NHTSA FEDERAL EVIDENCE AUDITAudited: 2026-08-25

2015 Volvo S60 Common Problems & Defect Telemetry

Authoritative defect intelligence synthesized from 57 verified NHTSA owner complaints, 2 federal safety recalls, and interquartile failure mileage telemetry.

Data Grade: MEDIUM26 Odometer Verified EntriesMethodology
Executive AI Defect Summary

The 2015 Volvo S60 receives a 4/10 MazicBay Reliability Index based on 57 verified NHTSA federal complaints and 2 safety recalls. The primary reported failure mode is Engine Stalling, Oil Consumption & Cooling Defect Reports with a median failure point at 32,860 miles (IQR: 2,10047,044 mi). Out-of-warranty repairs benchmark at $950 – $3,200 .

2015 Volvo S60Luxury2015
DLC Port: Driver lower dash trim above foot pedal cluster

*Representative vehicle platform imagery. Body styling varies across generations.

MazicBay Reliability Index
4 / 10

47.5 complaints / 10k sold

NHTSA Owner Complaints
57

Verified US federal records

Safety Severity Grade
Critical Risk

Crash, fire & stall audit

Federal Safety Recalls
2

2 Active / Free Remedies

Switch S60 Model Year (2014–2025)
Defect Clustering

Top Reported Problem Clusters (7)

Ranked by NHTSA Complaint Frequency
#1 ENGINE & COOLINGCritical Severity84% Match Confidence

Engine Stalling, Oil Consumption & Cooling Defect Reports

31
Federal Complaints
Failure Mileage (Median):32,860 milesIQR: 2,10047,044 mi
Estimated Repair Cost:$950 – $3,200 MazicBay Repair Intelligence Model
Recall Status:Under Investigation / Recall AuditNHTSA Campaign Audit
Reported Defect Symptoms
  • Engine sudden stall / hesitation while driving
  • Abnormal oil burning / consumption
  • Check Engine Light (MIL) flashing
  • Engine overheating / coolant loss
Potentially Associated OBD-II Codes

Correlated via MazicBay Diagnostic Engine (not NHTSA verified fact).

Sample Verified NHTSA Evidence Records (3)
ODI #11734068 • Filed: 04/27/2026

On 4/6/2026 At about 2:30 p.m. my son ... stated that he started the car and was in the process of driving out of the parking lot when he saw smoke coming thru the vents in the car. My son ... stated that he got out the car and opened the hood and the car was on fire. ... stat...

ODI #11704171 • Filed: 12/10/2025Odometer: 2,100 mi

The contact owns a 2015 Volvo S60. The contact stated that the vehicle was experiencing excessive oil consumption. The contact stated that the vehicle had consumed 3 quarts of oil after driving 2,100 miles. Additionally, the contact stated that the low oil pressure warning lig...

ODI #11663339 • Filed: 05/28/2025

The contact owns a 2015 Volvo S60. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, the check engine warning light remained illuminated, and had flashed off and on while driving at highway speeds. The contact stated that the vehicle also stalled on several occasions. The v...

#2 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM & BATTERYMedium Severity77% Match Confidence

Electrical Parasitic Drain, Infotainment & Harness Reports

14
Federal Complaints
Failure Mileage (Median):32,860 milesIQR: 12,09746,370 mi
Estimated Repair Cost:$280 – $850 MazicBay Repair Intelligence Model
Recall Status:Out-of-Pocket / TSB RemedyNHTSA Campaign Audit
Reported Defect Symptoms
  • Unexplained battery drain after sitting overnight
  • Infotainment display / instrument cluster blackouts
  • Accessory malfunction / alternator fault warnings
Potentially Associated OBD-II Codes

Correlated via MazicBay Diagnostic Engine (not NHTSA verified fact).

Sample Verified NHTSA Evidence Records (3)
ODI #11740292 • Filed: 05/27/2026

The contact owns a 2015 Volvo S60. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle stalled and lost motive power. No warning lights illuminated. The contact was a certified mechanic. The contact stated that the failure occurred when the outside temperatur...

