🇩🇪 Deutsch
Volvo · Mid-Size · 2000–2009

Volvo S60 1

Weaknesses, engine ratings and buying advice

2.8 / 5.0 · Based on 10 engine variants
Most Fun Engine

299 PS

2.5L Turbo R Benzin

Volvo R — proof that Volvo can do sport

Legendary!
Problem Engine

181–185 PS

2.4L D5 Diesel

5 weaknesses

Stay Away!

Generations


Engine Overview

The Volvo S60 1 is available with 6 engine variants — from 140 to 299 hp. 3 variants had engine changes — the model year is crucial.

2.4L D5 · Diesel· 163–185 PS Engine Change
2001 2009
Be Careful 4 weaknesses
2005 2009
Stay Away! 5 weaknesses
2.0T · Benziner· 179 PS
2001 2009
Be Careful 4 weaknesses
2.4L · Benziner· 140–170 PS Engine Change
2000 2009
Be Careful 6 weaknesses
2000 2009
Be Careful 4 weaknesses
2.4L Turbo · Benziner· 200–260 PS Engine Change
2000 2009
Be Careful 4 weaknesses
2000 2009
Be Careful 6 weaknesses
2005 2009
Be Careful 6 weaknesses
2.5L Turbo · Benziner· 209 PS
2001 2009
Be Careful 4 weaknesses
2.5L Turbo R · Benziner· 299 PS
2003 2009
Be Careful 4 weaknesses

The Volvo 2.4L D5 (Diesel, 163–185 PS) comes with 2 different engines: D5244T (2001–2009, Be Careful) und D5244T4 (2005–2009, Stay Away!). Pay attention to the model year for the 2.4L D5!

The Volvo 2.0T (Benziner, 179 PS) has the B5204T5 (2.0L Turbo) — rated: "Be Careful", 4 known weaknesses.

The Volvo 2.4L (Benziner, 140–170 PS) comes with 2 different engines: B5244S (2000–2009, Be Careful) und B5244S2 (2000–2009, Be Careful). Pay attention to the model year for the 2.4L!

The Volvo 2.4L Turbo (Benziner, 200–260 PS) comes with 3 different engines: B5244T (2000–2009, Be Careful) und B5244T3 (2000–2009, Be Careful) und B5244T5 (2005–2009, Be Careful). Pay attention to the model year for the 2.4L Turbo!

The Volvo 2.5L Turbo (Benziner, 209 PS) has the B5254T2 (2.5L Turbo) — rated: "Be Careful", 4 known weaknesses.

The Volvo 2.5L Turbo R (Benziner, 299 PS) has the B5254T4 (2.5L Turbo R) — rated: "Be Careful", 4 known weaknesses.

Vehicle Weaknesses

WeaknessCost
!Magneti Marelli throttle body — idle hunting

Petrol engines built between 2000 and 2002 use a Magneti Marelli throttle body that is prone to premature wear. The engine idles erratically and can stall. Replace with the revised throttle body.

Symptoms: Rough idle, engine stalls at traffic lights, throttle response delayed or jerky
from 80,000 km
Low
Radio/navigation fails due to cold solder joints

The audio and navigation system on the P2 platform (S60 I, V70 II, XC70 I) fails due to cold solder joints in the RTI control unit. Replacement costs €700 and up; professional re-soldering is cheaper.

Symptoms: Black screen, navigation sporadically fails to start, audio system fails
from 130,000 km
Medium
NHTSA Owner Complaints
Below Average
862 complaints · 2000–2009
Fuel System
175 ⚠ 2
Electrical
164 ⚠ 2
Gasoline
153 ⚠ 1
Engine & Cooling
123 ⚠ 3
Cruise Control
107 ⚠ 9

Top Reported Issues

Fuel System (175 complaints)
Electrical (164 complaints)
Gasoline (153 complaints)
Source: NHTSA (nhtsa.gov) · 2026-03

Alternatives

Same Segment

Audi A4 B8

Mittelklasse (2007–2015)

Same Segment

Audi A5 8T

Mittelklasse (2007–2016)

Same Segment

Ford Mondeo BA7

Mittelklasse (2007–2014)

Same Segment

Honda Accord CU

Mittelklasse (2007–2012)

Same Segment

Mazda 6 GH

Mittelklasse (2007–2012)

Same Segment

Toyota Camry XV40

Mittelklasse (2007–2011)


Known Problems and Issues

A total of 58 weaknesses have been documented for the Volvo S60 1 (2000–2009) — 47 engine-related and 11 vehicle-related. One problem engine: D5244T4 (2.4L D5). Typical issues affect Electronics, Suspension, Gearbox, Brakes.

