2020 Volvo S60 Problems and Top Complaints – Is Your Car A Lemon?

Service brakes and electrical issues among the top complaints received by the NHTSA from vehicle owners

Updated on Author: Brian Jones

Updated on Author: Brian Jones


Luxury sedans stand out on the road, especially when it is the 2020 Volvo S60. The automaker tags this model with the line, “For the road. For the planet.” However, customers aren’t sure it should be on the road or on the planet, due to the defective service brakes and faulty electrical system.

Click on other model year to view more problems:  2019

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NHTSA Complaints for the 2020 Volvo S60

Complaint CategoryNumber of Complaints
Service Brakes
3
Steering
2
Suspension
2
Electrical System
2
Power Train
1
Wheels
1
Unknown Or Other
1
Visibility/wiper
1
Forward Collision Avoidance: Automatic Emergency Braking
1
Tires:pressure Monitoring And Regulating Systems
1

Problems with the Service Brakes

Whether a driver is sitting behind the wheel of a luxury car or a beater, it’s important that the service brakes work well. Otherwise, a collision is imminent.

That’s the fear exhibited with this NHTSA complaint. “The Brake Fluid is Low, Stop Safely message on at less than 87 miles on the odometer while the engine was running in my driveway. A Volvo dealer stated the following: Fluid was low, no external leak found, topped off brake fluid to full mark. The Brake Fluid is Low, Stop Safely message came on again at less than 191 miles on the odometer while I was driving on a local road at about 35 miles an hour speed.”

For the most part, brake fluid shouldn’t need to be topped off but every few years, while the S60 requires it every few miles. However, this isn’t the only stopping concern. NHTSA Campaign Number 20V144000 states that more than 120,000 vehicles might have a software and hardware incompatibility, causing the Automatic Emergency Brake system to fail. When this happens the advanced system cannot detect obstacles and might not engage as intended. If a driver is expecting this system to engage, the defect could increase the risk of an accident. Basically, this sedan is ideal for anywhere but on the road or on the planet.

Problems with the Electrical System

As a luxury model, it’s only expected that the vehicle would be filled with many high-tech features and amenities. However, there are complaints about how these systems work.

U.S. News and World Report listed several cons, one of which had to do with the electrical system. The entire list reads, “Confusing infotainment controls, less athletic than rivals, below-average predicted reliability rating [and] small trunk for its class.”

Just looking at the electrical system alone, it’s clear that this vehicle suffers from some major problems. In fact, there are numerous electrical system communications being given to technicians from the automaker. One such communication, Service Bulletin #TJ34618.6.0-2020, discusses an electrical noise, which sounds like a screeching or scratching, occurs from the sound system shortly after starting it. Most people just want to enjoy their favorite podcast during the commute, making these noises quite annoying. Maybe the Volvo S60 would do well on another planet, but it certainly doesn’t fit in on Earth.

