Used Volvo V60 2010-2018 reliability

With its new ‘lifestyle’ agenda, the V60 will have been used on school runs and family holidays and for shopping in tight city-centre car parks, so check the bodywork carefully for scuffs and dents, and the alloy wheels, if fitted, for any kerb damage. Check the operation of the rear tailgate, and that the rear seats drop easily. The automatic gearbox requires new fluid every three years, so check paperwork to make sure this has been carried out.

On the whole, the V60 has a good reputation for reliability. Early diesel-engined cars could have problems with diesel particulate filters clogging, but this was often remedied with a good, long drive. Clunks have also been reported at low revs in the diesels, although this hasn’t necessarily led to the car breaking down. Problems were also reported with the EGRs of certain D4-engined cars, leading to the check engine light coming on and the car occasionally going into limp home mode.

Potential engine fire

Volvo is presently in the process of recalling around 70,000 cars in the UK fitted with a 2.0-litre diesel engine, over potential engine fires. There isn't a fix at the moment, so owners are being told to pay attention to any unusual smells coming into the interior, if the engine warning light illuminates, or if the engine hesitates under acceleration. Read our news story on this for further information or contact Volvo directly on 01628 854 210.

Cracked fuel hose

The fuel hose used in some models has been found to be crack up from the inside, which could lead to a fuel leak if not fixed. This applies to cars built between 11 April 2015 and 30 March 2016, and a Volvo dealer will be able to tell you if your car is affected or not.

Airbags might not deploy correctly in an accident

There have been a few recalls regarding airbags that might not deploy correctly during a collision. The first is for the driver's airbag on V60s made between 9 May 2016 and 22 May 2016, while the second affects examples built between 30 August 2016 and 21 October 2016. Contact your local Volvo dealer to make sure your car has had the relevant remedial work carried out.

Coolant leak

It has been identified that there could be a coolant leak during the warm-up process of some V60s built between 1 July 2010 and 20 April 2015 that could result in an engine fire in extreme circumstances. Check with a Volvo dealer to make sure your car isn't affected by this.

Vehicle location software issue

A problem was found with the vehicle connectivity module (VCM) that sends location information to the emergency services after a collision. It applies to cars constructed between 13 December 2017 and 30 October 2018. Any Volvo dealer should be able to perform a software update to fix the issue.

Parking brake may release

On some examples built between 2 December 2010 and 2 February 2015 that have a manual gearbox and start/stop technology fitted, the parking brake may release without warning. This happens with the engine on and when the gear lever is moved, so it shouldn't occur when the car is left unattended. Any Volvo dealer will be able to let you know if your car is affected and apply the updated software required to prevent this from happening if required.

Reduced braking performance

A vacuum line going to the brake booster could chafe on the wiper mechanism of some cars, which could result in a loss of vacuum pressure and increased pedal effort to slow the car down. Your Volvo dealer will be able to identify affected cars a fix the issue for you free of charge.

Trim panel may cause injury

A trim panel may work loose when the curtain airbag deploys in the event of a collision on a small number of V60s built for the 2013 model year. Speak to you local Volvo dealer to find out if your car is affected, or if it has already had the remedial work carried out.

Fuel gauge may show incorrect level

A software update is currently being sort to correct an issue with the fuel gauge showing the wrong level on vehicles constructed between 21 May 2014 and 11 December 2015. The current advice if your car is affected is to keep at the level above a third of a tank to ensure you don't run out of fuel until a fix can be implemented.

Seat belt may separate from buckle

The front seat belts of examples made between 15 September 2015 and 19 August 2015 may no protect occupants correctly in the event of a collision, and will need to be replaced with modified parts. A Volvo dealer will be able to tell you if your car is affected and if it still needs this recall to be carried out.

Rear suspension link

Some V60s made between 25 September 2018 and 1 April 2019 could have a problem with the rear suspension links because they weren't correctly tightened at the factory. Speak with a Volvo dealer to find out further information as to whether your car is affected by this recall.

Leaking fuel lines

Certain examples fitted with a five-cylinder engine had a problem with the high pressure fuel lines not being installed correctly, which could cause a leak and a potential fire. Contact your local dealer for further information as to whether your car is affected.

Power steering

A possible software issue on V60s built between 21 January 2015 and 18 February 2016 could cause electrical problems and the power steering system to stop working. There have also been other issues, including the auxiliary drive belt that powers the power steering pump can fail and affect the power steering system, and a power steering return line that can leak fluid. If it gets too low, steering assistance will be reduced.

This generation of V60 has done rather well in our most recent reliability survey, managing to secure a third place finish in the executive car class that consisted of 22 models. Volvo as a brand finished in 11th place out of 31 manufacturers in the same survey.

If you would like to see the full reliability list, head to the What Car? Reliability Survey pages for more information.