Volvo V60 Common Faults in the UK

first generation 2010–2018 and second generation 2018–on — premium estate. Updated 30 October 2026.

This guide covers the first generation 2010–2018 and second generation 2018–on. For any other version of the V60, see how to check any car for known faults.

The Volvo V60’s biggest DVSA recalls are a front seat belt anchor cable on 2010–2018 builds (R/2020/192, 170,160 vehicles in the whole recall), cooling-system trapped-air recalls on 2013–2017 builds (R/2020/210, 76,945; R/2020/205) and emergency-braking software on 2019–2020 builds (R/2020/073, 56,385). What Car? calls the second generation’s reliability mixed, 20th of 23 executive cars at 85.5% with the S60, though it said in 2019 that the first generation had a good reputation. 2019 registrations pass the MOT 4.5 points below all cars registered that year.

Largest DVSA recall for the V60: R/2020/192, 170,160 vehicles in the whole recall — Potential breakage/fatigue of a flexible steel cable supporting the front seatbelt anchor point.

By The Autoza Team. Published 30 October 2026.

MOT pass rate — official DVSA data

79.7% of Volvo V60s pass the MOT first time — level with cars of the same age nationally. Counted from 4,251 DVSA tests on cars registered 2011–2021; a pass with rectification at the station counts as a pass here, and as a failure in DVSA's own initial-test measure.

Source: DVSA MOT Anonymised Data 2025 (Open Government Licence v3.0), a sample of the 2025 file (about one test in ten, from nine months). Class 4 tests in Great Britain, test type NT (a normal annual test), retests excluded. A pass, or a pass with rectification at the station, counts as a pass here (passed on the day); DVSA's own initial-test measure counts a rectified pass as a failure and so reports a lower figure. Testing in Northern Ireland is run separately by the DVA under its own rules. Compared against cars of the same registration years, because pass rates otherwise mostly measure how old a model's surviving fleet is.

See it by registration year and by mileage ↓

Asking prices — on Autoza

No figure shown

We show one only when at least 10 cars qualify.

Road Tax (UK) — VED, from the second year

£200/yr standard rate

£200/year standard rate from the second year, hybrids included — the alternative-fuel discount ended on 1 April 2025. A car registered from April 2017 with a list price over £40,000 when new adds the £440/year Expensive Car Supplement in years 2–6 (£640 in all). Cars registered 2001–2017 pay a CO2 band, roughly £20–£790/year (2026/27 rates).

Fuel Economy — sourced figures only

No sourced real-world figure for the V60, so none is printed: the official lab figure depends on the engine and on the test cycle the car was approved under, so use the figure for the exact version you are looking at.

Insurance

Insurance group depends on the engine and trim, so get a quote for the exact registration before you buy.

No asking-price figure is shown: we give the median and middle 80% of asking prices only when at least 10 cars on Autoza qualify — here, Volvo V60 cars registered from 2010. The road tax line comes from GOV.UK's vehicle tax rate tables (2026/27 rates). The fuel economy tile names the source it rests on or says there is no sourced figure, and the insurance tile gives no figure. We do not publish a UK price index, and no figure here should be quoted as one.

Best and worst years to buy

We name a year as a best or worst buy only where the DVSA MOT table further down does not rate it the other way.

Best Years

no single year stands out

No year is named as a best buy: the only registration year DVSA’s MOT table rates above all cars registered that year is 2013 (by 4.9 points), and a 2013 car can sit inside the cooling-system trapped-air recalls R/2020/205 (built from 3 June 2013) and R/2020/210 (from 23 October 2013), so check by registration. The other years are rated level, except 2019, which is rated below.

Worst Years

2019

DVSA’s MOT table rates 2019 registrations below all cars registered that year, by 4.5 points. Second-generation cars of that year also sit inside the emergency-braking software recall R/2020/073 (built 21 January 2019 to 9 March 2020, 56,385 vehicles in the whole recall) and the fuel pump fuse recall R/2021/205 (to 9 December 2019). What Car? gives the second generation a mixed record (85.5%, 20th of 23 executive cars, with the S60).

