Sweden's safety-first premium SUV with hybrid options
The XC60 is Volvo's best-selling model globally and a strong performer in the UK premium SUV market, rivalling the BMW X3, Audi Q5, and Mercedes GLC. Used second-generation (2017+) models start from £20,000 for a D4, rising to £40,000+ for T8 plug-in hybrids. It finished second out of 24 cars in the What Car? large SUV reliability survey, cementing its dependable reputation.
We track 8 known issues across the Volvo XC60 range, including 2 rated as safety-critical. Knowing which variants and configurations to approach with caution can save you from expensive surprises after purchase.
Found a Volvo XC60? Enter the reg to see which of our 8 known issues apply to that exact car, plus full MOT history and mileage checks.
Mk1 (2008–2016) — Petrol options included the 3.0 T6, with 2.0 D4, 2.4 D5, 3.0 D5 on the diesel side. Our database flags 7 known issues on this generation, 2 of which are rated as safety-critical. The most significant concern is Coil spring fracture (£300–£500 to address).
Mk2 (2017–2024) — Petrol options included the 2.0 T4, with 2.0 D4, 2.4 D5 on the diesel side. Our database flags 6 known issues on this generation, 1 of which are rated as safety-critical. The most significant concern is Coil spring fracture (£300–£500 to address).
The front coil springs on diesel XC60 models are prone to fatigue fracture, particularly on the lower coils where road salt and debris collect. MOT data shows this model fails spring checks at 43.3x the national fleet average, with 9,727 recorded failures affecting all mileage bands. A fractured spring causes immediate loss of ride height on one corner, severe handling instability, and can damage the tyre or suspension components. The higher weight of diesel engines compared to petrol variants increases spring loading and accelerates fatigue.
A broken coil spring creates dangerous handling instability and can cause loss of control, particularly during cornering or emergency braking. The fractured spring end can puncture the tyre or damage brake lines. Replacement requires both springs on the same axle for safety and handling balance.
Listen for knocking, clunking or rattling over bumps during the test drive. Inspect the underside for corroded or cracked suspension components. Check the MOT history for suspension-related advisories, which often predict future failures.
The 6-cylinder D5 diesel engines in Mk1 XC60 models use a timing belt that must be replaced at 80,000 miles or 7 years, whichever comes first. These are interference engines where timing belt failure causes the pistons to contact the valves, resulting in catastrophic engine damage. The belt drives the camshafts and high-pressure fuel injection pump, making failure particularly destructive on diesel variants. Belt replacement requires specialist tools and timing equipment, and the water pump should always be replaced simultaneously as access requires the same labour.
Timing belt failure on interference engines causes immediate catastrophic damage as pistons strike open valves. Repair costs typically exceed £3000-5000 for valve and head work, often exceeding the vehicle's value. The car becomes completely undriveable and cannot be started after belt failure.
Listen carefully for a rattle or ticking noise from the engine on cold start — this is the most common early sign. Ask for evidence of chain replacement in the service history. On higher-mileage cars without documented replacement, budget for preventative work.
The XC60 diesel models show exceptionally high power steering failure rates, with MOT data recording a peak failure rate 41x higher than the national fleet average. Failures affect both the hydraulic pump (which can seize or leak internally) and the steering rack seals. The power steering fluid reservoir level drops rapidly when the system fails, leading to heavy steering and potential safety risks. The electronic power steering systems on later Mk2 models are less affected but can still develop faults in the steering angle sensor or control module.
Complete power steering failure makes the car very difficult to steer, especially at low speeds and during parking. While the car remains controllable at higher speeds, emergency maneuvers become significantly more difficult. Continued driving with a failed pump can damage the steering rack.
During the test drive, check the steering for excessive play, vibration or pulling to one side. Listen for groaning or whining when turning the wheel at low speed. Power steering fluid level and condition should be checked on hydraulic systems.
The rubber gaiters (protective boots) on the steering rack deteriorate at rates significantly above the national average, with MOT data showing 8.6x higher failure rates on XC60 diesel models. These gaiters protect the steering rack from dirt and water ingress. When they split or become loose, contamination enters the rack mechanism causing premature wear of the internal seals and rack components. Left unaddressed, this leads to steering rack failure requiring expensive replacement.
Damaged gaiters allow water, dirt, and road salt to contaminate the steering rack mechanism. This causes premature wear of the rack seals and internal components, eventually leading to steering rack failure costing £800-1500 to replace. Early gaiter replacement prevents much more expensive rack damage.
During the test drive, check the steering for excessive play, vibration or pulling to one side. Listen for groaning or whining when turning the wheel at low speed. Power steering fluid level and condition should be checked on hydraulic systems.
The diesel particulate filter (DPF) on XC60 diesel models becomes blocked with soot particles, particularly on vehicles used primarily for short urban journeys. The DPF requires regular high-temperature regeneration cycles to burn off accumulated soot, but these only occur during sustained motorway driving. When the DPF becomes severely blocked, the engine management system reduces power output and eventually prevents starting. Complete DPF replacement is expensive and many owners attempt cheaper cleaning services with variable success rates.
A blocked DPF causes reduced engine power, increased fuel consumption, and eventually prevents the engine from starting. DPF replacement costs £1000-2500 depending on the model year. Professional cleaning services cost £200-400 but success rates vary depending on the extent of blockage.
Ask about the car's typical usage — short urban journeys prevent DPF regeneration. Check for DPF warning lights and ask about any previous regeneration issues. A forced regeneration at a garage costs far less than a DPF replacement.
For the full breakdown of all 8 tracked issues with repair costs, see the Volvo XC60 common problems page.
Based on 487k real DVSA MOT tests, the Volvo XC60 fails more often than average on several items. The biggest outlier is power steering fault at 41x the fleet average, followed by emissions failure (35x).
When viewing a specific car, check its MOT history for recurring advisories in these categories. See the full Volvo XC60 MOT failure breakdown for data at every mileage point.
Routine servicing (oil and filter change every 18k miles) typically costs £120–£180 at an independent garage.
The bigger-ticket items to budget for include timing belt (£500–£700).
See the full Volvo XC60 service schedule for every interval and cost breakdown.
The Volvo XC60 has some well-documented weak points, including 2 safety-critical issues that demand careful checking. The right example, properly maintained, can still be a sound purchase — but cutting corners on the pre-purchase inspection is not advisable. 2018 and 2020-2021 second-generation models are the strongest picks, with 2018 diesels achieving the best MOT pass rates at 89.7%. The B-series mild hybrid engines from 2020 onwards offer improved efficiency without plug-in complexity. Avoid the 2019 model year which has the highest reported problem rate. The 2015-2017 first-generation models suffer more transmission fluid and EGR issues. If choosing a T8, target 2020+ when the battery and software were refined.
Before committing, check the car's full MOT history, verify the service record is complete, and if possible arrange a specialist inspection. Enter any registration into our free report to see the complete picture.
Get Car Wise maintains a database of known mechanical issues for every popular car on UK roads, tracking the faults that owners, specialists and DVSA data reveal.
When you run a report on a specific Volvo XC60, we cross-reference the exact variant, engine and age against our database of 8 known issues. Combined with full MOT history analysis, mileage verification and DVLA data, you get a complete picture before viewing.
Enter the registration for MOT history, mileage verification, known faults for that exact variant, and a Get Car Wise Score.
This guide was compiled from independent expert reviews, DVSA MOT data, specialist workshops and our own database of 8 known Volvo XC60 issues. We are not affiliated with any source listed.