Log inCheck a car
Known Faults Database

Volvo XC60 problems, reliability and years to avoid

If you are considering buying a used Volvo XC60, these are the common problems worth knowing about first. Our garage database tracks 3 known faults for this model, 2 of them rated high severity. Every one below is a repair bill a seller has good reason not to mention.

Free advert check

Found a Volvo XC60 for sale?

Paste the advert and we read it against its known faults, its MOT history and the DVLA record, and tell you what the seller has not. Free, about a minute, no card.

Check a Volvo XC60 advert (free) →
Works with any listing: paste the text from AutoTrader, Gumtree, eBay, Facebook Marketplace or a dealer’s own site.

Is the Volvo XC60 reliable?

The Volvo XC60 has 3 known faults in our database, 2 of them rated high severity. The most serious are engine (the EGR system on the 2.0 D4 clogs with soot) and engine (belt-drive failure on the five-cylinder diesel can wreck the engine). None of them makes the car a bad buy on its own; the risk is a seller who knows and says nothing.

That is a count of the faults we hold, not a reliability score. Popular cars get written about more, and a newer generation has had less time to show its faults.

Which Volvo XC60 years should you avoid?

No year is a write-off on its own. What matters is which serious faults a given year and engine can have, and whether the car in front of you has had them fixed.

Years and engines with a serious known fault

  • 2014 to 2017, 2.0 D4 four-cylinder diesel (VEA / Drive-E), from late 2014. Not the 2.4 five-cylinder that was also badged D4 on 2011 to 2014 cars and some four-wheel-drive ones: the EGR system on the 2.0 D4 clogs with soot
  • 2001 to 2015, Five-cylinder diesel: 2.4 D5 and 2.4D, plus the D3 and D4 versions of the same engine (2.0 or 2.4) sold until about 2014: belt-drive failure on the five-cylinder diesel can wreck the engine

Each one is set out in full below, with the symptoms, the typical mileage and a rough repair cost.

Generation 1 of 13 known faults · 19 owner reports · 5 good notes

Volvo XC60 1st Gen (2008 to 2017) problems

Engine/EmissionsHigh severity💬 5 owner reports, 2017 to 2020

The EGR system on the 2.0 D4 clogs with soot, which usually shows as an engine warning light and sometimes limp mode. One owner's 2014 car went into limp mode after the dealer replaced the EGR valve but not the cooler, which was then found blocked solid; another 54,000-mile car needed a new EGR, then a new EGR cooler and pipework. A UK recall on XC60s built from November 2012 to October 2016 deals with the plastic inlet manifold melting and deforming from the same soot build-up, with new software, cleaning of the intake pressure sensors and extra hoses where needed.

Typical symptoms

  • engine warning light
  • limp mode with loss of power
  • rough, spluttering start after standing for a few days

Affected vehicles

Engines:
2.0 D4 four-cylinder diesel (VEA / Drive-E), from late 2014. Not the 2.4 five-cylinder that was also badged D4 on 2011 to 2014 cars and some four-wheel-drive ones
Typical mileage:
54000-70000 miles
7 more owner reports back this up
  • January 2020A 2014 Volvo XC60 D4 VEA had its engine management light illuminate, leading to a major top-end rebuild due to sooted-up cylinders, valves, and injectors, covered by Volvo goodwill.
  • October 2019A 2014 Volvo XC60 D4 2.0 litre had its EGR valve replaced, then the EGR cooler cleaned, but still splutters on cold start-up.
  • June 2019A 2014 Volvo XC60 D4 at 70,000 miles needed new intake swirl flaps, an EGR cooler, and an EGR valve, and was using excessive oil.
  • February 2019The EGR failed on a 2016 Volvo XC60 D4 at 70,000 miles, with the dealer replacing the EGR and cooler free of charge.
  • August 2018A 54,000-mile Volvo XC60 D4 Drive-E had a new EGR valve, then needed a replacement EGR cooler and associated pipework at significant expense.
  • May 2018A 60,000-mile 2014 Volvo XC60 D4 displayed a 'reduced engine performance' message, diagnosed as a possible EGR valve issue.
  • November 2017A 2014 Volvo XC60 2.0 diesel had its EGR cooler and hose replaced under warranty, then needed an O2 sensor cleaned and a new exhaust manifold due to sooting.
🔍 We have a specific pre-purchase check for this faultCheck an advert →
Engine/EmissionsHigh severity📝 Editorial

