WORST Volvo S60 Years To Avoid, as per Real Owner Complaints

When you’re thinking about a Volvo S60, it’s important to know which model years to avoid. Some years, like 2001, 2004,

and 2006, are known for problems with the control arms and using too much oil.

The 2012 and 2013 models often have issues with the fuel system and airbag deployment. Avoiding these years can save you from unexpected repairs and safety problems.

But what exactly makes these model years so troublesome? Let’s look into the specific issues that could turn your dream car into a headache.

Key Takeaways

Avoid the 2001 and 2004 Volvo S60 models due to problems with the control arms and high oil consumption.
The 2005 S60 has reliability issues, especially with the control arms.
The 2012 and 2013 models have serious problems with the fuel system and airbag deployment.
The 2006 S60 has issues with using too much oil and steering problems.
Models from 2012 and 2013 also often have ABS module and fuel delivery system faults.

Overview of Volvo S60 Issues

If you’re thinking about getting a Volvo S60, it’s good to know about some recurring problems that have affected certain model years. For the first-generation Volvo S60, especially the 2001, 2004, and 2006 models, common issues include control arm problems and using too much oil.

For the second-generation S60, the 2012 and 2013 models often have fuel system issues and problems with airbag deployment. These problems make it important to avoid certain years if you’re considering buying one.

Other common issues across different model years include airbag recalls, control arm separation, ABS module faults, and fuel delivery system issues. Knowing about these problems can help you make a better choice when picking a Volvo S60.

Worst Years for Volvo S60

When looking at the Volvo S60, you should know about the years known for reliability problems. Models from 2001, 2004, 2005, 2012, and 2013 often have issues like control arm failures and using too much oil.

Also, second-generation models have had problems with the fuel system and airbag deployment, making them less reliable.

Known Reliability Issues

If you’re thinking about getting a Volvo S60, it’s important to know which years have had the most problems.

The first-generation models from 2001, 2004, and 2006 are known for issues with control arms and high oil consumption.

The second-generation models from 2012 and 2013 had major problems with the fuel system and airbag deployment. These issues made them less reliable overall.

It’s especially wise to avoid the 2012 and 2013 models because of these serious problems.

Common Mechanical Problems

Given the recurring mechanical issues, it’s important to be aware of the specific problems that affect the worst years for the Volvo S60. These issues can significantly impact the car’s reliability and overall performance.

Here are the common mechanical problems you might encounter:

Control Arm Issues: Early models (2001, 2004, 2006) often have problems with control arms, leading to poor handling and extra wear on other suspension parts.
Excessive Oil Consumption: These same years are known for burning through oil quickly, which can harm the engine if not closely watched.
Fuel System Failures: Models from 2012-2013 often have issues with the fuel system, which affects how well the car runs and its fuel efficiency.
Airbag Deployment Problems: Airbag issues in the 2012-2013 models can make the car less safe.

2001 Volvo S60 Problems

The Volvo S60 has had several major problems over the years. One issue is with the airbags, which can trigger dashboard warning lights and pose safety risks.

Some models have steering problems, like control arm separation, which can make it hard to control the car.

Faulty ABS modules in the Volvo S60 can cause the ABS light to come on, and in some cases, the wheels might lock while driving, which is very dangerous.

There are also issues with the fuel delivery system that can cause the engine to stall or hesitate, which is risky on the road.

These problems are especially common in first-generation Volvo S60 models, which have been known for airbag recalls, control arm failures, ABS module faults, and ongoing fuel delivery system issues.

2005 Volvo S60 Issues

When thinking about getting a Volvo S60, it’s good to know about five common problems that have affected different models over the years. These issues can really impact how reliable and well the car performs.

Oil Consumption: The first-generation models, especially from 2001 and 2004, often use up too much oil. This means you’ll need to add oil frequently, and it could harm the engine.
Control Arm: Models from 2001 and 2006 have reported issues with the control arm, including parts separating, which can mess with steering and safety.
Airbag Deployment: The second-generation models from 2012 and 2013 have had several recalls because the airbags sometimes don’t deploy properly.
Fuel System: The 2012 and 2013 models also have had problems with the fuel delivery system, which can cause the car to stall and lose performance.

