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Volvo S60 Mk2 (2010-2018) reliability

At a glance

Volvo S60 Mk2 built around 2018: more dangerous faults than average

Testers find a dangerous fault on Volvo S60 Mk2 models built around 2018 more often than on similar cars the same age. Look closely at the tyres on any car you view.

Looking at a Volvo S60 Mk2?

Enter its number plate to see its full MOT history, risk rating and running costs.

Key figure

9% of MOT tests on Volvo S60 Mk2 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 Mk2 models built around 2018 involves the tyres.

Volvo S60 Mk2
No reliability rating: not enough tests to rate2010-2018SaloonPETROL / DIESEL

Based on 14,023 tests of S60 models registered 2010-2018.

About 1 in 40 S60 Mk2 MOTs (2.7%) failed and still hadn't passed 3 days later. That's for cars built around 2018 (7 years old), all fuels combined.

Based on 1,387 tests (DVSA MOT results, 2025). A fail that passed a retest within 3 days, even the same day, isn't counted. Nor is a fail with no later MOT on record.

About 1 in 12 S60 Mk2 MOTs (9%) found at least one dangerous defect. These are cars built around 2018 (7 years old).

Based on 1,387 tests (DVSA MOT results, 2025). Dangerous is the most serious grade an MOT gives: a direct risk to road safety.

Mk2 fail rate by age

Below typicalAbove typicalHigh (28% or more)Highest fail rateUK average for cars this age
Age / builtFail rateMOT tests
6 yearsbuilt around 2019
28315.9%
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
26522.6%

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 13 years old.

How the S60 Mk2 compares

At each age below, see how the S60 Mk2 holds up against other cars the same age. The averages combine all fuel types.

Based on 51,946 tests across 8 Volvo models, built around 2018 (7 years old).

Below typicalAbove typicalHigh (28% or more)Highest fail rateVolvo average
Age / builtFail rateMOT tests
6 yearsbuilt around 2019
28315.9%
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
26522.6%

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.

What to check before viewing

The model's most common MOT issues, turned into things you can 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.

Other saloons to compare

Other saloons, with each one's figures taken at the same age as the S60 Mk2.

  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 Mk2, both built around 2018.

    4 critical recall campaigns matching this model/build period.

    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 Mk2, 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 Mk2, 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 Mk2, 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.

How many are still registered

76%of all Volvo S60 cars first registered in 2014 to 2015 were still registered 10 years later. This is the whole model, not only this generation.

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

14 of the 58 S60 Mk2 recalls cover cars built in these years.

  • 2 Critical
  • 12 more

Top concerns

  • Coolant leakage may result in a fire
  • Fuel may leak
  • The passenger air bag may not have been correctly secured.

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

How S60 Mk2 cars have aged

How S60 Mk2 cars have aged

How fail rates have changed as these cars got older. Each line follows cars first registered in about the same year across several years of MOT data. Not a prediction for any one car.

0%10%20%3579111315Age at MOTBuilt around 2018, 3 years old at the time of MOT: 9.7% (743 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2018, 4 years old at the time of MOT: 12.5% (795 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2018, 5 years old at the time of MOT: 14.4% (759 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2018, 6 years old at the time of MOT: 15.4% (758 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2018, 7 years old at the time of MOT: 16.7% (762 tests, 2025 data)2018Built around 2017, 4 years old at the time of MOT: 12.0% (849 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2017, 5 years old at the time of MOT: 13.9% (771 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2017, 6 years old at the time of MOT: 15.1% (736 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2017, 7 years old at the time of MOT: 16.8% (715 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2017, 8 years old at the time of MOT: 19.3% (719 tests, 2025 data)2017Built around 2016, 5 years old at the time of MOT: 14.4% (910 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2016, 6 years old at the time of MOT: 15.0% (874 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2016, 7 years old at the time of MOT: 17.5% (863 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2016, 8 years old at the time of MOT: 19.3% (819 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2016, 9 years old at the time of MOT: 18.9% (803 tests, 2025 data)2016Built around 2015, 6 years old at the time of MOT: 16.5% (1,032 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2015, 7 years old at the time of MOT: 16.2% (971 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2015, 8 years old at the time of MOT: 17.5% (937 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2015, 9 years old at the time of MOT: 21.6% (910 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2015, 10 years old at the time of MOT: 19.2% (891 tests, 2025 data)2015Built around 2014, 7 years old at the time of MOT: 18.0% (1,131 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2014, 8 years old at the time of MOT: 19.0% (1,071 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2014, 9 years old at the time of MOT: 19.5% (1,029 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2014, 10 years old at the time of MOT: 21.7% (967 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2014, 11 years old at the time of MOT: 20.5% (910 tests, 2025 data)2014Built around 2013, 8 years old at the time of MOT: 19.1% (1,180 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2013, 9 years old at the time of MOT: 21.0% (1,168 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2013, 10 years old at the time of MOT: 20.3% (1,085 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2013, 11 years old at the time of MOT: 21.4% (1,081 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2013, 12 years old at the time of MOT: 21.7% (1,022 tests, 2025 data)2013Built around 2012, 9 years old at the time of MOT: 22.5% (1,443 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2012, 10 years old at the time of MOT: 21.3% (1,336 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2012, 11 years old at the time of MOT: 23.6% (1,283 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2012, 12 years old at the time of MOT: 25.1% (1,216 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2012, 13 years old at the time of MOT: 24.4% (1,117 tests, 2025 data)2012Built around 2011, 10 years old at the time of MOT: 19.7% (1,592 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2011, 11 years old at the time of MOT: 21.1% (1,554 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2011, 12 years old at the time of MOT: 21.0% (1,468 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2011, 13 years old at the time of MOT: 21.9% (1,410 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2011, 14 years old at the time of MOT: 24.4% (1,360 tests, 2025 data)2011Built around 2010, 11 years old at the time of MOT: 19.4% (387 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2010, 12 years old at the time of MOT: 19.8% (358 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2010, 13 years old at the time of MOT: 22.1% (317 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2010, 14 years old at the time of MOT: 24.4% (295 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2010, 15 years old at the time of MOT: 22.6% (265 tests, 2025 data)2010
First registered around 2018First registered around 2017First registered around 2016First registered around 2015
Mk2 variants compared

S60 Mk2 variants built around 2018

The fail rate for each S60 Mk2 variant, grouped by fuel. Each row counts fails per MOT test, the same way as the main fail rate chart.

Diesel

  • S6019.2%822 tests

Petrol

  • S6016.7%564 tests
All generations of this modelEnough data

Most common issues on Volvo S60 models of this age

This list covers every Volvo S60 built around 2018, whichever generation it is. We don't have a defect list for the Mk2 on its own.

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 tests

Looking at a Volvo S60 Mk2?

Enter its number plate to see its full MOT history, risk rating and running costs.

Frequently asked questions

Built around 2018 (7 years old), the Volvo S60 Mk2 (2010-2018) fails MOTs at about the rate typical for this age. This is based on 1,387 7-year-old MOT tests from DVSA data. Each retest counts as a test.

*The build year is worked out from the date a car was first used on UK roads. For most cars this matches when it was registered, but imports may differ by a few months.

Data sourced from DVSA MOT History API. From 14,023 MOT tests on Volvo S60 models first registered between 2010-2018. These figures are a guide, not a guarantee.