Owners have filed 13 complaints
about the 2020 Volvo V60 with NHTSA between 2020 and 2026.
The largest single group is the electrical system.
Across this model's run it ranks 3 of 3 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 — 35
Against the median year of the Volvo V60. 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 2020 Volvo V60
Every complaint is filed against a part. Follow any row for the complaints about that part alone.
Brakes
323.1%
Median failure at 1,650 miles
Electrical System
323.1%
Median failure at 500 miles
Other & Unspecified
17.7%
Driver Assist & Collision Avoidance
17.7%
Seat Belts
17.7%
Wheels
17.7%
Fuel & Propulsion
17.7%
Steering
17.7%
Engine & Cooling
17.7%
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.
Jul 2020peak 3Jun 2026
NHTSA investigations into the 2020 Volvo V60
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 2020 Volvo V60
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 202462882 units in Canada
Brakes
Issue: On certain vehicles, the rods connecting the brake pedal to the hydraulic brake unit may not have been assembled properly. As a result, the rods could loosen, and you may experience a change in brake pedal feel. This can cause reduced braking. Safety Risk: Reduced braking can cause extended stopping distances and increase the risk of 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 brake pedal pushrod screw.
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 20213458,506 units in Canada
Electrical
Issue: On certain vehicles, the fuse for the low-pressure fuel pump may be too small. As a result, the fuse could blow and the engine could stall while driving. Safety Risk: A sudden loss of engine power could increase the risk of a crash. Corrective Action: Volvo will contact owners by mail and instruct you to take your vehicle to a dealer to replace the 15 A fuse for the low-pressure fuel pump with a 20 A fuse.
Recall 202009911,834 units in Canada
Brakes
Issue: On certain vehicles, the automatic emergency braking system (AEB) may not apply the brakes automatically when it detects a possible collision. In addition, the system may not warn of a potential crash with a non-moving vehicle or object. Note: The regular brake system and all other functions in the vehicle are not affected by this problem. Safety Risk: The AEB system may not provide driver warnings and apply the brakes automatically to help avoid a crash. Corrective Actions: Volvo will notify owners by mail and instruct you to take your vehicle to a dealer to update the vehicle software.
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
Yarmouth, ME
WHEELS
I took my car in for the 90,000 mile general service at the Volvo dealership. While rotating my tires the tech providing the service noted that the front left suspension fork was broken. The tech and Volvo were unable to provide an explanation for how the damage could have occurred. There was no other notable damage. The tire pressure light was on but that is baseline for my car (the tire pressure gauge is sensitive and usually turns on as soon as I adjust the tire pressure). I provided a picture of the suspension fork to a friend who works in the industry and they recommended reporting it. The part seems to have sheared and given that nothing around it is damaged, I believe and am concerned that this cast aluminum part had a manufacturing defect.
NHTSA complaint #11742505 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Yarmouth, ME
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
I took my car in for the 90,000 mile general service at the Volvo dealership. While rotating my tires the tech providing the service noted that the front left suspension fork was broken. The tech and Volvo were unable to provide an explanation for how the damage could have occurred. There was no other notable damage. The tire pressure light was on but that is baseline for my car (the tire pressure gauge is sensitive and usually turns on as soon as I adjust the tire pressure). I provided a picture of the suspension fork to a friend who works in the industry and they recommended reporting it. The part seems to have sheared and given that nothing around it is damaged, I believe and am concerned that this cast aluminum part had a manufacturing defect.
NHTSA complaint #11742505 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Van Nuys, CA
STEERING
I am reporting an ongoing and worsening defect condition involving a Volvo vehicle that has displayed repeated power steering / steering failure warnings and is now also showing additional symptoms consistent with a possible turbo / emissions-related failure. The steering-related warnings have remained active and unresolved over an extended period. The vehicle has displayed dashboard warnings for “Power steering” and “Power steering failure,” and the condition has not been reliably corrected despite prior service involvement and an ongoing repurchase dispute with the manufacturer. More recently, the vehicle developed additional failure symptoms consistent with a turbo / wastegate / emissions-related problem, which appears to be worsening. This is in addition to the pre-existing steering-related warnings and drivability concerns. I am filing this complaint because the manufacturer, Volvo Car USA, and its administrator, Sedgwick, closed the repurchase claim while these safety-related issues remained unresolved. I explicitly stated in writing that I had not declined the repurchase and remained willing to proceed once material questions were answered, but the file was closed anyway. This complaint is being submitted to document that the vehicle continues to present unresolved and worsening defect conditions, including steering-related warnings and additional drivability / emissions-related issues, despite the manufacturer’s closure of the repurchase process.