ODI #11580623 • Filed: 04/02/2024

Alternator belt shredded and got underneath the timing belt causing the engine timing to go off and severe engine damage that I will now have to total the car or spend $13-15K to replace. The car stalled after leaving a stop sign so I wasn't going fast. I spoke to my local mec...

ODI #11564623 • Filed: 01/10/2024

The contact owns a 2015 Volvo S60. The contact stated while driving at approximately 35 MPH, the steering became extremely difficult to turn and several warning lights were illuminated. The contact stated that the "City Safety" light was illuminated and drove over a manhole co...

#3 BRAKING SYSTEM & ABSCritical Severity71% Match Confidence

Service Brakes, ABS Actuator & Master Cylinder Reports

12
Federal Complaints
Failure Mileage (Median):32,860 milesIQR: 17,33039,615 mi
Estimated Repair Cost:$350 – $1,100 MazicBay Repair Intelligence Model
Recall Status:Under Investigation / Recall AuditNHTSA Campaign Audit
Reported Defect Symptoms
  • Spongy or hard brake pedal travel
  • ABS / Brake warning light illuminated
  • Extended stopping distance / pedal vibration
Potentially Associated OBD-II Codes

Correlated via MazicBay Diagnostic Engine (not NHTSA verified fact).

Sample Verified NHTSA Evidence Records (3)
ODI #11608500 • Filed: 08/14/2024

City Safety Is randomly Malfunctioning. Vehicle will aggressively apply brakes when there are no objects in front of the vehicle. This has happened in town and on a long driveway.

ODI #11539045 • Filed: 08/17/2023Odometer: 32,860 mi

I bought the car as a CPO on 9/25/19 32,860 mi. On 8/19/20 at 50,052 the engine failed. The oscillating dampener rubber separated causing serpentine belt to break, which in turn got caught in timing belt which caused that to break which then caused bent valves and valves to br...

ODI #11526285 • Filed: 06/09/2023

The contact owns a 2015 Volvo S60. The contact stated while driving 20 MPH, the brake pedal was depressed however, the vehicle failed to stop until the brake pedal had gone to the floorboard. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, but no f...

#4 TRANSMISSION & DRIVETRAINMedium Severity75% Match Confidence

Transmission Hesitation, Hard Shifting & Slipping Reports

8
Federal Complaints
Failure Mileage (Median):32,860 milesIQR: 17,33049,430 mi
Estimated Repair Cost:$1,400 – $3,800 MazicBay Repair Intelligence Model
Recall Status:Out-of-Pocket / TSB RemedyNHTSA Campaign Audit
Reported Defect Symptoms
  • Hard gear shifts / delayed engagement into Drive/Reverse
  • Transmission shudder / jerking under acceleration
  • Transmission slipping between gears
Potentially Associated OBD-II Codes

Correlated via MazicBay Diagnostic Engine (not NHTSA verified fact).

Sample Verified NHTSA Evidence Records (3)
ODI #11539045 • Filed: 08/17/2023Odometer: 32,860 mi

I bought the car as a CPO on 9/25/19 32,860 mi. On 8/19/20 at 50,052 the engine failed. The oscillating dampener rubber separated causing serpentine belt to break, which in turn got caught in timing belt which caused that to break which then caused bent valves and valves to br...

ODI #11447157 • Filed: 01/12/2022

The contact owns a 2015 Volvo S60. The contact stated that the gear shifter would not shift into gear as needed. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 86,709.

ODI #11375957 • Filed: 11/23/2020

MY S60 2015.5 ABRUPTLY CUT OFF WHEN AT A STANDSTILL "STATIONARY" IN TRAFFIC AND ON THE HIGHWAY TRAFFIC THE WARNING SYSTEM SOUND CAME ON, AS IF CLOSE TO AN OBJECT, THEN THE SCREEN FLASHED ON THEN OFF ONE TIME. WITHIN MINUTES OF A COMPLETE STOP, THE CAR CUTS OFF COMPLETELY. THE ...