Belt-drive failure on the five-cylinder diesel can wreck the engine. On earlier cars the timing belt tensioners and idler pulleys may give out ahead of the planned belt change and throw the belt, with many failures around 65,000 miles. On S80, V70, XC70 and XC60 builds from 2007 to 2010 the auxiliary belt tensioner was recalled in the UK, because a failed tensioner or belt can get into the timing belt. Owners have had the auxiliary belt snap at 46,790 miles on a 2011 V70 D3, and a newly fitted one come off and wrap round the lower timing belt pulleys on a 50,000-mile 2011 XC60.

Typical symptoms

  • squeal or chirp from the belts, especially from cold
  • battery or power steering warning if the auxiliary belt comes off
  • engine stops suddenly and will not restart

Affected vehicles

Engines:
Five-cylinder diesel: 2.4 D5 and 2.4D, plus the D3 and D4 versions of the same engine (2.0 or 2.4) sold until about 2014
Typical mileage:
46000-65000 miles
🔍 We have a specific pre-purchase check for this faultCheck an advert →
Engine/EmissionsMedium severity📝 Editorial

Fuel injected to burn off the particulate filter can get past the pistons into the sump, so the oil level creeps up and the oil is thinned with diesel. Volvo issued a service bulletin in 2010 for D5 engines with a filter: new engine software to use less fuel during regeneration, and draining the oil back to the middle of the dipstick. A 2010 V70 D3 covering only around 7,300 miles annually needed 0.5 litres of oil taken out after a service warning, and a 2015 V70 D4 had diesel found in its oil after regenerating, with the oil changed free.

Typical symptoms

  • oil level above the maximum mark on the dipstick
  • engine oil that smells of diesel
  • engine service or check warning on the dash

Affected vehicles

Engines:
Diesels with a particulate filter: the five cylinder D5, D3 and D4 (2.4 and 2.0), and the later four cylinder 2.0 D4 (VEA)
Typical mileage:
unknown miles
🔍 We have a specific pre-purchase check for this faultCheck an advert →

What owners report on the 1st Gen

19 single reports, unconfirmed

One owner each, in their own words rewritten as a line, and not counted in our risk scoring. A fault joins the list above once a second report or an editorial source backs it.

  • Electrics · October 2020The central information screen in a 2016 Volvo XC60 flashed intermittently, with the dealer charging £154.80 for a necessary software update.
  • Electrics · December 2019The alternator failed on a 2014 Volvo XC60 D4 Automatic SE when the car had covered 64,000 miles.
  • Electrics · December 2019A 2011 Volvo XC60 experienced intermittent electrical issues, including power steering, handbrake, DSTC, and Park Assist faults, which returned after a software fix.
  • Brakes · October 2019A 2015 Volvo XC60 required new rear brake discs after travelling 40,000 miles.
  • Gearbox and clutch · October 2019The Aisin Geartronic automatic transmission of a 67,000-mile 2014 Volvo XC60 D4 AWD went into limp home mode, needing a new TCM module.
  • Engine · May 2019A 2014 Volvo XC60 at 135,000 miles showed a 'coolant low' light, diagnosed as a failed head gasket requiring a new engine costing £11,200.
  • Bodywork · March 2019A 2011 Volvo XC60 suffered significant water ingress, soaking the driver's floor mat and dripping from the ceiling light cluster, affecting electrics.
  • Bodywork · April 2018The tailgate struts on a Volvo XC60 failed every four years, with replacements costing £800 each time.
  • Gearbox and clutch · March 2018A 2013 Volvo XC60 2.4 D4 R Design needed a new automatic gear selector at 35,000 miles, costing £518.
  • Gearbox and clutch · March 2018A 35,000-mile 2013 Volvo XC60 displayed a 'gear selector service required' message, leading to a £518.70 bill for a new gear selector module.
  • Gearbox and clutch · February 2018A 2011 Volvo XC60 2.4 AWD with 55,000 miles developed an unpleasant drivetrain jerk when shifting from reverse to drive.
  • Electrics · September 2017The driver's door lock of a 2013 Volvo XC60 failed under warranty, followed by the passenger and a rear door lock, with charges for subsequent repairs.
  • Bodywork · July 2017The gas struts on the hatchback of a 2012 Volvo XC60 started failing, making a groaning noise, with the dealer quoting £500 for replacement.
  • Brakes · June 2017A 41,000-mile Volvo XC60 D5 Geartronic displayed 'ABS/DSTC service required' and 'engine service required' messages, with the ABS light almost constantly illuminated.
  • Gearbox and clutch · March 2016The Geartronic transmission of a 58,000-mile 2011 XC60 2.4 D5 AWD jerked and did not change down smoothly when decelerating, with diagnostics finding no fault.
  • Bodywork · November 2015The windscreen of a 45,000-mile 2010 Volvo XC60 de-bonded, causing a loss of structural integrity and water to leak into the cabin onto electrical components.
  • Bodywork · June 2015The tailgate lock failed on a 50,000-mile 2011 Volvo XC60 that had been serviced independently.
  • Brakes · April 2015The rear brake discs and pads of a 2012 Volvo XC60 D5 automatic needed replacing at 34,260 miles.
  • Gearbox and clutch · December 2013The Geartronic transmission bands were slipping on a 2010 XC60 D5, which had covered 19,000 miles.

