273 of the
1,678 complaints filed about the Volvo S60
are about the fuel system —
16% of everything owners reported.
The worst model year for it is 2001.
I was at a stoplight with my foot on the brake. The car lurched forward, which prompted me to push harder on the brake. Then, with my foot firmly on the brake, the car accelerated into the car in front of me. There was body damage to the car. Volvo investigated and said that the computer indicated that the gas pedal was engaged at 90% while the brake was engaged at the same time. This would involve me putting my foot on the gas and brake at the same time, which simply is not what happened. There is clearly something wrong with their computer system. The same problem was identified in the XC40 Recharge EV model.
NHTSA complaint #11704987 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The contact owns a 2024 Volvo S60. The contact stated while driving approximately 45 MPH, a message stating that the propulsion system was reduced was displayed, and the vehicle came to a complete stop in the middle of the road, nearly causing a crash. Additionally, the steering wheel seized, the gear shift indicator light turned off, and the four wheels seized while the engine continued to run. A Police Officer arrived at the scene and directed traffic to prevent a crash. The vehicle was towed to the nearest dealer, where it was diagnosed with fuel pump failure. The dealer replaced the fuel pump and informed the contact that the vehicle had been repaired. The contact informed the dealer that he felt unsafe driving the vehicle because the steering wheel and the wheel had seized while the engine was still running, which prevented the contact from pulling to the side of the road. The dealer informed the contact that no other failure was found and that the vehicle operated as designed. The dealer towed the vehicle to the residence, and the contact had not driven the vehicle since the failure. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and of the safety concerns but advised the contact that the diagnostic report from the dealer only showed a failure with the fuel pump. No further assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 20,000.
NHTSA complaint #11631582 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Car is just back from the dealer for 40k service 2 days ago, while driving about 35mph a turtle icon and a check engine light came on car rate limited itself to 25mph had I been on a faster road I would’ve likely been rear ended
NHTSA complaint #11610199 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
I bought the car as a CPO on 9/25/19 32,860 mi. On 8/19/20 at 50,052 the engine failed. The oscillating dampener rubber separated causing serpentine belt to break, which in turn got caught in timing belt which caused that to break which then caused bent valves and valves to break. The failure was sudden. Had I been on the interstate I’d be severely injured or dead. I was told that I needed a new engine but they could not find one. I was told they would completely re-build my engine. In the end they replaced the cylinder head and starter under warranty. I was never told they didn’t re-build the engine and also used “ good parts” from the old engine. In the following months I had the car in the Volvo shop (Hendricks Volvo Charleston, SC). At 50,277 miles the check engine light showed a problem with the Cam shaft position sensor on 9/3/20. They claim to have driven the car 100 miles and cleared the code w/no repairs. On 3/18/21 w/ 64,485 miles, I took the car into the dealer because it was running and idling rough. They found no codes and they aligned the car. “Couldn’t duplicate”. The right rear door never shut properly and I was repeatedly told it was fine. Re-call on latches. Seat belts on rt rear passenger constantly was stuck. This is where my granddaughter’s car seat was placed. I’ll have to skip some. At 110,024 miles on 11/28/22 the car continued to have bad gas mileage and heavy oil use. I was told that the EGR leak detection pump was faulty and was replaced. At 113,706 miles on 1/19/2023 the cam VVT Solenoid was changed. Cause of poor gas mileage stated. On 3/29/23 at 116,790 miles replaced brakes and had aligned. Service tech noticed oil under the car underside while up on racks. Said it would be fine until next service. On 7/3/23 the engine failed again on the road and was towed to the dealer. Apparently a fuel injector failed causing gas to spray into the engine causing it to lose compression. I’ve never been given a clear answer. Records of services done.
NHTSA complaint #11539045 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Excessive Oil Consumption resulting in piston damage/failure! This vehicle has burned oil since I bought it used at about 80,000 miles. I checked the carfax prior to purchasing it and it had been maintained routinely. I have to add a liter of oil every couple of weeks. This is with regular in town driving. I have reported the issue numerous times to the Volvo dealer when I bring it in for regular maintenance and repairs. I have been told by the Volvo service advisor to just add oil. It was a known issue. Sometimes I have warning lights telling me it has low oil. I also check the oil level to know to add oil. I always check my oil level before any trip. I always keep oil in my car because of this issue. Otherwise, I have had to stop and buy oil once on a trip. Since it told me to add oil on my way back. However, one serious safety issue was having to pull off on a desert highway to add oil. The car was giving me a red warning triangle that I had never seen before. My child had to shine a light for me to see so I could add oil. She was VERY AFRAID. Although Volvo sent a letter acknowledging this vehicle problem, I have been told that I do not qualify for any warranty. I was told by Volvo service that I have a misfire/loss in power and over $5000 in repairs in Feb 2023. I have already paid for some related repairs when my check engine light came on last year. My check engine light is currently on. In the last year alone (prior to Feb 2023), I have spent over $5000 in repairs. I would have traded it in, but I kept being told how great of a car it was by the service advisor. I am sick! I do not want to continue wasting money on a car that I no longer feel safe in. I am afraid to drive it out of town.
NHTSA complaint #11512670 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Starting Sunday November 27 my car started dripping gasoline on the floor, on the driver side near the rear wheel. Immediately I took it to Volvo dealer Wynne in Hampton, VA. The service specialist told me there was not any existing recall for that issue and let me go. That night I put under the leak a flat pan. That night I collected one gallon in about 8 hours. I called Volvo cars USA [XXX] explained me the car have been fixed for the campaign #09V483000 in September 14, 2010. I own the car since 2015. I asked her if the recall should be possible to do it again at no cost for me, because it falls under Safety due to the fact the car may get in fire due to the leak of gas. She asked me to go back again to Wynne Volvo dealer and tell to the service specialist that I talked to them and if they wouldn't repair my car I could open a case with Volvo Cars USA. The service specialist told me I could leave the car for inspection, but I would be responsible for at least $180 to get and estimate, but never said that they would fix it under the safety recall number 09V483000 for vehicles sold or registered in the states with hot climate like Virginia. The recall started in January 15, 2010. It covers the fuel pump that can develop cracks in the fuel pump flange. The technician said the repair they did under the recall was replacing an O-Ring gasket only not the fuel pump. The person I talked to in Service is [XXX] with Title Service Advisor. Phone number [XXX]. I called again today Wednesday November 30, 2022 to Volvo Cars USA they said they can not promise to wave the repair because they need first that I pay $180 for a car diagnostic of the issue. They would probably accept to pay part of the total charge but they would be doing it at good will. I don't have $180 to pay upfront for a safety recall that it didn't last but only 12 years. The Safety recall is valid as long as the car is in service, it doesn't matter if I am or not the first owner. INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA)
NHTSA complaint #11495569 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
This incident only occurs when placing the vehicle into drive after first having reversed. It happens intermittently. After reversing, the vehicle is stopped, place into B, which is drive with extra regenerative braking, and then the accelerator is press. The vehicle does not move. As the accelerator is pressed further, the transmission slams into gear and the vehicle launches with all the vigor of a vehicle that has the accelerator pressed to the floor. The vehicle was delivered to the dealer for diagnostics. There were not diagnostic code present, and they were unable to diagnose or fix the problem. They confirmed the correct software revisions were installed.
NHTSA complaint #11492820 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
My wife and I were driving to BWI airport for a 10:30am flight from Virginia Beach in the Express Lane on I-95N going 75mph when all of a sudden at 8:30am the engine seized and I got a message telling me I would experience "Reduced Engine Performance" as my car puttered to a stop with white smoke pouring out of the exhaust. Prior to this message I had no warnings or messages on my dashboard. I got out of my car to check my oil and it was completely evaporated, so I called AAA. While we are 1 hour into waiting (it is now 9:30am) on the narrow shoulder of two Express Lanes for a tow truck to take our car to a shop at 11:40am and for a Lyft driver to figure out how to get to us, two VDOT employees told us we had to move our car by 11am otherwise the state police will tow us. I managed to call a local tow company who finally arrived by 10:55am, so we had been stranded in an Express Lane watching cars fly by at 85mph for almost 2 and a half hours before we were able to move. After the first shop took a look and told me the engine was damaged and that they couldn't replace it, I had it towed to a Volvo dealership. 5 days and a $375 diagnostic later, they find that the turbocharger has an internal oil leak and that this and the catalytic converter would have to be replaced for $6k. Aside from now being carless 4 hours from the dealership and missing my wife's birthday celebration without refund, I now have a $6,375 bill that I had no way of preventing due to a manufacturing design flaw in 2012 Volvo S60 T5. I SHOULD have been warned of a low oil situation so I could have at least pulled over and properly tended to it. I SHOULD NOT have to be liable for a Volvo design flaw that may involve faulty piston rings that has apparently affected countless others. This incident put both my wife and I in danger on an Express Lane on a very busy highway. Volvo needs to be accountable for this design flaw.
