Steering Problems of Volvo S60 - part 1

I am submitting this report to formally document a severe safety-related failure involving my 2013 Volvo S60, VIN # [xxx] . This vehicle is part of the Volvo brand, widely recognized and marketed as among the safest in the world. Incident summary: on [xxx], at approximately [xxx] in norwalk, connecticut, the vehicle experienced a catastrophic mechanical failure while in operation. The auxiliary (serpentine) belt suddenly failed, shredded itself, and wrapped around the timing pulley. Debris from the failed belt entered the timing belt housing — a supposedly sealed and protected compartment — causing the timing belt to jump. This resulted in an immediate loss of engine power while driving, placing me in a highly vulnerable position. Fortunately, I was not on a multi-lane highway or in fast-moving traffic. Had I been traveling on a busier route, the sudden loss of power could have led to a serious crash and potential injury. This failure represented a genuine threat to my safety. Further inspection revealed that: the lower crankshaft sprocket had skipped three teeth due to the intrusion of the auxiliary belt. The timing belt, although not broken, was off track. A new timing belt was installed in an attempt to restart the engine. The engine would crank but failed to start. A compression test revealed zero compression in all cylinders. The valve train was severely damaged (bent valves), and the engine sustained internal mechanical failure beyond repair. Conclusion and context: this is not an isolated incident. Upon further research, I discovered that this failure — specifically the auxiliary belt disintegrating and compromising the timing belt system — is a known and well-documented problem in vehicles equipped with the b5254t12 turbo engine. Volvo has been previously alerted to similar cases before. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).

See all problems of the 2013 Volvo S60 🔎.

Automatic intervention collision avoidance system activated unnecessarily and unexpectedly during a freeway exit. There were no cars ahead within a reasonable distance, but there was a car in the adjacent lane of a “dual” parallel exit lane on the freeway. There was a solid white line between vehicles and the system seemed to interpret both vehicles exiting the freeway simultaneously as a “near collision” when in fact we were both operating correctly. I did not notice any intrusion or movement of the adjacent vehicle into our lane. The response from the vehicle was a sudden and violent movement of the steering wheel to the left and I believe application of the brakes although I am not certain of that. This event occurred in the southbound lanes of north central expressway near meadow park drive. The exit, I believe, is for northwest highway/caruth haven. This was a rental vehicle.

See all problems of the 2024 Volvo S60 🔎.

I was driving in the right hand lane on a two lane road where the speed limit is 30mph. While the road was curving to the left slightly the vehicle's collision avoidance system was triggered and swerved the car into the left lane towards on coming traffic and cutting off a car behind me. The road was completely empty in front of me. It created a dangerous situation for no reason. I have dashcam footage that captured the moment the car intervened that I can provide if requested, I'm unable to upload video on this portal.

Hi, 2021 Volvo S60 VIN: 7jrl12fl7ng161081 license plate: ltd-7484 (PA) title date 12/7/2021 (bought the Volvo new. . . ) I have barely 11,000 miles on the clock and have already replaced 4 low profile tires owing to potholes in highways and other roads across the united states. I really, truly want to file this complaint. I'm not sure why Volvo included low profile tires in the size 235/40r19 on their S60 models. When I drive, I feel like a downhill skier gliding from left to right, dodging potholes. . . According to my dealership keystone Volvo of doylestown, 235 s main st, doylestown, PA 18901, selling low profile tyres is a thriving industry…. According to aaa mobile mechanics, low-profile tyres are more prone to tyre and rim damage since they have less air cushioning to withstand heavy impacts from potholes and uneven places on the road. Low-profile tires are also more sensitive to road damage. Blowouts and tire failure are actually more likely on pothole-infested roadways. Given the state of the us road network, I believe your organization or whoever is in charge should not provide a type certification for cars built within the us or imported from other countries both equipped with low profile tires. . . Please advise, and I eagerly await your response. . . Best hans morisson.

See all problems of the 2022 Volvo S60 🔎.

I have experienced the steering in my car to become looser over time. I have found the culprit to be a plastic tension cap on the steering rack itself. The cap appears to have stripped and backed out completely and is now resting against the subframe. There is no warning of this happening and very hard to pinpoint the cause. The effect is that there is about 10 degrees of play in the steering wheel. It appears that it only affects the left wheel as that one is loose and the right wheel is tight. I will be taking it to the dealer to see if there is a replacement or an upgraded version of this cap but feel this should be addressed further as this could happen without warning.

