This is a Technical Journal: Text plus 2 PDFs and 1 .PNG Oil Consumption test. Perform the test. Follow service procedure Description and Service sections updated to clarify that vehicle reports are not required.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2005 Volvo S60 engine problems
moderate 9 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $3,100 · see engine across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
9
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$3,100
When does it fail?
Of the 9 engine complaints filed for the 2005 Volvo S60, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 25,000-50,000 mi.
0-25k
25-50k
50-75k
75-100k
100-125k
125-150k
150k+
Each bar shows the share of total complaints filed at that mileage range. Peak failure window highlighted. Some owners report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 miles symptom-free. Maintenance habits and driving conditions shift the curve as much as mileage alone.
What stands out
Engine accounts for 20% of all owner complaints filed against this vehicle, across 5 categories tracked.
No new NHTSA engine complaint has been filed on this vehicle in over 15 years — the issue may be aging out of the active population.
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering engine on this vehicle — documented repair instructions, service campaigns, or warranty extensions sent to dealers. A TSB isn't a recall (it's not a free safety remedy), but it's the manufacturer acknowledging the issue and how to fix it.
Engine Control Module (EMS) Software (MSW) Information â August 2022; Improvement List (Change Log) - US21+OBD22 (13L VGT, TC) And US17+OBD22 (11L) Emissions
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This is a Technical Journal: Oil in cooling system. New cleaning method developed.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This is a Technical Journal: Oil in cooling system. New cleaning method developed.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This is a Technical Journal: Oil in cooling system. New cleaning method developed.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
What owners are reporting 6 most recent
Tl* the contact owns a 2005 Volvo s60. The contact stated that the check engine warning light illuminated when the vehicle was started. The vehicle was taken in to an independent mechanic who diagnosed the failure to be the evaporative emission system leak detection pump which would need to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 35,663. Updated 01/18/11 *bf…
I have had to replace the engine cooling system (radiator) twice for this car in less than 66k. While you are driving, the warning "stop car immediately coolant low" comes on. Volvo has changed the supplier for this part, which tells me they know it is a problem. Not only is this scary, but the cost to replace (with labor) is over $1,300. I think this is both a hazard for the driver, other…
I own a 2005 Volvo s60. When driving today to work, with no warning, the vehicle stalled. I was unable to control the gas and the steering became rough. Hitting the accelerator did nothing. I was able to slow the vehicle to the side of the road. Once I turned it off and back on it restarted. If this had happened on a highway, it could have resulted in a major accident. Research shows that…
Dt: the contact stated while vehicle was having routine maintenance performed the dealer found a bend in the exhaust system. This bend could cause the driveshaft to crack. The dealer said the contact must have hit something to cause the damage. But there was no evidence that the he hit anything. The vehicle is at the dealer waiting for an investigation. At this point the vehicle has not…
Tl* the contact owns a 2005 Volvo s60. The contact stated that the vehicle was slow to start. Once started, the vehicle would rive sluggish and was slow to accelerate. The contact had an independent mechanic replace the mass air flow sensor more than three times but the failure recurred. The mass air flow sensor was cleaned and the sensor was reset by the independent mechanic but that did not…
Tl*the contact owns a 2005 Volvo s60. The vehicle shut off twice while approaching a stop sign and while driving approximately 70 MPH. The failure occurred without warning. The vehicle slowed down and lost all power, including the brakes. The vehicle will be taken to the dealer for a diagnostic. The current and failure mileages were 94,000.
Had engine trouble with your 2005 Volvo S60?
File a complaint with NHTSA → It's free, official, and how every report above got here — owner filings are the federal safety record this page is built on.
Common questions
How serious is the engine problem on the 2005 Volvo S60?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 9 complaints have been filed. Repairs average $3,100 and most owners catch it before it causes a breakdown.
At what mileage does the engine typically fail?
Across the 8 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most engine failures cluster between 35,663 and 130,000 miles, with the median around 94,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 35,663; a quarter make it past 130,000. Maintenance history matters more than the odometer alone — this is the reported failure window, not a guarantee.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $3,100 for engine repairs on this vehicle. Dealer pricing tends to run 20-40% higher. The exact figure depends on the specific failure mode, parts availability, and your local labor rates. If you're outside factory warranty, an extended service contract often covers this category.
Are there any recalls related to engine?
No active recalls currently cover engine issues on this vehicle. The complaints filed represent owner-reported failures that haven't risen to the level of a manufacturer-issued recall — but they're still worth knowing about before you buy or budget for repairs.
Related
Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database. Verify the raw federal record at
nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2005/Volvo/S60.
Severity ratings are derived from reported crashes, fires, injuries, and fatalities. Repair cost estimates are
independent-shop national averages and may differ in your area. Some links on this page are affiliate links.