NHTSA complaint #11452418 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
I had a 2008 volvo s60 and now i have a 2013 volvo s60. And the same exact thing happened with both of them. Both cars had more than half a tank of gas and while driving on the freeway they started to stutter and then the car just shut off while i was driving. I was lucky to be close to an exit and i had to let the car role on nuetral till i was safe away from any traffic. If i want close to an exit you can just imagine what would of happened. When i tried to turn the car on it wouldn't start anymore. I have done knowledge on working on cars and new it was a fuel problem. Upon checking i noticed that the fuel rail didn't have any fuel pressure. On my 2008 the problem was the fuel pump module. On my 2013 its a newer car so i don't really know much about it. Only had it for 2 weeks. And now it got towed and is at the dealer where i bought it from to get checked by their mechanic. There must be a problem with s60's to have happened to both s60's I've owend.
NHTSA complaint #11424893 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
TERRIBLE GAS SMELL EVERY TIME I DRIVE IT. I GOT SOMEONE TO CHECK IT OUT, THERE IS GAS LEAKING FROM THE FUEL PUMP. THIS PERSON PUT SOME PUTTY OVER THE LEAK WHICH STOPPED THE SMELL BUT THIS IS NOT SAFE. I SEE A RECALL FOR THE FUEL PUMP BUT IT SAYS MY CAR DOESN'T HAVE A CURRENT RECALL.
NHTSA complaint #11415529 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 VOLVO S60. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE VEHICLE LOSS MOTIVE POWER AND STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS RESTARTED AND OPERATED AS DESIGNED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE VOLVO STORE LOCATED AT 1051 WEST WEBSTER AVE, WINTER PARK, FL 32789, BUT WAS NOT DIAGNOSED NOR REPAIRED. THE NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 11V303000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE) WAS REFERENCED HOWEVER, THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 79,000.
NHTSA complaint #11340317 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
THERE WAS ONE INCIDENT THAT MY CAR WAS NOT ACCELERATING ON THE HIGHWAY. THE CAR WOULD STALL FOR A BIT AND WHEN I TRIED TO MAINTAIN THE SAME SPEED I WAS GOING AT, I WOULD PRESS THE GAS PEDAL AND THE SPEED WOULD NOT CHANGE, IT CONTINUED TO SLOW DOWN. FORTUNATELY, I WAS ABLE TO PULL OVER TO THE SIDE OF THE HIGHWAY AND PUT MY CAR ON PARK. THIS WHEN I PUT THE CAR IN NEUTRAL TO CHECK THE RPM, TO SEE IF THE GAS WAS WORKING. THE RPM WOULD GO UP EVERY TIME I PRESSED ON THE GAS PEDAL. FROM THERE, I TURNED MY CAR OFF AND ON, AND TRIED TO SEE IF THE CAR WAS ABLE TO ACCELERATE. ONCE I TURNED THE CAR BACK ON, THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT HAD TURNED ON. I MANAGED TO GET HOME FROM WORK DRIVING ON THE LEFT LANE AND AT A SLOW SPEED. THAT IS WHEN I SCHEDULED AN APPOINTMENT WITH MY MECHANIC. THE FOLLOWING DAY, THE MECHANIC HAD FOUND OUT THAT THERE WAS AN ISSUE WITH MY FUEL PUMP, THERE WAS NOT ENOUGH PRESSURE. UPON DOING SOME RESEARCH ON THE ISSUE, I HAD FOUND OUT THAT THE NHTSA HAD REPORTED A RECALL WITH THE SAME ISSUE FOR THE SAME MODEL AND YEAR OF MY CAR (HTTPS://STATIC.NHTSA.GOV/ODI/RCL/2011/RCDNN-11V303-8835.PDF). I SEARCHED MY VIN NUMBER TO SEE IF MY CAR FELL UNDER THE RECALL PERIOD LISTED ON THE WEBSITE, AND IT HAD REPORTED ONLY A DOOR LATCH ISSUE AND NOT THE FUEL PUMP. I WOULD LIKE THE NHTSA TO INVESTIGATE FURTHER INTO THE ISSUE WITH THE FUEL PUMP, MORE SPECIFICALLY, DETERMINE WHETHER OR NOT THE TIME PERIOD FOR ISSUE STATED UNDER THE RECALL NEEDS TO BE EXTENDED EVEN FURTHER.