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

CategoryPower Train, Steering, Suspension
DateJun 22, 2022
StateTX
Description
It is unknown what caused this issue but ever since I bought my vehicle on april 5, 2021, I have been experiencing vibration issues when driving between 65-75 mph. I have had my vehicle inspected at multiple volvo service centers across texas and no one can seem to figure out what is causing the vibration issues. My front rotors have been replaced 3 times, my rear rotors have been replaced once, I have had multiple tire rotations, alignments and balancing from volvo service centers and even from discount tire. With all of these items serviced/repaired/replaced, the vibration is still present in the steering wheel traveling at highway speeds. I went on a test drive today, 6/22/22, with a volvo service technician and he confirmed that the vibration is valid. He also stated that the only thing left to do is to replace all 4 tires, at my cost, to see if the vibration goes away. He advised that when new cars are on the lot parked waiting to be sold, dealerships typically inflate the tires to about 50 psi so as to avoid any "flat spots" on the tires. He also stated that many dealers also typically do not inflate tires on their new fleet due to the rough ride it causes. I have contacted volvo regarding this issue without any remedy or advice. Additionally, my volvo dealer cannot say for sure that they will reimburse me for tires, if I do choose to replace my current ones, even though this issue has been present since day 1.
CategorySteering, Suspension, Wheels
DateDec 16, 2021
StateGA
Description
Ongoing problem as mentioned in volvo's technical journal "speed dependent vibrations at highway speeds" ref no: tj 20803. 20. 0 . At any speed of 75 mph and above the front continuously vibrates. The tires have been replaced two times in less than 2 weeks and road forced balanced by the dealership twice. The vibration does not go away. The dealership does not want to address the issue. The car is new.
CategoryElectrical System, Unknown Or Other, Visibility/wiper
DateJun 22, 2021
StateNJ
Description
I turned the car on and got an error message that said the turn indicator system failed. After trying to clear the message from the dash using the button on the steering wheel, I discovered that nothing on the steering wheel was working, including the windshield wipers or any buttons on the steering wheel. I called the manufacturer and they told me not to drive it and they towed it to the dealer. The dealer said they had see this before as either a software issue or electrical issue and would need to replace the stalks and buttons.
CategoryService Brakes
DateMay 13, 2021
StateVA
Description
2020 volvo s60 t-6 r went in for service at volvo dealer, 5/12/21, mileage 24,018. Technician noted rear brakes less than 2mm & rotors grooved, needs to be replaced. I was told this is not under warranty, it's normal wear. This vehicle had service at the same dealer on 12/8/20, mileage 16,952 the service report stated, "brakes in the green 7mm or more". The vehicle is driven highway miles mainly, regardless of that fact, brake pads don't not wear down 5mm in 7,000 miles on a new car unless there's an underlying problem, there has already been a recall on the rear automatic park brake, seems likely that there's additional problems with the rear brakes. The replacement cost me 8. 00
CategoryElectrical System, Forward Collision Avoidance: Automatic Emergency Braking, Service Brakes
DateFeb 02, 2021
StateFL
Description
My 2020 s60 t5 r-design had 3 broken sensors, a safety recall, malfunctioning brakes which caused the car to veer, and most recently a leaking a/c hose. All problems from the factory (out of thin air) within the first 12 months of my lease. After numerous complaints to volvo car usa, I was offered a generic and dismissive answer that volvo 'is not in the position' to offer a trade assist or any help. No explanation to a loyal volvo customer. They're simply 'sorry' that I had to take off work to service their car and was told to uber home (no courtesy loaner). After the most recent service visit, I demanded volvo either replace the car or terminate the lease, but the agent thought servicing the vehicle 5 times (because parts were breaking) was absolutely normal. She was stunned I do not have a positive attitude now that my car was fixed. I demanded contact to the regional manager, but my agent (who turned out to be supervisor) refused to forward any information. My car would go through a review process with 'special parameters', but the supervisor of the headquarters of volvo cars usa was incapable of answering what the parameters were, when this review would take place, or who is reviewing my case' nothing was transparent, and for all I know, this review could have been arbitrary. As expected, 'volvo is not in the position'' volvo sent an automated customer satisfaction survey, to which I provided feedback of my awful experience. Sadly, the same agent handling my case responded 'thank you' and that was it. I guess my feedback and problems caused by volvo do not really interest volvo? So by volvo 'parameters,' a car breaking 5 times is normal, there is no quality control of their cars, and customer service is inexistent (3 or 4 'professionals' in headquarters serving north america is inexistent).
CategoryTires:pressure Monitoring And Regulating Systems
DateJan 12, 2021
StateIA
Description
2020 volvo s60. Consumer writes in regards to dissatisfaction with tire pressure monitoring system. *ld *js
CategoryService Brakes
DateJan 04, 2020
StateMA
Description
'the brake fluid is low stop safely' message came on at less than 87 miles on the odometer while the engine was running on my driveway. A volvo dealer stated the following: fluid was low no external leak found topped off brake fluid to full mark 'the brake fluid is low stop safely' message came on again at less than 191 miles on the odometer while I was driving on a local road at about 35 miles an hour speed.

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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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