2004 Volvo S60 Transmission and drivetrain Problems
- Complaints
- 12about this part
- Share
- 6%of 198 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 30,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 12 complaints about the transmission and drivetrain of the 2004 Volvo S60, 6% of the 198 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 30,000 miles. 1 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers.
Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“The gear shift head disintegrated in my hand as I shifted from park into drive causing the vehicle unable to be shifted into any gear but drive . Could not turn off the vehicle, but was able to drive into the nearest Volvo dealer. Consequences could have been dire if I had to stop for a road/police emergency.”
NHTSA complaint #10175490, filed 2006-12, 28,000 miles“Approximate a month later after I brought 2004 Volvo S60 at dec 2011, when I was driving in freeway to post office, what a sudden, the engine stalled without warning, I press the accelerate pedal, but it was not response, but the car still hv a little momentum, then it turn it to the corner and the car was stopped. I turn off the key and restart the car again, it worked.after a year, the problem come back again and the frequency become more, up til dec, 2012, 3 more times same problem incurred. It was scary.”
NHTSA complaint #10487931, filed 2012-12, 78,500 miles“When pulling into a parking space at my daughter's school, vehicle suddenly accelerated over the sidewalk and struck the building. Transmission popped in reverse and vehicle accelerated backwards. Even with the brake pedal all the way to the floor, vehicle would not stop. I forced the transmission into park and turned off the vehicle to get it to stop after going in reverse for approximately 50 feet. There was significant damage to the car and building (pictures available). None of the airbags deployed.”
NHTSA complaint #10348425, filed 2010-08, 95,000 miles“2004 s60awd angle gear leak required replacement of gear at 14,300 miles. The angle gear sends power to the rear wheels, and if it fails, it takes the transmission with it. While mine was caught early and replaced under warranty, a track record of the angle gear leaking and failing is being seen. Volvo needs to extend warranty on this item.”
NHTSA complaint #10155772, filed 2006-04, 14,300 miles“Volvo S60 2004, 9000 miles, automatic transmission. While leaving a traffic light (accelerating) and at a speed of about 20 MPH the engine suddenly stopped. No power for steering and brakes. What could happen if the defect occurred on the highway? The car was serviced at Volvo garage according to maintenance program (6000 miles). Now they said that the defect was due to the air admission system, which was found to be dirty.”
NHTSA complaint #10148506, filed 2006-01, 9,000 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.
- 10037896Jan 5, 2011Volvo: abs light on, four-wheel drive is not working. There is a software problem.
- 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.
- 10019961Apr 6, 2006Aw55 transmission control module diagnostic trouble code 010a, 010b, 010c shift solenoid s5 signal low, high or missing.
- 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 2004 Volvo S60
63 complaintsFuel system
55 complaintsEngine
22 complaintsElectrical system
21 complaintsSeats
12 complaintsVehicle speed control
11 complaintsAir bags
9 complaintsBrakes
9 complaintsSteering
9 complaintsTires
9 complaintsExterior lighting
7 complaintsEquipment
4 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2004 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