The 2018 Volvo S60 is the final model year of the second-generation platform (P3), built in Sweden and China. While generally reliable compared to earlier Volvos, they suffer from transmission cooling issues, PCV system failures causing oil consumption, and turbocharger problems, particularly on the high-output T6 models.
Transmission Oil Cooler Failure and Fluid Contamination
Common · high severity
Typical onset: 60,000-100,000 mi
Symptoms: Transmission slipping or harsh shifts, Milky or pink coolant in overflow tank (cross-contamination), Check engine light with transmission codes, Transmission overheating warning
Fix: Replace transmission oil cooler, flush both cooling system and transmission completely. Contaminated fluid can destroy the valve body if not caught early. Expect 4-6 hours labor plus parts. If valve body is damaged, add another $1,200-1,800.
Estimated cost: $1,800-3,500
PCV System Failure Leading to Excessive Oil Consumption
Common · medium severity
Typical onset: 70,000-120,000 mi
Symptoms: Burning oil 1+ quart per 1,000 miles, Blue smoke from exhaust on cold start, Oil in intake tract and intercooler, Rough idle and hesitation
Fix: Replace PCV valve, oil trap, and all associated hoses. Clean intake and intercooler of oil buildup. On 4-cylinder turbos, this is preventive maintenance. Delay causes piston ring carbon buildup and permanent oil consumption. 3-4 hours labor.
Estimated cost: $600-1,200
Turbocharger Failure (T5 and T6 Models)
Occasional · high severity
Typical onset: 80,000-130,000 mi
Symptoms: Loss of boost pressure and power, Whistling or grinding noise from engine bay, Check engine light with turbo underboost codes, Blue smoke under acceleration, Metal shavings in oil
Fix: Turbo failure often stems from oil starvation due to PCV issues or failed oil supply lines. Replace turbocharger, all oil feed/return lines, and address root cause. T6 twin-scroll units are expensive. 6-8 hours labor for turbo R&R.
Estimated cost: $2,500-4,800
Timing Belt and Water Pump (T5 5-Cylinder Only)
Common · high severity
Typical onset: 90,000-110,000 mi
Symptoms: No symptoms until catastrophic failure, Squealing from engine bay (worn tensioner), Coolant leak from water pump weep hole
Fix: Interference engine — belt failure destroys valves and pistons. Volvo service interval is 10 years/100k miles, but many techs recommend 90k. Replace belt, tensioner, idler pulleys, and water pump as a kit. 5-6 hours labor.
Estimated cost: $1,200-1,800
Front Engine Mount and Transmission Mount Deterioration
Occasional · low severity
Typical onset: 80,000-120,000 mi
Symptoms: Clunking when shifting or accelerating, Excessive engine movement visible from engine bay, Vibration at idle in drive, Harsh engagement into gear
Fix: Hydraulic mounts fail internally, especially on turbocharged models with higher torque. Replace both front and transmission mounts together. 2-3 hours labor.
Estimated cost: $800-1,400
Fuel Injector and High-Pressure Fuel Pump Issues (Direct Injection Models)
Occasional · medium severity
Typical onset: 70,000-100,000 mi
Symptoms: Hard starting, especially cold, Misfires with rough idle, Check engine light with fuel trim codes, Long crank time
Fix: Direct injection systems sensitive to fuel quality. Carbon buildup on injectors and HPFP cam follower wear are common. Clean or replace injectors (1-2 hours each), HPFP replacement if cam lobe is worn (4-5 hours). Use top-tier fuel to prevent.
Estimated cost: $1,200-2,800
Owner tips
Change PCV components at 60k miles preventively — it saves turbos and pistons
Use Volvo-spec synthetic oil and quality filters; these engines are sensitive to oil quality
If buying a 2.5L T5, verify timing belt service history or budget for it immediately
Run top-tier fuel to minimize carbon buildup on direct-injection intakes
A solid final-year choice with Swedish build quality, but only if PCV maintenance is documented and transmission cooler hasn't contaminated fluid — otherwise budget $3k-5k in deferred maintenance.
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.
Fitment notes: AGM required for Start-Stop system; battery located in trunk; requires battery monitoring sensor registration after replacement
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Every control module on the 2018-2024 Volvo S60 — where it lives, replacement time, and what it takes to program a replacement. Modules marked dealer / factory tool won't work after a part swap alone — budget for programming.
⚠️ Controls power seat functions; basic coding often achievable with aftermarket tools
Aftermarket tool coverage varies by software version and vehicle build — treat "aftermarket tool" rows as "usually possible" and verify against your tool maker's coverage list before promising a customer. Spot a wrong location or hour? Tell us — corrections ship fast here.
Volvo Cars of N.A., LLC (Volvo) is recalling certain 2008-2016 V70 and XC70, 2007-2016 S80, 2011-2018 S60 and V60, 2016-2018 S60 Cross Country, 2014-2020 S60L, 2009-2015 S80L, 2009-2016 XC60 and 2015-2018 V60 Cross Country vehicles. The flexible steel cable that connects the seat belt to the front outboard seating positions may fatigue over time, causing the seat belt to not secure the occupant in the event of a crash.
Consequence: An unsecured occupant has an increased risk of injury in the event of a crash.
Remedy: Volvo will notify owners, and dealers will replace the seat belt anchor cable for both front seats. The recall began December 10, 2020. Owners may contact Volvo customer service at 1-800-458-1552. Volvo's number for this recall is R10029.
Size-standard part numbers — verify your connector type before buying. Rear blades are model-specific; check the package's vehicle list.
Fuel economy figures are EPA data via fueleconomy.gov (median across matching trims). Performance figures are compiled estimates for the 2018 Volvo S60 3.0L Turbo I6 and can vary by trim.
🔧 Database maintained under the daily editorial review of Chris Hackleman · Master Technician · 20+ years and Jeff Moore · Master Lexus & Toyota Mechanic · 20+ years.