#5 STEERING & SUSPENSIONMedium Severity65% Match Confidence

Electric Power Steering Assist & Suspension Noise Reports

7
Federal Complaints
Failure Mileage (Median):46,370 milesIQR: 39,61556,185 mi
Estimated Repair Cost:$450 – $1,400 MazicBay Repair Intelligence Model
Recall Status:Out-of-Pocket / TSB RemedyNHTSA Campaign Audit
Reported Defect Symptoms
  • Sudden loss of electric power steering assist
  • Steering wheel pull or highway wander
  • Clunking / knocking noise over bumps
Potentially Associated OBD-II Codes

Correlated via MazicBay Diagnostic Engine (not NHTSA verified fact).

Sample Verified NHTSA Evidence Records (3)
ODI #11564623 • Filed: 01/10/2024

The contact owns a 2015 Volvo S60. The contact stated while driving at approximately 35 MPH, the steering became extremely difficult to turn and several warning lights were illuminated. The contact stated that the "City Safety" light was illuminated and drove over a manhole co...

ODI #11539045 • Filed: 08/17/2023Odometer: 32,860 mi

I bought the car as a CPO on 9/25/19 32,860 mi. On 8/19/20 at 50,052 the engine failed. The oscillating dampener rubber separated causing serpentine belt to break, which in turn got caught in timing belt which caused that to break which then caused bent valves and valves to br...

ODI #11323408 • Filed: 05/05/2020Odometer: 46,370 mi

DRIVING VEHICLE AT NORMAL SPEED (45MPH) WHEN ENGINE SHUT OFF ENTIRELY. VEHICLE FLASHED BRAKE CONTROLLER FAILURE AND WAS ABLE TO BE COASTED TO A STOP ON A SIDE STREET. POWER STEERING HAD FAILED AT THE TIME AS WELL. THE VEHICLE WAS UNABLE TO BE RESTARTED. VEHICLE HAD 46370 MILES...

#6 AIRBAGS & SAFETY RESTRAINTSCritical Severity67% Match Confidence

Airbag Occupant Detection & Inflator Defect Reports

6
Federal Complaints
Failure Mileage (Median):32,860 milesIQR: 32,86032,860 mi
Estimated Repair Cost:$400 – $1,200 MazicBay Repair Intelligence Model
Recall Status:Under Investigation / Recall AuditNHTSA Campaign Audit
Reported Defect Symptoms
  • SRS Airbag warning lamp illuminated
  • Passenger occupant classification sensor failure
  • Seat belt retractor lockup
Potentially Associated OBD-II Codes

Correlated via MazicBay Diagnostic Engine (not NHTSA verified fact).

Sample Verified NHTSA Evidence Records (3)
ODI #11539045 • Filed: 08/17/2023Odometer: 32,860 mi

I bought the car as a CPO on 9/25/19 32,860 mi. On 8/19/20 at 50,052 the engine failed. The oscillating dampener rubber separated causing serpentine belt to break, which in turn got caught in timing belt which caused that to break which then caused bent valves and valves to br...

ODI #11464567 • Filed: 05/13/2022

The contact owns a 2015 Volvo S60. The contact stated that while attempting to park in a parking garage, and applying the brake, her vehicle accelerated and crashed into a concrete wall, causing the air bag to deploy. The contact stated that she did apply the brake to avoid th...

ODI #11383498 • Filed: 12/15/2020

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2015 VOLVO S60. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 20V378000 (SEAT BELTS) HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE RECALL REPAIR WAS NOT YET AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER HAD EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE ...

#7 FUEL SYSTEM & INJECTIONLow Severity65% Match Confidence

Fuel Pump Pressure Loss & Fuel Delivery Defect Reports

2
Federal Complaints
Failure Mileage (Median):56,430 milesIQR: 44,64568,215 mi
Estimated Repair Cost:$650 – $1,250 MazicBay Repair Intelligence Model
Recall Status:Out-of-Pocket / TSB RemedyNHTSA Campaign Audit
Reported Defect Symptoms
  • Sudden loss of propulsion power at highway speeds
  • Extended engine cranking / failure to restart
  • Fuel odor near fuel tank / engine bay
Potentially Associated OBD-II Codes

Correlated via MazicBay Diagnostic Engine (not NHTSA verified fact).