Knowing about these issues can help you make a better choice.

2006 Volvo S60 Concerns

If you’re thinking about buying a Volvo S60, there are six main issues you should know about that have affected different model years.

First, the first-generation models from 2001, 2004, and 2005 often use too much oil and have problems with control arms separating.

Second-generation models, especially from 2012 and 2013, have had issues with the fuel system and airbags not deploying correctly, which can be dangerous.

ABS module faults are also common in several model years, which can affect the brakes.

Lastly, while steering has gotten better in newer models, the older ones still have some problems.

Knowing these issues can help you choose the right Volvo S60 model.

2012 Volvo S60 Failures

If you’re thinking about buying a Volvo S60, there are a few problems you should know about, especially with older models. These issues can make the car less reliable and could cost you a lot in repairs.

Control Arm Separation: This problem is common in the 2001, 2004, and 2005 models and can make the car unsafe to drive.
Excessive Oil Consumption: Older models tend to use up oil quickly, which means you’ll need to add oil often and it could damage the engine.
Airbag Deployment Problems: The 2012 and 2013 models have had several recalls because their airbags might not work right.
Fuel System Issues: Some 2012 and 2013 models have had problems with their fuel systems, which can affect how well the car runs.

Because of these problems, newer models might be a better choice if you’re looking for a more reliable car.

2013 Volvo S60 Troubles

The Volvo S60 has had a few problems over the years. Early models often had issues with control arms breaking and using too much oil.

Some second-generation models had problems with the fuel system and airbags that didn’t always work right.

These ongoing issues can make certain years of the S60 less reliable, so it’s good to know which ones to avoid.

Common Mechanical Issues

When thinking about buying a Volvo S60, watch out for common mechanical problems like transmission issues, knocking sounds, and oil leaks.

Some model years, especially from 2014-2015, have problems with shifting gears and noisy engines. You might also find that these cars burn oil, especially the 4 and 5-cylinder models.

Here are some signs to look for:

Transmission issues: Problems with shifting gears smoothly.
Oil leaks: These can turn into bigger engine problems if not fixed.
Noisy engine: Thumping sounds often mean serious mechanical issues.
Oil burning: Common in older models, requiring frequent oil refills.

It’s better to go for models made after 2016, as they tend to be more reliable.

Safety and Reliability Concerns

Several Volvo S60 models have had significant safety and reliability issues over the years, so it’s important to know which problems to be aware of. Early models like the 2001 and 2005 S60 had issues with control arms and high oil consumption, affecting both safety and reliability.

The 2012 and 2013 models had problems with the fuel system and airbag deployment, which are serious safety concerns. Additionally, the 2004 and 2006 models had steering and engine problems that impacted overall performance and reliability.

Faulty ABS modules and fuel delivery system issues were also common in some years, leading to potential malfunctions. When looking for a used Volvo S60, it’s best to avoid these problematic years to ensure a safer and more reliable driving experience.

Common Transmission Problems

Problems with the transmission are common in some Volvo S60 models and can really affect how your car drives. Here are some typical issues:

Knocking sounds: These noises might mean there’s something wrong inside the transmission.
Oil leaks: If the transmission fluid is leaking, it can cause damage if not fixed quickly.
Thumping engine noises: Strange sounds when shifting gears often mean there’s a problem that needs immediate attention.
Erratic shifting behavior: This can make the car perform poorly and be unsafe, so it’s important to get it checked out by a professional.

If you notice any of these problems in your Volvo S60, it’s important to get help right away to avoid more damage and costly repairs later on.

Oil Leak Issues

While transmission issues can greatly affect how your car drives, oil leaks in early 2001, 2004, and 2006 Volvo S60 models are also a big problem. Common spots for these leaks include the oil pan, camshaft seals, and valve cover gaskets. If you ignore these leaks, they can cause engine damage and other safety issues.

Regular check-ups and quick repairs are crucial to keeping your Volvo S60 in good shape. Fixing oil leaks right away can prevent major damage and make sure your car stays safe and reliable.