Known faults — Volvo V60 first generation 2010–2018 and second generation 2018–on

How to read this list. Items marked Safety recall are DVSA safety recalls, shown with DVSA’s own reference. Whether a particular car is affected depends on when it was built: check it by registration through GOV.UK’s vehicle recall check. Everything else in this list is owner-reported: what the UK publication named on each card reports from its owner surveys and tests. Those are worth checking on a viewing, but we hold no count of how many cars have each one, other than any survey share a card itself quotes. Treat an owner-reported item as a question to ask, not a fault this car has.

Seat belt — front anchor cable may fatigue and break

Safety recall · R/2020/192Large recall — 170,160 vehicles

Symptoms: DVSA wording: potential breakage or fatigue of a flexible steel cable supporting the front seat belt anchor point; the seat belt fastener is replaced with a newly designed one.
Years affected: V60 built 22 June 2010 to 27 August 2018; DVSA gives one total shared with other Volvo models
Indicative repair (UK): Free under recall
What to check before buying: Check this one by registration through GOV.UK’s vehicle recall check (gov.uk/check-vehicle-recall) before you buy — an outstanding recall is free to put right and a completed one should be on the service record. Ask for the Volvo dealer record showing the seat belt fastener was replaced on a 2010–2018 car.

Engine cooling — trapped air, and coolant leak with fire risk (first generation)

Safety recall · R/2020/210Large recall — 76,945 vehicles

Symptoms: DVSA wording: there is a risk of trapped air in the cooling system, which may result in insufficient cooling of engine components; an extra degassing (bleeder) hose is added between the radiator and the expansion tank (R/2020/210 and R/2020/205). A separate recall says that during warm-up coolant may leak or oil seep, and in a worst case smoke or a slow-developing fire in the engine compartment could result; the coolant bypass valve is modified and a new exhaust manifold gasket fitted (R/2016/249). What Car? (2019) mentions a coolant leak that could cause an engine fire on cars built to April 2015.
Years affected: V60 built 23 October 2013 to 14 November 2016 (R/2020/210), 3 June 2013 to 10 January 2017 (R/2020/205) and 1 July 2010 to 20 April 2015 (R/2016/249); DVSA gives the first two as totals shared with other Volvo models
Indicative repair (UK): Free under recall
What to check before buying: Check this one by registration through GOV.UK’s vehicle recall check (gov.uk/check-vehicle-recall) before you buy — an outstanding recall is free to put right and a completed one should be on the service record. Ask for the dealer record showing the bleeder hose was fitted on a 2013–2017 car. What Car?’s 2019 page also says Volvo was recalling about 70,000 UK 2.0-litre diesel cars over potential engine fires with no fix yet, so ask a Volvo dealer for the current status of the VIN.

DVSA’s counts, recall by recall: R/2020/210 76,945 (every model in the recall); R/2020/205 15,167 (every model in the recall); R/2016/249 3,192 (every model in the recall).

Automatic emergency braking and connectivity software (second generation)

Safety recall · R/2020/073Large recall — 56,385 vehicles

Symptoms: DVSA wording: a software issue means the automatic emergency brake system may not always engage, increasing the risk of a collision; new software is downloaded (R/2020/073). DVSA also lists a possible software issue in the vehicle connectivity module (R/2018/314). What Car? names both.
Years affected: V60 built 21 January 2019 to 9 March 2020 (R/2020/073; DVSA gives one total shared with other Volvo models) and 13 December 2017 to 30 October 2018 (R/2018/314)
Indicative repair (UK): Free under recall
What to check before buying: Check this one by registration through GOV.UK’s vehicle recall check (gov.uk/check-vehicle-recall) before you buy — an outstanding recall is free to put right and a completed one should be on the service record. Ask for the Volvo dealer record showing the software update on a 2018–2020 car.

DVSA’s counts, recall by recall: R/2020/073 56,385 (every model in the recall); R/2018/314 7,322 (every model in the recall).

