Last updated: 2026-04-20

RELIABILITY SCORE: 72/100 (GOOD)

2019 Volvo S60 Reliability Report

Name: 2019 Volvo S60
Brand: Volvo

The 2019 Volvo S60 scores 72/100 ("Good"). With 4 recalls and 23 owner complaints, reliability is acceptable but not class-leading.

Full Breakdown Compare Models

Recalls

Complaints

Complaint Rate

11.4per 10,000 sold

Est. Repair Cost

$750

Annual Fuel Cost

$2,450–$2,750

Detailed Score Breakdown

Complaint Severity69/100

Component-weighted complaints normalized by sales volume

Repair Costs70/100

Independent repair cost ratings

Recall Impact71/100

Recall count weighted by severity

Issue Diversity81/100

Breadth of reported problem categories

The Verdict

Consider

Acceptable reliability — worth considering with a pre-purchase inspection.

Top Issues to Watch

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (5)
TIRES (4)
SEATS (2)

Generation & Refresh (US)

Redesign Year

2019 is the first model year of the Third generation (2018).

First-year models may have unresolved issues from the new design.
Redesigned for the 2019 model year.
3rd generation S60 (US).

What this means for buyers

First-year models carry more risk — early production issues are common. Consider waiting for the second year if reliability is a priority.

Compare 2019 pricing and recall counts against 2020+ before deciding.

2019: Third generation (2018) Launch

Generation start — new platform.

Should You Buy the 2019 Volvo S60?

At 72/100, the 2019 Volvo S60 lands in "Good" territory — acceptable, but not class-leading. As a first-year redesign, early-adopter issues are common.

Owners log 23 complaints on this model year — enough to suggest attention is needed, but no single failure mode dominates yet.

Get a pre-purchase inspection on any used example, with extra attention to electrical system (5). An extended warranty is worth pricing out.

Compared to the 2020 Volvo S60, which scored the same.

Pros

+Acceptable reliability score
+Low major repair risk (8%)
+Below-average complaint rate for Sedan

Cons

−Moderate recall count
−ELECTRICAL SYSTEM issues reported (5 complaints)
−TIRES issues reported (4 complaints)

Compare 2019 Volvo S60 With

2019 BMW 3-Series

Reliability: 66/100

Good

2019 Mercedes-Benz C-Class

Reliability: 50/100

Mixed

2019 Lexus IS

Reliability: 79/100

Good

2019 Acura TLX

Reliability: 69/100

Good

2019 Genesis G70

Reliability: 55/100

Mixed

Common Problem Categories

Safety

LOW RISK

4 manufacturer recalls issued

Other

HIGH RISK

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (5)
TIRES (4)

See detailed breakdown by component ↓

Recall Overview

recalls on record

A moderate 4 recalls are on file for the 2019 Volvo S60. Each one points to a specific safety or compliance issue identified by the manufacturer or NHTSA — check the list below before buying.

NHTSA.gov →

Complaint Breakdown

11.4

per 10,000 sold

Segment avg: 18.3

LowAvgHigh

Moderate

Safety Incidents

Crashes

Fires

Injuries

Deaths

Data sourced from NHTSA complaint filings and manufacturer recall notices. Complaint narratives are owner-reported.

2019 Volvo S60 Recall Details

4 recalls have been issued for the 2019 Volvo S60. All recall repairs are performed free of charge at authorized dealerships.

23V7800002023-11-21

AIR BAGS

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.

21V4140002021-06-02

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

Volvo Car USA, LLC (Volvo Car) is recalling certain 2019-2020 V90, XC60, S60, V60, V60CC, S90, V90CC, S90L, and XC90 vehicles. The low-pressure fuel pump can blow a fuse and fail.

Consequence

Failure of the low-pressure fuel pump can cause a stall, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Dealers will replace the fuse, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 2, 2021. Owners may contact Volvo Car customer service at 1-888-458-1552. Volvo Car's number for this recall is R10100.

20V1440002020-03-12

FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE

Volvo Cars USA LLC (Volvo Cars) is recalling certain 2019-2020 S60, V60, V60 Cross Country, S90L, V90, V90 Cross Country, XC40, XC60, and XC90 vehicles. Due to a software/hardware incompatibility, the Automatic Emergency Brake (AEB) system may not detect obstacles and engage as intended.

