NHTSA — Engine And Engine Cooling Problems

10.0

really awful
Crashes / Fires:
0 / 1
Injuries / Deaths:
0 / 0
Average Mileage:
110,325 miles

About These NHTSA Complaints:

This data is from the NHTSA — the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints are spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem.

So how do you find out what problems are occurring? For this NHTSA complaint data, the only way is to read through the comments below. Any duplicates or errors? It's not us.

2002 Volvo S60 engine problems

engine problem

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2002 Volvo S60 Owner Comments

problem #8

Jan 072013

S60 5-cyl

  • 229,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

While driving in the dark, power to the electronics listed below were lost inevitably and many warning lights/messages appeared on the dash (also listed below under symptoms). There were no warning signs that this was about to happen nor is there any explanation for why it happened. I was driving on a dark road and I lost complete vision of the road due to headlight failure (both low and high beams). This scenario is a common safety issue associated with many other similar Volvo years and models. I had to stop the car immediately to avoid crashing and call someone to pick me up. All symptoms from this "blackout" did not and have not disappeared since it happened, making the car undrivable. These symptoms are suspect to be the result of a cem failure, which also controls emissions. As stated previously, this exact scenario has caused thousands of similar Volvo years and models to be recalled/repaired on Volvo's behalf. Unfortunately, my vehicle model has not been placed under recall for this extremely, dangerous safety defect. I would like to see action taken against Volvo and repair costs covered on their behalf. Symptoms: Brake failure stop safely warning message engine system service required warning message SRS airbag service urgent warning message low beam headlights not working high beams headlights not working check engine light on ABS light on traction control light on odometer not working radio not working power seats & heated seats not working 12V sockets (front & rear) not working trip odometer not working clock reset.

- East Greenwich, RI, USA

problem #7

Apr 042010

S60

  • 49,000 miles
The contact owns a 2002 Volvo S60 2.4. the contact was driving 70 mph when a loud explosion emitted from under the hood and smoke entered the interior. The vehicle then stalled and was towed to an authorized dealer. The dealer stated that oil was not flowing into the engine and the bearings were melted. The manufacturer was not notified and the vehicle was not repaired. The failure and current mileages were 49,000.

- Ranchos Palos Verdes, CA, USA

problem #6

Mar 252011

S60

  • 156,000 miles
The contact owns a 2002 Volvo S60. While driving approximately 20 mph, the contact applied pressure to the accelerator pedal but the vehicle would not accelerate. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated on the dash board as the vehicle independently accelerated and then decelerated. The contact did not feel safe operating the vehicle and it was parked. The dealer was contacted and stated that there was an extended warranty offered for the ETM unit in the same year, make and model as the contacts vehicle but the VIN was not included. The vehicle was not repaired. The VIN was not available. The approximate failure mileage was 156,000.

- Dundalk, MD, USA

problem #5

Nov 162008

S60

  • 113,400 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

I own a Volvo S60 and am having problems (racing idle, uncontrollable cruise control, and complete dying of engine randomly) which are related to eventual failure of the ETM which could be a catastrophic event, resulting in serious injury or death. Volvo has issued a limited recall but in order to be granted this fix one's vehicle must fail a certain test. If there is no failure, no fix.(the test is not a comprehensive meter of failure) a software upgrade is offered which is essentially an override, in which the system is set to ignore symptoms, so that the check engine light does not employ. This is not a fix.. the problem existing is that my car exhibits all the preliminary problems of the eventual failure of the ETM which will result in a limp home mode, whereas the car will only go approx 15mph, and is immediate, meaning that when this happens one hopes they are not on the freeway.... well, one can use ones imagination. This is very disturbing. Still Volvo wishes to wait until the complete failure obviously, and I do not wish to gamble with my life in this way. The symptoms at this time are random, indicative of complete failure in the future. Volvo hesitates to take complete responsibility of this problem; but are aware of the defective engineering responsible for it. Even their fix for this problem is to replace with the same ETM (electronic throttle module) which again, is only buying time until it fails also. But just try to get your module replaced ; not an easy thing to do, unless U want to pay for it outright, and that is wrong considering this is a Volvo problem, again, that they are aware of. I guess maybe death could be the great motivator.

- Wilmington, NC, USA

problem #4

Oct 012008

S60

  • 102,000 miles
The contact owns a 2002 Volvo S60. While driving approximately 35 mph, the check engine warning indicator illuminated on the instrument panel. The indicator remained illuminated until the engine was turned off. The vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer and they stated that the failure was related to the throttle body. The vehicle was repaired. The failures were related to recall#07V152000, fuel system; however, her VIN was excluded. The failure and current mileages were 102,000.

- Atlanta, GA, USA

problem #3

May 132008

S60

  • 106,004 miles
I was driving on the freeway and without warning the engine lost power and the check engine light came on. I coasted off to the shoulder and the engine would only idle, and even that was rough. The message indicator on the dash said something like "reduced engine performance". I had the car towed to gengras Volvo in meriden. They replaced the ETM, software and throttle body at the cost of $1195.43. About two weeks later, I was driving on the freeway and the same thing happened. This time the dealership said the electrical connections to the ETM must be bad and replaced same at no cost to me. Now about 10 days after that repair, the same thing happened to me on the freeway again. Since it is the weekend, I have to wait until Monday for the dealer to give me the diagnosis this time. Since the second failure of the part I have only driven in the right most lane of the highway so that when the car dies again I can get to the shoulder safely. It is a good thing I do this as the issue comes on suddenly and without any warning.

- Terryville, CT, USA

problem #2

Jun 212007

S60 5-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 59,554 miles
The contact owns a 2002 Volvo S60. The vehicle unnecessarily goes into uneven engine idling when driving between 10-30 mph. The failure prevents the brakes from working properly. When depressing the brake pedal, the vehicle would continue to roll instead of stopping. When the contact took the vehicle to the dealer, they replaced the throttle, installed a new ECM, and replaced the mass air flow pipe. The current mileage was 63,600 and failure mileage was 59,554. Updated 12-12-07. There was a mass air flow failure. Updated

- Denver, CO, USA

problem #1

Sep 292006

S60 4-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 67,644 miles
Sep 29,2006 my wife was driving home and the car shut off as she was making a turn. She also noted the signal lights and dash lights were acting erratically. Come Monday we are scheduling a visit to the dealership. This appears to be a safety issue the reason being suppose she had been in highway traffic.

- Chula Vista, CA, USA

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