Volvo Xc60 MOT Failures
An analysis of 622,847 real DVSA MOT tests on the Volvo Xc60 — what fails, how often, and how that compares to every other car on UK roads. Generations covered: Mk1 (2008–2016), Mk2 (2017–2024).
Where the Volvo Xc60 fails its MOT
The single biggest MOT failure point on the Volvo Xc60 is headlight fault — this model is 21 times more likely to fail on this item than the average car on UK roads. That makes it a significant weak point for anyone buying or owning this model. Across 622,847 MOT tests, 0.44% of all Volvo Xc60 tests recorded this as a failure.
Lighting faults are usually straightforward to fix (bulbs, connectors, earth points) but can indicate deeper wiring issues on older cars. Check all lights including fog lamps, number plate lights, and dashboard warning lights.
Other notable weak points include power steering fault (41x the fleet average), exhaust system damage (23x the fleet average), tyre wear or damage (8.3x the fleet average), and track rod ends worn (6.5x the fleet average). These ratios compare the Volvo Xc60's failure rate on each item against the national average for all cars tested — a ratio of 10x means this model fails ten times more often than a typical car.
The failures span 6 categories: Lights & Electrics, Steering, Bodywork, Tyres, Exhaust & Emissions and others. If you're inspecting a Volvo Xc60 before purchase, these are the areas to focus on — and if any have been flagged as advisories on a previous MOT, they're likely to become failures in the near future.
How failures change with mileage
The Volvo Xc60's weak points shift as the car covers more miles. Understanding these patterns helps you know what to expect — and what to budget for — at each stage of ownership.
Under 60,000 miles
At this mileage, most failures are either design-related or caused by age rather than wear. Components like bushes and drop links may not have been replaced yet, and original-fit parts can deteriorate even on low-mileage cars that spend a lot of time sitting.
For the Volvo Xc60 specifically, the DVSA data shows the most common failures at this mileage are emissions failure (35x the average) and exhaust system damage (23x). headlight fault (21x) and power steering fault (15x) also appear frequently.
60,000 to 100,000 miles
This is where routine wear items start to show up. Brake components, tyres, and exhaust parts have done serious work by this point. Cars that have been well serviced will show fewer of these failures — this mileage band is where good maintenance really separates the well-kept from the neglected.
For the Volvo Xc60 specifically, the DVSA data shows the most common failures at this mileage are service brake efficiency below minimum requirement (9.2x the average) and power steering fault (9.2x). headlight fault (8.9x) and exhaust system damage (8.2x) also appear frequently.
Over 100,000 miles
High-mileage cars accumulate failures across multiple systems. The key question isn't whether things will need doing — they will — but whether the car has been maintained well enough to keep on top of them. Look for a consistent service history and recent MOT passes with minimal advisories.
For the Volvo Xc60 specifically, the DVSA data shows the most common failures at this mileage are headlight fault (8.7x the average) and tyre wear or damage (8.3x). power steering fault (6.7x) and power steering fault also appear frequently.
The shift from emissions failure at lower mileages to headlight fault at higher mileages is typical — early failures tend to be design or factory-related, while high-mileage failures reflect accumulated mechanical wear. A car that's been well maintained will usually dodge the worst of both.
Known issues beyond the MOT
An MOT only tests roadworthiness at a single point in time — it won't catch developing faults, intermittent problems, or issues that haven't yet reached the failure threshold. These are the issues that Volvo Xc60 specialists and owners flag most frequently, drawn from manufacturer technical bulletins, workshop data, and verified owner reports.
Coil spring fracture Dangerous
The front coil springs on diesel XC60 models are prone to fatigue fracture, particularly on the lower coils where road salt and debris collect. Affects Mk1, Mk2; typical independent garage repair cost is £300–£500.
Timing belt service (Mk1) Dangerous
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. Affects Mk1; typical independent garage repair cost is £500–£700.
Power steering system failure Major
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. Affects Mk1, Mk2; typical independent garage repair cost is £400–£800.
Steering rack gaiter deterioration Major
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. Affects Mk1, Mk2; typical independent garage repair cost is £120–£250.
For the complete picture — including repair costs across independent, specialist, and dealer garages — see the full Volvo Xc60 common problems breakdown.
What to check before buying a Volvo Xc60
Based on the MOT failure data and known issues above, here's what to prioritise when inspecting a Volvo Xc60:
Lights & Electrics — check for headlight fault. Steering — check for power steering fault, track rod ends worn. Bodywork — check for exhaust system damage. Tyres — check for tyre wear or damage.
Beyond the MOT items, ask specifically about coil spring fracture and timing belt service. These won't show up on a standard MOT but can be expensive to fix — repairs start from £300. A specialist pre-purchase inspection is worth the investment on this model.
Always check the car's full MOT history for patterns — recurring advisories often become failures within 12 months. And verify the service history to confirm maintenance has been kept up to schedule. Enter any reg into our free car check to see the complete picture.
Looking at a specific Volvo Xc60?
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Volvo Xc60 MOT FAQs
What are the most common MOT failures on a Volvo Xc60?
Based on 622,847 DVSA MOT tests, the most common failure is headlight fault — at 21x the national fleet average. Other frequent failures include power steering fault and exhaust system damage.
Is the Volvo Xc60 reliable based on MOT data?
The Volvo Xc60 has 11 MOT failure categories above the fleet average. Specialists also flag coil spring fracture as a concern. A pre-purchase inspection and service history check are recommended.
What MOT failures should I expect at high mileage?
Above 100,000 miles, the Volvo Xc60 most commonly fails on headlight fault and tyre wear or damage. Under 60,000 miles, the main issues are emissions failure and exhaust system damage.
How do I check a Volvo Xc60's MOT history?
Enter the registration number into our free car check above. You'll see every MOT test result, advisories and failures, mileage readings, write-off status, and finance checks.
MOT failure data sourced from DVSA bulk test records via data.gov.uk. Ratios compare this model's failure rate against the national fleet average. Known issues sourced from manufacturer bulletins, specialist workshops, and verified owner reports.