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2020 Volvo S60 Owner Complaints

Updated May 30, 20262 Critical Recalls
Ethan Miller

Complaint Summary

The 2020 Volvo S60 has 20 reported complaints.

  • Top issues involve service brakes and electrical system.

Reliability Score

Reliability Score

7.2/ 10

Based on 20 complaints

Most Frequent Issues

SERVICE BRAKES

4 20%

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

2 10%

FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING

2 10%

SUSPENSION

2 10%

STEERING

2 10%

Quick Insights

  • The top category is SERVICE BRAKES, accounting for 20% of all complaints.

  • Owners have reported issues across 13 distinct vehicle systems.

  • Note: Complaint data reflects owner reports and may not always indicate a verified defect. Compare with Recalls and TSBs for a complete picture.

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Complaint Summary

What owners keep reporting on the 2020 Volvo S60

The 2020 Volvo S60 has 20 owner complaints in this dataset. SERVICE BRAKES is the most common complaint category, representing about 20% of the reports shown here.

Most common complaint categories

The top complaint groups for the 2020 Volvo S60 are SERVICE BRAKES (4), ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (2), FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING (2).

Are these complaints a serious red flag?

Potentially. 10 complaint reports involve higher-attention systems like brakes, steering, engine, powertrain, fuel, suspension, airbags, or electrical components, which is enough to justify a focused inspection.

What should buyers inspect on a used 2020 Volvo S60?

Start with the top complaint systems, compare them against the recall report, then inspect service records for evidence that those same areas were already repaired or monitored.

Read the full buyer guideRecall report and remedy notesMaintenance costs and intervals2019 S60 complaints2021 S60 complaints2018 S60 complaints

Detailed Complaint Log

Showing 13 of 13 systems

SERVICE BRAKES

4 Reports20% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

'THE BRAKE FLUID IS LOW STOP SAFELY' MESSAGE CAME ON AT LESS THAN 87 MILES ON THE ODOMETER WHILE THE ENGINE WAS RUNNING ON MY DRIVEWAY. A VOLVO DEALER STATED THE FOLLOWING: FLUID WAS LOW NO EXTERNAL LEAK FOUND TOPPED OFF BRAKE FLUID TO FULL MARK 'THE BRAKE FLUID IS LOW STOP SAFELY' MESSAGE CAME ON AGAIN AT LESS THAN 191 MILES ON THE ODOMETER WHILE I WAS DRIVING ON A LOCAL ROAD AT ABOUT 35 MILES AN HOUR SPEED.

1/4/2020

MY 2020 S60 T5 R-DESIGN HAD 3 BROKEN SENSORS, A SAFETY RECALL, MALFUNCTIONING BRAKES WHICH CAUSED THE CAR TO VEER, AND MOST RECENTLY A LEAKING A/C HOSE. ALL PROBLEMS FROM THE FACTORY (OUT OF THIN AIR) WITHIN THE FIRST 12 MONTHS OF MY LEASE. AFTER NUMEROUS COMPLAINTS TO VOLVO CAR USA, I WAS OFFERED A GENERIC AND DISMISSIVE ANSWER THAT VOLVO 'IS NOT IN THE POSITION' TO OFFER A TRADE ASSIST OR ANY HELP. NO EXPLANATION TO A LOYAL VOLVO CUSTOMER. THEY'RE SIMPLY 'SORRY' THAT I HAD TO TAKE OFF WORK TO SERVICE THEIR CAR AND WAS TOLD TO UBER HOME (NO COURTESY LOANER). AFTER THE MOST RECENT SERVICE VISIT, I DEMANDED VOLVO EITHER REPLACE THE CAR OR TERMINATE THE LEASE, BUT THE AGENT THOUGHT SERVICING THE VEHICLE 5 TIMES (BECAUSE PARTS WERE BREAKING) WAS ABSOLUTELY NORMAL. SHE WAS STUNNED I DO NOT HAVE A POSITIVE ATTITUDE NOW THAT MY CAR WAS FIXED. I DEMANDED CONTACT TO THE REGIONAL MANAGER, BUT MY AGENT (WHO TURNED OUT TO BE SUPERVISOR) REFUSED TO FORWARD ANY INFORMATION. MY CAR WOULD GO THROUGH A REVIEW PROCESS WITH 'SPECIAL PARAMETERS', BUT THE SUPERVISOR OF THE HEADQUARTERS OF VOLVO CARS USA WAS INCAPABLE OF ANSWERING WHAT THE PARAMETERS WERE, WHEN THIS REVIEW WOULD TAKE PLACE, OR WHO IS REVIEWING MY CASE' NOTHING WAS TRANSPARENT, AND FOR ALL I KNOW, THIS REVIEW COULD HAVE BEEN ARBITRARY. AS EXPECTED, 'VOLVO IS NOT IN THE POSITION'' VOLVO SENT AN AUTOMATED CUSTOMER SATISFACTION SURVEY, TO WHICH I PROVIDED FEEDBACK OF MY AWFUL EXPERIENCE. SADLY, THE SAME AGENT HANDLING MY CASE RESPONDED 'THANK YOU' AND THAT WAS IT. I GUESS MY FEEDBACK AND PROBLEMS CAUSED BY VOLVO DO NOT REALLY INTEREST VOLVO? SO BY VOLVO 'PARAMETERS,' A CAR BREAKING 5 TIMES IS NORMAL, THERE IS NO QUALITY CONTROL OF THEIR CARS, AND CUSTOMER SERVICE IS INEXISTENT (3 OR 4 'PROFESSIONALS' IN HEADQUARTERS SERVING NORTH AMERICA IS INEXISTENT).

