Is the Volvo S60 Reliable?

Here’s something worth knowing before you shop: the Volvo S60 isn’t just a used-car question anymore — it’s officially a discontinued model in the U.S., which changes how you should think about its reliability. Let’s get into what the actual data says.

TL;DR

• The S60 scores 72/100 (“Good”) on independent reliability tracking, roughly matching its luxury-sedan competitors.
• RepairPal puts annual repair costs at $750, just slightly above the luxury midsize average.
• The most common complaints center on electrical systems and infotainment, not major mechanical failures.
• 2025 was the best-scoring model year (76/100), and also the S60’s final year in the U.S.
• The S60 is no longer sold new in the U.S. — Volvo ended it after the 2025 model year to focus on SUVs and EVs.

The Quick Answer

The Volvo S60 is generally rated as a reliable luxury sedan, scoring in the “Good” range on independent reliability indexes with below-average odds of a repair being severe. Its biggest weak spot is electrical and infotainment glitches rather than serious mechanical failure, and reliability has trended upward through its final model years before U.S. production ended.

First, Know That It’s Discontinued

This changes the calculus for a lot of buyers.

Volvo ended production of the S60 sedan in Ridgeville, South Carolina, in mid-2024 for the U.S. and some other markets in order to focus resources on the all-new EX90 electric SUV. The 2025 model year ultimately became the last version sold to American buyers, closing out a 25-year run for the nameplate.

Pull quote: The question isn’t whether Volvo will keep making the S60 — it’s whether the ones already out there are holding up.

What the Reliability Data Actually Says

Quick Tip: Reliability scores from different sources won’t always match exactly — RepairPal, Consumer Reports, and independent complaint-tracking services each weigh things differently, so it’s worth looking at more than one.

The S60 owners have to bring their vehicles in for unscheduled repairs an average of 0.5 times per year, and only about 8% of those repairs turn out to be severe — both figures that compare favorably against the luxury midsize segment overall.

Reliability by Model Year

This is where things get genuinely useful if you’re shopping used.

Expert Insight: The current-generation S60 (2019–2025) has trended toward better reliability over time, with the final 2025 model year posting the strongest score in the lineup.

• 2019 model year: 72/100, with notable electrical system and tire-related complaints, plus a couple of fire-related reports on file.
• 2020–2022: Scores held steady in the low-to-mid 70s, with steering and service-brake complaints appearing periodically.
• 2023–2024: Similar range, with fewer overall complaints but some back-over-prevention system issues noted.
• 2025 (final year): 76/100 — the best-performing year, with notably fewer reported issues.

Real-world scenario: Say you’re cross-shopping a 2021 S60 against a same-year BMW 3 Series. The S60’s data suggests you’re statistically less likely to end up with a severe repair, though you should expect the occasional infotainment quirk rather than assume a trouble-free ownership experience.

The Most Common Complaints

Quick Tip: If you’re test-driving a used S60, spend extra time with the infotainment screen and dashboard electronics — that’s where most owner complaints cluster, not the drivetrain.

Across model years, owners most frequently report:

• Electrical system malfunctions — the single most consistent complaint category
• Infotainment freezing or slow response, particularly on early Sensus-based systems
• Steering and service brake issues, appearing periodically but not dominating complaint counts
• Turbocharger wear on higher-mileage examples, generally after 80,000+ miles

Comparing the S60 to Its Volvo Siblings

The XC60 is widely considered Volvo’s most reliable model, balancing the brand’s safety technology with a relatively straightforward mechanical design — worth keeping in mind if reliability is your top priority and you’re open to an SUV instead of a sedan.

Pros & Cons by Buyer Type

The used-luxury-sedan shopper

• Pros: Solid reliability data, comfortable interior, strong safety ratings
• Cons: Discontinued status may affect long-term parts availability and resale demand

The daily commuter prioritizing low drama

• Pros: Low probability of severe repairs, moderate annual repair costs
• Cons: Infotainment glitches are a real, recurring annoyance even on otherwise solid examples

The performance-curious buyer (Polestar Engineered trim)

• Pros: More power without abandoning Volvo’s safety reputation
• Cons: Added mechanical complexity on performance trims can mean higher repair costs down the line

Choose a used S60 if you want a comfortable, safety-focused luxury sedan and are comfortable buying a discontinued model. Choose the XC60 instead if top-tier reliability and long-term new-vehicle availability matter more to you than sedan styling.

FAQ

Is the Volvo S60 more reliable than a BMW 3 Series or Mercedes C-Class? Reliability comparisons vary by source and model year, but the S60’s repair frequency and severity data generally sit in a similar or slightly better range than typical luxury-sedan competitors.

What year Volvo S60 should I avoid? No model year stands out as clearly unreliable, but earlier years like 2019 carry somewhat more reported complaints than the final 2025 model.

Why does the S60 have electrical issues if it’s otherwise reliable? Complex infotainment and driver-assist electronics are common weak points across many modern luxury vehicles, not just Volvo, and they tend to generate more complaints than actual drivetrain problems.

Can I still get parts and service for a Volvo S60 now that it’s discontinued? Volvo dealers continue servicing and stocking parts for discontinued models for years afterward, so day-to-day maintenance shouldn’t become difficult anytime soon.

Is buying a used S60 a bad idea since it’s no longer made? Not necessarily — the S60’s reliability scores held up well through its final years, and discontinuation affects future new-model availability more than it affects how well existing cars run.

Key Takeaways

• The S60 scores 72–76/100 depending on model year, landing in “Good” territory.
• Its weak points are electrical and infotainment, not major mechanical failures.
• 2025 was both the most reliable and the final model year sold new in the U.S.
• The S60 is now discontinued in the U.S., making this largely a used-car conversation going forward.
• The XC60 remains Volvo’s most consistently reliable model if you’re open to alternatives.

Next Step

If you’re seriously considering a used S60, pull the specific model year’s complaint and recall history before buying — the data shows real year-to-year differences worth knowing about.