The 2020 Volvo S60 has good reliability. There are 3 recalls and 9 owner complaints on file for the 2020 Volvo S60. Severity signals include 1 crash-related complaint. The most commonly reported problem areas are: Service Brakes (3), Steering (2), Electrical System (2).
S60 reliability snapshot
72/100
Latest model-year reliability score
3.5/5
RepairPal rating (medium)
$750
Avg annual repair cost vs $739 category avg
#11/31
Ranking in luxury midsize cars · better than 65% of peers
Data sourced from Auto Reliability Index, aggregating NHTSA recalls, owner complaints, and RepairPal repair-cost records.
Used-car research
Research the Volvo S60 before checking the VIN
Compare model years, recurring problems, safety campaigns and market value first. Then use the VIN to verify the history of the individual car.
Owner-reported problem categories from NHTSA complaint filings. Counts reflect complaints per category for the most-recent model year on file.
Service Brakes3
Steering2
Electrical System2
Vehicle Speed Control1
Tires1
Pre-purchase inspection checklist for the 2020 Volvo S60
Hands-on checks distilled from real NHTSA complaint patterns and recall histories. Bring this list to a test drive or mechanic inspection.
☐Inspect rear brake pads and rotors for excessive wear
☐Check for persistent steering wheel vibrations at highway speeds
☐Test collision avoidance system for false activations
☐Verify all electrical controls on the steering wheel function properly
☐Check for any unresolved recalls related to brakes or electrical systems
What owners reported
2020 Volvo S60 owner complaints in detail
Owners have reported 1 crash to NHTSA for the 2020 Volvo S60. These are unverified owner reports, not confirmed defect rates.
Owner complaints3
SERVICE BRAKES
Owners report several issues with the service brakes of the 2020 Volvo S60. One frequent complaint involves the vehicle's crash detection system, which automatically engages the brakes unexpectedly, even at highway speeds, creating a dangerous situation. Another issue described is rapid rear brake wear, with one owner noting a significant reduction in brake pad thickness over 7,000 miles, despite primarily highway driving. Additionally, some owners experience recurring low brake fluid warnings at very low mileage, with one instance occurring at less than 87 miles and again at under 191 miles. These issues suggest potential safety implications, such as unexpected braking and possible brake system malfunctions, which prospective buyers should consider.
Owner complaints2
STEERING
Owners of the 2020 Volvo S60 frequently report persistent steering wheel vibrations occurring at highway speeds, specifically between 65-75 MPH. These vibrations are described as ongoing despite multiple interventions, including replacing front and rear rotors, tire rotations, alignments, balancing, and even replacing tires. The issue appears to persist from the time of purchase, with one owner noting the problem since acquiring the vehicle in April 2021. Another owner references a technical journal that acknowledges "speed dependent vibrations," which suggests a broader recognition of the issue. Although no crashes or loss of control are reported, the unresolved vibrations may be a concern for potential buyers considering this model.
Owner complaints2
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Owners of the 2020 Volvo S60 report issues primarily related to the electrical system, with specific problems involving the failure of the turn indicator system and steering wheel controls, including windshield wipers. One owner describes being advised not to drive the vehicle and having it towed for service, where the dealer identified a potential software or electrical fault requiring replacement of the stalks and buttons. Another owner reports multiple sensor failures and a lack of satisfactory resolution from the manufacturer, alongside other issues like malfunctioning brakes, though these are not directly linked to the electrical system. These problems are reported to occur within the first year of ownership, and while no crashes or fires are mentioned, the described brake malfunction could imply a potential safety risk. Buyers considering a used 2020 S60 should be aware of these reported electrical issues and the potential for associated repair needs.
2020 S60 recalls (3)
Every NHTSA safety recall logged against the 2020 S60. A VIN check confirms whether any recall remains unrepaired on a specific vehicle.
AIR BAGSNHTSA 23V780000Nov 21, 2023
Volvo Car USA, LLC. (Volvo Car) is recalling certain 2019-2024 S60 vehicles. The passenger air bag may not be secured properly, which can cause the air bag to deploy improperly.
Consequence: An air bag that does not deploy properly in a crash increases the risk of injury.
Remedy
Dealers will inspect and tighten the bolts securing the passenger air bag, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 5, 2024. Owners may contact Volvo Car customer service at 1-800-458-1552. Volvo Car's number for this recall is R10254.
Volvo Car USA, LLC (Volvo Car) is recalling certain 2019-2020 V90, XC60, S60, V60, V60CC, S90, V90CC, S90L, and XC90 vehicles. The low-pressure fuel pump can blow a fuse and fail.
Consequence: Failure of the low-pressure fuel pump can cause a stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Dealers will replace the fuse, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 2, 2021. Owners may contact Volvo Car customer service at 1-888-458-1552. Volvo Car's number for this recall is R10100.
Volvo Cars USA LLC (Volvo Cars) is recalling certain 2019-2020 S60, V60, V60 Cross Country, S90L, V90, V90 Cross Country, XC40, XC60, and XC90 vehicles. Due to a software/hardware incompatibility, the Automatic Emergency Brake (AEB) system may not detect obstacles and engage as intended.
Consequence: If the automatic emergency braking system does not engage as intended, it can increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Volvo will notify owners, and dealers will update the Active Safety Domain Master (ASDM) software, free of charge. The recall began April 9, 2020. Owners may contact Volvo customer service at 1-800-458-1552. Volvo's number for this recall is R29998.
2020 Volvo S60 on the road
15,729 2020 Volvo S60 units were sold new in the US — a key signal for the size of today's used-market inventory.
How the 2020 Volvo S60 stacks up against rivals
The most-shopped alternatives in the same segment. Each link opens a side-by-side reliability and cost comparison.
The 2020 Volvo S60 scores a 72 out of 100, placing it slightly above the segment average of 69. This suggests moderate reliability for the model year. The three recalls indicate a limited recall count, which is a positive aspect for potential buyers concerned about widespread defects.
Complaints are relatively low, with nine in total, but they are spread across multiple systems, including service brakes, steering, and the electrical system. This distribution implies no single, dominant reliability issue, but it does suggest some variability in performance across different components.
Given these factors, the 2020 Volvo S60 presents a moderate reliability risk, with no overwhelming concerns but enough variability to warrant attention.
What you get in a 2020 Volvo S60 report
✓Available title brand history
✓Odometer readings & rollback detection
✓Accident & damage records
✓Auction sales with photos
✓Open safety recalls
✓Theft & stolen vehicle check
Check a 2020 Volvo S60 now
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2020 Volvo S60 — Frequently asked questions
Is the 2020 Volvo S60 reliable?
The 2020 Volvo S60 scores a 72 out of 100, placing it slightly above the segment average of 69. This suggests moderate reliability for the model year. The three recalls indicate a limited recall count, which is a positive aspect for potential buyers concerned about widespread defects.
How many recalls does the 2020 Volvo S60 have?
3 NHTSA safety recalls have been issued for the 2020 Volvo S60. A VIN check confirms whether any remain unrepaired on a specific vehicle.
What are the most common 2020 Volvo S60 problems?
The most-reported 2020 Volvo S60 problem areas are: Service Brakes (3), Steering (2), Electrical System (2).
Should I run a VIN check on a 2020 Volvo S60?
Yes. A VIN report verifies title brands, odometer history, accident records, and recall completion on a specific 2020 Volvo S60, complementing the model-year reliability data on this page.