2/2/2021

2 more complaints are available in this category.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

2 Reports10% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

MY 2020 S60 T5 R-DESIGN HAD 3 BROKEN SENSORS, A SAFETY RECALL, MALFUNCTIONING BRAKES WHICH CAUSED THE CAR TO VEER, AND MOST RECENTLY A LEAKING A/C HOSE. ALL PROBLEMS FROM THE FACTORY (OUT OF THIN AIR) WITHIN THE FIRST 12 MONTHS OF MY LEASE. AFTER NUMEROUS COMPLAINTS TO VOLVO CAR USA, I WAS OFFERED A GENERIC AND DISMISSIVE ANSWER THAT VOLVO 'IS NOT IN THE POSITION' TO OFFER A TRADE ASSIST OR ANY HELP. NO EXPLANATION TO A LOYAL VOLVO CUSTOMER. THEY'RE SIMPLY 'SORRY' THAT I HAD TO TAKE OFF WORK TO SERVICE THEIR CAR AND WAS TOLD TO UBER HOME (NO COURTESY LOANER). AFTER THE MOST RECENT SERVICE VISIT, I DEMANDED VOLVO EITHER REPLACE THE CAR OR TERMINATE THE LEASE, BUT THE AGENT THOUGHT SERVICING THE VEHICLE 5 TIMES (BECAUSE PARTS WERE BREAKING) WAS ABSOLUTELY NORMAL. SHE WAS STUNNED I DO NOT HAVE A POSITIVE ATTITUDE NOW THAT MY CAR WAS FIXED. I DEMANDED CONTACT TO THE REGIONAL MANAGER, BUT MY AGENT (WHO TURNED OUT TO BE SUPERVISOR) REFUSED TO FORWARD ANY INFORMATION. MY CAR WOULD GO THROUGH A REVIEW PROCESS WITH 'SPECIAL PARAMETERS', BUT THE SUPERVISOR OF THE HEADQUARTERS OF VOLVO CARS USA WAS INCAPABLE OF ANSWERING WHAT THE PARAMETERS WERE, WHEN THIS REVIEW WOULD TAKE PLACE, OR WHO IS REVIEWING MY CASE' NOTHING WAS TRANSPARENT, AND FOR ALL I KNOW, THIS REVIEW COULD HAVE BEEN ARBITRARY. AS EXPECTED, 'VOLVO IS NOT IN THE POSITION'' VOLVO SENT AN AUTOMATED CUSTOMER SATISFACTION SURVEY, TO WHICH I PROVIDED FEEDBACK OF MY AWFUL EXPERIENCE. SADLY, THE SAME AGENT HANDLING MY CASE RESPONDED 'THANK YOU' AND THAT WAS IT. I GUESS MY FEEDBACK AND PROBLEMS CAUSED BY VOLVO DO NOT REALLY INTEREST VOLVO? SO BY VOLVO 'PARAMETERS,' A CAR BREAKING 5 TIMES IS NORMAL, THERE IS NO QUALITY CONTROL OF THEIR CARS, AND CUSTOMER SERVICE IS INEXISTENT (3 OR 4 'PROFESSIONALS' IN HEADQUARTERS SERVING NORTH AMERICA IS INEXISTENT).