What owners like about the 1st Gen

5 notes
  • The Volvo XC60 was recognised as the overall winner at the Towcar Awards in 2009.
  • This comfortable and classy SUV is equipped with a comprehensive suite of autonomous safety features.
  • This model offers impressive levels of standard equipment, enhancing the overall ownership experience for drivers.
  • The T8 petrol plug-in hybrid variant can accelerate from 0 to 62mph in just 5.3 seconds.
  • The car achieved a 5-star Euro NCAP rating, with high scores for adult occupant, child occupant, pedestrian, and safety assist.

Sellers rarely admit these faults outright

We track 9 specific phrases sellers use in adverts to soft-pedal these exact issues. Paste any Volvo XC60 advert and we check it in seconds.

Check an advert now (free) →
Free report, no credit card required.

Volvo XC60 recalls

Recall work is done by the manufacturer, and GOV.UK says you will not usually have to pay for it. These are the 36 DVSA recalls for the XC60, newest first. They do not tell you whether this particular car has had the work: for that, put the registration into the free GOV.UK MOT history check, which shows a recall status where the manufacturer shares it, or ask a franchised dealer to check the VIN.

🏛️ June 2025Cars built July 2019 to June 2025

BCM2 SW - Safety Notice

Affected vehicles may experience a temporary loss of braking functionality after coasting downhill with 'B' mode selected or when using One Pedal Drive. This could potentially lead to a collision.

Put right by: Install modified software via an Over the Air (OTA) update.

DVSA R/2025/2112,254 vehicles affected in the UK
🏛️ March 2025Cars built September 2019 to November 2021

SPA1 Cell Modules

On affected vehicles the High Voltage (HV) Battery may have a manufacturing defect which could cause the battery cells to overheat when the HV Battery is fully charged. In a worst-case scenario there is a risk of fire when the vehicle is parked up with a fully charged HV Battery.

Put right by: Check and replace the HV Battery if necessary and install modified software.

DVSA R/2025/117780 vehicles affected in the UK
🏛️ November 2024Cars built May 2019 to February 2020

BCM2 - Push Road

The rod connecting the brake pedal to the brake booster may not have been assembled correctly. The final torque might not be according to manufacturing specification due to deviations in the equipment. If the rod does disconnect the mechanical connection between brake pedal and brake booster cannot be guaranteed. In the worst-case scenario if the rod disconnects the brake pedal function cannot be guaranteed

Put right by: A Volvo retailer will check and if necessary tighten the rod to correct specification.

DVSA R/2024/446970 vehicles affected in the UK
🏛️ March 2024Cars built August 2022 to July 2023

Seat and Seat Belt Torque

The screw joints for the seats and seat-belts may not have been torqued to the correct specification which means in the event of an impact insufficient protection will be available.

