The Lemon Index
202020223rd generation
Complaints only. Too few sold to score: 10,550 in the U.S. in 2021 (sales source), under the 20,000 a fair per-car score needs. Owners filed 3 complaints in its first 3 years.
3 owner complaints, first 3 years 25–30 mpg combined, EPA
Similar cars, same year
2021 BMW 3 Series 172021 Audi A42021 Acura TLX 119
Lemon Index: 100 = the average car, lower is better.
When problems show up
No complaints for this year listed a mileage, so we can't say when problems show up.
Questions to ask the seller
- Were recalls 25V179000 (electrical), 23V780000 (airbags) and 21V682000 (seat belts) done? Ask for the dealer printout, or check the VIN.
- Do the brakes feel even, with no ABS or brake warning light? When were the pads and brake fluid last done?
- Any oil burning, leaks or check-engine lights? Ask for oil-change records.
- Any steering noise, wander or power-steering warning? Has the steering rack or pump been replaced?
- Volvo sent dealers 199 repair notes for this car. Was this one done: “This is a Technical Journal: Creaking noise from Steering Wheel Module”?
From this year's own recalls, top problems, top repair bills and Volvo's repair notes. Recall repairs are free at any dealer.
How serious. Out of all 3 owner complaints filed so far (every year since it was sold, not just the first 3), owners reported:
“Average car” = what the same number of complaints would include at the rate across every model year we track. Owners report these themselves; NHTSA doesn't confirm the cause.
What owners complain about most. From owner complaints to the government.
Share of this year's owner complaints filed with NHTSA, not the share of cars that break. One complaint can name more than one area.
Check engine light on? Look up any code →
Problems Volvo told dealers about
Volvo sent dealers 199 repair notes for this car. The ones about its biggest problems:
- This is a Technical Journal: Creaking noise from Steering Wheel Module
- Volvo Cars of North America, LLC (Volvo) on behalf of Volvo Car Corporation, has identified…
- This is a Technical Journal: Noise when turning steering wheel
Ask a seller or mechanic if these were done. Some are free under warranty or a special program.
Recalls 3
- Electrical · recall issued 2025
The high-voltage battery may experience a short circuit within the battery module when the battery is fully charged and the vehicle is parked.
- Airbags · recall issued 2023
The passenger air bag may not be secured properly, which can cause the air bag to deploy improperly.
- Seat belts · recall issued 2021
The seat belt automatic locking retractors may deactivate early, which can prevent the child restraint system from securing properly.
Recall repairs are free at any dealer. A recall only matters if it's still open on that exact car, so check its VIN.
Canada? See recalls at Transport Canada
Government investigations
- ClosedPedestrian alert sounds2023
NHTSA looks into a problem when enough owners report it. Many end in a recall.
Safety
Crash test details
| Version | Overall | Front | Side | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Volvo S60 T5 4 DR AWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Volvo S60 T5 4 DR FWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Volvo S60 T6 4 DR AWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
Fuel cost and engines
About $2,500–$3,000 (USD) a year in fuel (EPA estimate at U.S. prices, 15,000 miles or 24,000 km a year). Engines: 2.0L 4-cyl.
Every Volvo S60 year. 2021 is highlighted. Lower is better.
Newest year first. Red = worse than average, gray = about average, too new (2023+: a partial score, marked “partial”) or too few complaints to score.
Embed this chart
Put this chart on your site, blog or forum. Free, with the credit line built in; the 2021 bar is highlighted.
<iframe src="https://lemonindex.com/embed/cars/volvo-s60/?y=2021" title="Volvo S60 reliability by model year (The Lemon Index)" width="100%" height="284" style="border:0;max-width:720px" loading="lazy"></iframe><p style="font-size:13px;margin:4px 0 0">Data: <a href="https://lemonindex.com/cars/volvo-s60/2021/">Lemon Index</a> (2021 Volvo S60 reliability)</p>Quick answers
Is the 2021 Volvo S60 reliable?
We can't score it: only 10,550 were sold in the U.S. in 2021 (calendar-year sales), under the 20,000 we need for a fair per-car score. Owners filed 3 complaints with NHTSA in its first 3 years.
What are the most common 2021 Volvo S60 problems?
In owner complaints to the government, the parts named most are brakes (67%), engine (33%) and steering (33%). That is the share of complaints, not the share of cars that break.
How many recalls does the 2021 Volvo S60 have?
3 safety recalls (latest: electrical). Recall repairs are free at any dealer; check a specific car's VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What gas mileage does the 2021 Volvo S60 get?
25 to 30 mpg combined, depending on the engine (EPA estimate).
Is the 2021 Volvo S60 safe?
NHTSA gave it 5 out of 5 stars overall in its best tested version. Ratings differ by body style, and the full table is on the advanced page.
Does the 2021 Volvo S60 have transmission problems?
Transmission and drivetrain issues aren't among its top 5 complaint areas.
How much does the 2021 Volvo S60 cost in fuel a year?
About $2,500 to $3,000 a year, by the EPA's current estimate.
What engines does the 2021 Volvo S60 have?
2.0L 4-cyl.
What Volvo S60 year is better than the 2021?
No year within 3 model years of it drew fewer complaints. Across every year, 2014 drew the fewest (about a third as many complaints as the average car).
The Lemon Index counts owner complaints filed with the U.S. government (NHTSA) in a car's first 3 years, per car sold, against the average car of the same model years (100 = average, lower is better). It measures complaints, not crash safety. A complaint is an owner's report, not a confirmed defect. How it works