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Volvo V60 Problems & Known Issues

The most common Volvo V60 problems ranked by severity — what to watch for, what it costs to fix, and what happens if you ignore it.

Generations

G1 — First Generation
2010–2018
1.6D DRIVe, 1.6T, 1.6 T4, 2.0D, 2.0T, 2.0D
G2 — Second Generation
2018–2024
2.0D, 2.0T, D5, T6

Top issues to watch for

The most serious Volvo V60 problems ranked by severity. We track 5 known issues — here are the ones you need to know about first.

Dangerous
Front coil spring fracture
G11.6D, 2.0D, 2.4D2010–201820k–150k miles
V60 diesel variants suffer from premature front coil spring fractures, with failure rates 7.1 times higher than the fleet average. The issue affects all diesel engines and typically manifests as complete spring breakage rather than gradual weakening. This is a dangerous defect as spring failure can cause sudden loss of vehicle control and damage to surrounding components including brake lines and suspension arms.
What happens if ignoredA broken front coil spring is an immediate MOT failure and makes the vehicle dangerous to drive. Complete spring failure can cause loss of control, particularly during braking or cornering. The broken spring can also damage brake lines, suspension arms, and the vehicle body, significantly increasing repair costs.
Independent garage
£200–£400
Specialist
£250–£450
Main dealer
£350–£600
Parts only
£80–£150
Major
DPF blockage and excessive smoke opacity (1.6D)
G11.6D2010–201820k–150k miles
The 1.6-litre diesel engine suffers from severe DPF (diesel particulate filter) blockage issues, causing excessive smoke opacity levels that fail MOT tests at rates up to 135 times higher than the fleet average. The DPF system struggles with frequent short journeys and low-speed urban driving, leading to incomplete regeneration cycles. This is compounded by the engine's relatively small displacement struggling to generate sufficient exhaust temperatures for effective DPF cleaning.
What happens if ignoredMOT failure is certain if opacity levels exceed limits. A blocked DPF requires professional cleaning (£200-400) or complete replacement (£1500-2500). Continued driving with a blocked DPF can damage the turbocharger and engine internals through excessive back-pressure.
Independent garage
£200–£2,500
Specialist
£250–£2,200
Main dealer
£400–£3,000
Parts only
£800–£2,000
Major
Premature brake pad wear
G12.0D, 2.0T2010–20180k–60k miles
V60 models show abnormally high rates of brake pad wear below the legal 1.5mm limit, failing MOT tests at 0-litre variants. The issue appears across low-mileage examples and is attributed to aggressive brake pad compound and potential caliper binding issues. This affects both diesel and petrol 2.0-litre engines, with failures occurring even on very low mileage vehicles.
What happens if ignoredWorn brake pads below 1.5mm will cause MOT failure and present a significant safety risk. Continued use can damage brake discs, requiring costly replacement. Complete brake system overhaul including discs can cost £600-1200 per axle.
Independent garage
£150–£300
Specialist
£200–£400
Main dealer
£300–£500
Parts only
£80–£180
Major
Power steering fluid leak
G12.0D, 2.4D2010–201860k–150k miles
V60 diesel models experience power steering system failures at 119.8 times the fleet average rate, typically manifesting as fluid leaks from the pump or high-pressure lines. The issue primarily affects higher mileage vehicles above 60,000 miles and can lead to complete steering assistance loss. The hydraulic power steering system is particularly vulnerable to seal failure in the pump and pressure lines.
What happens if ignoredPower steering failure significantly increases steering effort, particularly at low speeds and during parking. Complete fluid loss can make the vehicle very difficult to control in emergency situations. Continued operation with low fluid will damage the pump, requiring complete system replacement costing £800-1500.
Independent garage
£200–£800
Specialist
£300–£1,000
Main dealer
£400–£1,500
Parts only
£150–£600

1 more known issues tracked

Including wear items, electrical niggles, and generation-specific problems. Check a specific car to see which issues apply to its age and mileage.

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MOT failure hotspots

Based on DVSA MOT test data. These are the items where the Volvo V60 fails at a significantly higher rate than the average car.

Emissions failure
Exhaust & Emissions · 20-40k miles
MOT failure rate: 136x the fleet average
Sample: 859 tests
ABS fault
Suspension · 60-80k miles
MOT failure rate: 54x the fleet average
Sample: 3,388 tests
Power steering fault
Steering · 40-60k miles
MOT failure rate: 20x the fleet average
Sample: 1,652 tests
Track rod ends worn
Steering · 20-40k miles
MOT failure rate: 17x the fleet average
Sample: 126 tests
Tyre wear or damage
Tyres · 150k+ miles
MOT failure rate: 15x the fleet average
Sample: 1,058 tests
Parking brake inefficient
Brakes · 60-80k miles
MOT failure rate: 12x the fleet average
Sample: 7,019 tests

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Related

Volvo V60 reliability FAQs

What are the most common problems with the Volvo V60?

The Volvo V60 has 5 known issues across 2 severity levels. The most serious are: Front coil spring fracture.

Is the Volvo V60 reliable?

The Volvo V60 has 1 dangerous and 4 major known issues. Most can be avoided with a thorough pre-purchase check and full service history.

How much does it cost to fix Volvo V60 problems?

Repair costs range widely. The most significant issue (Front coil spring fracture) costs £200–£400 at an independent garage. Minor issues can be under £200. Always get a full inspection before buying.

Which Volvo V60 generation is most reliable?

The G2 (2018–2024) has the fewest dangerous issues (0). However, condition and service history matter more than generation — a well-maintained earlier car can be more reliable than a neglected newer one.