Put right by: The solution is to check and adjust the torque.

DVSA R/2024/124
🏛️ January 2023Cars built November 2022 to January 2023

There may be a potential software error in the brake control module.

There may be a potential software error in the brake control module.

Put right by: Update the brake control module software.

DVSA R/2023/02510,197 vehicles affected in the UK
🏛️ October 2022Cars built March 2021 to October 2022

A software error may prevent the engine control module from starting the engine

The Engine Control Module (ECM) may prevent the combustion engine from starting.

Put right by: Download updated software.

DVSA R/2022/3134,755 vehicles affected in the UK
🏛️ October 2021Cars built February 2019 to September 2019

Thrust bearing in turbo charger might not be robust enough

The thrust bearing in the turbo charger may not be robust enough.

Put right by: Replace turbocharger with a modified version which has an improved thrust bearing.

DVSA R/2021/3602,083 vehicles affected in the UK
🏛️ September 2021Cars built June 2019 to March 2021

Potentially insufficient or missing welding connection in the hydraulic unit of the brake system

There may be an insufficient or missing welding connection in the Hydraulic Unit of the Brake System.

Put right by: Replace the Hydraulic Unit.

DVSA R/2021/33128 vehicles affected in the UK
🏛️ June 2021Cars built November 2018 to March 2020

There is a risk that the 15amp fuse could blow which will prevent the low pressure fuel pump from operating

There is a risk that the 15amp fuse could blow which will prevent the low pressure fuel pump operating.

Put right by: Replace the 15A fuse with a 20A fuse which can withstand this peak.

DVSA R/2021/20514,380 vehicles affected in the UK
🏛️ January 2021Cars built September 2020 to September 2020

Vehicles may have the supplementary restraint system control unit incorrectly tightened to the car body

Vehicles may have the Supplementary Restraint System (SRS) control unit incorrectly tightened to the car body.

Put right by: Inspect and tighten the SRS control unit.

DVSA R/2021/001704 vehicles affected in the UK
🏛️ August 2020Cars built May 2017 to May 2020

Front wiper arm securing nuts may be incorrectly tightened

Vehicles may have incorrectly tightened front wiper arm securing nuts

Put right by: Check and tighten the nuts to an increased torque setting.

DVSA R/2020/24631,778 vehicles affected in the UK
🏛️ July 2020Cars built October 2013 to October 2016

There is a risk for trapped air to be in the cooling system which may result in insufficient cooling of engine components

There is a risk for trapped air to be in the cooling system which may result in insufficient cooling of engine components.

Put right by: Add an extra degassing line (Bleeder Hose) between the cooling system radiator and the cooling system expansion tank which will evacuate the trapped air

DVSA R/2020/21076,945 vehicles affected in the UK
🏛️ July 2020Cars built November 2012 to October 2016

There is a risk for trapped air to be in the cooling system

There is a risk for trapped air to be in the cooling system which may result in insufficient cooling of engine components.

Put right by: Add an extra degassing line (Bleeder Hose) between the cooling system radiator and the cooling system expansion tank which will evacuate the trapped air.

DVSA R/2020/20515,167 vehicles affected in the UK
🏛️ July 2020Cars built March 2008 to April 2016

Potential breakage/fatigue of a flexible steel cable supporting the front seatbelt anchor point

Potential breakage/fatigue of a flexible steel cable supporting the front seatbelt anchor point.

Put right by: Replace the seat belt fastener with a new designed seat belt fastening.

DVSA R/2020/192170,160 vehicles affected in the UK
🏛️ March 2020Cars built September 2019 to March 2020

Software issue means that automatic emergency brake system may not engage

The Automatic Emergency Brake System a function of the IntelliSafe system may not always engage increasing the risk of a collision

Put right by: Affected vehicles must have new software downloaded

DVSA R/2020/07356,385 vehicles affected in the UK
🏛️ December 2019Cars built November 2019 to November 2019

Possible loss of power whilst driving

Possible loss of power whilst driving.

Put right by: Vehicles must have updated software downloaded.

