2001 model year · 0+ owner reports · Updated April 2026
According to Au7o's analysis of 0+ owner reports, the 2001 Volvo S60 has 5 documented known issues, with 2 rated critical. The most serious are Electronic Throttle Module (ETM) Failure ($300-$700 repair) and Rear Shock Tower and Trunk Floor Corrosion ($500-$2,500 repair). Across all issues, repair costs range from $150 to $2,500. DIY maintenance guides at au7o.io.
On the 2001-2004 Volvo S60, the 2001-2004 S60 (and other P2 platform Volvos) is notorious for ETM failure due to a design flaw in the throttle body electronics. The module develops internal solder joint cracks and corroded contacts, causing the car to enter limp mode, stall at idle, or refuse to accelerate. Volvo issued an extended warranty covering ETMs up to 10 years/200,000 miles, but many are now beyond that coverage.
Replace the ETM unit. Genuine Volvo replacement units have an updated design. Aftermarket options from Bosch are also available. Some specialists offer ETM rebuild services. Always reset the throttle adaptation values after replacement using a Volvo-compatible scanner (VIDA/DiCE).
Parts and tips from 0+ owners who fixed this issue
On the 2001-2009 Volvo S60, the upper engine torque mount on P2-platform S60 models is a common wear item that fails between 60,000-100,000 miles. The hydraulic-filled mount splits and leaks fluid, causing excessive engine movement during acceleration and deceleration. This leads to harsh shifting feel, drivetrain vibrations, and clunking noises that can be mistaken for transmission problems.
Replace the upper engine torque mount. OEM Volvo or high-quality aftermarket mounts (Lemforder, Hutchinson) are recommended. The job requires removing the engine cover and cross-brace for access. Takes about 1-2 hours. Many owners replace the lower engine mount and transmission mount at the same time for a complete refresh.
Parts and tips from 0+ owners who fixed this issue
On the 2001-2009 Volvo S60, first-generation S60 models are prone to severe rust in the rear shock tower mounting points and trunk floor, particularly in salt-belt regions. Water intrusion through deteriorated trunk seals and blocked drain holes accelerates the corrosion. In advanced cases, the shock tower can punch through the floor, compromising structural integrity and making the car unsafe.
Inspect rear shock towers annually, especially in northern climates. Early-stage corrosion can be treated with rust converter and undercoating. Moderate damage requires cutting out affected metal and welding in repair panels. Severely compromised shock towers may be uneconomical to repair. Keep trunk drain holes clear and replace deteriorated weather seals proactively.
Parts and tips from 0+ owners who fixed this issue
On the 2001-2009 Volvo S60, 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.
Inspect the trunk for water entry first, especially the trunk lid weatherstrip, tail lamp seals, body vent seals, and any signs of condensation or standing water around the left rear electronics area where the REM is mounted. Remove the trim, disconnect the battery, unplug the REM, and check for corrosion at the module pins and harness connectors; minor corrosion can sometimes be cleaned and dried with electrical contact cleaner, but a water-damaged REM usually requires replacement and VIDA software configuration/programming to restore proper rear lighting and fuel pump control. Repair the leak before installing the replacement module or the failure will return, and verify operation of rear lamps, trunk light, and fuel pump circuits after reassembly. Typical cost is about $150-$400 for leak diagnosis and sealing, plus $300-$800 for a REM and programming depending on whether a new OEM module or used unit with matching software support is used.
Parts and tips from 0+ owners who fixed this issue
On the 2001-2009 Volvo S60, the plastic thermostat housing on P2-platform S60 turbo models (T5 and 2.4T) is prone to cracking and leaking coolant, especially as the housing ages and becomes brittle from heat cycling. The leak typically starts as a slow seep around the housing gasket or where the housing meets the cylinder head, and can progress to a significant coolant loss if not addressed.