Fuel system — cracked hose, fuel pump fuse, fuel gauge

Safety recall · R/2018/377Large recall — 30,777 vehicles

Symptoms: DVSA lists: small cracks on the inside of a rubber fuel hose (R/2018/377, the hoses are replaced); a 15 amp fuse that could blow and stop the low-pressure fuel pump operating (R/2021/205, replaced with a 20 amp fuse); and a fuel gauge that may not show the right level (R/2015/249 and R/2015/254), where until it was updated the manufacturer advised keeping the tank above about one third. What Car? lists the hose and fuel gauge recalls.
Years affected: V60 built 11 April 2015 to 30 May 2016 (R/2018/377), 19 June 2018 to 9 December 2019 (R/2021/205) and 21 May 2014 to 11 December 2015 (R/2015/249); DVSA gives R/2018/377 and R/2021/205 as totals shared with other Volvo models
Indicative repair (UK): Free under recall
What to check before buying: Check this one by registration through GOV.UK’s vehicle recall check (gov.uk/check-vehicle-recall) before you buy — an outstanding recall is free to put right and a completed one should be on the service record. Ask for the dealer record for each fuel-system recall that covers the car’s build date.

DVSA’s counts, recall by recall: R/2018/377 30,777 (every model in the recall); R/2021/205 14,380 (every model in the recall); R/2015/249 5,354 (every model in the recall); R/2015/254 2,743 (every model in the recall).

Recent recalls on second-generation cars (engine O-ring oil leak, brake control module, engine control software)

Safety recall · R/2023/263Large recall — 13,701 vehicles

Symptoms: DVSA lists: an O-ring that may twist or break, causing an oil leak, a low-oil message or an unusual smell in the cabin and, in a worst case, a thermal event (R/2023/263, the O-ring is replaced); a potential software error in the brake control module (R/2023/025); and an engine control module software error that may stop the combustion engine starting (R/2022/313).
Years affected: V60 built 2 December 2020 to 6 July 2023 (R/2023/263), 11 August 2022 to 13 January 2023 (R/2023/025; DVSA gives one total shared with other Volvo models) and 25 March 2021 to 5 October 2022 (R/2022/313)
Indicative repair (UK): Free under recall
What to check before buying: Check this one by registration through GOV.UK’s vehicle recall check (gov.uk/check-vehicle-recall) before you buy — an outstanding recall is free to put right and a completed one should be on the service record. On a 2020–2023 car, check the oil level and for a low-oil message and ask for the dealer record.

DVSA’s counts, recall by recall: R/2023/263 13,701 (every model in the recall); R/2023/025 10,197 (every model in the recall); R/2022/313 4,755 (every model in the recall).

First-generation smaller recalls (steering software, parking brake, brake booster line, drive belt tensioner, airbag wiring)

Safety recall · R/2012/028Smaller recall — 9,330 vehicles

Symptoms: DVSA lists: software that could make the engine momentarily cut out and restart and cause loss of power steering assistance (R/2016/027); parking brake module software that could let the parking brake release unintentionally on manual cars with stop-start (R/2015/040); a wiper mechanism that may chafe the brake booster vacuum line and reduce power-assisted braking (R/2012/104); an auxiliary drive belt tensioner that can wear and cause loss of power steering assistance (R/2013/140); and a seat wiring harness that may detach so the airbags may not deploy, with a warning light (R/2012/028). DVSA gives no build dates for the last three. What Car? names the first four.
Years affected: V60 built 21 January 2015 to 18 February 2016 (R/2016/027) and 2 December 2010 to 2 February 2015 (R/2015/040); DVSA gives no build dates for R/2012/104, R/2013/140 or R/2012/028, so check by registration
Indicative repair (UK): Free under recall
What to check before buying: Check this one by registration through GOV.UK’s vehicle recall check (gov.uk/check-vehicle-recall) before you buy — an outstanding recall is free to put right and a completed one should be on the service record. Ask a Volvo dealer to list the recalls that apply to the VIN of a first-generation car.

DVSA’s counts, recall by recall: R/2012/028 9,330 (every model in the recall); R/2016/027 7,237 (every model in the recall); R/2012/104 3,394 (every model in the recall); R/2013/140 3,134 (every model in the recall); R/2015/040 2,146 (every model in the recall).