2/2/2021

I turned the car on and got an error message that said the turn indicator system failed. After trying to clear the message from the dash using the button on the steering wheel, I discovered that nothing on the steering wheel was working, including the windshield wipers or any buttons on the steering wheel. I called the manufacturer and they told me not to drive it and they towed it to the dealer. The dealer said they had see this before as either a software issue or electrical issue and would need to replace the stalks and buttons.

6/22/2021

FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING

2 Reports10% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

MY 2020 S60 T5 R-DESIGN HAD 3 BROKEN SENSORS, A SAFETY RECALL, MALFUNCTIONING BRAKES WHICH CAUSED THE CAR TO VEER, AND MOST RECENTLY A LEAKING A/C HOSE. ALL PROBLEMS FROM THE FACTORY (OUT OF THIN AIR) WITHIN THE FIRST 12 MONTHS OF MY LEASE. AFTER NUMEROUS COMPLAINTS TO VOLVO CAR USA, I WAS OFFERED A GENERIC AND DISMISSIVE ANSWER THAT VOLVO 'IS NOT IN THE POSITION' TO OFFER A TRADE ASSIST OR ANY HELP. NO EXPLANATION TO A LOYAL VOLVO CUSTOMER. THEY'RE SIMPLY 'SORRY' THAT I HAD TO TAKE OFF WORK TO SERVICE THEIR CAR AND WAS TOLD TO UBER HOME (NO COURTESY LOANER). AFTER THE MOST RECENT SERVICE VISIT, I DEMANDED VOLVO EITHER REPLACE THE CAR OR TERMINATE THE LEASE, BUT THE AGENT THOUGHT SERVICING THE VEHICLE 5 TIMES (BECAUSE PARTS WERE BREAKING) WAS ABSOLUTELY NORMAL. SHE WAS STUNNED I DO NOT HAVE A POSITIVE ATTITUDE NOW THAT MY CAR WAS FIXED. I DEMANDED CONTACT TO THE REGIONAL MANAGER, BUT MY AGENT (WHO TURNED OUT TO BE SUPERVISOR) REFUSED TO FORWARD ANY INFORMATION. MY CAR WOULD GO THROUGH A REVIEW PROCESS WITH 'SPECIAL PARAMETERS', BUT THE SUPERVISOR OF THE HEADQUARTERS OF VOLVO CARS USA WAS INCAPABLE OF ANSWERING WHAT THE PARAMETERS WERE, WHEN THIS REVIEW WOULD TAKE PLACE, OR WHO IS REVIEWING MY CASE' NOTHING WAS TRANSPARENT, AND FOR ALL I KNOW, THIS REVIEW COULD HAVE BEEN ARBITRARY. AS EXPECTED, 'VOLVO IS NOT IN THE POSITION'' VOLVO SENT AN AUTOMATED CUSTOMER SATISFACTION SURVEY, TO WHICH I PROVIDED FEEDBACK OF MY AWFUL EXPERIENCE. SADLY, THE SAME AGENT HANDLING MY CASE RESPONDED 'THANK YOU' AND THAT WAS IT. I GUESS MY FEEDBACK AND PROBLEMS CAUSED BY VOLVO DO NOT REALLY INTEREST VOLVO? SO BY VOLVO 'PARAMETERS,' A CAR BREAKING 5 TIMES IS NORMAL, THERE IS NO QUALITY CONTROL OF THEIR CARS, AND CUSTOMER SERVICE IS INEXISTENT (3 OR 4 'PROFESSIONALS' IN HEADQUARTERS SERVING NORTH AMERICA IS INEXISTENT).

2/2/2021

The car has “detected” a crash many times and automatically stopped even on the highway. It jerks and to slam on the brakes and then keeps going. It’s very dangerous and I have a strong theory it’s the model in general and not an isolated situation with my car.

1/23/2025

SUSPENSION

2 Reports10% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

Ongoing Problem as mentioned in Volvo's Technical Journal "Speed Dependent Vibrations at Highway Speeds" Ref No: TJ 20803.20.0 . At any speed of 75 mph and above the front continuously vibrates. The tires have been replaced two times in less than 2 weeks and road forced balanced by the dealership twice. The vibration does not go away. The dealership does not want to address the issue. The car is NEW.