Replace the thermostat housing with an updated design. Many owners opt for an aluminum aftermarket housing (e.g., from do88 or Genuine Volvo updated part) to prevent recurrence. Replace the thermostat, gasket, and coolant hose O-rings at the same time. Refill with Volvo-spec coolant and bleed the system thoroughly.
Parts and tips from 0+ owners who fixed this issue
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
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.
EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:NAVIGATIONAL SYSTEM(GLOBAL POSITIONING SYSTEM)
VOLVO IS RECALLING CERTAIN VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH GARMIN 760 PORTABLE GLOBAL POSITIONING SYSTEM (GPS) UNITS BECAUSE THE BATTERIES ON THOSE UNITS MAY OVERHEAT.
SEATS
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.
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:MASTER CYLINDER
CERTAIN CARDONE MASTER CYLINDERS WITH PART NUMBERS 10-2925, 10-2987, 10-2987MZA, 10-3083, 11-3015, 11-3042, 11-3044, 11-3045, 11-3047, 11-3064, AND 11-3156, AND WITH DATE CODES LOWER THAN DCA7078 SOLD AS REPLACEMENT EQUIPMENT FOR USE ON THE VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. THE SEAL ON MASTER CYLINDER CAN FAIL AND LEAK BRAKE FLUID.
EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS
CERTAIN VEHICLES FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 110, "TIRE SELECTION AND RIMS." THE LABEL DENOTING THE TIRE AND LOADING PRESSURE INFORMATION IS INCORRECT.
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According to Au7o's analysis of 0+ owner reports, the 2001-2001 Volvo S60 has 5 documented issues. The most frequently reported are: Electronic Throttle Module (ETM) Failure, Rear Shock Tower and Trunk Floor Corrosion, Rear Electronic Module (REM) Water Damage. Of these, 2 are rated critical and should be addressed promptly.
The 2001-2001 Volvo S60 has 5 known issues documented across 0+ owner reports. 2 issues are rated critical: Electronic Throttle Module (ETM) Failure and Rear Shock Tower and Trunk Floor Corrosion. Prospective buyers should inspect for these issues and factor potential repair costs into their purchase decision. Regular maintenance following the manufacturer's schedule helps prevent many common problems.
Repair costs for known Volvo S60 issues range from $150 to $2,500, depending on the specific problem and whether you choose DIY or professional repair. The most critical issue, Electronic Throttle Module (ETM) Failure, typically costs $300-$700 to repair. Au7o provides step-by-step DIY maintenance guides that can help reduce repair costs.
The 2001-2004 S60 (and other P2 platform Volvos) is notorious for ETM failure due to a design flaw in the throttle body electronics. The module develops internal solder joint cracks and corroded contacts, causing the car to enter limp mode, stall at idle, or refuse to accelerate. Repairs typically run $300-$700. Severity: high.
First-generation S60 models are prone to severe rust in the rear shock tower mounting points and trunk floor, particularly in salt-belt regions. Water intrusion through deteriorated trunk seals and blocked drain holes accelerates the corrosion. In advanced cases, the shock tower… Repairs typically run $500-$2,500. Severity: high.
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. Repairs typically run $200-$800. Severity: medium.
The upper engine torque mount on P2-platform S60 models is a common wear item that fails between 60,000-100,000 miles. The hydraulic-filled mount splits and leaks fluid, causing excessive engine movement during acceleration and deceleration. This leads to harsh shifting feel, dri… Repairs typically run $150-$400. Severity: medium.
The plastic thermostat housing on P2-platform S60 turbo models (T5 and 2.4T) is prone to cracking and leaking coolant, especially as the housing ages and becomes brittle from heat cycling. The leak typically starts as a slow seep around the housing gasket or where the housing mee… Repairs typically run $200-$500. Severity: medium.
Content on this page was compiled with AI assistance using NHTSA complaints, TSBs, owner reports, and public automotive data. While we strive for accuracy, this information may contain errors. Always verify repair procedures and specifications with your vehicle's service manual or a qualified mechanic.