Year	Common Leak Area	Potential Issue
2001	Oil Pan	Engine Damage, Safety Hazards
2004	Camshaft Seals	Performance Issues
2006	Valve Cover Gaskets	Reduced Longevity

Stay on top of inspections to keep your Volvo running well.

Knocking and Clicking Sounds

Knocking and clicking sounds in your Volvo S60 can signal serious engine problems or worn-out parts that need immediate attention. These noises often come from loose parts, damaged bearings, or bad engine mounts. Ignoring them can cause more damage and lead to expensive repairs. To keep your car safe and running well, it’s important to fix these issues right away.

Here are four common causes:

Loose parts: Bits that have come undone inside the engine can make knocking or clicking sounds.
Worn bearings: Old or bad bearings can cause a lot of noise in the engine.
Bad engine mounts: These can lead to strange sounds and vibrations.
Engine problems: Various internal issues can also cause knocking and clicking sounds.

Always see a qualified mechanic for an accurate diagnosis.

Thumping Engine Faults

If you hear a thumping noise from your Volvo S60’s engine, it could mean that the engine mounts are worn out or there’s internal damage to parts like the pistons and connecting rods. Spotting these issues early, such as feeling vibrations in the steering wheel or body of the car, can help prevent bigger problems.

Fixing these thumping noises can be expensive, so it’s important to have a skilled mechanic check out the engine to find the exact cause.

Common Engine Thumping Causes

If you’re hearing a steady thumping noise from your Volvo S60’s engine, a few common problems might be causing it. Knowing these can help you figure out and fix the issue more easily.

Here are some typical causes:

Worn engine mounts: These can cause a lot of shaking and a thumping sound from the engine.
Crankshaft pulley problems: Issues here can make the engine run unevenly and create a thumping noise.
Damaged engine parts: Worn-out pistons or connecting rods can also make the engine thump.
Bad timing belt tensioner: This can cause thumping noises and affect how well your Volvo S60 runs.

Identifying Thumping Symptoms

Spotting thumping sounds in your Volvo S60’s engine early can help you fix issues like worn-out engine mounts, a bad timing chain tensioner, or loose exhaust parts before they cause major damage. You might hear these noises more when speeding up or slowing down, which could mean problems with different engine parts. Ignoring these sounds can lead to serious damage and expensive repairs. It’s important to find and fix the problem quickly to avoid more issues.

Symptom	Possible Problem
Thumping during Speed Up	Worn-Out Engine Mounts
Thumping during Slow Down	Bad Timing Chain Tensioner
Constant Thumping	Loose Exhaust Parts
On-and-Off Thumping	Damaged Suspension Parts
Thumping with Vibration	Bad Engine Pulley

See a qualified mechanic to figure out and fix these problems.

Thumping Engine Repair Costs

Fixing banging noises in your Volvo S60 as soon as you notice them can save you a lot of money. The repair costs usually range from $500 to $2000. If you wait too long, it could cause more damage and increase the costs.

Here are some common reasons why your engine might be making banging noises:

Worn engine mounts – These can cause the engine to move around too much, leading to vibrations and knocking sounds.
Bad suspension parts – If these parts are loose or damaged, they can cause banging noises.
Engine misfires – Misfires can make the engine run unevenly and produce banging sounds.
Ignoring the noises – If you ignore the early signs, the problem can get worse and lead to more expensive repairs.

Fixing these issues quickly helps keep your Volvo S60 running well and prevents further damage.

Erratic Shifting Complaints

Drivers of Volvo S60 models often report problems with their car shifting gears unexpectedly. You might hear knocking or clicking sounds when this happens, which can be a sign of transmission issues. Oil leaks can make these problems worse, causing more damage over time. Sometimes, a thumping noise from the engine can be an early warning sign that you might have shifting problems soon. Fixing these issues quickly can help you avoid expensive repairs and more serious damage.

Here’s a quick overview of common symptoms and causes:

Symptom	Potential Cause	Impact
Erratic shifting	Transmission problems	Uncomfortable driving and safety risk
Knocking or clicking	Transmission issues	Noise and possible damage
Thumping engine noise	Early transmission warning	Preventative maintenance needed

Keep an eye out for these signs to ensure your Volvo S60 runs smoothly.

