Door Lock Problem in Volvo S60
Volvo has announced a recall of certain S60 models due to an unusual and potentially dangerous issue. According to the report, door locks on vehicles operated in hot climates can completely fail while opening the doors.
What is the Defect?
The manufacturer explains that if a 2017 Volvo S60L is exposed to extreme heat for an extended period, the door lock mechanism can weaken. Subsequently, this can lead to the failure of the spring latch retaining hook when attempting to open the door. This creates a serious safety hazard, especially for vehicles left unattended with damaged locks.
Furthermore, there is a risk that the doors may open unexpectedly while the vehicle is in motion, for example, during reversing or navigating a roundabout. For passengers not wearing seat belts, the consequences could be catastrophic, including the risk of falling out of the cabin.
Recall Scale
The measures concern 2,758 Volvo S60L vehicles manufactured between November 24, 2016, and April 8, 2017. This is already Volvo’s second recall due to a similar door lock problem.
Problem Timeline and Resolution
Volvo first received reports of door lock issues back in 2019, leading to the first recall. However, by the end of 2025, new complaints began to arrive even from car owners not covered by the previous campaign. This prompted the manufacturer to initiate a new recall to definitively resolve the defect.
Official owner notification is scheduled for February 23, 2026. Nevertheless, drivers can independently check if their vehicle is part of this campaign by using the special VIN lookup tool on the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) website. As part of the recall, dealers will replace all four door locks with an updated design free of charge. Owners who have already incurred expenses to fix this malfunction earlier can expect compensation.
This situation highlights the importance of continuous post-sale vehicle reliability monitoring, especially in specific climatic conditions. A repeated recall for the same issue indicates that the initial solution may have been insufficiently effective or did not cover all potentially vulnerable components. For owners, this is also a reminder of the importance of promptly responding to manufacturer notifications and regularly checking the condition of their vehicle, especially if it is operated in an extreme environment. Reliability and safety remain critical aspects that premium brands like Volvo must prioritize.