The 2021 S60 is built on Volvo's SPA platform with 2.0L four-cylinder engines (T5 turbo, T6 turbo+supercharger, T8 plug-in hybrid). Generally solid, but watch for engine failures on T6/T8 variants and transmission cooler leaks that can destroy the 8-speed automatic.
Symptoms: Sudden loss of power or metallic knocking from engine, Check engine light with cylinder misfire codes, Oil consumption that wasn't there before, Metal shavings in oil filter during routine changes
Fix: Complete engine rebuild or short block replacement. This involves 25-35 labor hours for engine removal, disassembly, machining, and reinstallation. Some cases require new pistons, bearings, and crankshaft work. Root cause appears related to carbon buildup and direct-injection fueling issues causing detonation.
Estimated cost: $12,000-18,000
Transmission Oil Cooler Leak into Coolant System
Common · high severity
Typical onset: 50,000-90,000 mi
Symptoms: Pink or milky transmission fluid, Coolant loss without visible external leaks, Harsh shifting or slipping after cooler failure begins, Overheating transmission warning messages
Fix: The Aisin 8-speed's internal oil cooler fails, allowing coolant and ATF to mix. Requires transmission fluid flush, cooler replacement, and often complete transmission rebuild if contamination has circulated. 8-12 hours labor for cooler only, 18-25 hours if transmission needs internal work.
Estimated cost: $2,500-7,500
Transmission Mount Failure
Common · medium severity
Typical onset: 60,000-100,000 mi
Symptoms: Clunking when shifting from Park to Drive or Reverse, Vibration at idle that disappears when in Neutral, Excessive engine movement visible under hood during acceleration, Rough engagement during shifts under load
Fix: The upper torque mount and transmission mount wear prematurely. Replacement requires lifting the engine slightly and unbolting old mounts. 2-3 hours labor for both mounts. OEM mounts are recommended over aftermarket.
Estimated cost: $600-1,000
Fuel Filter/Fuel System Contamination
Occasional · medium severity
Symptoms: Rough idle or hesitation during acceleration, Check engine light with fuel trim codes (P0171/P0174), Hard starting, especially when cold, Loss of power at highway speeds
Fix: In-tank fuel filter clogs prematurely, sometimes from poor fuel quality or tank contamination. Access requires dropping the fuel tank. 3-4 hours labor. Some cases require fuel pump replacement if debris damaged the pump.
Estimated cost: $800-1,400
Front Seatbelt Retractor Failure (Recall 21V-372)
Occasional · high severity
Symptoms: Seatbelt won't retract fully or gets stuck, Seatbelt warning light illuminated with belt fastened, Loose seatbelt webbing that doesn't tighten properly
Fix: Covered under recall but not all owners have had it completed. Retractor mechanism fails, compromising safety. Dealer replacement takes 1-2 hours per side. If out of recall window, aftermarket repair is difficult—OEM parts only.
Estimated cost: $0 (recall) or $600-900 per side
Infotainment Software Glitches (Sensus)
Common · low severity
Symptoms: Screen freezes or goes black randomly, Backup camera fails to display, Bluetooth drops connections repeatedly, System reboots while driving
Fix: Software bugs in Sensus system. Usually resolved with software updates at dealer (covered under recall 21V-469 for some units). 0.5-1 hour labor for reflash. Persistent cases may need display unit replacement.
Estimated cost: $0-150 (software) or $1,500-2,200 (hardware)
Owner tips
Use premium fuel (91+ octane) religiously on T6 and T8 engines—these high-compression forced-induction motors are sensitive to detonation
Check transmission fluid color every oil change; pink or milky means immediate cooler inspection
Service transmission fluid at 60,000 mi even though Volvo says 'lifetime'—the Aisin 8-speed benefits from fresh fluid
Keep up with carbon cleaning services every 30,000-40,000 mi on direct-injection engines to prevent detonation-related damage
Buy a 2021 T5 (base turbo) with service records and avoid T6/T8 unless you have a warranty—engine failures are too expensive and common on forced-induction variants.
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 battery required for start-stop system; battery located in trunk
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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 Car USA, LLC (Volvo Car) is recalling certain 2020-2021 S90, 2020-2022 S60, V60, XC60, XC90, and 2022 V90 plug-in hybrid vehicles. The high-voltage battery may experience a short circuit within the battery module when the battery is fully charged and the vehicle is parked.
Consequence: A short circuit in a high-voltage battery increases the risk of a fire.
Remedy: Owners are advised not to charge their vehicles until the remedy has been completed. Dealers will inspect and replace the high-voltage battery module as necessary. In addition, dealers will update the software to monitor the battery. All repairs will be performed free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 28, 2025. Owners may contact Volvo Car's customer service at 1-800-458-1552. Volvo Car's number for this recall is R10312.
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL · 23V780000
2023-11-21
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.
SEAT BELTS:FRONT:RETRACTOR · 21V682000
2021-09-01
Volvo Car USA, LLC (Volvo Car) is recalling certain 2021 XC40, XC 40 Recharge, V60CC, V90, V90CC, XC90, and 2021-2022 V60, XC60, S60 vehicles. The seat belt automatic locking retractors may deactivate early, which can prevent the child restraint system from securing properly. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."
Consequence: An unsecured child restraint system can increase the risk of injury during a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect and replace the seat belt assemblies, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed October 13, 2021. Owners may contact Volvo Car customer service at 1-888-458-1552. Volvo Car's number for this recall is R10111.
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 2021 Volvo S60 2.0L Turbo Supercharged I4 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.