2019 Volvo S60 Problems and Top Complaints – Is Your Car A Lemon?

Electrical, suspension and visibility issues among the top complaints received by the NHTSA from vehicle owners

Updated on Author: Brian Jones

Updated on Author: Brian Jones


The 2019 Volvo S60 is a luxury sedan that is still highly coveted by enthusiasts. The automaker claims it is “designed for a change,” but customers are looking for a different kind of change. This Volvo isn’t focused on safety, but rather suffers from a glitchy electrical system, faulty suspension and poor visibility.

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NHTSA Complaints for the 2019 Volvo S60

Complaint CategoryNumber of Complaints
Electrical System
4
Unknown Or Other
2
Exterior Lighting
1
Vehicle Speed Control:accelerator Pedal
1
Power Train
1
Engine
1
Forward Collision Avoidance: Automatic Emergency Braking
1
Seats
1
Visibility/wiper
1
Forward Collision Avoidance
1

Problems with the Electrical System

A car’s electrical system needs to provide drivers with convenience, safety and comfort, but the S60 provides none of that.

Just read this review from an Edmunds user. “The Sensus system is frankly annoying. Volvo is selling itself as the safety company but there is nothing safe about futzing with screen drama for every little thing. It takes about 12 clicks to switch to your favorite radio station and even changing the AC fan speed requires far too many clicks and focal attention. There is no tactile sense to anything so you really have to be a distracted driver or stop on the side of the road.

The Complainant Continues…

I don’t know who these days buys Volvo navigation when Google/Waze are years ahead and are free but if you don’t buy Volvo’s navigation, expect 1/4 of your big screen to become a permanent announcement of your lack of service. Additionally, while excessive features like touchscreen-activated folding rear headrests are standard, simple fog lights are a huge add on. Safety first? I don’t think so. Also the car is glitchy with CarPlay, windows that open on their own in the middle of the night, false airbags alert (recall completed for that), false alerts from the OnCall app that my light bulbs need changing and that my trunk is open. This is a gorgeously designed over-engineered half-baked machine or disappointing quality.”

It turns out that the electrical system issues do turn dangerous. NHTSA Campaign Number 20V144000 states that more than 120,000 vehicles are equipped with a software and hardware incompatibility that is causing the Automatic Emergency Brake system to stop working. This defect increases the chance of a collision and proves that Volvo doesn’t care about safety as it once did. Maybe the company should stop focusing so much on “change” and go back to its roots, when it made reliable vehicles.

Problems with the Suspension

In addition, Volvo could once be called a company that made comfortable cars which were enjoyable to drive. In today’s age, no one seems happy about driving a Volvo.

Some suspension issues are outlined in this Edmunds review. “On the T6 AWD at about 75 mph the car vibrates and the ride is unpleasant, my work truck rides better than this car. Volvo has tried addressing the problem by balancing tires and replacing rims but the ride in this 45k automobile is unacceptable. There is also a Technical service bulletin about the Vibrations but from what I hear it does not correct the issue. If you search online there are a lot of complaints on new Volvo SPA platform with vibration issues especially the AWD vehicles.”

Again, there is a recall showcasing even more troubles. NHTSA Campaign Number 19V327000 says that the rear suspension toe link flange lock nuts might not have been tightened properly from the factory. This defect could lead to an abrupt change in handling that could cause an accident. Basically, it’s possible to see out of control Volvo S60 vehicles while driving down the road, simply because the automaker failed to perform a simple step at the factory. Maybe it’s time to “change” the employees working on the line.

Problems with the Visibility

One final look leads to the visibility from this Volvo sedan. When drivers can’t see, everyone is in danger.

That’s exhibited in this Edmunds comment. “Poor visibility is another problem. Rearview mirror, front camera and passenger side A-pillar blocks 75-80% visibility on passenger side. This is very dangerous in urban environment while turning right when pedestrians might enter the intersection without warning.”