DVSA R/2019/45253 vehicles affected in the UK
🏛️ October 2019Cars built November 2012 to October 2016

The engine's plastic inlet manifold may melt and deform

The engines plastic inlet manifold may melt and deform

Put right by: Update vehicles with improved soot reducing software cleaning of TMAP and EMAP. Fit additional hoses where necessary.

DVSA R/2019/180
🏛️ January 2019Cars built January 2017 to October 2018

The tailgate lifting arms may freeze

Under certain conditions in cold climates the tailgate lifting arms may freeze and separate.

Put right by: Replace both lifting arms on the tailgate.

DVSA R/2019/02313,273 vehicles affected in the UK
🏛️ January 2019Cars built April 2015 to May 2016

Small cracks on the inside of a rubber fuel hose

Small cracks on the inside of a rubber fuel hose.

Put right by: Replacement of affected fuel hoses.

DVSA R/2018/37730,777 vehicles affected in the UK
🏛️ November 2018Cars built March 2017 to October 2018

Possible software issue in the vehicle connectivity module (VCM)

There may be a software issue in the Vehicle Connectivity Module.

Put right by: Upgrade software in the Vehicle Connectivity Module.

DVSA R/2018/3147,322 vehicles affected in the UK
🏛️ January 2017Cars built August 2016 to September 2016

One or more airbags may fail to deploy in the event of a collision

It has been identified by the manufacturer that the air-bag initiator does not meet specification. This can therefore result in the initiator not functioning correctly which can lead to none deployment of the air-bag. Should a collision occur then there is an increased risk of injury to the occupants of the vehicle.

Put right by: Recall all affected vehicles to replace the air-bags with a new quality assured component.

DVSA R/2017/0021,415 vehicles affected in the UK
🏛️ November 2016Cars built November 2015 to April 2016

Seatbelt may separate from the buckle

It has been identified there is a possibility the front seatbelt buckle stud may not have been punched correctly during production. This may result in a separation between the buckle and seatbelt bracket if the vehicle is involved in a collision.

Put right by: Recall all affected vehicles to inspect the seatbelt buckle and if required to replace the seatbelt buckle.

DVSA R/2016/25747 vehicles affected in the UK
🏛️ June 2016Cars built April 2016 to May 2016

Driver's airbag module may not deploy as intended

Due to a potential manufacturing defect the gas generator in the drivers airbag module may not deploy as intended. This may reduce the affectivities of the airbag.

Put right by: On affected vehicles replace the driver's air bag module.

DVSA R/2016/117123 vehicles affected in the UK
🏛️ February 2016Cars built January 2015 to February 2016

Stalling and loss of steering power assistance

Involved vehicles may have a software issue which could cause the engine to momentarily cut-out and restart while driving. This could also cause disturbances in some electrical systems such as shut down of the instrument cluster infotainment system and loss of power steering assistance.

Put right by: Recall the vehicles that are likely to be affected and upgrade the software of the control units.

DVSA R/2016/0277,237 vehicles affected in the UK
🏛️ January 2016Cars built November 2014 to April 2015

Fuel guage may not show fuel level correctly

Fuel gauge may not show correct level

Put right by: The remedy is not yet available for all models. Until a remedy is available the manufacturer advises to maintain fuel level above approx one third.

DVSA R/2015/2531,109 vehicles affected in the UK
🏛️ December 2015Cars built November 2014 to April 2015

Fuel guage may not show fuel level correctly

Fuel gauge may not show correct level

Put right by: The remedy is not yet available for all models.. Until a remedy is available the manufacturer advises to maintain fuel level above approx one third.

DVSA R/2015/2542,743 vehicles affected in the UK
🏛️ December 2015Cars built May 2014 to December 2015

Fuel guage may not show fuel level correctly

Fuel gauge may not show correct level

Put right by: Dependent on affected Model update software. Until updated the manufacturer advises to maintain fuel level above approx one third.

DVSA R/2015/2495,354 vehicles affected in the UK
🏛️ October 2015Cars built August 2015 to September 2015

Engine may fail

Affected vehicles may have a crankshaft that has been insufficiently hardened which may fail and nay cause engine failure.

