2019-present (Type 225, third generation) · 2.0L B4204T43 turbocharged petrol (250 hp)
Modern Swedish executive sedan built in South Carolina with comprehensive Intellisafe safety technology. The third-generation S60 represents Volvo's shift to refined, safety-focused design. The 2.0 turbo engine is generally reliable but watch for timing belt replacement at 120,000 km. Main concerns: Sensus infotainment system freezes requiring resets, fuel pump fuse recall (2019-2020), rear suspension toe link recall (early 2019), and passenger airbag torque issues (2019-2024). Consumer Reports rates it less reliable than competitors, but most issues have recalls or software fixes available.
Centre display locks up, no sound from radio/nav/park assist, requires reset · more· less
The Sensus infotainment system can freeze every 5-10 minutes where nothing is selectable, then reboots with Volvo logo. Symptoms include no sound from radio, turn indicators, navigation or park assist. Volume control appears to work but doesn't change actual volume. Common causes: Bluetooth incompatibility, software bugs. Fix: Basic reset requires letting car sleep for 30 minutes, soft reset by holding Home button 20-30 seconds, or factory reset (loses all settings). Volvo releases regular software updates. Dealer software update typically €100-200, full infotainment unit replacement if hardware failure €800-1,200.
Fuel pump fuse failure (2019-2020)€0 (recall)
15-amp fuse blows unnecessarily, engine stalls or won't start · more· less
Volvo recalled over 85,000 vehicles (2019-2020 S60, S90, V60, V90, XC60, XC90) because the 15-amp fuel pump fuse can blow unnecessarily, starving engine of fuel and causing stall. If it fails while driving, engine could stall and lose power. If it fails when parked, vehicle may not start. Dealer replaces 15-amp fuse with 20-amp fuse free of charge. Owner notification letters mailed July 2, 2021. Contact Volvo customer service 1-888-458-1552. If not covered by recall and full fuel pump replacement needed: €1,400-1,600.
Timing belt replacement€750 - €1,500
Interference engine - belt failure destroys engine, replace every 120,000 km or 10 years · more· less
The 2019 S60 T5 has a timing belt (not chain) and an interference engine. This means if the belt breaks, valves and pistons collide causing catastrophic engine damage. Replacement interval: every 120,000 km or 10 years, whichever comes first. Common problems include premature slackening causing engine misalignment or timing jumps, usually from tensioner failure or wear. Always replace tensioner, idler pulley, and water pump at same time. Cost breakdown: belt kit €200-350, water pump €150-200, labor 4-6 hours at €80-120/hour. Independent specialist €750-950, Volvo dealer €1,200-1,500. NOT replacing this on schedule is asking for €5,000+ engine rebuild or replacement.
AEB system may not detect obstacles due to software/hardware incompatibility · more· less
Recall R29998 affects 121,605 model year 2019-2020 Volvo vehicles (S60, V60, S90, V90, XC40, XC60, XC90) manufactured Nov 9, 2018 - March 11, 2020. Problem: Active Safety Domain Master (ASDM) microprocessor can't interpret temperature status properly from internal memory, leading to low confidence value from camera. AEB quality signal may be suppressed, downgrading Automatic Emergency Brake functionality (part of Intellisafe package). In emergency where driver is inattentive, AEB may not engage, increasing collision risk. Dealer updates ASDM software free of charge. Recall began April 9, 2020. Contact Volvo 1-800-458-1552, reference R29998.
Rear suspension toe link loose (early 2019)€0 (recall)
Toe link flange nuts hand-tightened, not torqued, can detach causing loss of control · more· less
Recall R19938 affects 8,266 model year 2019 S60 vehicles built Sept 25, 2018 - April 1, 2019 at South Carolina plant. Rear suspension toe link flange lock nuts on both sides may not have been tightened to torque specifications during assembly - only hand tightened. Could cause toe link to detach, resulting in sudden change in vehicle handling and Electronic Stability Control system turning off. Sudden loss of vehicle control increases crash risk. Volvo believes only 1% of recalled S60s actually have this defect. Dealer inspects rear suspension toe link flange lock nuts, replaces both bolt and nut if loose. Repair takes 30 minutes, free of charge. Recall began June 6, 2019. NHTSA Campaign 19V327000. Contact Volvo 1-800-458-1552.
