Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov & manufacturer data. Figures reflect base trim; actual specs vary by trim level.
About the 2021 Volvo S60
With an overall Carivo score of 7.7/10, the 2021 Volvo S60 earns a Recommended rating among the sedans we've scored. Its strongest dimension is Safety at 8.8/10, while Performance at 6.5/10 is where it trails the competition most noticeably. It's a solid all-rounder that delivers across most dimensions without obvious deal-breakers.
Reliability and safety are the two dimensions that matter most for long-term ownership costs. We rate reliability at 6.8/10 — below the segment average in our scoring. Budget for potentially higher maintenance costs and check the recall record below before buying. Safety is a strength too — 8.8/10 by our scoring. As with any car, verify the official ratings for your specific trim at nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Performance at 6.5/10 is a genuine liability and a score that should factor heavily into any buying decision. The powertrain and chassis dynamics trail class rivals by a meaningful margin — don't overlook it. Technology scores 6.8/10 — the infotainment and driver-assist features feel dated against current-generation rivals. This is worth weighing if you prioritize connected features or modern safety tech.
Priced from $38,538–$50,702, 25 MPG, seating 5, the Volvo S60 sits in the mid-market bracket of the sedan segment. The 8.6/10 value score is the headline: relative to what it costs, this sedan delivers more than most of the class. At 5 years old, it's worth checking whether a newer generation or refresh has addressed any weaker dimensions — compare it to the current model year before buying.
Bottom line: Think of the 2021 Volvo S60 as the dependable pick rather than the exciting one. Its softer scores in reliability and technology and performance are the only real asterisks. Shoppers who value predictability over headlines will be well served.
Carivo scores are our own editorial assessment, informed by NHTSA safety and recall records, EPA fuel-economy figures, and manufacturer-published specifications. Scores are reviewed periodically and updated when new data becomes available. See our full methodology →
How It Ranks Among Sedans
The 2021 Volvo S60 ranks #428 of 1310 sedans in the Carivo database — better than 67% of the segment. Its 7.7/10 overall score is 0.2 points above the segment average of 7.5/10. Its $38,538 starting price is about 39% above the segment's median of $27,664.
$0 — 3 campaigns on record; recall work is always free at franchised dealers
Insurance
Varies widely by driver and state — always quote the exact trim before buying
We only print costs we can compute from sourced data (EPA fuel economy, NHTSA recalls). We don't estimate maintenance or depreciation — anyone who gives you one number for those is guessing.
Which S60 Year Should You Buy?
Smart-money pick: the 2018 Volvo S60 scores 7.5/10 — within striking distance of the 2021's 7.7 — and starts roughly $4,000 lower. If you don't need the newest model year, that's money better spent on a higher trim or kept in your pocket.
Top-tier safety scores across crash tests and driver-assistance tech
Exceptional value for money — high-quality features at a competitive price point
✗ Where it falls short
Reliability scores are mid-pack; some owners report higher-than-expected maintenance needs
Driving dynamics are adequate but uninspiring; not the choice for enthusiast drivers
Tech suite is functional but lags behind segment-best options; some features cost extra
NHTSA Recalls — 2021 Volvo S60 (3 on record)
The following recall campaigns have been filed with NHTSA for this model and year. Recall repairs are performed free of charge by franchised dealers; check your specific vehicle with our free VIN recall checker.
Seat belts / Front / Retractor 01/09/2021 · 21V682000
Volvo Car USA, LLC (Volvo Car) is recalling certain 2021 XC40, XC 40 Recharge, V60CC, V90, V90CC, XC90, and 2021-2022 V60, XC60, S60 vehicles. The seat belt automatic locking retractors may deactivate early, which can prevent the child restraint system…
Air bags / Frontal 21/11/2023 · 23V780000
Volvo Car USA, LLC. (Volvo Car) is recalling certain 2019-2024 S60 vehicles. The passenger air bag may not be secured properly, which can cause the air bag to deploy improperly.
Electrical system / Software 24/03/2025 · 25V179000
Volvo Car USA, LLC (Volvo Car) is recalling certain 2020-2021 S90, 2020-2022 S60, V60, XC60, XC90, and 2022 V90 plug-in hybrid vehicles. The high-voltage battery may experience a short circuit within the battery module when the battery is fully charged…
Source: NHTSA recall database, fetched at page build time.
Own a 2021 Volvo S60 that's been repaired repeatedly for the same problem? It may qualify under your state's lemon law — run the free lemon law check →
Common Questions — 2021 Volvo S60
Is the 2021 Volvo S60 reliable?
We rate the 2021 Volvo S60's reliability 6.8/10 — below the segment average, so budget for higher maintenance. It has 3 NHTSA recall campaigns on record for this model year (details in the recalls section above — repairs are free at dealers).
How many recalls does the 2021 Volvo S60 have?
3 NHTSA recall campaigns matched this model and year as of our latest check. Verify your specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Is the 2021 Volvo S60 worth buying?
It scores 7.7/10 overall, ranking #428 of 1310 sedans in our database (better than 67% of the segment). A solid choice for most buyers — compare it against the segment leaders before deciding.
How much does the 2021 Volvo S60 cost?
The 2021 Volvo S60 starts at $38,538 and ranges up to $50,702 across trims (MSRP when new). At 25 MPG, expect roughly $2,100/year in fuel at 15,000 miles/year.
Which S60 years should you avoid?
Based on our year-by-year scoring, the weakest S60 years we've rated are 2015 (7.4/10) — each at least half a point below the nameplate's best (7.9/10). See the full year table above before deciding.
What problems does the 2021 Volvo S60 have?
The documented issues for the 2021 Volvo S60 are its NHTSA recall campaigns, which involve: Seat belts, Air bags, Electrical system (details in the recalls section above; repairs are free at dealers). For wear-and-tear patterns beyond recalls, owner forums are the best source — we only report what federal data documents.
Owner Essentials — Volvo S60
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More Volvo Reviews
Explore the full lineup of Volvo models scored by Carivo — ranked by overall score across reliability, safety, value, performance, and technology.
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