VehicleVerdict

2002 Volvo S60 problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

With 248 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 8.0 times the median S60 year — the 2002 model ranks #3 of 26 S60 years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list.

Fuel System leads the complaint categories with 74 reports (30% of the total).

248

NHTSA complaints

9

Recalls

2

Investigations

4

Crash-involved

4

Fires reported

8

Injuries

0

Deaths

NCAP overall

How does 2002 compare to other S60 years?

See all S60 years to avoid →

What are the most common 2002 Volvo S60 problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Fuel System7430%
Electrical System4317%
Tires & Wheels239%
Speed Control208%
Engine187%
Transmission156%
Airbags125%
Other94%
Body & Structure62%
Suspension62%
Seats62%
Lighting52%
Seat Belts42%
Brakes21%
Visibility & Wipers21%
Steering10%
Climate Control (A/C & Heat)10%
Child Seat10%

Does the 2002 Volvo S60 have recalls?

9 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

21V766000AirbagsSeptember 30, 2021 · 259,383 units

Defect

Volvo Car USA, LLC (Volvo Car) is recalling certain 2001-2006 S80 and 2001-2009 S60 vehicles. The driver's air bag inflator may explode during deployment, due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, high temperatures, and high temperature cycling.

Consequence

An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants, resulting in serious injury or death.

Remedy

Dealers will replace the driver's air bag, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed November 29, 2021. Owners may contact Volvo Car customer service at 1-800-458-1552. Volvo's number for this recall is R10125.

20V681000AirbagsNovember 4, 2020 · 54,124 units

Defect

Volvo Car USA LLC (Volvo Car) is recalling certain 2001-2003 S80 and S60 vehicles sold or ever registered in Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands (Saipan), and the U.S. Virgin Islands. The driver side frontal air bag inflator may rupture, sending metal fragments into the passage compartment, when the driver side air bag is deployed.

Consequence

Metal fragments can strike vehicle occupants increasing the risk of serious injury or death.

Remedy

Volvo Car will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver side air bag module, free of charge. The recall began April 20, 2021. Owners may contact Volvo Car customer service at 1-800-458-1552. Volvo Car's number for this recall is R10058.

10V566000Electrical SystemNovember 8, 2010 · 416 units

Defect

VOLVO IS RECALLING CERTAIN VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH GARMIN 760 PORTABLE GLOBAL POSITIONING SYSTEM (GPS) UNITS BECAUSE THE BATTERIES ON THOSE UNITS MAY OVERHEAT.

Consequence

AN OVERHEATED BATTERY COULD LEAD TO A FIRE.

Remedy

VOLVO ADVISES OWNERS TO PLEASE STOP USING THE GARMIN PORTABLE GPS DEVICE IMMEDIATELY, AND VISIT THE GARMIN WEBSITE TO DETERMINE IF THEIR UNIT IS AFFECTED. THE UNIT'S BATTERY WILL BE REPLACED WITH A NEW BATTERY AND A SPACER WILL BE INSERTED ON TOP OF THE BATTERY NEXT TO THE PCB. THIS SERVICE WILL BE PERFORMED FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON NOVEMBER 18, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT GARMIN AT 866-957-1981 OR VISIT GARMIN'S WEBSITE AT WWW.GARMIN.COM/NUVIBATTERYPCBRECALL.

09V483000Fuel SystemDecember 18, 2009 · 158,733 units

Defect

VOLVO IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2001-2005 S80, MODEL YEAR 2001-2004 V70, S60, XC70 AND MODEL YEAR 2003-2005 XC90 VEHICLES SOLD IN OR REGISTERED IN THE STATES OF ALABAMA, ARIZONA, ARKANSAS, CALIFORNIA, FLORIDA, GEORGIA, HAWAII, KENTUCKY, LOUISIANA, MISSISSIPPI, NEVADA, NEW MEXICO, NORTH CAROLINA, OKLAHOMA, SOUTH CAROLINA, TENNESSEE, TEXAS, UTAH, VIRGINIA AND THE U.S. TERRITORIES. WHEN EXPOSED TO CERTAIN ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS (HOT CLIMATE AND TEMPERATURE CYCLING) OVER TIME AND IN COMBINATION WITH VARYING FUEL QUALITY, THE FUEL PUMP CAN DEVELOP CRACKS IN THE FUEL PUMP FLANGE.

