Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (engine, cooling system, oil leaks, timing chain, exhaust).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2001 Volvo S60 owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
I commute approximately 30 miles to work. During my commute on nov. 2, 2005 there was nothing out of the ordinary. All gauges reading within normal limits. I parked my car. Went inside my place of work. Within 7 (seven) minutes I was notified by a coworker that my car was on fire. The resulting engine fire totaled my 2001 S60 t5 Volvo. There was nothing left of the engine except the engine block sitting upon the transmission.
Tl* the contact owns a 2001 Volvo S60. While driving at unknown speeds, the vehicle stalled and the brakes and power steering malfunctioned without warning. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 173,000.
At 53,000 miles (February 2006) my check engine light, service transmission light and urgent service warning lights came on at the same time. However, I was I not experiencing any noticeable drivability issues. (with the exception of some slightly rough gear shifting - but I didn't think much of it). The dealer told me that the fault code was related to my transmission and that I need a software upgrade to my TCM (transmission control module). If the fault code returned after the upgrade, my transmission would have to be replaced. And that most likely (99.9%) the software upgrade would correct the problem. In addition, I had to pay $340 for the software upgrade because I was 6 months / 3,000 miles out of warranty and software issues where not covered by the extended warranty (3rd party - easycare -[via Ford]). …
In October 2007, I inquired of fields Volvo of waukesha wisconsin, about a malfunctioning temperature gage. The gage would often display a faulty reading, showing that the car was overheating when in fact it was not. When I bought my car in for an inspection of the matter, jason fischer service advisor, informed me that I needed an electronics bo ( see attached receipt). He assured me that was the problem, so I agreed to allow him to replace it and was charged $537.15 for the procedure. However, a year later in July 2008, the problem resurfaced. Eventually, the cooling fan malfunctioned and would not shut off. This problem also caused the battery to drain. I took my car to auto werks import centre in milwaukee, wisconsin, who through research of the problem, found that there was a recall issued for the cooling fan in November 2004. …
The car would suddenly cease to accelerate not going over twenty miles per hour. The car was taken to the Volvo dealership where the emt was cleaned. Under an extended warranty. 10 days later the car without warning went into the 'limp home mode again" the car was returned to Volvo this time I was told the engine control module was faulty and needed replacement and the etm was not the problem this part was out of warranty and would cost over $2,000 to replace or I could trade in the car. I feel that this too should be taken care of sine the ECM directs the activity of the etm and was not initially identified as the problem if this does not correct the problem someone could be seriously injured when trying to merge onto the freeway or crossing intersections.
I have a 2001 Volvo S60 t5 and I've been noticing lately the idle on my RPM side going up and down rapidly and the car feels like its going to turn off. Then yesterday the same thing happened and the car shut down and I turned it back on and it begin trying to push itself so I got scared and parked it. Luckily it was by my home and then today I went to retrieve it and it begin doing the same thing. People have been complaining about this problem. I saw some media coverage about this problem due to the throttle body module. Please help and try to get this part recalled because someone can get seriously hurt or even god forbid pass away due to this problem. Thank you.
Dt: consumer stated 2001 Volvo s 60 was having a problem with the unit that regulated the air flow into the brakes and engine. The car was making a hissing sound, like air being let into the cabin. This was happening a lot, especially in the heat. The brakes had to be depressed to get the car to stop. Consumer had the car fixed last week at the dealership; the mechanic informed consumer that the air pump to the brakes had to be replaced. This vehicle was not stalling,or losing power, nor were there near misses. Consume r was just responding to this because of what she saw on the news. The warranty expired. Repairs were done at consumer's expense.
(1) driving on interstate at maximum legal speed for several hours. (2) engine abruptly stops without warning resulting in loss of power steering and brakes. Attempts to restart engine while moving not successful. Negotiate through traffic to shoulder of road, narrowly avoiding accident. (3) vehicle sat on side of road for approximately five minutes and then restarted without any problems. Were able to continue trip and return home. (4) took vehicle to dealership. Engine was checked, but no problems found. (5) this has occurred two times during the four years we have owned vehicle ..
Tl* the contact owns a 2001 Volvo S60. The contact stated that there was a failure in which the throttle body failed to function properly. The contact experienced the failure when making a turn or while driving various speeds. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and indicated that the time frame had expired for the vehicle to be repaired per NHTSA campaign number: 06V441000 (vehicle speed control). The contact was advised to take the vehicle to the dealer. The failure mileage was not available.
Dt*: the contact stated while driving at no particular speed, the engine oil pressure light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer for inspection. The dealer determined metal shavings were present in the oil pan resulting in the engine needing replaced and no repairs were made. Additionally, the transmission would not intermittently shift out of park. The vehicle was taken to the dealer for inspection and repair.
Related recalls
Engine and engine cooling › Cooling system › Fan
On certain passenger and sport utility vehicles, under certain operating conditions, some electric cooling fans May overheat potentially causing heat damage and, in rare instances, a fire in the engine compartment.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the cooling fan. The recall began on November 29, 2004. Customers should contact Volvo cars at 1-800-458-1552.
Engine complaints in other S60 years
Frequently asked questions
How common are engine problems on the 2001 Volvo S60?
NHTSA has 20 complaints about the engine & cooling of the 2001 Volvo S60, 9% of the model year's 223 complaints. The component named most often is engine (7 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2001 Volvo S60 engine problems?
Yes — NHTSA recall 04V-451 (fan, Sep 13, 2004). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
At what mileage do 2001 Volvo S60 engine problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 69,000 miles, and 7% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 0 crashes, 1 fire and 0 injuries to engine & cooling problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.