See all problems of the 2012 Volvo S60 🔎.

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.

See all problems of the 2019 Volvo S60 🔎.

The steering wheel trim peeled and created a razor sharp surface at the bottom which sliced through my finger and caused pain and bleeding. It is difficult to avoid touching the sharp part of the steering wheel especially at highway speeds. This startled me while driving and distracted me while I attempted to stop the bleeding. Volvo has agreed to replace the trim but will charge for labor if I choose to go into a dealer.

Power steering brakes battery adas.

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 slid with all electrical systems not working and the brake not holding the car or stopping the movement of the car. I could not start the car to get the engine going. I could not stop nor start the car that slid into a major street that is a thoroughfare for a hospital. I had no control of the car at all. I attempted at least 7 times to start the Volvo that requires keeping your foot on the brake and turning a small switch that is located right next to the cup holder. Nothing would work. I called Volvo on call who instead of immediately helping told me to call 911 since the car slid into the middle of the major street and it was an emergency regarding my safetly . A police officer came after a few minutes and blocked the traffic. Meanwhile, I was suddenly able by the 9 or 10th time to start the car and move it to the side of the road. The police officer drove in back of me literally a block away from where the Volvo dealer just happened to be located. There were no warning messages prior to the car ceasing. The car is now in the Volvo dealership who upon receiving it said that I must have gotten the ignition switch wet. This is totally false. I did not have any liquids nor should that be a reason why a car suddenly stops and becomes a piece of metal in the middle of the road. What's worse was that there is no emergency brake on this model. My life was in danger and I am lucky that I was not hit. A passenger got out of her car and stood next to mine in the middle of the road with oncoming traffic coming at my driver's side. Volvo dealership is claiming it's the starter switch and it must have shorted. There is a defect and safety problem requiring investigating.

See all problems of the 2021 Volvo S60 🔎.

It is unknown what caused this issue but ever since I bought my vehicle on April 5, 2021, I have been experiencing vibration issues when driving between 65-75 mph. I have had my vehicle inspected at multiple Volvo service centers across texas and no one can seem to figure out what is causing the vibration issues. My front rotors have been replaced 3 times, my rear rotors have been replaced once, I have had multiple tire rotations, alignments and balancing from Volvo service centers and even from discount tire. With all of these items serviced/repaired/replaced, the vibration is still present in the steering wheel traveling at highway speeds. I went on a test drive today, 6/22/22, with a Volvo service technician and he confirmed that the vibration is valid. He also stated that the only thing left to do is to replace all 4 tires, at my cost, to see if the vibration goes away. He advised that when new cars are on the lot parked waiting to be sold, dealerships typically inflate the tires to about 50 psi so as to avoid any "flat spots" on the tires. He also stated that many dealers also typically do not inflate tires on their new fleet due to the rough ride it causes. I have contacted Volvo regarding this issue without any remedy or advice. Additionally, my Volvo dealer cannot say for sure that they will reimburse me for tires, if I do choose to replace my current ones, even though this issue has been present since day 1.

See all problems of the 2020 Volvo S60 🔎.

Ongoing problem as mentioned in Volvo's technical journal "speed dependent vibrations at highway speeds" ref tj 20803. 20. 0 . At any speed of 75 mph and above the front continuously vibrates. The tires have been replaced two times in less than 2 weeks and road forced balanced by the dealership twice. The vibration does not go away. The dealership does not want to address the issue. The car is new.

The steering has become less responsive and I experience steering wheel play, replacing fluid has not resolved this issue.

See all problems of the 2003 Volvo S60 🔎.

Tl- the contact owns a 2007 Chevrolet malibu. The contact stated while driving at 45 mph the steering started to vibrate and operate independently without warning. The warning message " power steering" appeared after the failure. The contact stated he had to pull the vehicle to the side of the road and restart the vehicle in order for the power steering to operate correctly. The contact took the vehicle to an independent mechanic. However, no diagnostic test was taken. The vehicle was not taken to a local dealer. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. No assistance offered. The failure mileage 147000. Lj.

See all problems of the 2014 Volvo S60 🔎.

While driving, computer screens all went black and engine shut down. If it had happened 1 mile prior, would have been going 50-55 on a curvy two lane road and would have resulted in serious injury or death. Towed to dealer awaiting results.

See all problems of the 2015 Volvo S60 🔎.

