EZ Swap LLC services the Volvo S60 in Phoenix, AZ, covering model years 2005 to 2009, 2011 to 2018. If your S60 has a warning light, a strange noise or a safety recall question, our mechanics can diagnose it and give you a clear quote first.
To help S60 owners know what to watch for, we reviewed public records from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). For these model years NHTSA has 457 owner complaints on file for the S60 and 21 safety recall campaigns. The most-reported problem areas are engine (156), electrical system (60), air bags (35).
Most-Reported Volvo S60 Problems
These problem areas come up most often in NHTSA owner complaints for the S60 (all model years combined). Complaint counts reflect reports filed, not the share of vehicles affected, so popular and older models naturally have more.
| Problem area (NHTSA component) | Complaints | Share | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 156 | 34% | |
| Electrical System | 60 | 13% | |
| Air Bags | 35 | 7% | |
| Power Train | 27 | 5% | |
| Structure | 27 | 5% | |
| Vehicle Speed Control | 26 | 5% | |
| Fuel/Propulsion System | 25 | 5% | |
| Seat Belts | 22 | 4% |
Engine
156 of the 457 complaints (34%) mention the engine and cooling system. Engine and cooling complaints are best caught early in Phoenix, where heat pushes cooling systems and engine oil to their limits. We diagnose warning lights and check coolant, hoses and oil condition. See our check engine light diagnostics and oil change & maintenance pages.
Electrical System
60 of the 457 complaints (13%) mention the electrical system. Electrical problems are made worse by desert heat, which ages batteries, cables and connectors. We test the battery, starter and charging system and trace faults to the actual part. See our battery replacement and starter & alternator repair pages.
Air Bags
35 of the 457 complaints (7%) mention airbags and seat belts. Airbag and restraint issues are often tied to open safety recalls, which are repaired by the manufacturer at no cost to you. Check your VIN on NHTSA's recall lookup first, and we can help with related warning lights and diagnostics. See our auto repair page.
Volvo S60 Complaints by Model Year
The S60 model years with the most NHTSA complaints on file are 2012, 2013, 2015. Older model years have had more time to collect reports, so use this table as a guide for what to inspect, not as a verdict on any one vehicle.
| Model year | Complaints on file | |
|---|---|---|
| 2005 | 44 | |
| 2006 | 31 | |
| 2007 | 21 | |
| 2008 | 10 | |
| 2009 | 7 | |
| 2011 | 5 | |
| 2012 | 121 | |
| 2013 | 86 | |
| 2014 | 25 | |
| 2015 | 58 | |
| 2016 | 28 | |
| 2017 | 17 | |
| 2018 | 4 |
Volvo S60 Check Engine Codes
NHTSA owner complaints rarely cite specific trouble codes for the S60, so we do not have a model-specific ranking to show. These are the check engine codes we see most often on vehicles in Phoenix heat, and any of them can show up on a Volvo.
| Code | What it means |
|---|---|
| P0420 | Catalyst efficiency below threshold (bank 1) Often a worn catalytic converter, but failing oxygen sensors or exhaust leaks can set it too. Can cause an emissions test failure. |
| P0300 | Random or multiple cylinder misfire Worn spark plugs, failing ignition coils, fuel or vacuum problems. Do not ignore a flashing check engine light. |
| P0171 | System too lean (bank 1) Often a vacuum leak, dirty MAF sensor, weak fuel delivery or a failing oxygen sensor. |
| P0455 | EVAP system large leak Missing or loose gas cap, or a disconnected or cracked vapor hose. |
| P0128 | Coolant temperature below thermostat regulating temperature Usually a thermostat stuck open. Fix it to restore efficiency and cabin heat. |
| P0442 | EVAP system small leak Loose or worn gas cap, cracked hose or purge or vent valve. |
| P0301 | Cylinder 1 misfire Commonly a bad spark plug or ignition coil on that cylinder. |
| P0401 | EGR flow insufficient Clogged EGR passages or a stuck EGR valve. |
Got a check engine light on your S60? A code is a clue, not a diagnosis, so we scan it and test the system before replacing anything. See our check engine light diagnostics.
Volvo S60 Safety Recalls
NHTSA lists 21 recall campaigns for the S60 in these model years, most often involving air bags, equipment, electrical system. Recalls are repaired by the manufacturer at no charge to you, but each applies only to certain vehicles. Look up your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- 2021 recall, Air Bags (campaign 21V766000): Volvo Car USA, LLC (Volvo Car) is recalling certain 2001-2006 S80 and 2001-2009 S60 vehicles. The driver's air bag inflator may explode during deployment, due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute...
