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Volvo S60 reliability by build year

Coverage 2001-present3 named generationsSaloonPETROL / DIESEL / HYBRID ELECTRIC

We've only got 1,387 MOT tests for Volvo S60 models built around 2018 (7 years old). Treat these numbers as a rough guide.

At a glance

Volvo S60 built around 2018: more dangerous faults than average

Testers find a dangerous fault on Volvo S60 models built around 2018 more often than on similar cars the same age. Look closely at the tyres on any car you view.

Check a Volvo S60 by number plate

Key figure

9% of MOT tests on Volvo S60 models built around 2018 found a fault the tester marked as dangerous, against 6% for similar cars the same age.

Most common issue

The most common MOT issue on Volvo S60 models built around 2018 involves the tyres.

Before you view it

What to check before viewing

The Volvo S60's most common MOT issues, turned into things to ask about or look for.

Independent inspection

High priority

Have an independent specialist inspect the car before you commit.

Brake pads

High priority

Ask when the pads were last replaced and check the warning-light history.

Brake discs

High priority

Ask for the date and mileage of the last disc replacement; visually check for a deep wear lip and rust pitting on each disc.

Tyres

Worth checking

Check tread depth across the full width on all four; uneven wear suggests alignment or suspension issues.

Vehicle-specific check

Worth checking

Check the car’s number plate on MOT Wise to see its own MOT history and any recalls for its build years.

By build year

How build years differ

Fail rates have been steady over the last three years. Use the build-year guide below to separate newer build years from older ones.

Find your S60's generation

Each card below is a different generation. Select your year and we'll highlight the match.

S60 Mk3

Mk3 (2019-present)

Too close to call between ratings
DIESELPETROLHYBRID ELECTRIC

11.7% fail rate, built around 2020 (5 years old)

Fails about as often as the average car this age (about 1 in 8 MOTs, 12.8%)

From 1,449 MOT tests at this ageView details →
S60 Mk2

Mk2 (2010-2018)

Not enough tests to rate
DIESELPETROL

22.8% fail rate, built around 2017 (8 years old)

Likely between 19.7% and 26.3%

Fails more often than the average car this age (about 1 in 5 MOTs, 18.7%)

From 618 MOT tests at this ageView details →
S60 Mk1

Mk1 (2001-2009)

Not enough tests to rate
DIESELPETROL

29.6% fail rate, built around 2005 (20 years old)

Fails about as often as the average car this age (about 3 in 10 MOTs, 31.3%)

From 1,403 MOT tests at this ageView details →

Not sure which one you're looking at?

Match your build year to its generation, then see the fail rates for those build years of the Volvo S60.

See every build year for the Volvo S60

Side-by-side

Volvo S60 generations compared

Each generation is shown at 7 years old if it has at least 100 MOT tests at that age. If not, or if its cars are too new to be 7, it's shown at another age. We try ages close to 7 first. Newer generations have fewer years of data.

GenerationRatingFail rate
Mk3 (2019-present)
No ratingToo close to call between ratings
No ratingToo close to call between ratings11.7%built around 2020 (5 years old)from 1,449 MOT tests at this age
Mk2 (2010-2018)
No ratingNot enough tests to rate
No ratingNot enough tests to rate22.8%likely between 19.7% and 26.3%built around 2017 (8 years old)from 618 MOT tests at this age
Mk1 (2001-2009)
No ratingNot enough tests to rate
No ratingNot enough tests to rate29.6%built around 2005 (20 years old)from 1,403 MOT tests at this age

Each row is one generation of the S60, shown at the age printed under its fail rate. So rows can be different ages. Fail rate is the share of MOT tests that ended in a fail, retests included. A rating is given only when there are enough tests to place the fail rate in one rating band with 95% confidence.

By age

Volvo S60 fail rate by age

This chart combines every Volvo S60 ever sold. It's good for the big picture. For one generation, scroll up to the build-year cards.

Below typicalAbove typicalHigh (28% or more)Highest fail rate
Age / builtFail rateMOT tests
3 yearsbuilt around 2022
4357.6%
4 yearsbuilt around 2021
69510.5%
5 yearsbuilt around 2020
1,44911.7%
6 yearsbuilt around 2019
95613.6%
7 yearsbuilt around 2018
1,38718.2%
8 yearsbuilt around 2017
1,38120.6%
9 yearsbuilt around 2016
1,43619.1%
10 yearsbuilt around 2015
1,65019.3%
11 yearsbuilt around 2014
1,65020.3%
12 yearsbuilt around 2013
2,09923.5%
13 yearsbuilt around 2012
2,02324.2%
14 yearsbuilt around 2011
1,84923.5%
15 yearsbuilt around 2010
27423.0%
16 yearsbuilt around 2009
21828.0%
17 yearsbuilt around 2008
52828.8%
18 yearsbuilt around 2007
84026.7%
19 yearsbuilt around 2006
1,21128.7%
20 yearsbuilt around 2005
1,40329.6%
21 yearsbuilt around 2004
1,15532.5%
22 yearsbuilt around 2003
85529.8%
23 yearsbuilt around 2002
49330.2%
24 yearsbuilt around 2001
21129.4%

Fail rate is the share of MOT tests that ended in a fail. Retests count as tests. How we count fail rates Build years are worked out from age, so they are approximate. Tests counted are 2025 MOTs. Highest fail rate at 21 years old.