Airbag bolts not torqued correctly, can deploy improperly in crash · more· less
Volvo recalled approximately 350 model year 2019-2024 S60 vehicles. Passenger airbag may not be secured properly, which can cause airbag to deploy improperly in a crash, increasing injury risk. Cause: All bolts for front passenger airbag weren't torqued to correct specification. Issue with torque backup process identified. Volvo became aware at end of June 2023 during routine test at production facility, corrected in production end of July 2023. Assembly team didn't follow correct torque backup process. Dealers inspect and tighten bolts securing passenger airbag, free of charge. Owner notification letters mailed January 5, 2024. Contact Volvo 1-800-458-1552 or check VIN on NHTSA website.
Low-speed jerking, hesitation, disengages at stop with noticeable thump · more· less
The 8-speed Aisin TG-81SC automatic transmission (in 4-cylinder Volvos since early 2014) is generally reliable, but some owners report troubling issue of disengaging while at stop - transmission re-engages with noticeable thump when moving foot from brake to accelerator. Not related to auto stop-start. Low-speed jerking and hesitation common but mostly unnoticeable once moving. Prevention: flush transmission fluid every 60,000 km - problems often caused by not flushing in time. Use Volvo-spec fluid or equivalent from Toyota dealer (Aisin is Toyota company). Low/dirty fluid causes delayed engagement and harsh shifts. Solutions: fluid change €150-250, TCM software update €100-200, valve body cleaning €500-800, full mechatronics replacement €1,500-3,500.
Water pump / thermostat failure€750 - €1,300
Electric water pump fails typically 70,000-100,000 km causing coolant leaks or overheating · more· less
The T5 engine uses electric water pump integrated with thermostat housing. Failures common between 70,000-100,000 km. Symptoms: coolant warning light, engine overheating, poor cabin heating. Part costs €400-500 due to integrated electric design. Labor approximately 6 hours due to accessibility - requires removal of timing components, not recommended for DIYers. Always replace thermostat at same time. Inspect entire cooling system (hoses, radiator, coolant fan). Stuck-open thermostat causes engine to run cold, poor fuel economy, heater blows cool air. Stuck-closed thermostat causes overheating. Independent specialist €750-950, Volvo dealer €1,100-1,300.
Control arm bushings wear€400 - €1,300
Worn bushings cause vibration and steering wheel shake, common after 80,000 km · more· less
Control arm bushings absorb engine vibration for smooth, quiet drive. When they fail, excessive vibrations or noise appear, oil may leak from mounts. Important: Ensure you get updated hydro bushing design - old design causes steering wheel vibration sensitive to road imperfections. New design has better vibration absorption and isolation. If replacing bushings, dealer may provide old design - insist on new design. Bushing replacement €400-500, but often more economical to replace entire control arm assembly (bushings permanently installed) €1,100-1,300. Also inspect/replace ball joints, tie rod ends, sway bar links at same time. Wheel alignment required after replacement.
Actuator sticks from carbon buildup, causes underboost codes and limp mode · more· less
Turbochargers in Volvo S60 made by Mitsubishi have great reputation, almost never fail completely. However, wastegate and actuator issues occur. Wastegate valve can rattle at certain RPM, can detach from arm or get chipped/cracked from thermal cycles. Turbo Control Valve (TCV) can fail from underhood heat and oil mist, but fails safe (open position, reverts to standard wastegate, boost capped at ~5psi). TCV cheap to replace online, easy DIY. Boost pressure solenoid lives in hot environment, average failure 45,000-160,000 km. Underboost codes often indicate boost leak or wastegate malfunction. Prevention: use premium fuel, regular spirited driving prevents carbon buildup. Costs: TCV replacement €200-300, actuator cleaning €300-400, wastegate repair €500-800, turbo rebuild €1,200-1,800, full turbo replacement €2,200-2,700.