- 2020 recall, Seat Belts (campaign 20V378000): Volvo Cars of N.A., LLC (Volvo) is recalling certain 2008-2016 V70 and XC70, 2007-2016 S80, 2011-2018 S60 and V60, 2016-2018 S60 Cross Country, 2014-2020 S60L, 2009-2015 S80L, 2009-2016 XC60 and 2015-2018 V60 Cross Country vehicles.
- 2019 recall, Latches/Locks/Linkages (campaign 19V849000): Volvo Car of USA LLC (Volvo) is recalling certain 2011-2017 S60, S60I, V60, S60CC and V60CC vehicles. A component within the door latches may break, making the doors difficult to latch and/or leading the driver or a passenger to believe a...
- 2017 recall, Air Bags (campaign 17V127000): Volvo Car USA LLC (Volvo) is recalling certain 2017 S60, S60CC, V60, V60 Cross Country, and XC60 vehicles.
- 2016 recall, Seat Belts (campaign 16V798000): Volvo Car USA LLC (Volvo) is recalling certain model year 2016-2017 XC90, S90, XC60, V60 Cross Country, V60, S60 Cross Country, S60, and S60 Inscription vehicles manufactured February 16, 2015, to August 22, 2016.
- 2016 recall, Air Bags (campaign 16V918000): Volvo Car USA LLC (Volvo) is recalling certain model year 2017 S60 and S60 Cross Country, V60 and V60 Cross Country, and XC60 vehicles manufactured August 16, 2016, through October 21, 2016.
Serious Incident Reports
Of the NHTSA complaints on file for the S60, 30 involved a crash, 5 involved a fire, 33 reported injuries. These numbers are drawn from self-reported complaints and are not verified findings. If your vehicle has an open recall, get it repaired promptly.
Keeping a Volvo S60 Reliable in Phoenix
Arizona heat is the hardest test a Volvo will face. Batteries, belts, hoses, tires and engine oil all wear faster here, and a S60 that spends its life in stop-and-go Valley traffic needs maintenance earlier than the owner's manual's normal schedule suggests.
Our recommendation for S60 owners: follow the severe-service schedule, test the battery before every summer, inspect brakes and tires twice a year, and have any warning light diagnosed instead of ignored. If you are shopping for a used Volvo S60, a pre-purchase inspection shows what the paperwork does not.
Volvo S60 Services at EZ Swap LLC
Get the details on our Phoenix Volvo S60 repair service, or choose a service below.
Check Engine Light Diagnostics
Scan, test and pinpoint the real cause.
Details →Oil Change & Maintenance
Oil, filters, fluids, tires and scheduled service.
Details →Battery Replacement
Test, replace and protect against Phoenix heat.
Details →Starter & Alternator Repair
Charging and starting system repair.
Details →Auto Repair
All makes and models, from domestic trucks to imports.
Details →Volvo S60 FAQ
What are the most common problems with the Volvo S60?
Based on NHTSA owner complaints, the most-reported problem areas for the Volvo S60 are engine (156), electrical system (60), air bags (35). Complaint counts reflect reports filed, not the share of vehicles affected.
Which S60 model years have the most complaints?
The S60 model years with the most NHTSA complaints on file are 2012, 2013, 2015. Older years have had longer to collect reports, so inspect any specific vehicle before buying.
What check engine codes are common on the Volvo S60?
NHTSA complaints rarely cite specific codes for the Volvo S60. On Phoenix vehicles in general, we see P0420, P0300 misfires, P0171 lean conditions and EVAP leaks such as P0455 and P0442 most often. Bring yours in and we will scan and test it.
Does the Volvo S60 have any safety recalls?
NHTSA lists 21 recall campaigns for the Volvo S60 across model years 2005 to 2009, 2011 to 2018. Each recall applies only to certain vehicles, so enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see if yours is affected.
Do you repair the Volvo S60 in Phoenix?
Yes. EZ Swap LLC repairs and maintains Volvo vehicles including the S60, at 9050 N 9th St in Phoenix. Call or text (602) 246-9063 for an appointment.
Is a pre-purchase inspection worth it for a used Volvo S60?
Yes. An inspection checks the engine, transmission, brakes, suspension, A/C and electrical system, and scans for stored codes, so you know the real condition before you buy.
How often should I service my Volvo S60 in Phoenix?
Follow the severe-service schedule in your owner's manual, since heat and stop-and-go driving count as severe use. Test the battery before summer and inspect brakes and tires regularly.
More Volvo Models We Service
Source: public complaint and recall records from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (nhtsa.gov). Counts reflect reports filed and do not predict the condition of any individual vehicle.