with oncoming traffic coming at my driver's side. Volvo dealership is claiming it's the starter switch and it must have shorted. There is a defect and safety problem requiring investigating.
NHTSA complaint #11418969 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.