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Volvo S60 car check

Find out if a Volvo S60 has outstanding finance, has been written off or stolen, how many owners it’s had, and which known problems apply to the generation you’re looking at.

Finance, stolen, write-off and owner history data provided by Experian. Results in under a minute.

Typical price
£15,58791 at dealers
MOT failure rate
25.5%177k tests
Known problems
10across Mk1 to Mk2
Full report
£7.49one-off, no subscription

Which S60 are you looking at?

Each S60 generation has its own weak spots. Pick the one you’re viewing to see what to check.

  1. Timing belt service

    Safety risk Mk1

    All Mk1 S60 engines are interference designs where timing belt failure destroys pistons and valves. The belt must be replaced at 80,000 miles or 8 years regardless of condition. This is the single most critical maintenance item on these cars. Belt failure typically occurs without warning and results in engine rebuild costs that exceed the vehicle's value. Water pump and tensioner should be replaced simultaneously as they share the same labour access.

    What to check: Request full timing belt service history with invoices showing belt, tensioner, and water pump replacement dates. Look specifically for evidence the work was completed at or before 80,000 miles. Check the service book for stamps at the correct intervals - missing stamps indicate potential neglect...

  2. Suspension component corrosion

    Safety risk Mk1

    MOT data shows Mk1 S60 suspension components corrode at 34.6 times the national fleet average, particularly on 2.5-litre variants above 150,000 miles. The subframe, control arms, and anti-roll bar mounting points are prone to structural corrosion that can cause sudden failure. This is a progressive issue that worsens with age and affects structural safety. The problem appears most severe on cars that have seen winter salt exposure over many years.

    What to check: Inspect the front subframe from underneath using a torch - look for brown rust scaling or black corrosion around mounting points and stressed areas. Pay particular attention to the subframe-to-body mounting points. Check both front control arms for corrosion where they attach to the subframe - ta...

  3. PCV system failure

    Engine damage risk Mk1

    The positive crankcase ventilation system on Mk1 five-cylinder engines uses a complex network of hoses and valves that commonly fail between 60,000-150,000 miles. Failed PCV components cause vacuum leaks leading to rough idle, oil consumption, and oil leaks from seals pressurised by crankcase pressure. The system includes multiple one-way valves, a flame trap, and vacuum hoses that become brittle and split with age and heat cycling.

    What to check: Remove the oil filler cap and listen for excessive hissing or sucking sounds that indicate vacuum leaks in the PCV system. Inspect all visible vacuum hoses around the intake manifold for cracks, splits, or oil contamination. Check around the oil dipstick tube and valve cover for fresh oil leaks t...

  4. ETM throttle module failure

    Wear item Mk1

    The Electronic Throttle Module (ETM) on Mk1 petrol engines commonly fails between 60,000-150,000 miles due to carbon build-up and worn throttle position sensors. Symptoms include poor throttle response, sudden loss of power, and limp mode activation. The ETM is an integrated unit containing the throttle body, position sensors, and stepper motor. Cleaning can provide temporary relief but replacement is typically required.

    What to check: Turn the ignition on without starting and check for any engine management warning lights on the dashboard. Ask the seller about any recent instances of sudden power loss or the engine going into limp mode (limited to 3,000rpm). Look inside the throttle body with a torch - excessive carbon build-u...

  5. Swirl flap failure

    Engine damage risk Mk1, Mk2

    Diesel S60s use intake swirl flaps to improve combustion at low engine speeds. The flap actuator mechanism fails commonly between 60,000-180,000 miles, causing reduced power and increased fuel consumption. The flaps can also break and fall into the cylinders, causing catastrophic engine damage. Many specialists recommend removing the flaps entirely and blanking off the actuator to prevent this failure mode occurring.

    What to check: Check for any engine management warning lights related to air intake or emissions systems. Ask the seller whether the swirl flaps have been removed or blanked off - this is a common preventive modification. Request any diagnostic printouts showing intake manifold pressure or airflow sensor faults.

  6. Injector failure

    Wear item Mk1

    Common rail diesel injectors on Mk1 S60 diesel engines commonly fail between 80,000-180,000 miles due to internal seal wear and carbon deposits. Failed injectors cause rough running, white smoke, increased fuel consumption, and can contaminate the engine oil with diesel fuel. The high-pressure common rail system means that one failed injector affects the entire fuel system pressure.

    What to check: Check the engine oil level and consistency on the dipstick - diesel contamination makes the oil smell of fuel and appear thinner than normal. Look for any fuel stains or wetness around the injector area on top of the engine. Ask for any recent diagnostic work showing injector performance or fault...

  7. DPF issues

    Wear item Mk2

    Mk2 S60 diesel models use a diesel particulate filter that commonly blocks between 50,000-120,000 miles, particularly on cars used for short journeys where regeneration cycles cannot complete. The DPF warning light illuminates when the filter requires active regeneration. Continued driving without allowing regeneration can cause complete filter blockage requiring expensive replacement or professional cleaning.

