PROBLEM GUIDE

2011–2016 Volvo S60 Common Problems

Here's what owners are experiencing, based on our research of real owner reports and repair data.

Last updated April 2026

121

complaints filed for the 2012 model year

2011–2016

Model years affected

Excessive oil consumption without low-oil warnings causes catastrophic engine seizure — multiple instances around 80,000-120,000 miles despite proper maintenance. Many owners report their VINs fall outside manufacturer recall parameters for this problem, leaving them without warranty support.

Quick Scan: 16 Issues

Click a problem for the full write-up — symptoms, what we found, and typical repair costs where we have them.

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PROBLEM DETAILS

Excessive oil consumption without warning, engine seizure

Multiple instances around 80,000-120,000 miles despite proper maintenance

Check engine light: On

Excessive oil consumption without low-oil warnings causes catastrophic engine seizure — multiple instances occur around 80,000-120,000 miles despite proper maintenance.

80,000 – 120,000 mi

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VINs excluded from recall for the oil-consumption defect

Leaves owners without warranty support

Check engine light: On

Many owners report their VINs fall outside manufacturer recall parameters for known engine/oil-consumption defects, leaving them without warranty support.

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Door latches opening during turns with occupants inside

A door opening on its own during a turn

Check engine light: On

Door latches open during turns with occupants inside — a serious safety risk.

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Belt tensioner failure and oil pump shattering

Disperses metal throughout the engine

Check engine light: On

Belt tensioner failures lead to timing damage, and oil pump shattering disperses metal throughout the engine — both tied to the broader engine-durability theme above.

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Sudden unintended acceleration

Owners needed to manipulate the brake system to regain control

Check engine light: On

Sudden unintended acceleration incidents have been reported, with owners needing to manipulate the brake system to regain control.

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Transmission Shifting Issues Due to Internal Failure and Software Issues

Transmission shifting issues occur due to internal failure and software issues

Check engine light: Off

Transmission shifting issues occur due to internal failure and software issues. This is among the more frequently reported issues on this generation, with 481 owner reports on file.

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Front Upper Strut Mounts May Fail and Cause Noise Over Bumps

The front upper strut mounts may fail and cause noise over bumps

Check engine light: Off

The front upper strut mounts may fail and cause noise over bumps. This is among the more frequently reported issues on this generation, with 172 owner reports on file.

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Exterior Light Bulbs May Burn Out Prematurely

The exterior light bulbs may burn out prematurely

Check engine light: Off

The exterior light bulbs may burn out prematurely. This is among the more frequently reported issues on this generation, with 130 owner reports on file.

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ABS Control Module May Fail

The ABS control module may fail

Check engine light: Off

The ABS control module may fail. This is among the more frequently reported issues on this generation, with 88 owner reports on file.

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Adding Coolant Frequently Without a Visible Leak

Coolant must be added frequently without a visible leak

Check engine light: Off

Coolant must be added frequently without a visible leak. This is among the more frequently reported issues on this generation, with 61 owner reports on file.

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Hesitation and Idle Issues Due to Failed Mass Airflow Sensor

Hesitation and idle issues occur due to a failed mass airflow sensor

Check engine light: On

Hesitation and idle issues occur due to a failed mass airflow sensor. This is among the more frequently reported issues on this generation, with 100 owner reports on file.

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Front Control Arm Bushings May Wear Out

The front control arm bushings may wear out

Check engine light: Off

The front control arm bushings may wear out. This is among the more frequently reported issues on this generation, with 40 owner reports on file.

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Coolant Leak From Front Due to Leaking Radiator

A coolant leak occurs from the front due to a leaking radiator

Check engine light: Off

A coolant leak occurs from the front due to a leaking radiator. This is among the more frequently reported issues on this generation, with 36 owner reports on file.

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Fuel Gauge, Rear Door Locks and Trunk Switch Inoperative

The fuel gauge, rear door locks, and trunk switch are inoperative

Check engine light: Off

The fuel gauge, rear door locks, and trunk switch are inoperative. This is among the more frequently reported issues on this generation, with 26 owner reports on file.

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Oil Leaks From PCV Housing and Turbo Return Line Seals

Oil leaks from the PCV housing and turbo return line seals

Check engine light: Off

Oil leaks from the PCV housing and turbo return line seals. This is among the more frequently reported issues on this generation, with 26 owner reports on file.

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Many owners report their VINs fall outside manufacturer recall parameters for known engine/oil-consumption defects, leaving them without warranty support. Enter your VIN to get the confirmed, current recall picture for your specific car.

The information on this page is for general educational purposes only and is not a diagnosis. It is compiled from aggregated owner-reported data and publicly available sources, not from an inspection of your vehicle. Symptoms described here can have multiple causes, and the presence of a commonly reported problem does not mean your vehicle has it. Repair cost ranges are estimates that vary by region, shop, vehicle condition, and parts availability. Recall and service campaign information may be incomplete or out of date — verify current recall status with NHTSA or your manufacturer. MyGearGuru is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by any vehicle manufacturer; manufacturer and model names are used for identification only. Always consult a qualified technician before making repair decisions.

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