Consequence

If the automatic emergency braking system does not engage as intended, it can increase the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Volvo will notify owners, and dealers will update the Active Safety Domain Master (ASDM) software, 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 R29998.

VIN History Report

Buying a used 2019 Volvo S60? Check its history first

Every 2019 Volvo S60 has a different past. A VIN check reveals hidden accidents, title problems, odometer rollbacks, and open recalls that reliability scores can't show you.

Accidents
Open Recalls
Title History
Odometer Rollback

2019 Volvo S60 NHTSA Safety Ratings

Crash Test Results by Configuration (expand)

Gas Powertrain

Rollover risk: 0.0%

Safety Technologies

Dynamic Head Restraints (Not Available)Head Restraint (Driver, Front Passenger, Rear Seat)Advanced Belt Feature (Standard)Adjustable Upper Belt Anchorage (Driver, Front Passenger)Seat Belt Reminder System (Driver, Front Passenger, Rear Seat)Frontal Air Bag (Driver, Front Passenger)Curtain (Driver, Front Passenger, Rear Seat)Pelvis/Torso/Shoulder (Driver, Front Passenger)Knee (Not Available)Additional Air Bags (Not Available)Meets Side Air Bag Out-of-Position Requirements (Yes)LATCH Locations (Rear Seat)Safety Power Windows (Anti-Pinch) (Standard)Safety Power Windows (Anti-Pinch) locations (Driver, Front Passenger, Rear Seat)

View full safety data on NHTSA.gov →

Volvo S60Repair Costs & Maintenance

Maintenance Rating

3.5

Based on NHTSA complaint patterns, recall severity, and publicly available cost benchmarks.

Est. Annual Maintenance

$750

vs $739 avg for luxury midsize cars

vs $652 avg for all vehicles

Repair Frequency

0.5

unscheduled repair visits per year

Severe Repair Probability

chance of a major repair

Annual Cost Comparison

S60

$750

Category Avg

$739

All Vehicles

$652

Category-level averages derived from publicly available industry reports (AAA, CarMD). Model-level estimates produced by Auto Reliability Index.

MPG & Annual Running Costs

Gas

25–28 MPG

Running cost: $3,200–$3,500/yr

Fuel + repair

21–24 city / 32–36 hwy MPG

Plug-in Hybrid

31 MPG

Running cost: $3,000/yr

Fuel + repair

29 city / 34 hwy MPG

Running cost includes EPA fuel-cost estimate and independent repair-cost data (repair cost estimated at model level). Excludes routine maintenance, depreciation, and insurance. Data as of 2019 EPA label cycle.

Gas trims

Trim	Drive	Trans.	City	Hwy	Comb	Fuel Cost
S60 FWD 2.0L 4-cyl	Front-Wheel Drive	Automatic (S8)	24	36	28	$2,450
S60 AWD 2.0L 4-cyl	All-Wheel Drive	Automatic (S8)	21	32	25	$2,750

Plug-in Hybrid trims

Trim	Drive	Trans.	City	Hwy	Comb	Fuel Cost
S60 AWD PHEV 2.0L 4-cyl	All-Wheel Drive	Automatic (S8)	29	34	31	$2,250

Used Buying Checklist

Key things to inspect or verify before purchasing a 2019 Volvo S60.

Inspect Pirelli P Zero tires for foam separation and uneven wear
Test drive at highway speeds to check for vibrations indicating tire or alignment issues
Check brake rotors for warping, especially if under 10,000 miles
Verify functionality of the Driver Instrument Module (DIM) for flickering or blank screens
Test headlamp system for flickering or malfunction alerts
Ensure seat belts retract properly and check for any recalls

2019 Volvo S60 Common Problems by Component

23 owner complaints grouped by vehicle system.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (5)TIRES (4)SEATS (2)EXTERIOR LIGHTING (2)FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE (2)SEAT BELTS (1)STEERING (1)SERVICE BRAKES (1)Other (5)

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

5 complaintsSafety-related

Owners of the 2019 Volvo S60 frequently report issues with the electrical system, particularly involving the Driver Instrument Module (DIM) flickering or going blank, which affects visibility of critical information like the speedometer and fuel levels. Some owners experience complete electrical failure during operation, rendering the vehicle inoperable and only allowing use of emergency blinkers. Two complaints involve fires originating from the trunk area, with one resulting in a minor injury. Additionally, the parking brake can become temporarily unavailable, disabling other dashboard information, and is suspected to be caused by liquid exposure to the switch. These issues often occur within the first few months of ownership and have significant safety implications, including potential loss of control and risk of fire.