Tl the contact own a 2003 Volvo S60. The contact stated that the front struts were coming through the strut mounts. The contact stated that the vehicle shook violently while driving. The check engine warning light and another unknown warning light were illuminated. The contact stated that the vehicle was taken to cherry hill Volvo cars (1810 w rte 70, cherry hill, NJ 08002), where the strut mounts were replaced however, the failure recurred. The vehicle was not taken back to a dealer or an independent mechanic for a diagnostic test. The contact stated that was he afraid that while driving over a bump the struts might detach. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 126,000.

Bought used Volvo only had 66,000 miles on it 1st shifter stuck in park, there apparently is a slot in behind shifter in the cubby to stick key in and manually unlock shifter, 2nd serious wabble at 50+ mph was told by Volvo it was washer system needed in all wheel drive, the was not the issue needed drivers axel. Only 1 month after replacing front drivers axel I already hear the tell tail clicking of axel bearing gone bad on a new 750. 00 axel, 3rd fog / running light on bumper flickers over bumps. 4th had the replace bearings on struts all under 70,000 miles on the car not impressed Volvo.

Bd44 srs air bag trim has become loose on the back of the steering wheel resulting in a sharp hard plastic being exposed resulting in the driver cutting his finger ( drawing blood) while driving on the highway. Significantly distracted the driver as he removed one hand from the wheel in response tom the cut. Apparently the glue for the trim is inadequate to keep it safely secured.

A metal silver piece on steering has a sharp edge that resulted in a cut on finger while driving. The vehicle was in motion and turning.

In stop and go traffic, my foot was on the brake to slow down. I took my foot off the brake and stepped on the accelerator as traffic moved again, there was no response to my foot on the gas pedal. The fuel tank, which I had just filled 10 miles before, showed as empty on the fuel gage. I was very, very slowly rolling forward with residual momentum and my steering wasn't working. There was just enough play in the wheel and forward momentum to aim and arrive at the shoulder of the highway. This was on rte 156 in monterey county, California, where very dangerous accidents happen all the time. Car had to be towed and the dealership has been unable to replicate failure. It was outrageously dangerous and I was alone with my 11-year-old child. So frightening!!!.

See all problems of the 2004 Volvo S60 🔎.

The metal trimming on the steering wheel is frayed. It cuts my hands when the steering wheel turns.

See all problems of the 2011 Volvo S60 🔎.

I just recently went to a dealer for a gas fuel leak. They noticed a crack in the holder. The mechanic also asked me to check for a recall before fixing due to this being a common problem with some Volvos. I am also noticing there is a powersteering leakage somewhere because im constantly putting in powersteering. Please take my complaint in consideration due to it being life threating and I have children who I have to carry around in that vehicle. If its a defective equitment on Volvo im asking for immediate replacement. For safety.

The contact owns a 2001 Volvo S60. While driving at unknown speeds, the vehicle stalled and the brakes and power steering malfunctioned without warning. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 173,000.

See all problems of the 2001 Volvo S60 🔎.

The 2. 4l 2004 Volvo S60 experiences erratic behavior and engine failure when operating multiple concurrent electrical systems. When these systems (operated within specified guidelines) are used concurrently they cause the following conditions: engine failure, loss of power steering, loss of brakes. The following is a list of electrical channels that have been used to trigger the engine failure: brakes, indicator lights (right or left) heated seats (x2) front windshield defrost multiple S60 model owners have reported having experienced this same engine failure which cannot be detected by the manufactures diagnostics test. When tested the battery, alternator and computer all present positive read-outs. . Read more...

At the bottom of the steering wheel bezel, a sharp edge is exposed. This edge is razor sharp and has caused lacerations. I see NHTSA id number: 10503380 and 10534272 appear to describe the same problem. (incident date is approximate).

The contact owns a 2012 Volvo S60. The contact stated that while driving 60 mph, there was a loss of steering control and the rear end spun uncontrollably. The dynamic traction control failed to activate and the vehicle crashed into the curbside, causing damage to the front driver and passenger's side wheel rims. In addition, the rear driver's side rim and front bumper was damaged. There were no injuries. The vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer for diagnostic testing. A trouble code was detected for the srs module. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the problem. The approximate failure mileage was 18,991.

While driven from work. My car suddenly slow down and show a message. Reduced engine power. Then car stopped by it self. Restart the car and engine start jumping. Need advise.

