Pre-purchase inspection checklist — 2021 Volvo S60
The 2021 Volvo S60 has a few recalls mainly affecting its safety features, such as air bags and seat belts. Given limited complaints, there are no prevalent issues, but electrical complaints are noted. Always confirm the recalls have been addressed.
NHTSA data on file today
The 2021 Volvo S60 has 3 NHTSA recall campaigns and 8 owner complaints on file as of . Recall data is refreshed daily from NHTSA.
Recall campaigns on file
- NHTSA #25V179000 High-Voltage Battery May Short Circuit NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #23V780000 Front Passenger Air Bag May Deploy Improperly NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #21V682000 Seat Belt Locking Retractor Malfunction/FMVSS 208 NHTSA notice
Most-cited components in owner complaints
- Electrical System 4 complaints
- Unknown or Other 3 complaints
- Visibility/Wiper 3 complaints
- Service Brakes 2 complaints
- Engine 1 complaint
- Steering 1 complaint
Known issues to inspect
Battery short circuit
How to check: Ensure recall service has been completed for the battery.
Airbag insecure fitting
How to check: Verify if the airbag recall service is done.
Seat belt retractor failure
How to check: Check if seat belts hold a car seat securely.
Test-drive walkthrough
- 01
Cold start
What to check: Check dashboard for warning lights.
Red flag: Persistent warning lights
- 02
City driving
What to check: Listen for unusual steering noises.
Red flag: Loud steering noises
- 03
Braking test
What to check: Ensure braking feels strong and responsive.
Red flag: Brakes feel weak or spongy
- 04
Highway acceleration
What to check: Check for consistent power delivery.
Red flag: Intermittent loss of power
- 05
Return to idle
What to check: Monitor for smooth idling and no vibrations.
Red flag: Rough or shaking idle
Questions for the seller
Use this exact phrasing.
- Has the battery recall been completed?
- Have the airbag issues been fixed?
- Are service records available?
- Has the vehicle been in any accidents?
- Is there a warranty transfer available?
Documents to request
Don't sign anything until you have these.
- Recall repair records
- Vehicle service history
- Title and registration
- Warranty documentation
Generated by gpt-4o on from the NHTSA recall campaigns and owner-complaint counts on file for the 2021 Volvo S60 at the time. AI output can be wrong; confirm anything you find with a mechanic.
Next step
Looking at a specific 2021 Volvo S60? Check the actual car
This checklist covers the model. From your free try.vin dashboard you can go further — paste the seller's listing for a deal score, or drop their photos for an AI condition report.