2001 Volvo S60: complete transmission failure

Filed Dec 27, 2014 · Transmission · 123,000 miles · VA

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 federal safety agency database and other online sources showed that there have been numerous early transmission failures with volvos like mine. Volvo of north america refused to do anything to help fix the faulty transmission despite information that there is a problem with the transmission they have been using.

Filed Sep 26, 2013 · Transmission · 155,000 miles · KY

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. This software was removed for an unknown reason. Most likely being because it was damaging transmissions. Transmission do not shift instantly. So you would be in neutral then it would switch into gear. After many updates and small changes to the transmission reports of transmission failures have gone down majorly after 2005. It is not right that it took 4 years to fix this problem.

Filed Oct 23, 2010 · Transmission · 94,000 miles · PA

Transmission failure at 94k miles. Car lost power barely making it through an intersection. Internet research indicates this is a common failure among volvo s60.

Filed Feb 3, 2010 · Transmission · 100,000 miles · FL

Tl* the contact owns a 2001 volvo s60. The contact stated that automatic transmission would not go in to gear, lock up and surge forward,and not shift properly at any time.. She noticed the issue happened approx after driving 10 miles after the vehicle heated up. She had been having transmission failures since february 2008. She noticed the failure every time she drove the vehicle if she drove more than 10 miles. She took the vehicle to the dealership and a software upgrade was performed at her expense. However, the issue reoccurred shortly after. She called the manufacturer and was told that she did indeed have a faulty transmission but would not offer anything other than a 10% cost reduction on the software upgrade repair. There had been no further repairs made to the vehicle at the time of the complaint. The current mileage was approximately 137,000. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000.

Filed Jan 15, 2009 · Transmission · 127,000 miles · LA

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.

Filed Aug 27, 2008 · Transmission · 60,045 miles · AL

I had slight jerking and slipping during recent two years. But since this month (aug. 2008), my 2001 s60 t5 becomes worse with frequent jerking and slipping during traffic and accelerating from a stop. Driving with those symptoms is very dangerous. Visited dealer shop for several times, the suggestions were always new transmission replacement which cost over $4,000. I was also told many s60 2001 and later have the similar problems. I think the volvo builder must be responsible for this safety related bad part manufacturer issue.

Filed May 19, 2008 · Suspension, Transmission · 69,170 miles · CO

2001 volvo s60 2.4t bought as volvo certified pre-owned from dealer with 47,000 miles. Now has 69,170 and need new transmission, right axle, right cv joint, rear seal, motor mounts. Had complained about poor acceleration, rough shifting, rolling in park before extended warranty ran out and dealer did not fix, now out of warranty, they acknowledge the problems exists and I will have to pay to fix.

Filed Aug 28, 2007 · Transmission · TX

2001volvo s60 turbo - transmission slipping; having problems changing gears; either it is straining to change gears or I hear and feel a loud (clunck). Problem happens a lot in stop and go traffic. Dealer says I need to replace the transmission at a cost of $4000. Read other forums and other volvo owners are having the same problems.

Filed Oct 18, 2006 · Transmission · 66,000 miles · NY

Transmission failure in 2001 volvo s-60 awd.

Filed Jul 31, 2006 · Acceleration, Engine · 53,000 miles · IL

At 53,000 miles (february 2006) my check engine light, service transmission light and urgent service warning lights came on at the same time. However, I was I not experiencing any noticeable drivability issues. (with the exception of some slightly rough gear shifting - but I didn't think much of it). The dealer told me that the fault code was related to my transmission and that I need a software upgrade to my TCM (transmission control module). If the fault code returned after the upgrade, my transmission would have to be replaced. And that most likely (99.9%) the software upgrade would correct the problem. In addition, I had to pay $340 for the software upgrade because I was 6 months / 3,000 miles out of warranty and software issues where not covered by the extended warranty (3rd party - easycare -[via ford]). A few weeks later (3/5/06), the check engine comes on again and the drivability deteriorates rapidly on my trip home from work. High RPM's - little power - abrupt shifting. Fortunately, I was close to home (within 1 mile). It felt like the transmission fell apart. I brought it to the dealer (3/8/06), after two days of 'testing', I'm told the etm was replaced at no charge and to come pick up the car. I picked it up and could not leave the dealer driveway. They apologized profusely and said the etm was replaced but noticed that there is still a problem. After a few days of troubleshooting by the dealer, I was informed that the car needed a new transmission (and I had to pay an additional $200 for extended warranty co-pay).

Filed Oct 25, 2005 · Transmission · 32,000 miles · NJ

Stopped to drop off passenger, when attempted to pull away, transmission failed to engage. Turned vehicle off to check it. On restart engaged fine. Approx 1/2 mile down the road, transmission failed again while vehicle was in motion. Coasted to the side of the road, turned vehicle off for a few minutes, on restart transmission once again engaged for me to go a few hundred feet to safety. Vehicle was towed to dealership which diagnosed the transmission with 'internal faults' which would require a complete replacement of the transmission. The vehicle in question has never had any warnings that the transmission was failing, nor had it ever hesitated to engage prior to it's complete failure. The vehicle is 4 1/2 years old with only 32k miles.

Filed Jan 22, 2004 · Transmission · 23,000 miles · CA

Transmission failure while driving 0 this has happened at both low and high speeds. This is the forth time in two years that my volvo s60 2.4 has had this type of failure. Three times before it has supposedly been repaired - but yet again it the transmission has failed. Three times in heavy traffic situations - three times putting myself in jeopardy. Volvo seems incapable of fixing this very dangerous problem.ak