Consequence

IF THE CONDITION OCCURS VEHICLE OWNERS MAY NOTICE FUEL SMELL AND/OR FUEL LEAK WHICH, IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE, COULD RESULT IN A FIRE.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE FUEL PUMP INSTALLED IN THE VEHICLE, AND IF NECESSARY REPLACE THE FUEL PUMP WITH A PART OF A MODIFIED DESIGN. THIS SERVICE WILL BE PERFORMED FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON JANUARY 15, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT VOLVO AT 1-800-458-1552.

07V152000Fuel SystemApril 5, 2007 · 2,310 units

Defect

ON CERTAIN VEHICLES ORIGINALLY SOLD IN OR CURRENTLY REGISTERED IN THE STATES OF ARIZONA AND NEVADA, DUE TO THE COMBINATION OF FUEL QUALITY AND CLIMATE CONDITIONS, THE FUEL PUMP MAY, IN CERTAIN CASES, EXPERIENCE A REDUCED FUNCTIONALITY. THE MOST COMMON SYMPTOMS WOULD BE FUEL ODOR.

Consequence

FUEL LEAKAGE IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE COULD RESULT IN A FIRE.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE FUEL PUMP FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 10, 2007. OWNERS MAY CONTACT VOLVO AT 1-800-458-1552.

07E023000BrakesMarch 29, 2007 · 13,128 units

Defect

CERTAIN CARDONE MASTER CYLINDERS WITH PART NUMBERS 10-2925, 10-2987, 10-2987MZA, 10-3083, 11-3015, 11-3042, 11-3044, 11-3045, 11-3047, 11-3064, AND 11-3156, AND WITH DATE CODES LOWER THAN DCA7078 SOLD AS REPLACEMENT EQUIPMENT FOR USE ON THE VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. THE SEAL ON MASTER CYLINDER CAN FAIL AND LEAK BRAKE FLUID.

Consequence

LOSS OF BRAKE FLUID CAN RESULT IN POOR BRAKING PERFORMANCE, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH.

Remedy

CARDONE WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER TO REPURCHASE ANY DEFECTIVE MASTER CYLINDERS. THE RECALL BEGAN DURING APRIL 2007. OWNERS CAN CONTACT CARDONE AT 1-800-777-4780.

06V441000Speed ControlNovember 15, 2006 · 170,099 units

Defect

ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, A COMBINATION OF THROTTLE POSITIONING SENSOR IRREGULARITIES, A DIRTY THROTTLE HOUSING, AND/OR INEFFICIENT SOFTWARE CALIBRATION MAY CAUSE A WARNING LAMP TO LIGHT AND THE SUBSEQUENT ONSET OF LIMP HOME MODES.

Consequence

THIS RESULTED IN A HIGH NUMBER OF VEHICLES GOING INTO THE LIMP HOME MODE WITHOUT NEED.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL INSTALL THE CURRENT SOFTWARE UPGRADE ONTO THE INVOLVED VEHICLES. THE RECALL BEGAN ON DECEMBER 29, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT VOLVO AT 1-800-458-1552.

03V305000OtherAugust 21, 2003 · 3,499 units

Defect

CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 110, "TIRE SELECTION AND RIMS." THE TIRE PRESSURE LABEL IS INCORRECT. THESE VEHICLES DID NOT HAVE THE "MAX LOAD VEHICLE CAPACITY WEIGHT" INFORMATION ON THE LABEL.

Consequence

THIS DOES NOT MEET THE REQUIREMENTS OF THE STANDARD.

Remedy

OWNERS WILL BE PROVIDED WITH A CORRECTED LABEL. IF THE OWNER SO DESIRES, A DEALER CAN INSTALL THE LABEL FOR THEM. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN ON DECEMBER 8, 2003. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT VOLVO AT 1-800-458-1552.