NHTSA complaint #11725586 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Van Nuys, CA
ENGINE
I am reporting an ongoing and worsening defect condition involving a Volvo vehicle that has displayed repeated power steering / steering failure warnings and is now also showing additional symptoms consistent with a possible turbo / emissions-related failure. The steering-related warnings have remained active and unresolved over an extended period. The vehicle has displayed dashboard warnings for “Power steering” and “Power steering failure,” and the condition has not been reliably corrected despite prior service involvement and an ongoing repurchase dispute with the manufacturer. More recently, the vehicle developed additional failure symptoms consistent with a turbo / wastegate / emissions-related problem, which appears to be worsening. This is in addition to the pre-existing steering-related warnings and drivability concerns. I am filing this complaint because the manufacturer, Volvo Car USA, and its administrator, Sedgwick, closed the repurchase claim while these safety-related issues remained unresolved. I explicitly stated in writing that I had not declined the repurchase and remained willing to proceed once material questions were answered, but the file was closed anyway. This complaint is being submitted to document that the vehicle continues to present unresolved and worsening defect conditions, including steering-related warnings and additional drivability / emissions-related issues, despite the manufacturer’s closure of the repurchase process.
NHTSA complaint #11725586 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
I am reporting an ongoing and worsening defect condition involving a Volvo vehicle that has displayed repeated power steering / steering failure warnings and is now also showing additional symptoms consistent with a possible turbo / emissions-related failure. The steering-related warnings have remained active and unresolved over an extended period. The vehicle has displayed dashboard warnings for “Power steering” and “Power steering failure,” and the condition has not been reliably corrected despite prior service involvement and an ongoing repurchase dispute with the manufacturer. More recently, the vehicle developed additional failure symptoms consistent with a turbo / wastegate / emissions-related problem, which appears to be worsening. This is in addition to the pre-existing steering-related warnings and drivability concerns. I am filing this complaint because the manufacturer, Volvo Car USA, and its administrator, Sedgwick, closed the repurchase claim while these safety-related issues remained unresolved. I explicitly stated in writing that I had not declined the repurchase and remained willing to proceed once material questions were answered, but the file was closed anyway. This complaint is being submitted to document that the vehicle continues to present unresolved and worsening defect conditions, including steering-related warnings and additional drivability / emissions-related issues, despite the manufacturer’s closure of the repurchase process.
NHTSA complaint #11725586 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Columbia, MO
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Me and my partners safety was put at risk when the vehicle’s high pressure fuel pump went out, shut the car down, and left us stranded in the middle of two lane traffic. What was scarier was how the vehicle couldn’t be manually overridden to shift into neutral to push the vehicle to safety away from oncoming traffic, since the gear is electronic. The vehicle isn’t that old and that high on mileage, being only at 94k miles. After getting it towed (tow driver had to drag the vehicle up onto the bed because even they couldn’t do anything about it) to the dealer, because no one else but Volvo can touch it. This is without the manufacturer giving mechanics privileges to reprogram parts that needed to be replaced. On top of that, since there isn’t a dealer in my area around Columbia, MO, it had to be towed all the way to St. Louis, which was already bizarre as it is. After getting it repaired and the techs saying everything was good to go, it hasn’t been a week before something else happened. Upon trying to start the car today, the dash throws a number of warnings again. Upon seeing the warnings, I pulled out my scan tool and now tells me the low pressure fuel pump, fuel pressure regulator, and abs pump go out and I’m already frustrated and back into a situation with a vehicle that is already expensive as it is. Luckily everything popped up at home, because the vehicle throws itself into limp/bricked mode to where it won’t even start the engine. And because it’s a plug in hybrid, it was able to at least get the system going to read what’s going on compared to what was stated earlier when the battery was already depleted. Now I have to find a way to transport this vehicle again and I’m already having regrets of purchasing it in the first place. I just wanted a hybrid wagon that has all the cargo and efficiency without being an suv.
NHTSA complaint #11659857 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Columbia, MO
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Me and my partners safety was put at risk when the vehicle’s high pressure fuel pump went out, shut the car down, and left us stranded in the middle of two lane traffic. What was scarier was how the vehicle couldn’t be manually overridden to shift into neutral to push the vehicle to safety away from oncoming traffic, since the gear is electronic. The vehicle isn’t that old and that high on mileage, being only at 94k miles. After getting it towed (tow driver had to drag the vehicle up onto the bed because even they couldn’t do anything about it) to the dealer, because no one else but Volvo can touch it. This is without the manufacturer giving mechanics privileges to reprogram parts that needed to be replaced. On top of that, since there isn’t a dealer in my area around Columbia, MO, it had to be towed all the way to St. Louis, which was already bizarre as it is. After getting it repaired and the techs saying everything was good to go, it hasn’t been a week before something else happened. Upon trying to start the car today, the dash throws a number of warnings again. Upon seeing the warnings, I pulled out my scan tool and now tells me the low pressure fuel pump, fuel pressure regulator, and abs pump go out and I’m already frustrated and back into a situation with a vehicle that is already expensive as it is. Luckily everything popped up at home, because the vehicle throws itself into limp/bricked mode to where it won’t even start the engine. And because it’s a plug in hybrid, it was able to at least get the system going to read what’s going on compared to what was stated earlier when the battery was already depleted. Now I have to find a way to transport this vehicle again and I’m already having regrets of purchasing it in the first place. I just wanted a hybrid wagon that has all the cargo and efficiency without being an suv.