While this hasn’t turned into a recall yet, it could in the future. Plus, there are other auto glass concerns. Service Bulletin #TJ35154.1.0-2020 talks about how much trouble owners are having closing the panoramic sunroof and how much noise it makes. It’s only a matter of time before these sunroofs start breaking, leading to further complaints. Anyone looking for a “change” should skip the Volvo brand completely and choose something that’s not a lemon.

Your Lemon Law Legal Rights

Think you have a lemon? Sit back and let the experts work out your lemon case at no cost to you. The law makes Volvo pay legal fees. You may be able to get your lemon out of your life. Every year, auto manufacturers buy back, replace or pay cash settlements to thousands of ‘lemon’ owners like you.

Complaint Data

CategoryElectrical System, Unknown Or Other
DateDec 26, 2022
StateNY
Description
On december 24, I was about a quarter mile into my drive when the car shut off. The dashboard went blank and I had to coast to a stop. I was unable to restart or use any parts of my car except for the emergency blinker. Nothing alerted me on my dashboard prior to this incident. I could not use the sos alert button in the car. I had a half tank of gas. I had to wait in the 9 degreef cold for 2 hours before it could be towed to the service center. My speed was approximately 25mph on a local road and I don't know what would have happened if this occurred at any higher speed with more traffic. Prior to this on 11/15/22, I had another incident with this car. I could not open the doors with the key fob and then I could not start the car. A battery jump was attempted by the tow service and it did not work. The car was towed to hudson valley volvo service center where they completed software control module downloading, electrical equipment trouble shooting etc., for 3 days and I was able to drive it again. Unfortunately, I do not feel safe driving this car.
CategoryExterior Lighting
DateOct 27, 2022
StateOH
Description
Headlight failure. Light flickers on and off intermittently and triggers " low beam headlamp malfunction" on dashboard. No vehicle accidents or other trauma to the affected headlight. Only remedy is to replace headlight at a cost of ,400.
CategoryElectrical System
DateAug 22, 2022
StateCA
Description
I was driving down our main road and I saw and smelled smoke coming out of the air vents, then a warning light came on my dashboard for my 12v battery I pulled over right away and opened the trunk and saw fire on the left-hand side. I attempted to extinguish the fire myself using soda, I was pulling clothing (2 shirts and napkins) out of the car and burned my hand we towed the car to volvo and they are claiming it's not their fault we have only had the car for 4 months and my husband could have died or worse if my child was in the back seat!
CategoryVehicle Speed Control:accelerator Pedal
DateAug 16, 2022
StateIL
Description
The contact owns a 2019 volvo s60. The contact stated while the vehicle was stopped with the auto brake feature on, the vehicle inadvertently accelerated. The contact pressed on the brakes and continued to his destination. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 20,695.
CategoryElectrical System
DateJul 28, 2022
StateCA
Description
I was driving down our main road and I saw and smelled smoke coming out of the air vents, then a warning light came on my dashboard for my 12v battery I pulled over right away and opened the trunk and saw fire on the left-hand side. I attempted to extinguish the fire myself using soda, I was pulling clothing (2 shirts and napkins) out of the car and burned my hand
CategoryPower Train
DateApr 21, 2022
StateNJ
Description
Gear shifts into neutral randomly at low speeds after coming to a complete stop when auto-off on the engine is activated. This happens on the road when pulling out of an intersection and the gear shifter needs to be physically moved into neutral then drive to engage the transmission again. My dealership was unable to reproduce the problem. I took a video of it when it occurred. There have been no warning lights or indications on the dash when this happens.
CategoryEngine
DateOct 07, 2021
StateCA
Description
Engine auto turn off never works. Advertised as feature of the car. Yet to see if active.
CategoryForward Collision Avoidance: Automatic Emergency Braking
DateAug 23, 2021
StateMD
Description
On saturday, august 21, 2021, the automatic emergency braking engaged while we were travelling between 60-70 mph on I-95. There was no apparent reason for the braking because there was no vehicle or other obstacle to trigger the braking. After a few moments of hard braking the braking stopped and we proceeded normally.