All generations of this model

What goes wrong most often on 7-year-old Volvo S60 models

These issues come from 7-year-old Volvo S60 models, every generation combined.

All generations of this modelEnough data

Most common advisories and fails

In order of the share of MOT tests that recorded each one

  1. 1
    Advisory

    Tyre worn close to the legal limit or worn on the edge

    21.2%
    Advisory: 400Fail: 43 (10% of the times it was found)
  2. 2
    Advisory

    Brake pads wearing thin

    15.9%
    Advisory: 217Fail: 65 (23% of the times it was found)
  3. 3
    Advisory

    Tyre slightly damaged, cracking or perishing

    10.5%
    Advisory: 146Fail: 52 (26% of the times it was found)
  4. 4
    Advisory

    Brake disc worn, pitted or scored, but not seriously weakened

    9.2%
    Advisory: 176Fail: 2 (1% of the times it was found)
  5. 5
    Minor

    One of the number plate lights not working

    4.6%
    Advisory: 0Fail: 0 (0% of the times it was found)

Based on 1,387 MOT tests on 7-year-old Volvo S60 models, every generation combined.

All generations of this model

Issues that often appear together

The pairs seen most often when an MOT on 7-year-old Volvo S60 models notes problems with more than one part of the car.

Issues that often appear together on this model

All generations of this modelEnough data
  1. Brakes + Tyres39%
  2. Other + Tyres19%
  3. Lighting + Tyres18%
  4. Brakes + Lighting16%

Both were noted at the same test. That doesn't mean one caused the other.

Across 383 MOT tests on Volvo S60 cars built around 2018 (7 years old) where more than one part of the car was noted.

Still registered

How many are still registered, and recalls

How many of these are still registered in the UK, and what's been recalled across the model.

How many are still registered

76%of this model's cars first registered in 2014 to 2015 were still registered 10 years later

UK average for cars first registered in 2014 to 2015: 92% · Fewer than typical

The share still registered can reflect demand, the cost of repairs, exports, write-offs and how owners use the car. It isn't proof of how long the car lasts mechanically.

Source: DfT vehicle licensing statistics (VEH0124).

Recall context

58 recalls in all

22 of the 58 Volvo S60 recalls cover cars built in these years.

  • 4 Critical
  • 18 more

Top concerns

  • SPA1 cell modules
  • A software error may prevent the engine control module from starting the engine
  • Coolant leakage may result in a fire

For the exact car, check GOV.UK's recall checker with the number plate.

Like-for-like

Other saloons to compare

Other saloons to compare

  1. 1

    Audi A6

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    12.7%
    Fail, no pass in 3 days
    2.2%
    Dangerous
    4.7%
    Still registered at 10 years
    79.1%

    Lower fail rate: 12.7%, against 18.2% for the Volvo S60, both built around 2018.

    10,105 MOT tests on cars built around 2018

  2. 2

    Jaguar XF

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    13.3%
    Fail, no pass in 3 days
    2.6%
    Dangerous
    5.3%
    Still registered at 10 years
    91.1%

    Lower fail rate: 13.3%, against 18.2% for the Volvo S60, both built around 2018.

    10 critical recall campaigns matching this model/build period.

    6,761 MOT tests on cars built around 2018

  3. 3

    BMW 5 Series

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    12.7%
    Fail, no pass in 3 days
    3.6%
    Dangerous
    4.9%
    Still registered at 10 years
    82.6%

    Lower fail rate: 12.7%, against 18.2% for the Volvo S60, both built around 2018.

    12 critical recall campaigns matching this model/build period.

    19,436 MOT tests on cars built around 2018

  4. 4

    BMW 3 Series

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    13.1%
    Fail, no pass in 3 days
    2.6%
    Dangerous
    5.8%
    Still registered at 10 years
    89.8%

    Lower fail rate: 13.1%, against 18.2% for the Volvo S60, both built around 2018.

    15 critical recall campaigns matching this model/build period.

    31,268 MOT tests on cars built around 2018

Fail rate
= the share of MOT tests that ended in a fail. Retests count as tests.
Fail, no pass in 3 days
= the share of MOT tests that failed and still hadn't passed 3 days later. A fail that passed a retest within 3 days, even the same day, isn't counted.
Dangerous
= the share of MOT tests where the tester marked a fault as dangerous. It is against the law to drive the car until it is fixed.
Still registered at 10 years
= the share of cars still registered (taxed or declared off the road) 10 years after they were first registered.

Common questions

Frequently asked questions

Built around 2018 (7 years old), the Volvo S60 across all generations combined fails MOTs at about the rate typical for this age. It has among the highest fail rates of the 8 Volvo models with enough MOT tests to rank, at this age. This is based on 1,387 7-year-old MOT tests from DVSA data. Each retest counts as a test.

These figures come from DVSA's MOT records. Across every Volvo S60 ever sold: 24,198 tests. The main figures are for cars built around 2018 (7 years old): 1,387 tests. They are a guide, not a guarantee. Always inspect the car or have a mechanic check it.