5 complaints total2 fires1 injury

TIRES

4 complaints

Owners of the 2019 Volvo S60 frequently report issues with the Pirelli P Zero tires, particularly concerning the separation of foam inlays inside the tires. Common symptoms include extreme vibrations and difficulty driving, often occurring at highway speeds. These issues appear in some cases with relatively low mileage, as early as 10,000 miles, and even within the first 250 miles for some low-profile tires. Complaints indicate that this problem can lead to uneven tire wear and potential misalignment, which may affect vehicle handling and safety. Buyers should be aware of potential additional costs for tire replacement and consider checking the condition of these specific tires when evaluating a used vehicle.

4 complaints total

SEATS

2 complaints

Owners of the 2019 Volvo S60 report issues related to the seats, with two distinct problems noted. One complaint describes a passenger seat that was left unbolted after a service appointment, causing it to rock during driving, though this was confirmed and corrected by the dealer within a day. Another owner reports an incident where the driver's seat automatically moved forward and tilted when changing the driver profile setting, raising concerns about potential entrapment, especially for larger individuals. These issues highlight safety implications, such as the risk of injury from seat movement or improper securing. The incidents occur at different times, with the seat movement issue noted in March 2021 and the unbolted seat issue in October 2024.

2 complaints total

EXTERIOR LIGHTING (2 complaints)

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

2 complaints

Owners of the 2019 Volvo S60 report issues with the headlamp system, particularly involving the headlights and foglights. Complaints frequently mention headlights blinking or turning off when the vehicle is turning at night, with alerts indicating a malfunction. Another common symptom is the intermittent flickering of headlights, accompanied by a "low beam headlamp malfunction" warning on the dashboard. These issues occur without any prior accidents or trauma to the headlights and can require costly repairs, such as headlight replacement at approximately $3,400. While no crashes or injuries are reported, the malfunctioning lighting could pose a safety risk during nighttime driving.

2 complaints total

FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE (2 complaints)

FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE

2 complaints

Owners of the 2019 Volvo S60 report issues with the forward collision avoidance system, particularly with unexpected automatic emergency braking. Complaints frequently mention the vehicle braking abruptly without any apparent obstacles, occurring both at high speeds (60-70 mph) and at lower speeds (15 mph) on open roads. One owner describes a related issue with the lane keep assist feature, which reportedly functions inconsistently. These incidents suggest potential safety implications, such as sudden stops that could lead to rear-end collisions. Both complaints indicate that these issues are acknowledged by service centers but are not identified as widespread problems or subject to recalls.

2 complaints total

SEAT BELTS (1 complaints)

SEAT BELTS

1 complaint

2024-05-19

The passenger seat belt failed and will not retract. People riding in my car are not safe with the seatbelt hanging loose. I read this was a recall which included 2019 S60s but my specific VIN is not including for some reason.

STEERING (1 complaints)

STEERING

1 complaint

2022-09-03

Since purchase of my vehicle, the vehicle has had a vibration on the highway from 72-83mph with 2 different sets of wheels AND tires, both Pirelli tires but different models. My local Volvo dealer refused to address the issue due to the issue occurring over the speed limit. So they were no help. There are quite a few other 2019 and up Volvo S60 and XC90 owners that experience this same issue. The issue is felt through the bottom of the seats, backrest and steering wheel. You can also visually see the vibration if there is a bottle in the cup holder. The steering wheel "shakes" left to right.

SERVICE BRAKES (1 complaints)

SERVICE BRAKES

1 complaint

2023-06-23

Brake rotors warp prematurely, dealership fighting on covering for warranty. Only 10,000 miles and they're bad again. Second time in 10 months.

AIR BAGS (1 complaints)

AIR BAGS

1 complaint

2022-12-26

After taking vehicle in for a service SRS airbag light and getting it fixed under warranty the same light has come back on.

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL (1 complaints)

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

1 complaint

2022-08-15

The contact owns a 2019 Volvo S60. The contact stated while the vehicle was stopped with the auto brake feature on, the vehicle inadvertently accelerated. The contact pressed on the brakes and continued to his destination. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 20,695.

