The 2007 S60 represents the first-generation P2 platform's final year, known for solid bones but expensive age-related failures in transmission electronics, PCV systems causing catastrophic engine damage, and upper engine oil leaks that snowball if ignored.
PCV System Failure Leading to Engine Damage
Common · high severityTypical onset: 80,000-150,000 mi
Symptoms: Excessive oil consumption (quart every 500-1000 miles), White smoke from exhaust on startup, Oil in intake manifold or throttle body, Check engine light with multiple misfires, Rattling noise from crankcase in severe cases
Fix: The PCV breather system clogs and causes crankcase pressure to blow past piston rings, leading to ring wear and oil burning. Preventive fix is PCV box replacement (3-4 hours). If rings are damaged, you're looking at engine-out piston ring replacement (18-22 hours) or short block swap (20-24 hours). This is THE killer of these engines.
Estimated cost: $400-800 preventive PCV replacement; $4,500-7,500 if rings/pistons damaged
Upper Engine Oil Leaks (Camshaft Seals & VVT Solenoids)
Common · medium severityTypical onset: 90,000-140,000 mi
Symptoms: Oil pooling on top of engine or dripping onto exhaust manifold, Burning oil smell from engine bay, Oil visible around front timing cover area, Slow oil consumption without smoke
Fix: Camshaft seals and VVT solenoid O-rings harden with age. Requires removing valve cover and timing components. Often done with timing belt service if due. 6-8 hours labor for thorough job including front main seal.
Estimated cost: $1,200-2,000
Transmission Control Module (TCM) and Valve Body Issues
Common · high severityTypical onset: 100,000-150,000 mi
Symptoms: Harsh or delayed shifts, especially 2nd to 3rd gear, Limp mode with "transmission service required" message, Neutral drop-out at stops, Erratic shifting when transmission is cold, No reverse or specific gear loss
Fix: The Aisin AW55-50/51 transmission suffers from valve body sleeve wear and TCM solder joint failures. Transmission must come out for valve body replacement (10-12 hours). TCM can sometimes be repaired/reflashed separately (2 hours). Often need both, plus fresh fluid/filter. External oil cooler lines also leak frequently.
Estimated cost: $2,800-4,500 for valve body replacement; $800-1,200 for TCM repair/replacement alone
Angle Gear and Rear Differential Fluid Contamination (AWD)
Occasional · medium severityTypical onset: 60,000-100,000 mi
Symptoms: Binding or vibration during tight turns, Grinding noise from center of vehicle, Metallic debris in angle gear fluid, AWD system fault warning
Fix: The angle gear (transfer case) on AWD models develops bearing wear, contaminating fluid. If caught early with regular fluid changes every 30k miles, can prevent failure. Once grinding starts, angle gear replacement needed (5-7 hours). Ignoring it damages the rear differential and Haldex unit.
Estimated cost: $1,500-2,500 angle gear replacement; $500-700 for preventive fluid services
Electronic Throttle Module (ETM) Failure
Occasional · high severitySymptoms: Sudden limp mode with severely reduced power, "Anti-skid service required" message, Throttle unresponsive or stuck at idle, Check engine light with throttle position codes, May occur intermittently when hot
Fix: The electronic throttle body develops internal motor or sensor failures. No repair available—unit must be replaced and programmed with VIDA/DICE (2-3 hours including programming). Can happen without warning at any mileage, but heat cycling accelerates failure.
Estimated cost: $800-1,400
Front Lower Control Arm Bushings and Ball Joints
Common · low severityTypical onset: 70,000-110,000 mi
Symptoms: Clunking over bumps from front suspension, Wandering steering or vague center feel, Uneven tire wear on inside edges, Vibration through steering wheel on rough roads
Fix: The pressed-in control arm bushings separate and ball joints develop play. Volvo supplies only complete control arm assemblies (no separate bushings). Replace both sides simultaneously. 3-4 hours labor plus alignment required.
Estimated cost: $900-1,400 both sides with alignment
Buy only with full service records showing PCV replacement and regular fluid changes; budget for transmission work and oil leaks, but the platform is otherwise durable if maintained—just expensive when it breaks.
AI-assisted summary drawn from NHTSA recall data, our labor-times database, and platform knowledge. Not a substitute for a pre-purchase inspection on a specific vehicle.