The 2023 S60 is generally reliable as a newer model, but shares the SPA platform's known weak spots—particularly transmission issues and software gremlins that plagued earlier years. The 2.0L four-cylinder variants (T5, T6, T8) are mechanically sound but watch for transmission cooler leaks and drivetrain software quirks.
Transmission Oil Cooler Leaks
Common · medium severity
Typical onset: 30,000-60,000 mi
Symptoms: Pink or red fluid puddle under vehicle center-front, Transmission fluid low warning on dash, Burnt transmission fluid smell, Harsh or delayed shifts when fluid runs low
Fix: Replace transmission oil cooler assembly and lines, flush system. 3-4 hours labor. Early 2023s saw higher failure rates; Volvo issued TSB but not full recall.
Estimated cost: $800-1,400
Airbag Software Fault (Recall 23V-482)
Occasional · high severity
Symptoms: Airbag warning light illuminated on dash, SRS system stores fault code for occupant detection, May not deploy properly in frontal collision
Fix: Software reflash at dealer, typically 1 hour. Recall covers it—free. Affects passenger occupant classification system calibration error.
Estimated cost: $0 (recall)
Transmission Mount Failure
Occasional · medium severity
Typical onset: 40,000-70,000 mi
Symptoms: Clunk or thud when shifting from Park to Drive, Vibration at idle in Drive with brake applied, Excessive drivetrain movement felt through shifter
Fix: Replace transmission mount (hydraulic type). 2-2.5 hours labor. The Aisin 8-speed mounts tend to leak fluid internally and collapse. OEM part recommended over aftermarket.
Estimated cost: $450-750
Brake-by-Wire System Faults (Recall 23V-823)
Rare · high severity
Symptoms: Brake pedal feels spongy or unresponsive, Brake fault warning with reduce speed message, Extended stopping distances reported, BRAKE SERVICE URGENT message on display
Fix: Software update for brake control module and hydraulic unit inspection. Dealer-only repair, 1-2 hours. Recall 23V-823 addresses brake servo software logic error.
Estimated cost: $0 (recall)
Sensus Connect Infotainment Freezes/Reboots
Occasional · low severity
Symptoms: Center touchscreen goes black and reboots during driving, CarPlay/Android Auto drops connection randomly, Climate controls unresponsive (everything routed through screen), Backup camera fails to display
Fix: Software updates via dealer, sometimes requires replacement of connectivity module behind glovebox. Diagnosis 1 hour, module swap adds 1.5 hours if needed. Volvo has issued multiple OTA and dealer updates for 2023 model year.
Estimated cost: $0-950
Fuel Filter Clogging (T6/T8 Hybrids)
Occasional · medium severity
Typical onset: 50,000-80,000 mi
Symptoms: Loss of power under acceleration, Engine stumbles or hesitates at highway speeds, Check engine light with lean fuel codes (P0171/P0174), Hard starting after sitting overnight
Fix: Replace in-tank fuel filter assembly. Requires dropping fuel tank. 3-4 hours labor. Not a routine maintenance item in Volvo schedule but should be done if symptoms present.
Estimated cost: $600-1,100
Owner tips
Check transmission fluid level and condition every 30k—Volvo says 'lifetime fill' but that's optimistic; change at 60k if you plan to keep it
Keep infotainment software updated via Volvo's OTA system or dealer visits—prevents most screen freezing issues
Inspect transmission cooler area for seepage during every oil change; catching leaks early saves the transmission
Use Top Tier fuel on turbo/supercharged models—carbon buildup on intake valves is real on these direct-injection engines
Solid buy for 2023+ model years—most gremlins were ironed out compared to 2019-2021, and recalls are handled free; just budget for the transmission cooler eventually.
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; located in trunk
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Control Modules — 2023 Volvo S60
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 2021-2025 XC40, 2022 V90, 2022-2024 C40BEV, 2022-2025 S90, V90CC, XC60, 2023-2025 S60, V60, V60CC, XC90, and 2025 EC40, and EX40 vehicles. The rearview camera image may not display when the vehicle is placed in reverse. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, "Rear Visibility."
Consequence: A rearview camera image that does not display reduces the driver's view behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: The software will be updated by a dealer or through an over-the-air (OTA) update, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed February 24, 2026. Owners may contact Volvo Car’s customer service at 1-800-458-1552. Volvo Car's number for this recall is R10333. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall will be searchable on NHTSA.gov beginning February 16, 2026. This recall replaces previous NHTSA recall number 25V282. Vehicles previously repaired under recall 25V282 will need to have the new remedy performed.
BACK OVER PREVENTION:SOFTWARE · 25V282000
2025-05-08
Volvo Car USA, LLC (Volvo Car) is recalling certain 2021-2025 XC40, 2022 V90, 2022-2025 S90, V90CC, C40, XC60, 2023-2025 S60, V60, V60CC, XC90, and 2025 EC40 and EX40 vehicles. The rearview camera image may not display when the vehicle is placed in reverse. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, "Rear Visibility."
Consequence: A rearview camera image that does not display reduces the driver's view of what is behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: The software will be updated by a dealer or through an over-the-air (OTA) update, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 27, 2025. Owners may contact Volvo Car customer service at 1-800-458-1552. Volvo Car's number for this recall is R10320.
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.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM · 23V188000
2023-03-22
Volvo Car USA, LLC (Volvo Car) is recalling certain 2023 S60, V60CC, XC60, XC90, XC40, and C40 vehicles. A diagnostic trouble code (DTC) may be falsely detected for the emergency call system (e-call) and display "e-Call Service Required" in the driver information module (DIM).
Consequence: The false warning message could prevent the detection of an actual e-call system failure, which could delay an emergency response during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
Remedy: Dealers will update the telematics and connectivity antenna module (TCAM) software, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed May 16, 2023. Owners may contact Volvo Car's customer service 1-800-458-1552. Volvo Car's number for this recall is R10225.
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC · 23V012000
2023-01-19
Volvo Car USA, LLC (Volvo Car) is recalling certain 2023 S60, V60, V60CC, V90CC, XC60, XC90, XC40, and C40 vehicles. A diagnostic error in the Brake Control Module 2 (BCM2) may cause a loss of Antilock Brake System (ABS), Electronic Stability Control (ESC), and traction control.
Consequence: A reduction in brake support functions can increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Volvo will release an over-the-air (OTA) BCM2 software update, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed March 15, 2023. Owners may contact Volvo Car customer service at 1-800-458-1552. Volvo Car's number for this recall is R10217.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:ENGINE CONTROL MODULE (ECU/ECM) · 22V793000
2022-10-20
Volvo Car USA, LLC (Volvo Car) is recalling certain 2022-2023 S60, V60, S90L, XC60, and XC90 vehicles. An electronic control module (ECM) software error may prevent the combustion engine from starting, causing a loss of drive power.
Consequence: The vehicle may lose drive power as the high voltage battery is depleted, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will update the ECM software, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed December 8, 2022. Owners may contact Volvo Car's customer service at 1-800-458-1552. Volvo Car's number for this recall is R10198.
Vehicle Info — 2023 Volvo S60
Performance
Horsepower
250hp
Torque
258lb-ft
0–60 mph
6.3sec
Quarter mile
14.8sec
Top speed
130mph
Capability & size
Curb weight
3,800lb
Wiper blades
Third generation S60 (2019-present). Sedan body style has no rear wiper.
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 2023 Volvo S60 2.0L Turbo I4 and can vary by trim.
🔧 Built by master technician Chris Hackleman · Master Technician · 20+ years.