When Do 2019 Volvo S60 Problems Start?

Based on owner complaint patterns, here's when common issues tend to appear.

10,000–20,000 milesTire foam separation

10,000 milesBrake rotor warping

Best & Worst Volvo S60 Years

Comprehensive reliability analysis based on NHTSA data, owner complaints, and historical performance.

Best Volvo S60 Years to Buy

Based on reliability index score

The best Volvo S60 year is 2025 with a reliability score of 76/100, rated good. Other strong picks include 2024 (72/100) and 2020 (72/100).

Top Pick

Good

Volvo S60 Years to Avoid

No Volvo S60 years are statistical outliers in our data.

All model years score consistently well. The Volvo S60 maintains one of the highest industry standards for long-term durability across its entire production span.

See full Volvo S60 years-to-avoid analysis

Volvo S60 Reliability Score Trend

Volvo S60 reliability has remained consistent across model years, averaging 72/100.

Scores 0–100. Higher is better. Current year highlighted.

Volvo S60 reliability scores by year
Year	Score	Rating
2019	72/100	Good
2020	72/100	Good
2022	70/100	Good
2023	70/100	Good
2024	72/100	Good
2025	76/100	Good

Volvo S60 Reliability Compared to Other Years

Reliability scores compared across model years
Year	Score	vs Prior Year	Rating	Recalls	Complaints
2025	76/100	+4	Good	3	0
2024	72/100	+2	Good	3	16
2023	70/100	0	Good	6	3
2022	70/100	-2	Good	4	14
2020	72/100	0	Good	3	9
2019(selected)	72/100	—	Good	4	23

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the 2019 Volvo S60 reliable?

The 2019 Volvo S60 has a "Good" reliability rating with a score of 72/100. It is reasonably reliable with 4 recalls and 23 owner complaints, though some issues have been reported.

What are the most common problems with the 2019 Volvo S60?

The most commonly reported problems with the 2019 Volvo S60 include: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (5 complaints), TIRES (4 complaints), SEATS (2 complaints), EXTERIOR LIGHTING (2 complaints), FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE (2 complaints). These issues were identified from owner complaints analyzed by Auto Reliability Index.

How many recalls does the 2019 Volvo S60 have?

The 2019 Volvo S60 has 4 recalls on record. Recalls are safety or compliance fixes issued by the manufacturer and repaired at no cost at authorized dealerships.

Is the 2019 Volvo S60 expensive to maintain?

The 2019 Volvo S60 has estimated annual repair costs of $750/year, which is $11 more than the luxury midsize cars average of $739. With a reliability score of 72/100, some repairs may be needed, but overall ownership costs are manageable.

Don’t buy a 2019 Volvo S60 without checking its VIN first — hidden accidents, title issues, and open recalls could cost you thousands.

Affiliate link — we may earn a commission at no cost to you.

Look Up a VIN →

How We Calculate Reliability Scores

Auto Reliability Index scores are calculated on a 0–100 scale using a weighted formula that combines multiple public data sources. Each factor is weighted based on its predictive value for real-world ownership experience.

Key Ranking Factors

Complaint Severity

NHTSA owner complaints weighted by component category (e.g., powertrain, safety systems, electronics, cosmetic) — safety-critical issues carry more weight than cosmetic ones. Adjusted for sales volume so high-volume models aren't unfairly penalized.

Repair Costs

Independent reliability ratings based on repair frequency, average repair costs, and severity of typical repairs for each model.

Recall Impact

Number of NHTSA recalls weighted by severity. “Stop driving” and fire-risk recalls are penalized more heavily than minor software or labeling recalls.

Issue Diversity

Measures how many major vehicle systems (engine, transmission, electrical, braking, etc.) have recorded complaints. A vehicle with issues spread across many systems may indicate systemic quality issues.

Scores are grouped into four tiers:

80–100: Excellent— Top-tier reliability, minimal issues
60–79: Good— Reliable with some minor concerns
40–59: Mixed— Notable issues, research before buying
0–39: Risky— Significant problems, proceed with caution

Data is sourced from NHTSA recall records, owner complaint filings, and independent repair databases. Scores are recalculated as new data becomes available. While the weighting model is proprietary, all underlying data sources are public and traceable.

Get notified when new recalls or reliability data is added for the Volvo S60.

No spam. Only data updates for this model.