12/16/2021

It is unknown what caused this issue but ever since I bought my vehicle on April 5, 2021, I have been experiencing vibration issues when driving between 65-75 MPH. I have had my vehicle inspected at multiple Volvo Service Centers across Texas and no one can seem to figure out what is causing the vibration issues. My front rotors have been replaced 3 TIMES, my rear rotors have been replaced once, I have had multiple tire rotations, alignments and balancing from Volvo Service Centers and even from Discount Tire. With all of these items serviced/repaired/replaced, the vibration is still present in the steering wheel traveling at highway speeds. I went on a test drive today, 6/22/22, with a Volvo Service Technician and he confirmed that the vibration is valid. He also stated that the only thing left to do is to replace all 4 tires, at my cost, to see if the vibration goes away. He advised that when new cars are on the lot parked waiting to be sold, dealerships typically inflate the tires to about 50 PSI so as to avoid any "flat spots" on the tires. He also stated that many dealers also typically do not inflate tires on their new fleet due to the rough ride it causes. I have contacted Volvo regarding this issue without any remedy or advice. Additionally, my Volvo dealer cannot say for sure that they will reimburse me for tires, if I do choose to replace my current ones, even though this issue has been present since day 1.

6/22/2022

STEERING

2 Reports10% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

Ongoing Problem as mentioned in Volvo's Technical Journal "Speed Dependent Vibrations at Highway Speeds" Ref No: TJ 20803.20.0 . At any speed of 75 mph and above the front continuously vibrates. The tires have been replaced two times in less than 2 weeks and road forced balanced by the dealership twice. The vibration does not go away. The dealership does not want to address the issue. The car is NEW.

12/16/2021

It is unknown what caused this issue but ever since I bought my vehicle on April 5, 2021, I have been experiencing vibration issues when driving between 65-75 MPH. I have had my vehicle inspected at multiple Volvo Service Centers across Texas and no one can seem to figure out what is causing the vibration issues. My front rotors have been replaced 3 TIMES, my rear rotors have been replaced once, I have had multiple tire rotations, alignments and balancing from Volvo Service Centers and even from Discount Tire. With all of these items serviced/repaired/replaced, the vibration is still present in the steering wheel traveling at highway speeds. I went on a test drive today, 6/22/22, with a Volvo Service Technician and he confirmed that the vibration is valid. He also stated that the only thing left to do is to replace all 4 tires, at my cost, to see if the vibration goes away. He advised that when new cars are on the lot parked waiting to be sold, dealerships typically inflate the tires to about 50 PSI so as to avoid any "flat spots" on the tires. He also stated that many dealers also typically do not inflate tires on their new fleet due to the rough ride it causes. I have contacted Volvo regarding this issue without any remedy or advice. Additionally, my Volvo dealer cannot say for sure that they will reimburse me for tires, if I do choose to replace my current ones, even though this issue has been present since day 1.

6/22/2022

TIRES:PRESSURE MONITORING AND REGULATING SYSTEMS

1 Report5% of total

Previewing the first 1 complaint summaries.

2020 VOLVO S60. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO DISSATISFACTION WITH TIRE PRESSURE MONITORING SYSTEM. *LD *JS

1/12/2021

VISIBILITY/WIPER

1 Report5% of total

Previewing the first 1 complaint summaries.

I turned the car on and got an error message that said the turn indicator system failed. After trying to clear the message from the dash using the button on the steering wheel, I discovered that nothing on the steering wheel was working, including the windshield wipers or any buttons on the steering wheel. I called the manufacturer and they told me not to drive it and they towed it to the dealer. The dealer said they had see this before as either a software issue or electrical issue and would need to replace the stalks and buttons.

6/22/2021

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

1 Report5% of total

Previewing the first 1 complaint summaries.

I turned the car on and got an error message that said the turn indicator system failed. After trying to clear the message from the dash using the button on the steering wheel, I discovered that nothing on the steering wheel was working, including the windshield wipers or any buttons on the steering wheel. I called the manufacturer and they told me not to drive it and they towed it to the dealer. The dealer said they had see this before as either a software issue or electrical issue and would need to replace the stalks and buttons.

6/22/2021

WHEELS

1 Report5% of total

Previewing the first 1 complaint summaries.

Ongoing Problem as mentioned in Volvo's Technical Journal "Speed Dependent Vibrations at Highway Speeds" Ref No: TJ 20803.20.0 . At any speed of 75 mph and above the front continuously vibrates. The tires have been replaced two times in less than 2 weeks and road forced balanced by the dealership twice. The vibration does not go away. The dealership does not want to address the issue. The car is NEW.