    What to check: Check the dashboard for any DPF warning lights or service messages. Ask the seller about the car's typical journey patterns - cars used mainly for short trips are more likely to have DPF problems. Request any recent diagnostic scans showing DPF pressure readings or soot loading percentages.

  8. Fuel system leaking

    Wear item Mk1

    MOT data shows Mk1 S60 2.0-litre petrol models fail fuel system leak tests at 30.2 times the national fleet average, particularly between 60,000-150,000 miles. The fuel lines, connections, and filler cap seal commonly deteriorate with age. Fuel vapour leaks create MOT failures and pose fire risks. The carbon canister system and associated vapour lines are particular failure points on these cars.

    What to check: Check around the fuel filler cap area for petrol odours or staining that indicate seal failure. Inspect visible fuel lines under the bonnet for signs of wetness, corrosion, or perished rubber. Look around the fuel tank area from underneath for any fuel stains or wet patches on the ground where th...

  9. Brake hose deterioration

    Safety and MOT risk Mk1, Mk2

    MOT data shows S60 models fail brake hose inspections at 10.7 times the national fleet average across multiple engine variants between 60,000-150,000 miles. The flexible brake hoses deteriorate internally and externally with age, causing bulging, cracking, or internal collapse. This affects braking performance and can lead to sudden brake failure. The problem affects multiple generations and appears to be related to hose material specification.

    What to check: Inspect all four brake hoses (one at each wheel) for external cracking, chafing, or bulging when the brake pedal is not pressed. Look for any corrosion or damage where the hoses connect to the brake calipers and hard lines. Check for brake fluid wetness around hose connections indicating leakage....

  10. Power steering fluid leaks

    Wear item Mk1, Mk2

    MOT data shows S60 models develop power steering system leaks at 6.2 times the national fleet average, particularly 2.0-litre diesel variants above 80,000 miles. The hydraulic power steering pump, high-pressure lines, and rack seals commonly leak with age. Initial symptoms include low fluid levels and steering noise, progressing to complete power assistance loss if fluid runs low.

    What to check: Check the power steering fluid reservoir level and colour - fluid should be clear red or amber, not black or contaminated with metal particles. Look for wet patches under the car where it has been parked, particularly red/amber staining indicating power steering fluid. Inspect the power steering ...

What S60s cost at dealers now

From 91 used S60s we track on UK dealer websites.

Typical asking price
£15,587
Typical mileage
54,407 miles
Price change vs last month
-2.4%

S60 MOT results

25.5%

of S60 MOT tests end in a fail, from 176,992 tests.

Most common reasons for failing

  1. Parking brake efficiency less than 50% of the r...Brakes
  2. Parking brake inoperative on one sideBrakes
  3. Suspension component damaged or corrodedSuspension

Check the S60 you’re buying

One report covers outstanding finance, write-offs, theft and previous owners from Experian, plus MOT history, mileage and the known problems for its generation.

Finance, stolen, write-off and owner history data provided by Experian.

What the check includes

S60 questions

Is the Volvo S60 reliable?

25.5% of S60 models fail their MOT based on 176,992 tests analysed. That’s below average for the class. There are 10 known problems to watch for, the most serious being timing belt service. A full history check shows whether a specific car has had related write-offs or insurance claims.

What are the main problems with a Volvo S60?

The most serious known issues are timing belt service, suspension component corrosion, pcv system failure. Problems vary by generation, so check which apply to the year you’re looking at. Our car check flags whether a specific S60 has been written off or had insurance claims linked to these faults.

How do I check if a Volvo S60 has outstanding finance?

Enter the registration on this page. We query Experian’s finance database and return any outstanding agreements within a minute. If finance is still owed, the finance company can legally repossess the car even after you’ve paid the seller. At £7.49 it’s the cheapest way to avoid a car that isn’t legally for sale.

How do I check if a Volvo S60 has been written off?

Our check queries Experian’s insurance write-off database for Cat A, B, S and N markers. A Cat S or N S60 has been structurally or non-structurally damaged and repaired. This doesn’t mean it’s unsafe, but it affects resale value and some insurers won’t cover it. The check costs £7.49.

Can I check a Volvo S60 for free?

You can check MOT history free on GOV.UK, which shows past test results and advisories. What it won’t show is outstanding finance, write-offs or theft markers, which are the things that actually cost you money after you’ve bought. Our full check adds all of that for £7.49, using Experian data.

Is a Volvo S60 HPI check worth it?

HPI is one brand of car check. Our check uses the same Experian data covering finance, stolen, write-off and keeper history, plus MOT analysis and known S60 faults that HPI doesn’t include. At £7.49 it’s typically less than half the price of an HPI check.

What does a Volvo S60 fail its MOT on?

The most common MOT failure on the S60 is parking brake efficiency less than 50% of the r.... 25.5% of S60 models fail overall, based on 176,992 tests. Checking a car’s full MOT history before buying shows you recurring problems the seller might not mention.

More on the S60

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Finance, stolen, write-off and owner history data provided by Experian. MOT data from DVSA. Known problems from GetCarWise analysis. Updated October 2026.