Research · 6 NHTSA variants

2020 Volvo S-ClassRecalls, problems, MPG & safety

NHTSA lists 0 safety recalls and 9 owner complaints for the 2020 Volvo S-Class. Most complaints involve service brakes (4) and suspension (3). NHTSA gives it 5 stars overall.

Combined MPG
—
No EPA rating found
NHTSA overall
5of 5 stars
NCAP crash tests
Safety recalls
0campaigns
NHTSA
Owner complaints
9
Top: service brakes
Fuel cost / yr
—
No EPA estimate
01 —Recalls

Safety recalls

NHTSA campaigns for this model year
0 recalls found in NHTSA data for the 2020 Volvo S-Class as of Oct 28, 2026.
Data from NHTSA Recalls API · synced Oct 28, 2026NHTSA vehicle page
02 —Complaints

Owner complaints by component

9 complaints filed with NHTSA · Jan 2020 – Jan 2025
  1. Service brakes4
  2. Suspension3
  3. Forward collision avoidance2
  4. Steering2
  5. Wheels2
  6. Electrical system2
  7. Vehicle speed control1
  8. Power train1
  9. Visibility/wiper1

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

By model year

Complaints for each S-Class model year we’ve synced.

View as table
Model yearNHTSA complaints
1998251
1999415
2000628
2001322
2002216
2003141
2004298
2005140
2006102
200770
200852
200933
201036
201115
2012129
201394
201426
201567
201635
201726
201816
201923
20209
20218
Crashes reported
1
Fires reported
0
Injuries reported
0
Deaths reported
0
Data from NHTSA Complaints API · synced Oct 28, 2026NHTSA vehicle page
03 —Common problems

What owners report most

Verbatim excerpts from NHTSA complaints, by component

Service brakes

4 reports
“- Brakes, Wheels, and possibly suspension. - Car shudders under braking, impacts stopping ability. All tires vibrate while driving. Wheels are warped/damaged. - Vehicle went to the dealer. Replaced all four rotors, repaired all for rims. - I have reached out to the manufacturer for support. They declined to get involved. - No messages or warnings”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Dec 7, 2021Suspension, Wheels, Service brakesODI 11442995

Suspension

3 reports
“It is unknown what caused this issue but ever since I bought my vehicle on April 5, 2021, I have been experiencing vibration issues when driving between 65-75 MPH. I have had my vehicle inspected at multiple Volvo Service Centers across Texas and no one can seem to figure out what is causing the vibration issues. My front rotors have been replaced 3 TIMES, my rear rotors have been replaced once, I have had multiple tire rotations, alignments and balancing from Volvo Service Centers and even from Discount Tire. With all of these items serviced/repaired/replaced, the vibration is still present in the steering wheel traveling at highway speeds. I went on a test drive today, 6/22/22, with a Volvo Service Technician and he confirmed that the vibration is valid. He also stated that the only thing left to do is to replace all 4 tires, at my cost, to see if the vibration goes away. He advised that when new cars are on the lot parked waiting to be sold, dealerships typically inflate the tires to about 50 PSI so as to avoid any "flat spots" on the tires. He also stated that many dealers also typically do not inflate tires on their new fleet due to the rough ride it…”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Jun 22, 2022Steering, Suspension, Power trainODI 11470504

Forward collision avoidance

2 reports1 crash
“The contact owns a 2020 Volvo S60. The contact stated that while at a stop light, the vehicle erroneously drove forward and crashed into a second vehicle. The contact indicate that during the crash the collision avoidance feature did not activate. No injuries were reported. A police report was taken at the scene and the vehicle was towed away. The cause of the failure was not determined. The manufacturer and local dealer were notified of the incident. The failure mileage was 16,000.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Jan 2, 2025Vehicle speed control, Forward collision avoidanceCrash reportedODI 11633726
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Oct 28, 2026
04 —Safety

NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings

6 tested variants
Overall rating
5/ 5
5 of 5
Volvo S60 T5 4 DR FWD
Frontal crash
4 of 5
Side crash
5 of 5
Side pole
5 of 5
Rollover
5 of 5
Rollover risk
9.9%
Overall
5 / 5
Volvo S60 T6 4 DR AWD
Frontal crash
4 of 5
Side crash
5 of 5
Side pole
5 of 5
Rollover
5 of 5
Rollover risk
9.9%
Data from NHTSA NCAP Safety Ratings API · synced Oct 28, 2026Vehicle 14288Vehicle 14289Vehicle 14290
05 —Maintenance

Maintenance basics

General guidance, not the OEM schedule. Check your owner’s manual.
General guidance
ItemMilesTimeNote
Engine oil & filter5,000–10,000 mi6–12 monthsFollow the oil-life monitor if fitted
Tire rotation5,000–7,500 miEvery oil changeCheck pressure monthly
Engine air filter15,000–30,000 mi1–2 yearsSooner in dusty areas
Cabin air filter15,000–25,000 mi1–2 years
Brake fluid—2–3 yearsAbsorbs moisture over time
Coolant60,000–100,000 mi5–10 yearsLong-life coolants last longer
Spark plugs60,000–100,000 mi—Iridium/platinum plugs at the long end
12V battery—3–5 yearsHeat shortens battery life
  • Engine oil & filter5,000–10,000 mi
    6–12 months
  • Tire rotation5,000–7,500 mi
    Every oil change
  • Engine air filter15,000–30,000 mi
    1–2 years
  • Cabin air filter15,000–25,000 mi
    1–2 years
  • Brake fluid—
    2–3 years
  • Coolant60,000–100,000 mi
    5–10 years
  • Spark plugs60,000–100,000 mi
    —
  • 12V battery—
    3–5 years
Typical intervals for modern cars. Severe service (towing, short trips, extreme heat or cold) shortens them.
07 —FAQ

2020 S-Class questions

How many recalls does the 2020 Volvo S-Class have?

0 recalls found in NHTSA data as of Oct 28, 2026.

What are the most common 2020 Volvo S-Class problems?

Owners filed 9 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are service brakes (4), suspension (3), forward collision avoidance (2). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.

How safe is the 2020 Volvo S-Class?

NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program gives the 2020 Volvo S-Class 5 out of 5 stars overall.

Data from NHTSA & EPA · synced Oct 28, 2026