Electrics and sat-nav — second generation

Owner-reported · frequency unknownModerate

Symptoms: What Car? says non-engine electrics and the sat-nav and infotainment system were its readers’ joint most common complaints (9.1% each), followed by interior trim (6.1%), and that owners were split: some reported few problems early on, others faulty warning lights, electronic glitches and drivetrain malfunctions that sometimes led to costly repairs, with long waits for service appointments and parts. Its page is dated 25 February 2026; Volvo finished 21st of 30 brands.
Years affected: Second generation 2018-on
What to check before buying: Test the sat-nav, infotainment and phone pairing, check no warning light stays on, and ask for the invoices for any electrical repair.

Diesel particulate filter, EGR and automatic gearbox fluid — first generation

Owner-reported · frequency unknownModerate

Symptoms: What Car? says early diesel V60s could have diesel particulate filter clogging, usually cured by a long drive, that clunks at low revs have been reported in the diesels without necessarily leading to a breakdown, that some D4 cars had EGR problems that lit the engine warning light and put the car in limp mode, and that the automatic gearbox needs new fluid every three years. Its page is dated 15 August 2019.
Years affected: First generation 2010–2018, diesels
What to check before buying: Check the paperwork shows the automatic gearbox fluid has been changed, ask how a diesel was used, and check for warning lights and limp-mode history.

Volvo V60 MOT results by year and mileage

Measured from DVSA’s own MOT test records for tests carried out in 2025, not from owner reports.

By registration year

Against all cars registered in the same year, the MOT pass rate for the V60 was higher in 1, lower in 1 and level in 7 of the 9 registration years from 2013 to 2021 with enough tests to measure. The widest gap below is 2019 registrations: 82.4% against 86.9% for all cars registered that year. The widest gap above is 2013 registrations: 76.8% against 71.9%.

Pass rate here: passed on the day, cars fixed during the test included. Rows: every Volvo V60 DVSA tested in 2025, by registration year (2013–2021), all engines and fuels together.

Volvo V60 MOT pass rate (passed on the day, cars fixed during the test included) by registration year, against all cars registered the same year
Registered	V60	All cars that year	Difference
2021323 tests	88.5%	90.1%	−1.6 level
2020304 tests	87.2%	88.7%	−1.5 level
2019495 tests	82.4%	86.9%	−4.5 lower
2018427 tests	85.0%	84.5%	+0.5 level
2017383 tests	78.9%	82.2%	−3.3 level
2016375 tests	81.6%	79.4%	+2.2 level
2015327 tests	78.6%	76.7%	+1.9 level
2014351 tests	72.1%	74.3%	−2.2 level
2013366 tests	76.8%	71.9%	+4.9 higher

Only a major or dangerous defect fails an MOT. A minor defect is recorded on the certificate and the car still passes, and an advisory is not a failure at all.

We don’t give a recall count for the Volvo V60: whether a recall applies depends on the individual car. Check the one you are looking at by entering its registration on GOV.UK’s vehicle recall checker, and see how to check a car for known faults for the other free checks.

Source: DVSA MOT Anonymised Data 2025 (Open Government Licence v3.0), a sample of the 2025 file (about one test in ten, from nine months) (3,459,000 tests). Class 4 tests in Great Britain, test type NT (a normal annual test), retests excluded. A pass, or a pass with rectification at the station, counts as a pass here (passed on the day); DVSA's own initial-test measure counts a rectified pass as a failure and so reports a lower figure. Testing in Northern Ireland is run separately by the DVA under its own rules. Registration years shown are cars 3 to 12 years old when tested; the smallest rests on 304 tests. A gap is called level when it is under one percentage point or inside the 95% sampling margin for that number of tests. Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0.

What fails at the MOT: DVSA 2025 results

Across 41,210 Volvo V60 MOT tests in 2025 (all versions together), these defects turned up most often. This guide covers the first generation 2010–2018 and second generation 2018–on; the figures are for every Volvo V60 tested, of any generation.