S60 (D5244T, 2001–2009) — Be Careful: Injector seal leaking (Black Death), Timing belt + water pump, EGR valve sooted. Power: 163 PS.

S60 (D5244T4, 2005–2009) — Stay Away!: Injector seal leaking (Black Death), Swirl flap linkage breaks, Timing belt + water pump. Power: 185 PS.

S60 (B5244S, 2000–2009) — Be Careful: Timing belt replacement mandatory, Camshaft adjuster migrates and fails to seal, PCV oil separator clogged. Power: 140 PS.

S60 (B5244S2, 2000–2009) — Be Careful: Timing belt replacement mandatory, PCV oil separator clogged, Water pump and radiator susceptible at higher mileage. Power: 170 PS.

S60 (B5244T, 2000–2009) — Be Careful: ETM electronic throttle unit faulty, Timing belt + CVVT camshaft adjuster, PCV oil separator clogged. Power: 200 PS.

S60 (B5244T3, 2000–2009) — Be Careful: ETM electronic throttle unit faulty, Timing belt + CVVT adjuster, PCV oil separator clogged. Power: 200 PS.

S60 (B5204T5, 2001–2009) — Be Careful: Timing belt + CVVT camshaft adjuster, PCV hose cracks — oil on engine, ETM electronic throttle unit faulty. Power: 179 PS.

S60 (B5254T2, 2001–2009) — Be Careful: Timing belt + water pump mandatory, PCV oil separator clogged, Turbo drain pipe seal leaking. Power: 209 PS.

S60 (B5254T4, 2003–2009) — Be Careful: PCV oil separator critical on high-performance engine, Turbocharger bearing wear, Timing belt with water pump. Power: 299 PS.

S60 (B5244T5, 2005–2009) — Be Careful: ETM electronic throttle unit faulty, Timing belt + CVVT adjuster, Piston rings stick due to PCV failure. Power: 260 PS.

What to watch out for with the Volvo S60? See the detailed listing of all engine and vehicle weaknesses in the sections above.

Frequently Asked Questions

What problems and weaknesses does the Volvo S60 1 have? +
The Volvo S60 1 has 47 known engine weaknesses and 11 vehicle weaknesses.
What should I look for when buying a used Volvo S60 1? +
faq.watch_a_avoid
Which engine is recommended? +
Be careful: B5244S (2.4L), B5244S2 (2.4L), B5244T (2.4L Turbo), B5244T3 (2.4L Turbo), B5244T5 (2.4L Turbo), B5204T5 (2.0L Turbo), B5254T2 (2.5L Turbo), B5254T4 (2.5L Turbo R), D5244T (2.4L D5). No engine is rated 'Good Choice'. The most fun to drive is the B5254T4 (2.5L Turbo R). Problem engine: D5244T4 (2.4L D5) — stay away!
Which Volvo S60 1 engine is the most fun? +
The {code} ({displacement}) offers the most driving fun in the Volvo S60 1 — rated: "Legendary!". {description} 300 hp AWD turbocharged five-cylinder, FOUR-C suspension, Laplacian blue illumination: the S60R/V70R is Volvo driving pleasure at its highest level — a cult car.
Is the Volvo S60 1 worth buying used? +
Caution is advised with the Volvo S60 1 — 1 of 10 engine variants are rated 'Stay Away!'. The engine choice is crucial.
What horsepower variants are available for the Volvo S60 1? +
The Volvo S60 1 is available with engine variants from 140 to 299 hp. Petrol: B5244S (2.4L), B5244S2 (2.4L), B5244T (2.4L Turbo), B5244T3 (2.4L Turbo), B5244T5 (2.4L Turbo), B5204T5 (2.0L Turbo), B5254T2 (2.5L Turbo), B5254T4 (2.5L Turbo R). Diesel: D5244T (2.4L D5), D5244T4 (2.4L D5).

Last updated: February 2026 · All information without guarantee