Is the 2021 Volvo S60 reliable?

The 2021 Volvo S60 has 12 complaints filed with NHTSA (0.4x the segment average). Our reliability verdict: excellent. Most common issue: ELECTRICAL problems.

What are common problems with the 2021 Volvo S60?

Top problems: ELECTRICAL (3 complaints, avg repair $500); OTHER (3 complaints, avg repair $500); BRAKES (2 complaints, avg repair $500). Issues typically appear around 50K miles.

Are there any recalls on the 2021 Volvo S60?

Yes, there are 3 recall(s): SEAT BELTS:FRONT:RETRACTOR, AIR BAGS:FRONTAL, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE. Contact any Volvo dealer to verify if recalls have been completed on your specific vehicle.

How much does it cost to fuel a 2021 Volvo S60?

The 2021 Volvo S60 gets 26 MPG combined. At current US average gas prices, driving 12,000 miles per year costs roughly $1846. See the interactive fuel cost calculator on this page for state-specific pricing.

How much does it cost to insure a 2021 Volvo S60?

Estimated US average full-coverage insurance for the 2021 Volvo S60 is approximately $2,250/year (sedan-luxury class). Actual quotes vary heavily by state, driver age, driving record, and credit — see the interactive insurance estimator on this page for state-specific pricing.

2021 Volvo S60

Problems, Recalls & Reliability Report

Excellent Reliability

Quick Summary

The 2021 Volvo S60 has 12 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — that's 0.4x the segment average of 31. The most common issue is electrical problems (25% of all complaints), specifically: while i was going down a small side street that is a hill, the air conditioning system suddenly went off and immediately the entire car's mechanisms ceased. the engine stopped and the car was unstearable and the brakes were not working. i had my foot on the brake and that was not responsive, the car. There are 3 recalls issued for this model year.

Total Complaints

Recalls Issued

—/5

Safety Stars

0.4x

vs Segment Avg

Known Problems(top 5 of 6)

ELECTRICAL

3 complaints

25%

• While I was going down a small side street that is a hill, the air conditioning system suddenly went off and immediately the entire car's mechanisms ceased. The engine stopped and the car was unstearable and the brakes were not working. I had my foot on the brake and that was not responsive, the car
• 2021 Volvo S60 T8 AWD, VIN [XXX] , ~71k miles Component: SUNROOF / DRAINAGE SYSTEM / ELECTRICAL SYSTEM Summary: Water entered the passenger compartment through clogged sunroof drain hoses and accumulated under the front passenger seat, causing catastrophic failure of wide angle module (WAM) and re
• The high voltage coolant heater failed. It will not heat when running solely on battery. Defrost therefore will not get warm to clear windshield

Typical onset: 50K miles Est. repair: $500

“While I was going down a small side street that is a hill, the air conditioning system suddenly went off and immediately the entire car's mechanisms ceased. The engine stopped and the car was unstearable and the brakes were not working. I had my foot on the brake and that was not responsive, the car”

— NHTSA complaint filing

Recalls (3)

SEAT BELTS:FRONT:RETRACTOR01/09/2021

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."

Risk: An unsecured child restraint system can increase the risk of injury during a crash.

Fix: 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.

Fuel Cost Calculator for 2021 Volvo S60

Live EIA prices

Annual miles driven: 12,000

Your state (affects local gasoline price)

Per year

$1,847

Per month

$154

Per mile

15.4¢

MPG

City driving (worst-case MPG)

$2,286/yr

Highway driving (best-case MPG)

$1,455/yr

Based on EPA fuel-economy ratings and EIA weekly retail prices (2026-07-20). Real-world cost varies with driving style, trim/engine, terrain, and traffic.

5-Year Gas Price History

EIA weekly retail data · 2021 → today

Show:

Current

$4.00

5-year low

$2.78

5-year high

$5.01

Since 2021

+27%

Source: US Energy Information Administration weekly retail gasoline prices.

