Volvo S60 Problems: 4 Issues Every Owner Should Know
2001-2023 model years · Based on 1,770+ owner reports · Last updated March 2026
According to Au7o's analysis of 1,770+ owner reports, the 2001-2023 Volvo S60 has 4 documented known issues. No issues are rated critical, indicating generally reliable ownership. The most commonly reported issue is T5/T6 PCV Oil Trap System Failure and Oil Consumption with 780 owner reports. Across all issues, repair costs range from $0 to $3,000. Full technical analysis and DIY maintenance guides at au7o.io.
All 4 Known Issues
The positive crankcase ventilation (PCV) system oil trap on the S60 T5 and T6 engines fails prematurely, causing excessive crankcase pressure, oil leaks, and increased oil consumption. The oil trap membrane hardens and cracks, allowing oil mist to enter the intake manifold and be burned in combustion. Failed PCV systems also cause boost leaks and rough idle. The oil trap is integrated into the valve cover on these engines, making replacement more expensive than older designs with external PCV valves. Volvo updated the oil trap design in mid-2022 production.
Common Symptoms
- Excessive oil consumption (1 qt per 2,000-3,000 miles)
- Rough idle and occasional misfires
- Oil leak from valve cover area
- Whistling noise from engine bay (boost leak through PCV)
- Check engine light with codes P0171 (lean), P0507 (idle speed high)
How to Fix
Replace the PCV oil trap assembly, which is integrated into the valve cover on these engines (Volvo part 31338685 for oil trap, or 31375560 for complete updated valve cover assembly). Clean intake manifold of oil deposits. Replace spark plugs if fouled. Use Volvo-approved 0W-20 oil and shorten oil change intervals to 5,000 miles. Updated oil trap design from mid-2022+ should be used as replacement part.
What Owners Are Using
Parts and tips from 780+ owners who fixed this issue
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The T6 twin-charged (supercharger + turbocharger) engine in the S60 has two common issues: the supercharger drive belt wears prematurely and the turbocharger oil feed line develops leaks. The supercharger belt drives the Roots-type supercharger for low-RPM boost and begins squealing or slipping around 50,000-70,000 miles. The turbo oil line banjo bolt connections leak due to copper washer degradation from heat cycling, causing oil to drip on the exhaust and create a burning smell. Both issues accelerate if the engine is frequently operated at high loads.
Common Symptoms
- Squealing noise from engine bay at low RPM under load
- Reduced low-end power and boost
- Burning oil smell after driving
- Oil drips on exhaust manifold heat shield
- Supercharger whine changes pitch or becomes irregular
How to Fix
Replace supercharger drive belt (Volvo part 31480211) every 60,000 miles as preventive maintenance. Inspect and replace turbo oil feed line copper crush washers. Clean oil residue from exhaust components. If supercharger belt has been slipping for extended periods, inspect supercharger clutch for damage. Turbo oil line replacement with updated design (Volvo part 31430954) if line is cracked.
What Owners Are Using
Parts and tips from 430+ owners who fixed this issue
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The Volvo S60 P2 platform has the Rear Electronic Module (REM) located in the trunk area where it is susceptible to water intrusion from trunk seal leaks or condensation. Water damage causes intermittent electrical failures in rear lighting, fuel pump, and other circuits.
Common Symptoms
- Intermittent rear light failures
- Fuel pump relay issues
- Trunk light not working
- Random electrical faults
- BCM error codes
How to Fix
The Aisin Warner 8-speed automatic in the S60 T5 and T6 exhibits delayed engagement when shifting from Park to Drive or Reverse, and hesitation during low-speed maneuvers. Owners report a 1-2 second delay before the car moves after selecting Drive, and jerky behavior in parking lots. The issue is linked to TCM software calibration that prioritizes fuel economy over responsiveness, and torque converter clutch engagement logic. Cold weather amplifies the delay. Volvo has released multiple TCM software updates.
Common Symptoms
- 1-2 second delay when shifting from Park to Drive
- Hesitation when pulling away from stops
- Jerky low-speed behavior in parking lots
- Harsh downshift when requesting sudden acceleration
- Clunk when shifting into Reverse
How to Fix
Visit dealer for latest TCM software update (addresses shift engagement timing). Perform adaptive reset of transmission learning by disconnecting the battery for 30 minutes. Transmission fluid drain and refill with Volvo-approved ATF. If delay persists, valve body inspection and possible replacement may be needed. Use Dynamic drive mode in cold weather for quicker shift response.
What Owners Are Using
Parts and tips from 560+ owners who fixed this issue
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most common Volvo S60 problems?
According to Au7o's analysis of 1,770+ owner reports, the 2001-2023 Volvo S60 has 4 documented issues. The most frequently reported are: T5/T6 PCV Oil Trap System Failure and Oil Consumption, T6 Twin-Charged Engine Supercharger Drive Belt and Turbo Oil Line Leak, Rear Electronic Module (REM) Water Damage. None are rated critical, but regular maintenance is recommended.
Is the Volvo S60 reliable?
The 2001-2023 Volvo S60 has 4 known issues documented across 1,770+ owner reports. No issues are rated critical, suggesting generally good reliability. Regular maintenance following the manufacturer's schedule helps prevent many common problems.
How much does it cost to fix common Volvo S60 problems?
Repair costs for known Volvo S60 issues range from $0 to $3,000, depending on the specific problem and whether you choose DIY or professional repair. Au7o provides step-by-step DIY maintenance guides that can help reduce repair costs.
What year Volvo S60 is the most reliable?
Reliability varies across model years of the Volvo S60. Based on owner reports, issues are most commonly reported in earlier model years. Au7o recommends checking the specific known issues for your target year before purchasing, and having a pre-purchase inspection performed by a qualified mechanic. Our known issues database covers the 2001-2023 Volvo S60 with 4 documented issues from 1,770+ owner reports.
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