Most common 2021 Volvo S60 problems
Share of the 8 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.
Volvo S60 complaints by model year
Best S60 years: 2011, 2025, 2021. Years to avoid: 2012, 2024, 2013, 2015, 2001. Compare all years →
2021 Volvo S60 recalls (3)
Electrical system › Propulsion system › Traction battery
Volvo Car USA, LLC (Volvo Car) is recalling certain 2020-2021 S90, 2020-2022 S60, V60, XC60, XC90, and 2022 V90 plug-in hybrid vehicles. The high-voltage battery may experience a short circuit within the battery module when the battery is fully charged and the vehicle is parked.
Remedy: Owners are advised not to charge their vehicles until the remedy has been completed. Dealers will inspect and replace the high-voltage battery module as necessary.
Air bags › Frontal
Volvo Car USA, LLC. (Volvo Car) is recalling certain 2019-2024 S60 vehicles. The passenger air bag may not be secured properly, which can cause the air bag to deploy improperly.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect and tighten the bolts securing the passenger air bag, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 5, 2024.
Seat belts › Rear/other › Retractor
Volvo Car USA, LLC (Volvo Car) is recalling certain 2021 XC40, XC 40 Recharge, V60CC, V90, V90CC, XC90, and 2021-2022 V60, XC60, S60 vehicles. The seat belt automatic locking retractors may deactivate early, which can prevent the child restraint system from securing properly.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect and replace the seat belt assemblies, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed October 13, 2021. Owners may contact Volvo Car customer service at 1-888-458-1552.
NHTSA defect investigations
Federal safety investigators have looked into a possible defect involving the 2021 Volvo S60:
Pedestrian alert sounds
NHTSA received a petition on or about July 18, 2022, requesting that Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) 141 be applied to all electric and hybrid vehicles operating in the United States. The petition can be reviewed at NHTSA.gov under ODI Number 11486072. FMVSS 141 establishes performance requirements for pedestrian alert sounds for motor vehicles.
What 2021 Volvo S60 owners say
Electrical system
While I was going down a small side street that is a hill, the air conditioning system suddenly went off and immediately the entire car's mechanisms ceased. The engine stopped and the car was unstearable and the brakes were not working. I had my foot on the brake and that was not responsive, the car slid with all electrical systems not working and the brake not holding the car or stopping the movement of the car. I could not start the car to get the engine going.I could not stop nor start the car that slid into a major street that is a thoroughfare for a hospital. I had no control of the car at all. I attempted at least 7 times to start the Volvo that requires keeping your foot on the brake and turning a small switch that is located right next to the cup holder. Nothing would work. …
2021 Volvo S60 T8 AWD, VIN [redacted] , ~71k miles Component: SUNROOF / DRAINAGE SYSTEM / ELECTRICAL SYSTEM Summary: Water entered the passenger compartment through clogged sunroof drain hoses and accumulated under the front passenger seat, causing catastrophic failure of wide angle module (WAM) and related electronic components (incl. front camera and wipers). Description: After moderate rain, a large amount of water was discovered under the front passenger seat. The vehicle began displaying multiple warning messages (camera faults, wiper faults). The authorized Volvo retailer diagnosed failure of the WAM and other modules due to water intrusion originating from the sunroof drainage system. …
Windows, wipers & sunroof
2021 Volvo S60 T8 AWD, VIN [redacted] , ~71k miles Component: SUNROOF / DRAINAGE SYSTEM / ELECTRICAL SYSTEM Summary: Water entered the passenger compartment through clogged sunroof drain hoses and accumulated under the front passenger seat, causing catastrophic failure of wide angle module (WAM) and related electronic components (incl. front camera and wipers). Description: After moderate rain, a large amount of water was discovered under the front passenger seat. The vehicle began displaying multiple warning messages (camera faults, wiper faults). The authorized Volvo retailer diagnosed failure of the WAM and other modules due to water intrusion originating from the sunroof drainage system. …
The high voltage coolant heater failed. It will not heat when running solely on battery. Defrost therefore will not get warm to clear windshield
2021 Volvo S60 engines & fuel economy
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG city / hwy / combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2.0L 4-cyl turbo supercharged plug-in hybrid | 8-speed automatic | AWD | 28 / 33 / 30 |
| 2.0L 4-cyl turbo | 8-speed automatic | FWD | 23 / 34 / 27 |
| 2.0L 4-cyl turbo | 8-speed automatic | AWD | 22 / 33 / 26 |
| 2.0L 4-cyl turbo supercharged | 8-speed automatic | AWD | 21 / 32 / 25 |
EPA ratings. Class: Compact car.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2021 Volvo S60 a good car?
Based on 8 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2021 S60 rates better than average: 57% fewer complaints than a typical year of the S60 at the same age. It is one of the best S60 years by this measure. 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 2021 Volvo S60?
The electrical system — 4 complaints, 50% of all complaints for this model year. Next are the windows, wipers & sunroof (3) and brakes (2).
How many recalls does the 2021 Volvo S60 have?
There are 3 recalls for the 2021 Volvo S60, the most recent from March 24, 2025 (traction battery). 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.
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.