Estimated Insurance Cost for 2021 Volvo S60

Estimate only, not a quote. Modeled from NAIC + HLDI averages for a hypothetical 35-year-old driver with clean record + full coverage. Your actual quote depends heavily on your age, driving history, credit, ZIP code, and insurer.

Your state (affects local premium average)

Full coverage / year

$2,250

Full coverage / month

$188

Liability only / year

$710

vs US avg

+34%

How this estimate is calculated

US base full-coverage premium$1674

× state (US)1.00x

× vehicle class (sedan-luxury)1.28x

× theft risk1.00x

× safety rating1.00x

× vehicle age1.05x

= Full coverage estimate$2250

Coverage assumed: 100/300/100 liability + comprehensive/collision, $500 deductibles. Data sources: NAIC 2024 + HLDI loss studies.

Maintenance & Warranty

Recommended Volvo S60 Service Intervals

Oil change

10K mi / 12 mo

Tire rotation

10K mi

Brake fluid

24 months

Transmission fluid

60K mi

Engine coolant

100K mi

Spark plugs

60K mi

Cabin air filter

15K mi

Engine air filter

30K mi

Differential (AWD/4WD)

40K mi

T5/T6/T8 all use 4-cylinder engines. T8 plug-in hybrids: battery cooling system serviced with engine coolant.

"Severe service" conditions (heavy towing, extreme temps, city stop-and-go) typically halve these intervals. Always consult your vehicle's owner's manual for the authoritative schedule.

Volvo New-Vehicle Warranty Coverage

Bumper-to-bumper (basic)

4 yr / 50K mi

Powertrain

4 yr / 50K mi

Hybrid/EV battery

8 yr / 100K mi

Corrosion (rust perforation)

12 yr / unlimited mi

Roadside assistance

4 yr / unlimited mi

Corrosion unlimited miles for 12 years

These are the terms for a new Volvo. If you're buying a used 2021 S60, remaining coverage is usually pro-rated from the vehicle's original in-service date. Not all coverage transfers between owners — check with a Volvo dealer for VIN-specific remaining warranty.

Estimated Repair Costs

ELECTRICAL(~50K mi)

$500

OTHER(~50K mi)

$500

BRAKES(~50K mi)

$500

VISIBILITY(~50K mi)

$500

ENGINE(~50K mi)

$500

Estimates based on average reported repair costs. Actual costs vary by location, shop, and severity.

🔍 Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist

Based on 12 owner complaints for this specific year, here's what to check or ask about:

☐
ELECTRICAL: While I was going down a small side street that is a hill, the air conditioning system suddenly went off and immediately the entire car's mechanisms ceased. The engine stopped and the car was unstearable and the brakes were not working. I had my foot on the brake and that was not responsive, the car
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
OTHER: 2021 Volvo S60 T8 AWD, VIN [XXX] , ~71k miles Component: SUNROOF / DRAINAGE SYSTEM / ELECTRICAL SYSTEM Summary: Water entered the passenger compartment through clogged sunroof drain hoses and accumulated under the front passenger seat, causing catastrophic failure of wide angle module (WAM) and re
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
BRAKES: My car developed a severe shake in the steering wheel and pulsing in the brake pedal while under braking. The problem has worsened to the point that braking at high speed creates a serious shaking. I took the car to the dealership and they diagnosed the problem as warped rotors. The car started this
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
VISIBILITY: 2021 Volvo S60 T8 AWD, VIN [XXX] , ~71k miles Component: SUNROOF / DRAINAGE SYSTEM / ELECTRICAL SYSTEM Summary: Water entered the passenger compartment through clogged sunroof drain hoses and accumulated under the front passenger seat, causing catastrophic failure of wide angle module (WAM) and re
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
RECALLS: Verify all 3 recalls have been completed — free at any Volvo dealer
☐
General: Get a pre-purchase inspection from an independent mechanic ($100-$200)