Problems · NHTSA complaints

2015 Volvo S-Class problems

Owners filed 67 complaints about the 2015 Volvo S-Class with NHTSA between May 2015 and Oct 2026. The most-cited component is engine (27).

Complaints
67
Filed with NHTSA
Crashes
4
Reported by owners
Fires
2
Reported by owners
Injuries
2
People reported injured
Deaths
0
Reported to NHTSA
01 —By component

Complaints by component

One complaint can cite several components
  1. Engine27
  2. Electrical system9
  3. Power train7
  4. Air bags4
  5. Fuel/propulsion system4
  6. Service brakes4
  7. Wheels4
  8. Engine and engine cooling3
  9. Forward collision avoidance3
  10. Latches/locks/linkages3
  11. Structure3
  12. Vehicle speed control3
  13. Seat belts2
  14. Steering2

Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.

Data from NHTSA Complaints API · synced Oct 30, 2026NHTSA vehicle page
02 —Trend

When complaints were filed

Does it get worse with age? Complaints per calendar year filed
View as table
Model yearComplaints filed per calendar year
20153
20165
20173
20187
20194
202010
20214
20225
202310
20249
20252
20265

Mileage at failure isn’t a structured field in NHTSA complaint data, so we don’t chart it. Some owners mention it in their reports below.

03 —Owner reports

Top problems in owners’ words

Verbatim from NHTSA complaints, newest first

Engine

27 reports2 fires
“The contact owns a 2015 Volvo S60. The contact stated that on several occasions, the vehicle hesitated while starting. Upon starting, the vehicle shuddered, vibrated, lost power, and entered Limp mode. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds on several occasions, the vehicle stalled. The vehicle was restarted after each failure; however, after the last occurrence, the vehicle took longer to restart. The check engine warning light blinked on several occasions. The vehicle was driven to the contact's residence and later taken to an independent mechanic for diagnosis. The contact was informed that the engine had failed, and the piston rings or the engine needed to be replaced. The failure mileage was 150,000.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Sep 17, 2026EngineODI 11764934

Electrical system

9 reports1 related recall
“The contact owns a 2015 Volvo S60. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle stalled and lost motive power. No warning lights illuminated. The contact was a certified mechanic. The contact stated that the failure occurred when the outside temperature was too hot or too cold. The dealer was made aware of the failure. The contact was informed that the failure was a known failure with the vehicle. The contact inspected the vehicle and noticed that an unknown fuse on the battery cable that was extremely hot. The contact replaced the unknown fuse. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 128,000.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled May 27, 2026Electrical systemODI 11740292

Power train

7 reports
“I bought the car as a CPO on 9/25/19 32,860 mi. On 8/19/20 at 50,052 the engine failed. The oscillating dampener rubber separated causing serpentine belt to break, which in turn got caught in timing belt which caused that to break which then caused bent valves and valves to break. The failure was sudden. Had I been on the interstate I’d be severely injured or dead. I was told that I needed a new engine but they could not find one. I was told they would completely re-build my engine. In the end they replaced the cylinder head and starter under warranty. I was never told they didn’t re-build the engine and also used “ good parts” from the old engine. In the following months I had the car in the Volvo shop (Hendricks Volvo Charleston, SC). At 50,277 miles the check engine light showed a problem with the Cam shaft position sensor on 9/3/20. They claim to have driven the car 100 miles and cleared the code w/no repairs. On 3/18/21 w/ 64,485 miles, I took the car into the dealer because it was running and idling rough. They found no codes and they aligned the car. “Couldn’t duplicate”. The right rear door never shut properly and I was repeatedly told it was fine.…”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Aug 17, 2023Power train, Engine, Fuel/propulsion systemODI 11539045

Air bags

4 reports3 crashes
“Vehicle temperature started to overheat, pulled the car off the road and saw water vapor coming from the engine area and turned the car off. All airbags then deployed.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Oct 25, 2026Air bagsODI 11773507

Fuel/propulsion system

4 reports
“Excessive Oil Consumption resulting in piston damage/failure! This vehicle has burned oil since I bought it used at about 80,000 miles. I checked the carfax prior to purchasing it and it had been maintained routinely. I have to add a liter of oil every couple of weeks. This is with regular in town driving. I have reported the issue numerous times to the Volvo dealer when I bring it in for regular maintenance and repairs. I have been told by the Volvo service advisor to just add oil. It was a known issue. Sometimes I have warning lights telling me it has low oil. I also check the oil level to know to add oil. I always check my oil level before any trip. I always keep oil in my car because of this issue. Otherwise, I have had to stop and buy oil once on a trip. Since it told me to add oil on my way back. However, one serious safety issue was having to pull off on a desert highway to add oil. The car was giving me a red warning triangle that I had never seen before. My child had to shine a light for me to see so I could add oil. She was VERY AFRAID. Although Volvo sent a letter acknowledging this vehicle problem, I have been told that I do not qualify for any…”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Mar 19, 2023Electrical system, Engine, Fuel/propulsion systemODI 11512670

Service brakes

4 reports
“The contact owns a 2015 Volvo S60. The contact stated while driving approximately 15 MPH and slowing down for a crosswalk with pedestrians in the crosswalk, the vehicle independently accelerated while depressing the brake pedal. The contact stated that she had not noticed any warning lights being illuminated. The contact stated that the failure was intermittent. The contact had taken the vehicle to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the failure could not be duplicated. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 15,000.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Apr 28, 2023Vehicle speed control, Service brakesODI 11519475
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Oct 30, 2026

Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.