2009 Volvo S60: problems, recalls and reliability
3 recalls and 7 owner complaints on record; most reports concern air bags.
Data updated weekly · latest recall Sep 2021
All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.
Common problems
Computed from 7 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“The contact owns a 2009 Volvo S60. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the column turn signal lever detached. The contact stated that the turn signal and headlight switches were inoperable due to the failure. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or the dealer. The dealer was made aware of the failure, and an appointment was scheduled for a future date. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 155,000.”Owner report · Steering · Jan 2026
“Driving at 25 mph and the airbag spontaneously deployed. Exploded. Dust. Noise. No impact no accident. Hurt my hand. Busted the turn signal arm Caused me to drive over a median and damage the under carriage of the car.”Owner report · Air Bags · Aug 2023
“Tl* the contact owns a 2009 volvo s60. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the rear driver's side door opened independently on 10/19. Consumer mentioned that when she hits a bump the door ajar warning light illuminated, at any speed. Consumer also stated door would not open from outside when unlocked, this would happen once in awhile. The dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was unknown.*dt*jb”Owner report · Structure · Aug 2019
Show 2 more owner reports
“Accelerating on interstate and all of a sudden complety lost engine power. Engine would continue running, but would not accelerate. Could have easily gotten into a wreck if there had been more traffic on the interstate. Ended up getting towed and having to replace the throttle unit which cost almost $1000, this could have been a very dangerous situation with a very bad outcome if traffic had been heavier.”Owner report · Vehicle Speed Control · Mar 2017
“I keep getting a message that the tire pressure monitoring system needs service even though the tires have the correct pressure. I believe there is a defect in this safety related system. It is an issue that many volvo owners have reported, yet volvo continually fails to address the issue. *tr”Owner report · Electrical System · Jun 2014
When filing, owners marked a crash in 1 of these complaints and injuries in 0 - self-reported to NHTSA, not verified accident statistics.
Recalls - 3 campaigns
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.
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.
VOLVO IS RECALLING CERTAIN VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH GARMIN 760 PORTABLE GLOBAL POSITIONING SYSTEM (GPS) UNITS BECAUSE THE BATTERIES ON THOSE UNITS MAY OVERHEAT.
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.
VOLVO IS RECALLING CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH POWER FRONT PASSENGER SEATS. THE FRONT SEAT RAIL'S DETECTION SYSTEM WAS MANUFACTURED INCORRECTLY AND MAY PERMIT THE PASSENGER TO FORWARD THE SEAT BEYOND THE INTENDED MAXIMUM.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE FRONT POWER SEAT STOPS FOR BOTH FRONT SEATS FOR THE PRESENCE OF AN "END STOP" AND REPAIR THE VEHICLES AS NECESSARY FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON DECEMBER 23, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT VOLVO AT 1-800-458-1552 OR AT CUSTOMERCARE@VOLVOFORLIFE.COM.
Specifications
Factory options offered for the 2009 model year, decoded from the NHTSA vPIC database. Individual vehicles have one of each.
How other years compare
Check your exact S60 by VIN
Recalls and equipment differ between individual vehicles. Decode your VIN to see what applies to yours.
Open VIN decoderFrequently asked questions
Is the 2009 Volvo S60 reliable?
NHTSA has 7 owner complaints and 3 recall campaigns on record for the 2009 Volvo S60. The most complained-about area is air bags.
Does the 2009 Volvo S60 have open recalls?
3 recall campaigns have been issued, the latest concerning air bags:frontal:driver side:inflator module. Check your specific vehicle by VIN - recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
Source: NHTSA recall campaigns and owner complaints (public domain). Counts reflect reports on file and are not a defect rate.