NHTSA complaint #11325270 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
THE LOW PRESSURE FUEL SENSOR ON THESE VEHICLES IS KNOWN BY MANUFACTURER TO FAIL. THIS FAILURE CAN CAUSE HARD START CONDITIONS, TAKING OVER 5 SECONDS AT TIMES TO START THE VEHICLE. THE MAIN DANGER OF THIS COMES FROM THE FACT THIS IS A VEHICLE EQUIPPED WITH AUTO STOP/START TECHNOLOGY. I HAVE EXPERIENCED NEAR MISSES DUE TO COMING TO A STOP AT A STOP SIGN AND THEN TAKING OVER 5 SECONDS ON OCCASION FOR THE VEHICLE TO RESTART THE ENGINE. ON VEHICLES WITH WORN FUEL PUMPS THIS ISSUE COULD MANIFEST AS LOSS OF POWER UNDER HEAVY ENGINE LOAD, SUCH AS CLIMBING A HILL OR ACCELERATING FROM A STOP. THE FAILURE MODE IS OPEN CIRCUIT, MEANING AT SOME POINT PRIOR TO FAILURE THERE IS ALSO A CHANCE OF HIGH RESISTANCE WHICH ON A FUEL SYSTEM COMPONENT COULD LEAD TO EXCESSIVE HEAT AND FIRE. THE MANUFACTURER IS AWARE OF THE ISSUE AND HAS ISSUED AN EXTENDED WARRANTY FOR THE PART WAS OFFERED FOR 8 YEARS 80,000 MILES. I DO NOT BELIEVE THIS IS AN APPROPRIATE RESPONSE AND A RECALL SHOULD BE ISSUED FOR THE PART DUE TO ITS SAFETY RELATED CONSEQUENCES.
NHTSA complaint #11243196 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
A FEW MONTHS BACK, THIS VEHICLE WAS LEAKING GASOLINE FROM THE AREA OF FUEL PUMP. THE FUEL PUMP IS LOCATED UNDER THE REAR SEAT OF THE VEHICLE, SO THERE WAS ALSO A STRONG ODOR INSIDE THE CAR. THE VEHICLE FUEL TANK WAS FILLED JUST PRIOR TO THIS HAPPENING. SO, FOR 20 MILES, MYSELF AND MY WIFE WERE SUBJECTED TO GASOLINE FUMES, AND AT THE SAME TIME, RAW GASOLINE WAS SPILLING UNDERNEATH THE CAR WHILE DRIVING. MY REPAIR SHOP DIAGNOSED, AND REPAIRED CAR BY INSTALLING A NEW FUEL PUMP. AFTER FURTHER INVESTIGATION , I HAVE FOUND THAT VOLVO CARS DID RECALL, AND REPAIR SOME MODELS OF 2003 AND 2005... EVEN MY 2004 WAS REIMBURSED FOR THIS. I BELIEVE THAT VOLVO KNOWS THAT'S THERE IS A PART DEFECT, NOT A PART FAILURE... THIS IS A STATIONARY, HARD COMPOSITE PLASTIC THAT IS THE SAME CULPRIT AS THE EARLIER YEARS INVOLVED. I AM ASKING THE NHTSA TO FURTHER INVESTIGATE VOLVO CARS TO INSURE THAT NO ONE ELSE HAS THIS SCARE. IT COULD HAVE BEEN CATASTROPHIC FOR MYSELF AND ALL OTHERS ON THE ROADS THAT DAY
NHTSA complaint #11223172 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
THE OIL WAS CHANGED AT 85,000 MILES. AT APPROXIMATELY 90,000 MILES, THE LOW OIL PRESSURE LIGHT FLASHED ON AND IMMEDIATELY DISAPPEARED WHEN MAKING TURNS. THE SENSOR LIGHT DID NOT REMAIN ON THE DASHBOARD. THERE WAS NO EVIDENCE OF OIL LEAKING. AFTER A COUPLE OF DAYS, THE ENGINE BEGAN KNOCKING. THE OIL LEVEL WAS CHECKED AND WAS LOW. OIL WAS ADDED TO THE CAR. THE CAR WAS TAKEN TO THE VOLVO DEALER FOR A DIAGNOSTIC CHECK. THE DEALER REPRESENTATIVE STATED THAT NO WARNING LIGHT INDICATORS SHOWED DURING THE DIAGNOSTIC CHECK. THE ENGINE WAS STARVED OF OIL AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. HE MENTIONED THAT FOR THIS MODEL AND YEAR, NEW VEHICLE OWNERS THAT STILL HAD A WARRANTY WERE ASKED TO COME IN AND HAVE PISTON O-RINGS REPLACED BECAUSE OF EXCESSIVE OIL CONSUMPTION. WE WERE NOT MADE AWARE OF THIS ISSUE.
NHTSA complaint #11222828 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 VOLVO S60. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS LEAKING FUEL FROM THE TOP OF THE FUEL TANK AND FUEL PUMP. THE CONTACT CALLED THE MANUFACTURER AFTER RESEARCHING THE FAILURE AND WAS INFORMED THAT THERE WAS NO RECALL. THE MANUFACTURER FURTHER STATED THAT THE FAILURE OCCURRED IN STATES IN WARMER ZONES THAN THE CONTACT'S STATE, AND DISCONNECTED THE CALL. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING OR REPAIRS. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 220,000.
NHTSA complaint #11203643 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
EXTREME GAS SMELL INSIDE CAR. NOTICED GAS LEAKING FROM TOP OF TANK BY THE SCREWS THAT HOLD IT. VEHICLE WAS PARKED IN MY DRIVE WAY AND AS SOON AS MY KIDS GOT IN THEY NOTICED THE STRONG SMELL. NOT DRIVING IT DEFENETLY CAN CAUSE A FIRE.
NHTSA complaint #11197029 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
IN OCTOBER 2018. WHILE DRIVING MY 2012 VOLVO ( 88,000 MILES)THE CAR STARTED TO HESITATE IN TRAFFIC THEN IT STOP. I HAD JUST EXIT THE EXPRESS HIGHWAY ON TO A CITY STREET. THERE WAS NO SENSOR LIGHTS OR ENGINE CHECK LIGHT THAT CAME ON AT ALL. TRIED TO CRANK THE CAR BACK UP. THE CAR WOULD NOT START. SUDDENLY THE OIL LIGHT AND THE AIR BAG LIGHT CAME ON. A SEARS TECHNICAL CAME OUT TO JUMP START THE CAR THINKING IT WAS MY BATTERY TO TAKE CAR TO THERE SHOP. HE CHECK THE OIL BECAUSE THE LIGHT WAS ON. THE OIL WAS FINE NOT LOW. I HAD JUST HAD A OIL CHANGE SEPT 2018. THE CAR STILL WOULD NOT START. I HAD TO GET A TOW TO A SHOP FOR FOREIGN CARS. MY DIAGNOSIS ENGINE LOCKED UP. THE INJECTORS 5 AND 6 WAS WIDE OPEN (HYDRO LOCKING ) FUEL HAD BEEN LEAKING EVERYWHERE EVEN IN MY OIL. THE PRICE WAS $1400.00 TO REPAIR.
NHTSA complaint #11143317 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.