I am writing about what may be design flaw with the Volvo S60r that has me very concerned. My front tires rub on the body in the wheel well when I turn sharply into a parking space. I don't think it should do that but I've been told it's "normal" and the car "settles" as it gets older. Several other Volvo S60 owners have this same problem where the tires rub on the body. Please look into this. I believe it will cause serious consequences in an emergency situation and it's wearing down the edge of the tires prematurely, which may also be dangerous.

I was driving my 2006 Volvo S60 and the engine shut off without warning. The electrical system shut off and I was not even able to put the flashers on so that other drivers could know that there was a problem. I was able to pull the car to the side of the road (with difficulty since the power steering no longer worked) and put the car in park and restart it.

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The contact owns a 2004 Volvo S60r. The contact was traveling 12 mph when the front passenger lower control arm detached from the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to a local repair shop. The manufacturer was contacted and confirmed that the VIN failed to qualify for repairs under NHTSA campaign id number:04v029000 (steering:linkages). The vehicle was not repaired. The failure and current mileages were 135,000.

The steering wheel bezel delaminates on the bottom of the steering wheel and becomes very sharp causing cuts on hands. Dealer replaced the bezel and we have the same problem again. It appears to be a defect in the design or manufacture of the bezel. There should be no sharp cutting edges on the steering wheel!.

When turning a corner. I noticed the check engine light was on. The this happened a second time a week later, and then several additional times. I took the car to independent mechanic and he checked it out but couldn't diagnose the problem. He only speculated that it could be the pvc box, but that they were not sure it would fix the problem. The car had approximately 100k after this happened about eight times in the next 3 months, I took the car to Volvo dealer. They checked it out, and told me it may be the pvc box, but they were not sure this would fix the problem. I took it to another mechanic and who said it was the catalytyic converter. This problem has been ongoing for a year. I took the car to another mechanic and he changed the spark plugs and cabin filter. He told me to take the car to the Volvo dealership/service to have the computer reset. He said, because the car looses pressure and stalls when you make a quick turn. I called Volvo they said this would fix the problem. I took the car to Volvo to get an oil change. They told me the car stalled out on the mechanic 3 times and the check engiine light was on. They checked the car on the computer and told me the engine coils needed replacing. That was the problem. I paid for the engine coils to be replaced and some other work which totaled $1350. 00. I picked the car up on Friday, on Monday, while turning a corner the car stalled out, no power, no steering, just onboard lights. It happened again on Tuesday morning. I experienced this problem when the car was under recall. The dealership fixed it, but it seems as though this problem is occuring again. This is dangerous and Volvo should be responsible and fix these cars. There are some serious mechanical/engine problems with this vehicle.

Ltr re 2004 Volvo S60 2. 5 t steering defect; seeking steering of my vehicle be corrected, re-engineered to that of any current Volvo sedan; please contact her by mail or phone within 14 days of this letter. The consumer stated the tires were rubbing against the steering well when making turns. The dealer performed a temporary fix by installing a steering rack limiter to prevent the tire rubbing. The consumer called the dealer back once the problem returned and was then informed that there was a steering engineering defect with the vehicle and the manufacturer was offering a steering replacement kit that could be installed at no cost. Once the replacement kit was installed, the consumer soon discovered the steering radius was incredibly diminished and that she could no longer make u-turns at an intersection. The dealer told the consumer the steering kit was the only solution that Volvo offered. The consumer stated the coolant light was on. The dealer stated the radiator was leaking.

Turning radius is extremely short. Impossible to make tight turns. Dangerous to make turns when in heavy traffic or at times that turns must be made quickly.

: the contact stated while making a left u-turn at low speeds there was a knocking sound heard coming from the passenger side front near the tire. The dealer inspected and determined the link arm was broke in half and needed to be replaced. Also, the coolant light illuminated and the sunroof would not open. The dealer determined there was a crack in the radiator and the sunroof module was inoperable, and both were replaced.

2002 Volvo S60 2. 4t model. Picked up my car from an authorized Volvo repair center for routine maintenance and was advised that I needed a new gear box. This gear box runs at a cost of $2,000 with about 4 or 5 hours of labor at $400. The car has only 77,000 miles on it and I strongly believe that it is premature for this part to fail. I have searched the internet references on the topic and find it to be somewhat widespread. I would appreciate some feedback on the issue as I plan to address Volvo corporate for a resolution.

See all problems of the 2002 Volvo S60 🔎.