Modern and safe, but watch for recalls and timing belt
The third-generation S60 is a well-built modern sedan with comprehensive safety tech. Most issues have recalls or software fixes. The biggest financial risk is missing the timing belt replacement - this is an interference engine and belt failure means complete engine destruction. Otherwise, this is a solid choice in the premium sedan segment with lower repair costs than German competitors.
Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist
General checks
Service history
Complete Volvo dealer or authorized specialist records essential. Verify timing belt replacement if over 120,000 km or 10 years old.
Tires
Check tread depth, age, uneven wear. S60 T5 uses 235/45R18 or 235/40R19 depending on trim.
Cold start
Engine should start smoothly when completely cold. Listen for unusual sounds or hesitation.
Body condition
Check for accident damage, paint mismatch, panel gaps. Volvo aluminum body panels can be expensive to repair.
Test drive
Minimum 30 minutes including varied speeds, highway, and city driving. Test all driving modes.
Specific for this vehicle
Verify all recalls completed using VIN
Contact Volvo with VIN to confirm: fuel pump fuse (2019-2020), AEB software (2019-2020), rear suspension toe link (early 2019), passenger airbag torque (2019-2024) all completed.
Test Sensus infotainment system thoroughly
Spend 10+ minutes using touchscreen, radio, navigation, park assist, volume controls. Watch for freezing, rebooting, unresponsive controls. Connect phone via Bluetooth and test.
Check timing belt service history
Verify replacement date/mileage if car has over 100,000 km or approaching 10 years old. If no proof of replacement, budget for immediate replacement - non-negotiable on interference engine.
Test transmission thoroughly
Drive 20+ minutes. Feel for jerking at low speeds, hesitation, clunking when moving from brake to accelerator. This should be minor if present - severe jerking indicates problem.
Check for coolant leaks and warning lights
Inspect water pump area for leaks or coolant stains. Check cabin heater works properly on hot setting. Coolant warning light indicates water pump/thermostat issues.
Listen for suspension noises and vibrations
Drive over bumps and rough roads. Excessive vibration or steering wheel shake indicates worn control arm bushings. Clunking noises from suspension need inspection.
Verify AEB and Intellisafe systems work
Ensure no warning lights for safety systems. Test that cameras are clear, sensors clean. Dealer can verify software version is latest.
Seat belt locking retractor (2021-2022)Verify if applicable
Contact Volvo customer service at 1-888-458-1552 with your VIN to verify all recalls completed. 2019 S60 has been recalled 5 times by NHTSA. Check NHTSA website or Volvo dealer before purchase.
Warranty Status
Factory warranty (4 years/50,000 miles)2019: Expired, 2020-2023: Check status
Powertrain warranty (4 years/50,000 miles)2019: Expired, 2020-2023: Check status
Corrosion warranty (12 years/unlimited)Active on 2019-2023 models
Volvo offers extended warranties called VIP (Volvo Increased Protection) Vehicle Service Contracts in three tiers: Powertrain, Gold, and Platinum. Available for vehicles under 100,000 miles, coverage up to 11 years/150,000 miles. Platinum is exclusionary coverage (lists what's NOT covered). Cost example: 6 years/72,000 miles bumper-to-bumper extension approximately €3,500. Purchase early for better pricing. Certified Pre-Owned S60s come with 5-year/unlimited mileage warranty.
This report is for informational purposes only and does not constitute professional advice. Estimates may be inaccurate. Always have a qualified specialist inspect the vehicle before purchase. We accept no liability for decisions made based on this information.