Airbag System Problems

Over the years, some Volvo S60 models have had problems with their airbag systems, causing dashboard warning lights and major safety concerns. These issues are serious because they can affect the car’s safety features.

Key problems include:

Control arm separation in early S60 models (2001, 2004, 2006) linked to airbag system faults.
Faulty airbag deployment in second-gen S60 (2012-2013, 2015) models, posing serious safety issues.
Recurring airbag recalls indicating persistent problems with the S60’s airbag systems.
Dashboard warning lights that alert you to potential airbag malfunctions.

Fixing these airbag problems quickly is crucial to keep your Volvo S60 safe and reliable.

Steering and Control Arm Issues

First-generation Volvo S60 models from the years 2001, 2004, and 2006 had serious problems with their steering and control arms, which affected both safety and how the car drove. These cars often had issues with the control arms coming apart, leading to dangerous steering instability and the risk of accidents. Problems with the steering and control arms in the Volvo S60 created major safety concerns and driving issues, frequently leading to expensive repairs.

Here’s a quick summary:

Year	Problem	Effect
2001	Control Arm Separation	Safety risks
2001	Steering Problems	Driving issues
2004	Control Arm Separation	Risk of accidents
2006	Steering Problems	Expensive repairs
2006	Control Arm Separation	Safety risks

Regular check-ups and timely replacements are crucial to avoid these problems.

ABS Module Faults

Many Volvo S60 models have had problems with their ABS modules, which can cause warning lights to appear on the dashboard and affect braking performance. These issues might lead to the wheels locking up, making the car unsafe to drive.

Common signs include unpredictable ABS behavior, making driving risky. To stay safe, it’s important to fix ABS module issues quickly.

Here are some key steps to follow:

Watch for ABS warning lights: Keep an eye out for any alerts on your dashboard.
Do regular diagnostic checks: Regularly check your car for any issues.
Fix strange ABS behavior: Don’t ignore unusual braking problems.
Keep up with brake maintenance: Regularly service your braking system to keep it in top shape.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Year Is the Best Year for a Volvo S60?

The best year for a Volvo S60 is 2016. It ranks high in reliability, has fewer common problems, offers performance upgrades, comes with lower maintenance costs, includes advanced safety features, holds good resale value, and has a great exterior design and comfortable interior.

Do Volvo S60 Have Problems?

Imagine driving on a bumpy road; the Volvo S60 can have common issues like airbag problems and control arm failures. Frequent repairs and maintenance costs might affect how reliable it is. However, performance upgrades, safety features, and tech advancements make it more attractive.

Which Volvo S60 Engine Is Best?

The best engine for the Volvo S60 is the 2.5-liter turbocharged five-cylinder. It stands out for its performance, fuel efficiency, and reliability, all while keeping maintenance costs low. It also has a good resale value and comes with excellent warranty coverage.

What Are Bad Volvo Years?

Some bad years for Volvo cars are 2001, 2004, and 2012. These models often have high maintenance costs, safety concerns, and low reliability ratings. It’s important to think about common repairs, performance upgrades, extended warranties, and resale value when considering these years.

When looking at performance cars, make sure to check out our guides on models like the Volvo Xc60. Knowing which model years to target and which to avoid is crucial. Our expert reviews break down these models, providing insights into the years that are celebrated for their engineering excellence and driving satisfaction, as well as those that are best to avoid due to potential issues.

Conclusion

In short, steering clear of certain Volvo S60 years can save you from big problems. Imagine buying a 2013 model and suddenly having the airbags deploy while you’re driving—it could put you and your family in danger.

By avoiding models from 2001, 2004, 2006, 2012, and 2013, you’re making a smart choice for both safety and your wallet.

Always do your research and pick carefully to ensure you have a dependable car.

About the author

David Lawrence

David grew up among mechanics and off-road enthusiasts, gaining deep knowledge in car mods, off-roading techniques, and automotive engineering, making him a trusted 4x4 expert.