03V284000OtherAugust 1, 2003 · 220,407 units

Defect

CERTAIN PASSENGER CARS FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 225, "CHILD RESTRAINT ANCHORAGE SYSTEMS." THE SECOND ISOFIX GUIDE WAS NOT INSTALLED IN THESE VEHICLES AND, IN CERTAIN CASES, THE OWNER'S MANUAL ISOFIX INFORMATION IS INCORRECT.

Consequence

THIS DOES NOT MEET THE REQUIREMENTS OF THE STANDARD.

Remedy

OWNERS WILL RECEIVE A LETTER/PACKAGE CONSISTING OF THE SECOND ISOFIX GUIDE WITH INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS, AND IN CERTAIN CASES, THE CORRECTED OWNER'S MANUAL MAY BE PROVIDED. IF THE OWNER WANTS TO TAKE THEIR VEHICLE TO A VOLVO DEALER FOR INSTALLATION OF THE GUIDE, IT WILL BE PERFORMED AT NO CHARGE TO THE OWNER. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN ON DECEMBER 19, 2003. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT VOLVO AT 1-800-458-1552.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

I HAVE A 2002 VOLVO S60 THAT IS RECALLING CARS WITH LEAKING FUEL PUMPS. WE HAVE HAD THIS CAR FOR ABOUT A YEAR AND IT'S BEEN LEAKING GAS SLOWLY AND NOW GAS IS COMING OUT OF OUR CAR A LOT. I CALLED VOLVO AND THEY AREN'T ABLE TO REPAIR THE CAR BECAUSE THE WARRANTY EXPIRED FOR MY VIN IN JULY 2002. I DO…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Fuel System · December 20, 2008

THERE WERE FOUR OCCUPANTS IN THE VEHICLE. AS WE WERE DRIVING HOME FROM THE MALL, WE NOTICED A BRIEF INTERRUPTION IN THE LIGHTS AND RADIO. A FEW MILES DOWN THE ROAD, THERE WAS AN ELECTRICAL FAILURE AND THE CAR SHUT OFF IN THE MIDDLE OF THE ROAD, BUT WE WERE ABLE TO GET IT CRANKED BACK UP IN LESS…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · September 1, 2012 · fire

TIRE BUBBLE DEVELOPED ON SIDEWALL OF TIRE WITHOUT ANY IMPACT. CAR TAKEN TO DEALER FOR REVIEW AND SERVICE MANAGER SAID THIS WAS A SAFETY ISSUE AND TIRE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. TIRE DEALER WOULD NOT REPLACE TIRE UNDER WARRANTY. SAID I WOULD HAVE TO PAY FOR IT AND THEN FIGHT IT OUT WITH PIRELLI. MANY…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Tires & Wheels · April 19, 2002

DT: 2002 VOLVO S60. THE CONTACT STATED THE ENGINE TURNED OFF WHILE DRIVING. THE VEHICLE WAS GOING APPROXIMATELY 25 MPH WHEN THIS OCCURRED. HE WAS THE ORIGINAL OWNER OF THIS VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALERSHIP, AND THEY COULD NOT FIND THE CAUSE OF THE PROBLEM. THIS HAPPENED IN JANUARY…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Speed Control · January 31, 2005

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 VOLVO S60 2.4. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING 70 MPH WHEN A LOUD EXPLOSION EMITTED FROM UNDER THE HOOD AND SMOKE ENTERED THE INTERIOR. THE VEHICLE THEN STALLED AND WAS TOWED TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER. THE DEALER STATED THAT OIL WAS NOT FLOWING INTO THE ENGINE AND THE BEARINGS…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · April 4, 2010 · fire

2002 Volvo S60 — common questions

Is the 2002 Volvo S60 reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 248 complaints put the 2002 model at #3 of 26 S60 years. It is one of the S60 years to avoid.

What are the most common 2002 S60 problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are fuel system (74 complaints), electrical system (43 complaints), tires & wheels (23 complaints).

Does the 2002 Volvo S60 have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 9 recall campaigns affecting the 2002 Volvo S60. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 2002 Volvo S60 under NHTSA investigation?

NHTSA opened 2 investigations into this model year; all are now closed.

Which Volvo S60 years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the S60 years to avoid are 2004, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2012, 2013, 2015, 2005. The cleanest record among S60 years belongs to 2025.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.