VehicleVerdict

2006 Volvo S60 problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Worth extra scrutiny

The 2006 Volvo S60 sits mid-pack among S60 years: 42 NHTSA complaints against a model median of roughly 31, with 4 recalls and no defect investigations.

No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across engine (9), airbags (6), and brakes (5), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect.

42

NHTSA complaints

4

Recalls

0

Investigations

1

Crash-involved

1

Fires reported

0

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2006 compare to other S60 years?

S60 NHTSA complaints by model year, 2006 highlighted262 complaints1999: 0 complaints2000: 1 complaints2001: 262 complaints2002: 248 complaints2003: 168 complaints2004: 262 complaints2005: 57 complaints2006: 42 complaints2007: 34 complaints2008: 14 complaints2009: 9 complaints2011: 5 complaints2012: 167 complaints2013: 105 complaints2014: 35 complaints2015: 81 complaints2016: 34 complaints2017: 17 complaints2018: 5 complaints2019: 31 complaints2020: 22 complaints2021: 12 complaints2022: 28 complaints2023: 3 complaints2024: 31 complaints2025: 0 complaints
S60 NHTSA complaints by model year, 2006 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all S60 years to avoid →

What are the most common 2006 Volvo S60 problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Engine921%
Airbags614%
Brakes512%
Fuel System512%
Transmission410%
Lighting37%
Electrical System37%
Steering37%
Tires & Wheels25%
Speed Control12%
Visibility & Wipers12%

Does the 2006 Volvo S60 have recalls?

4 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.

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.

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.

06V375000OtherOctober 3, 2006 · 19,700 units

Defect

CERTAIN VEHICLES FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 110, "TIRE SELECTION AND RIMS." THE LABEL DENOTING THE TIRE AND LOADING PRESSURE INFORMATION IS INCORRECT.

Consequence

A MISPRINTED LABEL WOULD LEAD TO IMPROPER VEHICLE LOADING SPECIFICATIONS OR TIRE INFLATION WHICH COULD RESULT IN A TIRE FAILURE, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL MAIL THE CORRECT LABELS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON DECEMBER 18, 2006. OWNERS MAY 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 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…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · July 28, 2012

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 VOLVO S60. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 30 MPH, THE VEHICLE BECAME INVOLVED IN A CRASH WITH ANOTHER VEHICLE AND THE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT HEARD A LOUD BANG AND A BURNING ODOR EMITTED FROM THE AIR BAG. HOWEVER, THE AIR BAG DID…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Airbags · January 21, 2015 · crash · fire

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 VOLVO S60. WHILE DRIVING 50 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT HAD TO SHIFT THE GEAR TO NEUTRAL, TURN OFF AND RESTART THE VEHICLE IN ORDER TO ACCELERATE THE VEHICLE OUT OF THE INTERSECTION. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO BE DIAGNOSED. THE VEHICLE WAS…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Fuel System · February 5, 2016

“I OWN A 2006 VOLVO S60 R AND I AM FILING A COMPLAINT FOR THE LOSS OF BRAKING POWER WHEN GOING UPHILL SLOWLY OR MODERATELY FAST. THE CONDITION WILL OCCUR IN ANY TYPE OF WEATHER. TIRES OR BRAKES SUCH AS ROTORS AND PADS HAVE NO ROLL IN THE PROBLEM AS REPORTED BY OTHER OWNERS AND MYSELF. MY CAR HAS HAD…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · May 15, 2007

“MY 2006 VOLVO S60 WILL NOT SHIFT OUT OF PARK WHEN THE VEHICLE IS COLD (AFTER SITTING OUTSIDE OVERNIGHT AT TEMPERATURES BELOW 45F). DEPENDING ON HOW COLD IT IS, IT TAKES FROM 5 TO 20 MINUTES FOR THE VEHICLE TO WARM ENOUGH THAT I CAN SHIFT IT INTO DRIVE. THE DEALER IS UNHELPFUL: I LEFT IT OVERNIGHT…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · December 31, 2010

2006 Volvo S60 — common questions

Is the 2006 Volvo S60 reliable?

It is close to typical for the S60: 42 NHTSA complaints, 4 recalls, and no investigations on file.

What are the most common 2006 S60 problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are engine (9 complaints), airbags (6 complaints), brakes (5 complaints).

Does the 2006 Volvo S60 have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 4 recall campaigns affecting the 2006 Volvo S60. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

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.