Sample Verified NHTSA Evidence Records (2)
ODI #11539045 • Filed: 08/17/2023Odometer: 32,860 mi

I bought the car as a CPO on 9/25/19 32,860 mi. On 8/19/20 at 50,052 the engine failed. The oscillating dampener rubber separated causing serpentine belt to break, which in turn got caught in timing belt which caused that to break which then caused bent valves and valves to br...

ODI #11243196 • Filed: 08/12/2019Odometer: 80,000 mi

THE LOW PRESSURE FUEL SENSOR ON THESE VEHICLES IS KNOWN BY MANUFACTURER TO FAIL. THIS FAILURE CAN CAUSE HARD START CONDITIONS, TAKING OVER 5 SECONDS AT TIMES TO START THE VEHICLE. THE MAIN DANGER OF THIS COMES FROM THE FACT THIS IS A VEHICLE EQUIPPED WITH AUTO STOP/START TECHN...

Safety Enforcement

Official NHTSA Safety Recalls (2)

100% Free Dealer Repair
NHTSA Campaign #20V378000Reported: 30/06/2020

SEAT BELTS:FRONT

Summary: 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.

Safety Consequence: An unsecured occupant has an increased risk of injury in the event of a crash.
Manufacturer 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.
NHTSA Campaign #19V849000Reported: 26/11/2019

LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:DOORS:LATCH

Summary: Volvo Car of USA LLC (Volvo) is recalling certain 2011-2017 S60, S60I, V60, S60CC and V60CC vehicles. A component within the door latches may break, making the doors difficult to latch and/or leading the driver or a passenger to believe a door is securely closed when, in fact, it is not.

Safety Consequence: A door that is not securely latched could open while the vehicle is in motion, increasing the risk of injury to a vehicle occupant.
Manufacturer Remedy: Volvo will notify owners, and dealers will replace all four door latches, free of charge. The recall began April 9, 2020. Owners may contact Volvo customer service at 1-800-458-1552. Volvo's number for this recall is R89978.

Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist for 2015 Volvo S60

Before purchasing a used 2015 Volvo S60, perform the following targeted inspections based on reported federal defect patterns:

1. Cold Start & Idle Diagnostics

Scan the OBD-II port under the dash for pending freeze-frame codes (e.g. P0300 misfires, P0087 fuel rail pressure, P0420 catalytic efficiency).

2. Transmission Shift Quality Audit

Test vehicle at low-speed stop-and-go and highway merges. Check for delayed reverse engagement or gear shift shudder between 2nd and 3rd gears.

3. Federal Recall Completion Check

Verify that all 2 NHTSA safety recall campaigns have been performed by an authorized dealership using the VIN.

4. Electrical & Infotainment Drain Check

Ensure the instrument cluster, center screen, and auxiliary charging ports operate with stable 12.0V–14.4V alternator voltage.

Frequently Answered Questions

Defect & Reliability Q&A: 2015 Volvo S60

Is the 2015 Volvo S60 a reliable used car?

The 2015 Volvo S60 earns a 4/10 MazicBay Reliability Index based on 57 federal owner reports. Vehicles maintained under factory service schedules exhibit strong longevity past 150,000 miles.

What is the most frequent defect reported on the 2015 Volvo S60?

The leading complaint category is Engine Stalling, Oil Consumption & Cooling Defect Reports, with a median failure point around 32,860 miles (IQR: 2,10047,044 mi).

Are there free recall repairs available for the 2015 Volvo S60?

Yes, the NHTSA records 2 safety recall campaign(s) for this model year. All safety recalls are performed 100% free of charge by authorized franchise dealerships regardless of vehicle warranty status.