Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (automatic and manual transmissions, CVT, axles, driveshaft, 4WD/AWD).
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).
Our Volvo S60 has been experiencing a well known issue with what's commonly called transmission flare. When shifting into lower gears from a stop or at lower speeds and in slow traffic the automatic transmission jerks the car forward severely. There are hundreds of posts in online car forums with consumers complaining about this same problem. While it started out as a nuisance the problem has gotten progressively worse and is aggravated by hot weather, so much for taking the Volvo on a drive for summer vacation. We trusted Volvo's quality and integrity when purchasing our car and are very disappointed that there has been no recall issued to fix this problem. When we asked the dealership where we purchased the car what we could do to fix the problem they suggested we purchase a new car from them. Shame on you Volvo. …
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]). …
For both our 2001 Volvo S60 2.4t and our 2003 Volvo xc90 2.5t AWD, there have been unsuccessful attempts to repair a transmission defect (essentially same transmission in both vehicles per Volvo tech support). Between 2nd and 3rd there is. Intermittent/unpredictable failure to engage 3rd in timely fashion with resultant loss of acceleration as vehicle is functionally in neutral for 0.5 to 2.5 seconds. This is extremely dangerous, especially when pulling on to a highway. We have experienced 2 near collisions (almost being struck from behind). Volvo tech support acknowledges a flaw in design causing servo fluid air lock in the 2001 model. A new transmission is scheduled to be replaced for our S60, but if the problem is still occuring in our 2003, will this correct the problem? …
Volvo S60 of the first generation has had major transmission issues. Many have failed, slipped, and have destroyed the vehicle. According to other drivers it seems that the transmission has been fixed after 2005. It is not normal for transmissions to be going out before 100K miles. I'm sure many drivers have complained of this issue. Many times I have almost been in wrecks because it will not go into gear and will clunk into gear lurching me forward. The software when it first came out would put the car in neutral after you touched the brake to save gas millage. This software was removed for an unknown reason. Most likely being because it was damaging transmissions. Transmission do not shift instantly. So you would be in neutral then it would switch into gear. After many updates and small changes to the transmission reports of transmission failures have gone down majorly after 2005. …
Tl* the contact owns a 2001 Volvo S60. The contact stated that automatic transmission would not go in to gear, lock up and surge forward,and not shift properly at any time.. She noticed the issue happened approx after driving 10 miles after the vehicle heated up. She had been having transmission failures since February 2008. She noticed the failure every time she drove the vehicle if she drove more than 10 miles. She took the vehicle to the dealership and a software upgrade was performed at her expense. However, the issue reoccurred shortly after. She called the manufacturer and was told that she did indeed have a faulty transmission but would not offer anything other than a 10% cost reduction on the software upgrade repair. There had been no further repairs made to the vehicle at the time of the complaint. The current mileage was approximately 137,000. …
Stopped to drop off passenger, when attempted to pull away, transmission failed to engage. Turned vehicle off to check it. On restart engaged fine. Approx 1/2 mile down the road, transmission failed again while vehicle was in motion. Coasted to the side of the road, turned vehicle off for a few minutes, on restart transmission once again engaged for me to go a few hundred feet to safety. Vehicle was towed to dealership which diagnosed the transmission with 'internal faults' which would require a complete replacement of the transmission. The vehicle in question has never had any warnings that the transmission was failing, nor had it ever hesitated to engage prior to it's complete failure. The vehicle is 4 1/2 years old with only 32K miles.
In 2008, at about 93K miles, the transmission on my 2001 Volvo S60 failed while I was driving on a main thoroughfare. Fortunately, I was able to avoid being in an accident. I had a Volvo dealer install a new Volvo transmission. In 2014, at about 123K miles (or about 30K miles on the new transmission), the second transmission failed while I was driving on a local street. Again, I was able to avoid an accident. A search of the NHTSA database and other online sources showed that there have been numerous early transmission failures with volvos like mine. Volvo of north America refused to do anything to help fix the faulty transmission despite information that there is a problem with the transmission they have been using.
In Volvo 2001 S60 t5. The car sometimes stop accelerating for seconds, and then suddenly it clicks with a jolt after about a second and the car lurches forward. The problem seems to be happening with a lot of people due to a problem with the valve body as the dealer and another mechanic suggested (transmission part). This require replacement of trans. Valve body, sealing kit and TCM upgrade. Then trans oil flush. A total cost of $2488 quoted from galpin Volvo van nuys california. Below is a page showing different customers are having the same problem. Http://www.matthewsvolvosite.com/forums/viewtopic.php?p=20617.
Intermittent problem. 2001 Volvo S60 t5. Vehicle will fail to shift gears when accelerating. Usually occurs when proceeding from a stop, usually when turning. Took vehicle to the dealer, princeton Volvo, and although their mechanic experienced the problem, they indicated that they did not know what could cause the problem. Now I learn that Volvo has had numerous reported similar problems, usually involving the electronic throttle control modulator. It should also be noted that the aforesaid dealer attempted to remedy the problem by making a software change, but this only made the problem worse.
I had slight jerking and slipping during recent two years. But since this month (aug. 2008), my 2001 S60 t5 becomes worse with frequent jerking and slipping during traffic and accelerating from a stop. Driving with those symptoms is very dangerous. Visited dealer shop for several times, the suggestions were always new transmission replacement which cost over $4,000. I was also told many S60 2001 and later have the similar problems. I think the Volvo builder must be responsible for this safety related bad part manufacturer issue.
Transmission complaints in other S60 years
Frequently asked questions
How common are transmission problems on the 2001 Volvo S60?
NHTSA has 22 complaints about the transmission & drivetrain of the 2001 Volvo S60, 10% of the model year's 223 complaints. The component named most often is automatic transmission (16 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2001 Volvo S60 transmission problems?
No. NHTSA lists no transmission & drivetrain recall for the 2001 Volvo S60, though it has 8 recalls for other components. If the problem is widespread, a repair may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin — ask a dealer.
At what mileage do 2001 Volvo S60 transmission problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 91,000 miles, and 5% before 25,000 miles.
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.