Put right by: Check identity of crankshaft. If the relevant marking is not present then replace engine.

DVSA R/2015/2059 vehicles affected in the UK
🏛️ October 2015

Engine may fail

The crankshaft may not have been sufficiently hardened and may fail this in turn can lead to sudden and catastrophic engine failure. The failure may be preceded by loss of power and a knocking noise.

Put right by: Recall the vehicles that are likely to be affected and replace the engine.

DVSA R/2015/2045 vehicles affected in the UK
🏛️ February 2015Cars built May 2011 to January 2015

Parking brake may unintentionally release

Vehicles with manual gearboxes and start/stop functionality have Parking Brake Module (PBM) software that may allow the parking brake to unintentionally release. The unintended release of the parking brake can only occur when the engine is running and the gearstick moved so it will happen when the vehicle is attended.

Put right by: Recall the vehicles that are likely to be affected to download upgraded Parking Brake Module (PBM) software.

DVSA R/2015/0402,146 vehicles affected in the UK
🏛️ November 2013

Loss of power steering assistance

The auxiliary drive belt tensioner can suffer from premature wear which may cause it to fail. This can lead to loss of steering power assistance and a slight possibility of loss of drive should the drive belt or tensioner invade the cambelt area.

Put right by: Recall the vehicles that are likely to be affected to replace the auxiliary drive belt and tensioner.

DVSA R/2013/1403,134 vehicles affected in the UK
🏛️ April 2012

Engine may fail

There could be a sudden and unexpected failure of the bottom end of the engine because of a non-conformity during production of the connecting rods.

Put right by: Recall the vehicles that are likely to be affected to replace the engine.

DVSA R/2012/0566 vehicles affected in the UK
🏛️ March 2012Cars built January 2012 to January 2012

Fuel may leak

Some vehicles may have had excessive underbody protection applied which when drying. could have formed small stalactite shaped formations. These formations may have formed close to the underbody fuel lines and could damage them and cause a fuel leak. Due to the positioning of the fuel lines escaping fuel or fuel vapour could potentially lead to a fire.

Put right by: Inspect all vehicles and cut any stalactite shaped formations off. If the fuel line is damaged it will be replaced. Only 1% of vehicles are expected to have any damage to the fuel line.

DVSA R/2012/032481 vehicles affected in the UK
🏛️ March 2012

Airbags may not deploy in a collision

It has been identified that the wiring harness for the SRS system may not have been correctly attached to the front seat frames. It is possible that continued adjustment of the seat position may cause the harness to become detached. If this should occur a warning light will illuminate on the instrument panel warning the driver of a fault with the SRS system. However in this condition the front and side airbags may not deploy if the vehicle is involved in a collision.

Put right by: Recall all affected vehicles for an inspection of the wiring harnesses and ensure that it is correctly routed and secured. If not then reroute and securing of the wiring harness.

DVSA R/2012/0289,330 vehicles affected in the UK
🏛️ December 2011Cars built January 2007 to December 2009

Engine may loose drive and power steering assistance.

The auxiliary drive belt tensioner may fail. This can lead to loss of steering power assistance and a slight possibility of loss of drive should the drive belt or tensioner invade the cambelt area.

Put right by: Recall the vehicles that are likely to be affected to replace the auxiliary drive belt and tensioner.

DVSA R/2011/1757,302 vehicles affected in the UK
🏛️ October 2011Cars built January 2009 to December 2010

Possibility of loss of drive

The auxiliary drive belt tensioner may fail. If the tensioner fails it would cause a loss of power steering assistance and possible loss of drive.

Put right by: Replace the auxiliary drive belt tensioner.

DVSA R/2011/1359,936 vehicles affected in the UK

Recall data published by the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency under the Open Government Licence v3.0. A recall listed here may not apply to every car of this model: the build dates and the registration check are what decide it.

Volvo XC60 cambelt, and service intervals

An overdue cambelt is the most expensive thing a seller can fail to mention on a used XC60. These are the figures UK specialists work to.

