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2016 Volvo S60

2016 Volvo S60

Overview

The 2016 Volvo S60 is a compact luxury sedan known for its safety features, comfortable ride, and refined interior. It offers a range of powertrain options, including turbocharged gasoline engines and a diesel option in some markets, paired with automatic transmissions. While generally considered a reliable vehicle, like any car, it can experience specific issues. This report details common technical reliability concerns reported by owners and technicians, focusing on powertrain, suspension, electrical, exterior, and interior components. The data aims to provide a clear understanding of potential problem areas and their associated repair costs, excluding routine maintenance and normal wear and tear.


Engine

2.0L Turbocharged I4 (T5)

Turbocharger Issues

  • Symptoms: Loss of power, whistling noises, increased oil consumption.
  • Solution: Turbocharger replacement or repair.
  • Cost: $1,200 - $2,500

PCV System Clogging

  • Symptoms: Oil leaks, rough idle, engine misfires.
  • Solution: PCV system cleaning or replacement.
  • Cost: $300 - $700

2.0L Turbocharged & Supercharged I4 (T6 Drive-E)

Coolant Leaks

  • Symptoms: Overheating, visible coolant loss, sweet smell.
  • Solution: Repair or replacement of leaking hoses, water pump, or radiator.
  • Cost: $400 - $1,000

Timing Belt/Chain Issues

  • Symptoms: Engine noise, performance issues, potential catastrophic engine failure if timing is compromised.
  • Solution: Timing belt replacement (if applicable) or timing chain tensioner/guide repair.
  • Cost: $700 - $1,500

2.5L Turbocharged I5 (T5)

Ignition Coil Failure

  • Symptoms: Check Engine light, rough idling, misfires, poor acceleration.
  • Solution: Replacement of faulty ignition coil(s).
  • Cost: $200 - $500

2.0L Turbo Diesel (D4 - Market Dependent)

Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF) Issues

  • Symptoms: Reduced engine power, Check Engine light, increased fuel consumption.
  • Solution: DPF regeneration or replacement.
  • Cost: $800 - $2,000

Transmission

Geartronic Automatic (6-speed)

Transmission Fluid Leaks

  • Symptoms: Shifting problems, slipping gears, warning lights.
  • Solution: Repair or replacement of seals, gaskets, or transmission cooler lines.
  • Cost: $300 - $800

Hesitation or Jerking During Shifts

  • Symptoms: Rough gear changes, delayed engagement.
  • Solution: Software update, transmission fluid flush and fill, or internal transmission repair.
  • Cost: $400 - $1,500

Geartronic Automatic (8-speed - for T6 Drive-E)

No widespread issues reported.

  • Symptoms: N/A
  • Solution: N/A
  • Cost: Varies

Suspension

Standard Chassis

Worn Control Arm Bushings

  • Symptoms: Clunking noises over bumps, vague steering, uneven tire wear.
  • Solution: Replacement of control arm bushings or entire control arm assembly.
  • Cost: $400 - $800

Four-C Active Chassis (Optional)

Adaptive Dampers Malfunction

  • Symptoms: Harsh ride, error messages related to suspension, reduced handling.
  • Solution: Replacement of faulty adaptive dampers.
  • Cost: $600 - $1,200 per corner

Electrical

Infotainment System (Sensus)

Screen Freezing or Unresponsiveness

  • Symptoms: Infotainment screen becomes unresponsive or freezes.
  • Solution: Software update or replacement of the infotainment module.
  • Cost: $500 - $1,500

Battery Drain

Parasitic Battery Drain

  • Symptoms: Dead battery after sitting, electrical components malfunctioning.
  • Solution: Diagnosis and repair of faulty modules or circuits causing drain.
  • Cost: $200 - $600

Sensors (e.g., ABS, Parking)

Faulty Sensor Readings

  • Symptoms: ABS warning light, traction control issues, parking sensor errors.
  • Solution: Replacement of faulty sensor.
  • Cost: $200 - $500

Exterior

Body Panels & Trim

No widespread issues reported.

  • Symptoms: N/A
  • Solution: N/A
  • Cost: Varies

Headlights/Taillights

Condensation in Headlights

  • Symptoms: Moisture or fogging inside headlight assemblies.
  • Solution: Sealing repair or headlight assembly replacement.
  • Cost: $300 - $800

Interior

Upholstery & Trim

No widespread issues reported.

  • Symptoms: N/A
  • Solution: N/A
  • Cost: Varies

Climate Control System

HVAC Blower Motor Failure

  • Symptoms: No air coming from vents or intermittent airflow.
  • Solution: Replacement of the blower motor or resistor.
  • Cost: $300 - $600

Summary Verdict

The 2016 Volvo S60 generally presents good reliability, particularly with its core mechanical components. The most frequently reported issues tend to be related to the turbocharged engines, specifically concerning the turbocharger itself and the PCV system on some variants. Transmission issues are less common but can involve fluid leaks or rough shifting. Electrical gremlins, such as infotainment system glitches and parasitic battery drain, are also noted. Suspension components like control arm bushings can wear over time, and optional adaptive dampers may require replacement. Overall, the S60 is a solid choice, but potential buyers should be aware of these specific areas, especially when considering higher-mileage examples.

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