CategorySeats
DateMar 13, 2021
StateNJ
Description
On 12-mar-2021, I was sitting in my 2019 volvo s60, and it was not running. I was using the center display to look at the profile settings. The car was set to the profile for 'guest'. I then pressed 'profile 1' and the front seat started to go forward and then tilt down, and there was nothing I could do to stop it as I approached the steering wheel. Fortunately it stopped before I was injured, but I wondered what would happen if I was a very big person ' could they have been pinned against the steering wheel and injured? I sent a note to volvo, and they responded the same day (sat 13-mar-2021), and their rep stated "the owner's manual would have instructions on how to set a driver's profile to a selected key fob to avoid a situation like this in the future. Please let us know if you need anything further at this time."
CategoryElectrical System
DateAug 19, 2020
StateME
Description
Parking break can become temporarily unavailable and when this happens the information center does not relay any other information when the auto is running! Gps, tire pressure, etc low gas, etc information is voided. Three times car had to be repair, apparently water, coffee etc can get into the switch as the switch is located next to the cup holders between the seats. Bad location or poor design of the switch? Serious "because running information" is voided on dash!. First repair was free, second time the repair was to cost 0. Third time (at a different dealership)repair was no cost ("coffee or other may have gotten into the switch" one mechanic not related to volvo suggested that they simply disconnect the battery, wait and reconnect so that the computer system is voided for a few minutes. Vehicle was in motion on city and highway when problem occured...
CategoryUnknown Or Other, Visibility/wiper
DateJun 13, 2020
StateCT
Description
While driving on a sunny day I kept being blinded by chrome / mirror finish elements surrounding the steering wheel. It wasn't happening only for a moment, my eyes hurt after driving home from work. That is very distracting and affects driver's vision! To hide my eyes from the blinding light, I had to move the steering wheel to very uncomfortable position (what still didn't solve the problem) or pretty much cover flashing spots with my hands. That creates a hazardous conditions everytime when the sun is out. I am attaching a picture, but it doesn't show how harsh are these lights on human eye. That needs to be experienced. Maybe it wouldn't be that much of a problem if it was rare but it happens continuously when the sun is higher on the sky (around noon hours). *tr
CategoryForward Collision Avoidance, Lane Departure: Lane Keep: Steering Assist
DateSep 25, 2019
StateNY
Description
Tl* the contact leased a 2019 volvo s60. Upon leasing the vehicle, the lane keep assist feature only worked approximately 10% of the time. Also, the forward collision avoidance failed to operate. While driving 15 mph, the vehicle stopped abruptly on a wide open road with no objects in view. The contact stated that an unknown warning indicator flashed when the failure occurred. The manufacturer was notified and informed the contact to take the vehicle to the local service center. The contact took the vehicle to volvo cars of queens (207-22 northern blvd, bayside, ny 11361, 718-428-2118) where he was informed that the failures were not a widespread issue; however, they were familiar with the defects. The contact was informed that there were no recalls on the vehicle. The dealer provided a loaner vehicle and informed the contact that a diagnostic would be performed. The contact was informed that an investigation would be launched with the manufacturer to investigate the defects. The vehicle had not been returned to the contact. The failure mileage was unknown.
CategoryTires, Wheels
DateApr 01, 2019
StateNJ
Description
Within the first month of leasing this new car (

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Brian Jones

About the Author:

Brian Jones spent more than 20 years working as an ASE Certified Master Tech and Parts Specialist at multiple dealerships. Brian has become an authority in the industry, traveling across the country to consult for car dealerships and contributing his expertise as a writer for several major automotive publications. In his spare time, Brian enjoys working on pickup trucks, muscle cars, Jeeps and anything related to motorsports.

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