Timing belt (cambelt)Belt
2.0 D4, D4204T
90,000 miles or 10 years, whichever comes first

Volvo VEA 4-cylinder engines have a timing belt interval of 90,000 miles or 10 years (whichever comes first). The auxiliary belt and tensioner must also be checked or replaced simultaneously.

Timing belt (cambelt)Belt
2.4 D5, D5
96,000 miles or 8 years, whichever comes first

Volvo's scheduled change for the five-cylinder diesel was 96,000 miles or 8 years; later cars are commonly quoted at 108,000 miles or 10 years, and the shorter scheduled figure is used here. Tensioners and idler pulleys have failed before the scheduled change, and one widely repeated recommendation is to renew the timing belt, tensioner, pulleys and water pump at 60,000 miles or 4 years, so a car past that point without belt receipts deserves questions. The auxiliary belt tensioner on 2007 to 2010 builds was the subject of UK recalls because a failed belt can foul the timing belt; check the recall was done and when the auxiliary belt and tensioner were last changed.

Always confirm against the vehicle handbook. Intervals vary by engine, and several manufacturers revised theirs after failures in service.

Repair costs are typical UK ranges, not quotes. Actual cost depends on condition and garage.Data last verified: October 2026

Volvo XC60 buying questions

What are the most common Volvo XC60 problems?

Three stand out. Engine: the EGR system on the 2.0 D4 clogs with soot, which usually shows as an engine warning light (typically 54000 to 70000 miles). Engine: belt-drive failure on the five-cylinder diesel can wreck the engine (typically 46000 to 65000 miles). Engine: fuel injected to burn off the particulate filter can get past the pistons into the sump. The full list above is grouped by generation, with typical mileage and a rough repair cost for each.

Which Volvo XC60 years should I avoid?

No Volvo XC60 year is a write-off, but the 1st Gen (2008 to 2017) carries the most serious faults: engine. Year matters less than whether the specific car has had the known fixes, so check the history for them.

What should I check when viewing a used Volvo XC60?

Ask the seller about the engine faults on this page and whether they have been fixed, with invoices. On the test drive watch for engine warning light, squeal or chirp from the belts, especially from cold and oil level above the maximum mark on the dipstick. Read the MOT history for repeat advisories, then paste the advert into the free check, which reads it against all 3 known faults before you travel. Check a Volvo XC60 advert →

Are there any recalls on the Volvo XC60?

The DVSA lists 36 safety recalls for the Volvo XC60 issued between 2011 and 2025. The most recent, from June 2025, is "BCM2 SW - Safety Notice". Recall work is done by the manufacturer, and GOV.UK says you will not usually have to pay for it. This list is by model, so it cannot tell you whether one particular car has had the work: the free GOV.UK MOT history check shows a recall status from the registration where the manufacturer shares it, and a franchised dealer can check the VIN.

What is the real MPG of a Volvo XC60?

Owners report 38.0 mpg on average across the Volvo XC60 engines with data, about 79% of the official combined figure. The gap between official and real-world economy varies a lot by engine, so the Real MPG page lists every engine and generation separately, from 1,581 owner submissions. Volvo XC60 Real MPG by engine →

Looking at a Volvo XC60 right now? Check the advert before you go and see it.

Where this Volvo XC60 fault data comes from

If you used to check the Honest John “Good & Bad” section before the site closed in 2026, this page is where that information now lives. We rebuilt the Volvo XC60 owner-report history from the archived Honest John dataset, added our own research, specialist and owner-club sources and DVSA recall data, and we keep it free. Each fault above is badged with its source. The same data feeds our free advert check, which reads a listing against every known fault for the exact engine and year.

CarAdCheck is not affiliated with Honest John or Volkswagen Financial Services. What happened to Honest John, and where each feature lives now.

Before you go and see it

Knowing what a Volvo XC60 goes wrong with is half of it. The rest is reading the advert and checking the car's history before you hand any money over.

How to haggle for a used car: negotiate the price with what its records show13 min readHPI check vs carVertical: which is better, and our pick for a UK car9 min readMOT advisories explained: how to check them, and which ones should worry you12 min read
All buyer's guides →

Other Volvo models

V704 known faultsXC903 known faultsXC703 known faultsS602 known faults