What is found most often

The five defects found most often on Volvo V60 tests, each compared with cars of the same age where it stands out:

Brake pads worn below 1.5mm. On 2.9% of Volvo V60 tests, 1.6 times the rate for cars of the same age.
Tyre cords exposed. On 2.4% of Volvo V60 tests, 1.9 times the rate for cars of the same age.
Tyre tread below the 1.6mm legal minimum. On 2.3% of Volvo V60 tests.
Tyre cut deep enough to reach the cords. On 2.1% of Volvo V60 tests, 1.5 times the rate for cars of the same age.
Constant velocity (CV) boot split or insecure. On 1.5% of Volvo V60 tests, 1.4 times the rate for cars of the same age.

The MOT checks safety and emissions items, not the engine, clutch or gearbox, so this is one measure of how each car holds up rather than a full reliability verdict. These figures describe the model, all its versions together, not this particular car.

From DVSA’s 2025 MOT results. See the full analysis

Who this car suits — and who should look elsewhere

Recommended for

Buyers who want an estate and will check the recall record for the car’s build date, the service history, and the infotainment on a second-generation car.

Not recommended for

Anyone who puts What Car?’s survey result first (20th of 23 executive cars for the second generation), or who buys a 2013–2017 car without the dealer record for the cooling-system recalls.

Alternatives to consider

If the Volvo V60 doesn't suit, these comparable models are worth a look in the UK market:

Volvo V60: questions buyers ask

What are the most common faults on a used Volvo V60 in the UK?

What is the best year to buy a used Volvo V60 in the UK?

Best-buy years: no single year stands out. No year is named as a best buy: the only registration year DVSA’s MOT table rates above all cars registered that year is 2013 (by 4.9 points), and a 2013 car can sit inside the cooling-system trapped-air recalls R/2020/205 (built from 3 June 2013) and R/2020/210 (from 23 October 2013), so check by registration. The other years are rated level, except 2019, which is rated below.

What years of Volvo V60 should I avoid in the UK?

Worst years: 2019. DVSA’s MOT table rates 2019 registrations below all cars registered that year, by 4.5 points. Second-generation cars of that year also sit inside the emergency-braking software recall R/2020/073 (built 21 January 2019 to 9 March 2020, 56,385 vehicles in the whole recall) and the fuel pump fuse recall R/2021/205 (to 9 December 2019). What Car? gives the second generation a mixed record (85.5%, 20th of 23 executive cars, with the S60).

How much does a used Volvo V60 cost in the UK in 2026?

This page gives no figure at the moment: Autoza quotes asking prices only when at least 10 qualifying cars are advertised with a price — here, Volvo V60 cars registered from 2010. Prices vary by mileage, region and trim, so compare several adverts of the same year and mileage band before negotiating.

What is the road tax (VED) on a Volvo V60 in the UK?

Annual road tax (VED): £200/year standard rate from the second year, hybrids included — the alternative-fuel discount ended on 1 April 2025. A car registered from April 2017 with a list price over £40,000 when new adds the £440/year Expensive Car Supplement in years 2–6 (£640 in all). Cars registered 2001–2017 pay a CO2 band, roughly £20–£790/year (2026/27 rates).

What real-world fuel economy does a Volvo V60 achieve on UK roads?

How does a Volvo V60 compare to its rivals?

Strong alternatives in the UK: BMW 3 Series, Audi A4, Mercedes C-Class, Skoda Superb. Choose based on dealer network in your area, parts availability, and your priorities (running cost vs. cabin quality vs. badge).

Who is the Volvo V60 most suitable for?

Buyers who want an estate and will check the recall record for the car’s build date, the service history, and the infotainment on a second-generation car.

Who should NOT buy a Volvo V60?

Anyone who puts What Car?’s survey result first (20th of 23 executive cars for the second generation), or who buys a 2013–2017 car without the dealer record for the cooling-system recalls.

Are there safety recalls on the Volvo V60?

