2001 Volvo S60 Transmission and drivetrain Problems
- Complaints
- 22about this part
- Share
- 10%of 223 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 91,000miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 22 complaints about the transmission and drivetrain of the 2001 Volvo S60, 10% of the 223 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 91,000 miles.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“I noticed my car jerking when it shifts, so I thought it was the transmission or something, so I brought it in a Volvo dealership and they found out that it wasn't the transmission but dsem needs etm and breather box engine light) or what the service advisor said the throttle module and I was surprised that they didn't tell me or asked me if I know about the recall. The costumer service is very poor at this place.”
NHTSA complaint #10546046, filed 2013-09, 168,733 miles“I had stopped at the traffic light. As I started again on green light, the car jerkily jumped forward. I had to push hard on the brakes. As the car stopped, the check engine light came on together with service transmission light.”
NHTSA complaint #10475730, filed 2012-09, 128,700 miles“2001 Volvo S60 t5 after about 30 miles of highway driving, I came to a stop due to traffic. When traffic started moving, I noticed jerking and hard shifting. The transmission service light came on and the car went into limp mode. I eventually had to have the car towed to the dealership where I was told that it needed a new transmission for 4000.00. The 2001 S60 transmission issue is very common and should be replaced free of charge by Volvo.”
NHTSA complaint #10255182, filed 2009-01, 127,000 miles“In 2008, at about 93k miles, the transmission on my 2001 Volvo S60 failed while I was driving on a main thoroughfare. Fortunately, I was able to avoid being in an accident. I had a Volvo dealer install a new Volvo transmission. In 2014, at about 123k miles (or about 30k miles on the new transmission), the second transmission failed while I was driving on a local street. Again, I was able to avoid an accident. A search of the NHTSA database and other online sources showed that there have been numerous early transmission failures with volvos like mine. …”
NHTSA complaint #10668444, filed 2014-12, 123,000 miles“Volvo S60 of the first generation has had major transmission issues. Many have failed, slipped, and have destroyed the vehicle. According to other drivers it seems that the transmission has been fixed after 2005. It is not normal for transmissions to be going out before 100k miles. I'm sure many drivers have complained of this issue. Many times I have almost been in wrecks because it will not go into gear and will clunk into gear lurching me forward. The software when it first came out would put the car in neutral after you touched the brake to save gas millage. …”
NHTSA complaint #10545561, filed 2013-09, 155,000 milesRelated service bulletins
- 10037893May 25, 2012Volvo: there is a software update. *rm updated 4/11/2012. *kb updated 4/13/12. *pe updated 5/15/12. *pe updated 6/4/12.
- 10033045Dec 23, 2009Volvo: rear differential housing, leakage and resealing. Oil leakage/moisture from the rear differential housing halves can be resolved by resealing the housing and replacing the…
- 10032425Jul 10, 2009Volvo: the 5 speed automatic transmission, aw55-50/51, has a bolt on top that anchors the b4 band, which applies 3rd gear. If that bolt is removed, the band will be disengaged…
- 10016434Jul 7, 2006Transmission control module (tcm) upgrades available to correct complaints/symptoms.
- 10020263Jun 6, 2006Transferring components during transmission replacement.
- 10016108Nov 1, 2005Difficult to engage 1st and/or reverse gear.
Transmission and drivetrain: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 2 | 13% |
| 2020 | 1 | 8% |
| 2019 | 2 | 8% |
| 2016 | 1 | 4% |
| 2015 | 5 | 8% |
| 2014 | 1 | 4% |
| 2013 | 5 | 6% |
| 2012 | 4 | 3% |
| 2008 | 2 | 20% |
| 2007 | 3 | 14% |
| 2006 | 4 | 13% |
| 2005 | 2 | 5% |
| 2004 | 12 | 6% |
| 2003 | 5 | 4% |
| 2002 | 15 | 8% |
| 2001 | 22 | 10% |
Other parts of the 2001 Volvo S60
88 complaintsVehicle speed control
42 complaintsElectrical system
31 complaintsEngine cooling
18 complaintsTires
7 complaintsAir bags
6 complaintsBrakes
6 complaintsExterior lighting
5 complaintsOther or unknown
5 complaintsSeats
5 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
5 complaintsBody and structure
4 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2001 Volvo S60
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 30, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology