2002 Volvo S60 Transmission and drivetrain Problems
- Complaints
- 15about this part
- Share
- 8%of 186 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 57,500miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 15 complaints about the transmission and drivetrain of the 2002 Volvo S60, 8% of the 186 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 57,500 miles. 1 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“I was involved in a car accident in bronx, ny on 8/16/2017 that caused severe damage to my 2002 Volvo S60. Thankfully, I was the only one in my car. I had just left my last destination, moving slowly and driving straight for a short block or so, when my 2002 Volvo S60, with an odometer reading of 45,000 miles, began to accelerate out of nowhere and race - all on its own. I tried braking (foot and hand) but it was too sudden and neither could slow it down. The car accelerated out of my control, jumped the sidewalk and plowed through a fence before coming to a stop. …”
NHTSA complaint #11019053, filed 2017-08, 44,500 miles“I was stuck in high way traffic for about 45 minutes, once the traffic cleared I tried to accelerate but could not, I was afraid I was going to get hit because I could not get my vehicle up to a safe speed (the vehicle went into limp mode). I was able to get the car to at least 50 MPH to get it home. This now happens within approx 1-2 miles of driving. Due to the hi cost of repairs for this vehicle I had the diagnostics done first (cost $90.00), the result was a bad mass-air sensor and faulty throttle position sensor. …”
NHTSA complaint #10357805, filed 2010-09, 145,000 miles“I have had many problems with the transmission, car will stall in traffic, car would not start at all. This car has been in service many many times. The problems persist. I have sent 9 emails to their head quarters since 12/5, no reply.”
NHTSA complaint #10052667, filed 2004-01, 1,500 miles“I am appealing for your assistance regarding the car's inclusion in NHTSA campaign 06v-441000. In particular, I have a 2002 Volvo S60 2.4t w/37,500 miles. While pulling out of a parking spot 2 months ago, my car's engine began sputtered, and when I got onto a major roadway, the car suddenly went into limp mode, whereby it went 5 MPH maximum. The sudden change in speed almost resulted in my car getting rear-ended. I took the car to the dealer, cherry hill Volvo in new jersey, and they diagnosed the problem as pertaining to the electronic throttle module (etm). …”
NHTSA complaint #10195228, filed 2007-07, 37,500 miles“Volvos-60 24t took car to dealer bill gray Volvo for electrical problem and transmission problem. Car was returned to me with air bag passive restraint system inoperable and dealer refuses to correct problem or to even accept responsibility for same.”
NHTSA complaint #10422584, filed 2011-08, 57,500 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.
- 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.
- 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 2002 Volvo S60
69 complaintsElectrical system
36 complaintsVehicle speed control
20 complaintsTires
19 complaintsAir bags
12 complaintsEngine cooling
12 complaintsOther or unknown
12 complaintsSeats
6 complaintsBody and structure
6 complaintsSuspension
6 complaintsEngine
5 complaintsExterior lighting
5 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2002 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