DVSA lists 18 safety recalls for the Volvo V60 that this guide shows or names, the largest first: R/2020/192 (170,160 vehicles in the whole recall, built between 22 June 2010 and 27 August 2018): Potential breakage/fatigue of a flexible steel cable supporting the front seatbelt anchor point; R/2020/210 (76,945 vehicles in the whole recall, built between 23 October 2013 and 14 November 2016): There is a risk for trapped air to be in the cooling system which may result in insufficient cooling of engine components; R/2020/073 (56,385 vehicles in the whole recall, built between 21 January 2019 and 10 March 2020): Software issue means that automatic emergency brake system may not engage. Whether a particular car is affected depends on its build date and VIN, so check its registration on GOV.UK (gov.uk/check-vehicle-recall) before you buy.

Is the Seat belt — front anchor cable may fatigue and break on the Volvo V60 a serious problem?

Seat belt — front anchor cable may fatigue and break on the Volvo V60 is covered by DVSA safety recall R/2020/192. Symptoms: DVSA wording: potential breakage or fatigue of a flexible steel cable supporting the front seat belt anchor point; the seat belt fastener is replaced with a newly designed one. Years affected: V60 built 22 June 2010 to 27 August 2018; DVSA gives one total shared with other Volvo models. Indicative repair cost in the UK: Free under recall. What to check before buying: Check this one by registration through GOV.UK’s vehicle recall check (gov.uk/check-vehicle-recall) before you buy — an outstanding recall is free to put right and a completed one should be on the service record. Ask for the Volvo dealer record showing the seat belt fastener was replaced on a 2010–2018 car.

Is the Engine cooling — trapped air, and coolant leak with fire risk (first generation) on the Volvo V60 a serious problem?

Engine cooling — trapped air, and coolant leak with fire risk (first generation) on the Volvo V60 is covered by DVSA safety recall R/2020/210. Symptoms: DVSA wording: there is a risk of trapped air in the cooling system, which may result in insufficient cooling of engine components; an extra degassing (bleeder) hose is added between the radiator and the expansion tank (R/2020/210 and R/2020/205). A separate recall says that during warm-up coolant may leak or oil seep, and in a worst case smoke or a slow-developing fire in the engine compartment could result; the coolant bypass valve is modified and a new exhaust manifold gasket fitted (R/2016/249). What Car? (2019) mentions a coolant leak that could cause an engine fire on cars built to April 2015. Years affected: V60 built 23 October 2013 to 14 November 2016 (R/2020/210), 3 June 2013 to 10 January 2017 (R/2020/205) and 1 July 2010 to 20 April 2015 (R/2016/249); DVSA gives the first two as totals shared with other Volvo models. Indicative repair cost in the UK: Free under recall. What to check before buying: Check this one by registration through GOV.UK’s vehicle recall check (gov.uk/check-vehicle-recall) before you buy — an outstanding recall is free to put right and a completed one should be on the service record. Ask for the dealer record showing the bleeder hose was fitted on a 2013–2017 car. What Car?’s 2019 page also says Volvo was recalling about 70,000 UK 2.0-litre diesel cars over potential engine fires with no fix yet, so ask a Volvo dealer for the current status of the VIN.

Is the Automatic emergency braking and connectivity software (second generation) on the Volvo V60 a serious problem?

Automatic emergency braking and connectivity software (second generation) on the Volvo V60 is covered by DVSA safety recall R/2020/073. Symptoms: DVSA wording: a software issue means the automatic emergency brake system may not always engage, increasing the risk of a collision; new software is downloaded (R/2020/073). DVSA also lists a possible software issue in the vehicle connectivity module (R/2018/314). What Car? names both. Years affected: V60 built 21 January 2019 to 9 March 2020 (R/2020/073; DVSA gives one total shared with other Volvo models) and 13 December 2017 to 30 October 2018 (R/2018/314). Indicative repair cost in the UK: Free under recall. What to check before buying: Check this one by registration through GOV.UK’s vehicle recall check (gov.uk/check-vehicle-recall) before you buy — an outstanding recall is free to put right and a completed one should be on the service record. Ask for the Volvo dealer record showing the software update on a 2018–2020 car.

Check these next

The guide above is about the Volvo V60 as a model. These are about the car in front of you.

More checks on a Volvo V60

A fault list tells you what goes wrong; these tell you about the car in front of you.

Looking to buy a Volvo V60 in the UK?

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