NHTSA complaint #11659857 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Charlotte, NC
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
THE MAIN DRIVER INFORMATION DISPLAY WENT BLANK WHILE OPERATING THE VEHICLE. IMPORTANT OPERATING INFORMATION SUCH VEHICLE SPEED, TURN SIGNAL INDICATORS, FUEL REMAINING ETC., WAS NOT AVAILABLE TO THE DRIVER. THE CENTER DISPLAY FOR THE NAVIGATION SYSTEM HAS ALSO GONE BLANK TWICE WHILE OPERATING THE VEHICLE SINCE I PURCHASED THE VEHICLE. ADDITIONALLY, THE TAILGATE WILL OPEN ALL THE WAY AND A SPLIT-SECOND LATER WILL DROP ABOUT 15 INCHES. BOTH MY WIFE AND HAVE BEEN HIT IN THE BACK OF THE HEAD BY THE TAILGATE BECAUSE OF THIS.
NHTSA complaint #11495219 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Celebration, FL
SERVICE BRAKES
The brake rotors exceed the manufacturers run out specifications and tolerances. This has been happening vehicles as early as 2018 model year. In my specific case I bought the car with 3600 miles on it as a certified vehicle from a Volvo dealership. On my drive home I could feel the braking pulsation in the steering wheel. The dealership measured the run out and it exceeded the manufacturers specification on all four corners. I then joined a Facebook Volvo owners group and found out there are several members that have had their rotors replaced by the dealer in many cases multiple times because they are either installing a non-conforming brake rotor or the part becomes defective with use well within the warranty period. If the vibration caused by the rotor run out continues to increase without mitigation it may cause the brake pads to deteriorate at a high rate reducing stopping distance or cause the vehicle to swerve.
NHTSA complaint #11435219 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 2,800 milesWest Palm Beach, FL
SERVICE BRAKES
WHEN TEMPERATURES ARE BELOW 60 DEGREES I RECEIVE A "BRAKE LIGHT MALFUNCTION" NOTICE AND WHEN LOOKING AT THE BRAKE LIGHTS THE 3RD CHSML SEEMS TO BE DIMMER THEN NORMAL. ONLY HAPPENS AT LOWER TEMPERATURES. THIS HAPPENS WHEN FIRST STARTED.
NHTSA complaint #11384140 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 500 milesRidgecrest, CA
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2020 VOLVO V60. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY AT 70 MPH, THE VEHICLE STARTED INDEPENDENTLY BRAKING WITH THE CITY SAFETY WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE VEHICLE RESUMED NORMAL OPERATION AFTER THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND REFERRED THE CONTACT TO THE LOCAL DEALER FOR ASSISTANCE. VOLVO CARS ESCONDIDO (1938 AUTO PARK WAY, ESCONDIDO, CA 92029) WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND AN APPOINTMENT WAS SCHEDULED TO HAVE THE VEHICLE INSPECTED. THE DIAGNOSIS WAS STILL PENDING. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 500.
NHTSA complaint #11365996 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 500 milesRidgecrest, CA
SERVICE BRAKES
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2020 VOLVO V60. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY AT 70 MPH, THE VEHICLE STARTED INDEPENDENTLY BRAKING WITH THE CITY SAFETY WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE VEHICLE RESUMED NORMAL OPERATION AFTER THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND REFERRED THE CONTACT TO THE LOCAL DEALER FOR ASSISTANCE. VOLVO CARS ESCONDIDO (1938 AUTO PARK WAY, ESCONDIDO, CA 92029) WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND AN APPOINTMENT WAS SCHEDULED TO HAVE THE VEHICLE INSPECTED. THE DIAGNOSIS WAS STILL PENDING. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 500.
NHTSA complaint #11365996 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Ossining, NY
SEAT BELTS
THE NEW VOLVO SUPPOSE TO COME WITH A SAFETY BELT WARNING FOR BOTH DRIVER AND PASSENGER BUT IN ONE SCENARIO IT'S NOT. IN THE EVENT THAT THE DRIVER IS SEATED AND IT'S BELT IS FASTEN ONCE THE PASSENGER SITS IN THE FRONT PASSENGER SEAT THE AIRBAG ALERTS TEH DRIVER THAT THE PASSENGER ARMED THE BAG BUT DOES NOT ALERT THE DRIVER THAT THE BELT IS NOT FASTENED. IN OTHER WORDS, I CAME TO PICK MY DOUGHTIER UP FROM SCHOOL LISTENIG TO THE RADIO, SHE WAS ON TEH PHONE, SET IN AND WE DROVE OFF, ONLY WHEN WE GOT HOME WE REALIZED SHE DIDN'T HAVE THE BELT ON.. NO WARNING ICONS NO CHIMES..VERY DANGEROUS SITUATION. IN THE EVENT BOTH DRIVER AND PASSENGER SITS IN THE CAR WHILE CAR IS PUT ON ALERT WILL SOUND AND WARNING LIGHT WILL BE ILLUMINATED FOR AT LEAST A MINUTE IF PASSENGER IS UNBUCKLED.
NHTSA complaint #11341217 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.