2009 Volvo S60 Problems & Complaints

Better than average86% fewer complaints than a typical year of the S60 at the same age

Owners have filed 7 complaints about the 2009 Volvo S60 with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. That is 86% fewer than a typical S60 model year at the same age, making the 2009 one of the better S60 years. The most reported problem area is the air bags (2 complaints). 3 recalls cover this model year.

7complaints
3recalls
1crashes
0fires
0injuries
0deaths

Most common 2009 Volvo S60 problems

  • Air bags
    229%
  • Fuel & propulsion system~8,000 miles
    114%
  • Electrical system~88,000 miles
    114%
  • Wheels & tires~88,000 miles
    114%
  • Speed control & acceleration~126,000 miles
    114%
  • Body & structure
    114%
  • Other / not specified
    114%
  • Steering~155,000 miles
    114%

Share of the 7 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.

Volvo S60 complaints by model year

’01’02’03’04’05’06’07’08’09’11’12’13’14’15’16’17’19’20’21’22’23’24’25223186120198443121107512187255826172512815322
Owner complaints per model year, Volvo S60. Colour = our verdict for that year (red: avoid, orange: caution, green: better than average, blue: too new).

Best S60 years: 2011, 2025, 2021. Years to avoid: 2012, 2024, 2013, 2015, 2001. Compare all years →

2009 Volvo S60 recalls (3)

Air bags › Frontal › Driver side › Inflator module

NHTSA recall 21V-766 · Sep 30, 2021 · 259,383 vehicles

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 humidity, high temperatures, and high temperature cycling.

Remedy: Dealers will replace the driver's air bag, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed November 29, 2021. Owners may contact Volvo Car customer service at 1-800-458-1552.

Seats

NHTSA recall 10V-591 · Nov 22, 2010 · 7,420 vehicles

Volvo is recalling certain passenger vehicles equipped with power front passenger seats. The front seat rail's detection system was manufactured incorrectly and May permit the passenger to forward the seat beyond the intended maximum.

Remedy: Dealers will inspect the front power seat stops for both front seats for the presence of an "end stop" and repair the vehicles as necessary free of charge. The safety recall began on December 23, 2010.

Equipment › Electrical › Navigational system(global positioning system)

NHTSA recall 10V-566 · Nov 8, 2010 · 416 vehicles

Volvo is recalling certain vehicles equipped with garmin 760 portable global positioning system (GPS) units because the batteries on those units May overheat.

Remedy: Volvo advises owners to please stop using the garmin portable GPS device immediately, and visit the garmin website to determine if their unit is affected.

2009 Volvo S60 engines & fuel economy

EngineTransmissionDriveMPG city / hwy / combined
2.5L 5-cyl turbo5-speed automaticFWD19 / 28 / 23
2.5L 5-cyl turbo5-speed automatic4WD/AWD17 / 26 / 21
2.4L 5-cyl turbo5-speed automaticFWD18 / 26 / 21

EPA ratings. Class: Compact car.

Frequently asked questions

Is the 2009 Volvo S60 a good car?

Based on 7 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2009 S60 rates better than average: 86% fewer complaints than a typical year of the S60 at the same age. Complaint counts don't account for sales volume or individual maintenance, so have any used car inspected before buying.

What is the most common problem with the 2009 Volvo S60?

The air bags — 2 complaints, 29% of all complaints for this model year. Next are the fuel & propulsion system (1) and electrical system (1).

How many recalls does the 2009 Volvo S60 have?

There are 3 recalls for the 2009 Volvo S60, the most recent from September 30, 2021 (inflator module). Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer — check whether yours has been done with the VIN recall check.

What are the best and worst years of the Volvo S60?

The best years by complaints, compared at the same age, are 2011, 2025 and 2021. Years to avoid or approach with caution: 2012, 2024, 2013, 2015 and 2001. See the full Volvo S60 years comparison.

At what mileage do 2009 Volvo S60 problems happen?

The median mileage reported in complaints is about 126,000 miles; 25% of problems with a recorded mileage started before 50,000 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.