12/16/2021

POWER TRAIN

1 Report5% of total

Previewing the first 1 complaint summaries.

It is unknown what caused this issue but ever since I bought my vehicle on April 5, 2021, I have been experiencing vibration issues when driving between 65-75 MPH. I have had my vehicle inspected at multiple Volvo Service Centers across Texas and no one can seem to figure out what is causing the vibration issues. My front rotors have been replaced 3 TIMES, my rear rotors have been replaced once, I have had multiple tire rotations, alignments and balancing from Volvo Service Centers and even from Discount Tire. With all of these items serviced/repaired/replaced, the vibration is still present in the steering wheel traveling at highway speeds. I went on a test drive today, 6/22/22, with a Volvo Service Technician and he confirmed that the vibration is valid. He also stated that the only thing left to do is to replace all 4 tires, at my cost, to see if the vibration goes away. He advised that when new cars are on the lot parked waiting to be sold, dealerships typically inflate the tires to about 50 PSI so as to avoid any "flat spots" on the tires. He also stated that many dealers also typically do not inflate tires on their new fleet due to the rough ride it causes. I have contacted Volvo regarding this issue without any remedy or advice. Additionally, my Volvo dealer cannot say for sure that they will reimburse me for tires, if I do choose to replace my current ones, even though this issue has been present since day 1.

6/22/2022

FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE

1 Report5% of total

Previewing the first 1 complaint summaries.

The contact owns a 2020 Volvo S60. The contact stated that while at a stop light, the vehicle erroneously drove forward and crashed into a second vehicle. The contact indicate that during the crash the collision avoidance feature did not activate. No injuries were reported. A police report was taken at the scene and the vehicle was towed away. The cause of the failure was not determined. The manufacturer and local dealer were notified of the incident. The failure mileage was 16,000.

1/2/2025

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

1 Report5% of total

Previewing the first 1 complaint summaries.

The contact owns a 2020 Volvo S60. The contact stated that while at a stop light, the vehicle erroneously drove forward and crashed into a second vehicle. The contact indicate that during the crash the collision avoidance feature did not activate. No injuries were reported. A police report was taken at the scene and the vehicle was towed away. The cause of the failure was not determined. The manufacturer and local dealer were notified of the incident. The failure mileage was 16,000.

1/2/2025

FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: WARNINGS

1 Report5% of total

Previewing the first 1 complaint summaries.

The car has “detected” a crash many times and automatically stopped even on the highway. It jerks and to slam on the brakes and then keeps going. It’s very dangerous and I have a strong theory it’s the model in general and not an isolated situation with my car.

1/23/2025

About This Data

Data and Methodology

MethodologyHow we score →

Scores are derived from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints, normalized by vehicle segment averages.

FAQ

What are the most common owner complaints for the 2020 Volvo S60?

The most reported complaint category for the 2020 Volvo S60 is SERVICE BRAKES, with 4 owner reports. That is about 20% of all complaints logged here. Other recurring themes include SERVICE BRAKES, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING.

Are complaints about the 2020 Volvo S60 a serious warning sign?

Potentially. 10 complaint reports fall into higher-attention systems such as brakes, steering, engine, powertrain, fuel, suspension, airbags, or electrical components. That does not prove every vehicle has a defect, but repeated complaints in those systems justify a more careful pre-purchase inspection.

How should buyers use complaint data for the 2020 Volvo S60?

Use complaints as an early pattern to investigate, not a standalone verdict. Start with the top complaint categories, compare those themes against the recall report and maintenance guide, then inspect service records for evidence that the same problem areas were already addressed. If the same issue appears repeatedly across complaints and recalls, treat it as a real ownership-risk flag.

Are complaints about the 2020 Volvo S60 severe?

10 complaint reports involve higher-attention systems such as brakes, steering, engine, powertrain, fuel, suspension, airbags, or electrical components, which is enough to justify a focused inspection before purchase.

Complaint list entries are sourced from owner-submitted NHTSA ODI records.

Read complaint summaries

Volvo S60: How should complaint data influence buying decisions?

Use complaint patterns together with recalls and maintenance guidance to estimate ownership risk and inspection priorities.

Carfocal links complaint data directly to recall and maintenance routes for the same model year.

Return to full vehicle report
Complaint entries
20
Top-topic view
5 grouped topics shown
Primary source
NHTSA ODI owner complaint records

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In this guide

  1. 01Overview
  2. 02Common Problems
  3. 03Owner Complaints
  4. 04Data and Methodology

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