Volvo S60 Mk3 (2019-present) reliability
Volvo S60 Mk3 built around 2020: about average at the MOT
Volvo S60 Mk3 models built around 2020 fail their MOT about as often as similar cars the same age.
Looking at a Volvo S60 Mk3?
Enter its number plate to see its full MOT history, risk rating and running costs.
Key figure
12% of MOT tests on Volvo S60 Mk3 models built around 2020 ended in a fail (retests included), against 12% for similar cars the same age.
Most common issue
The most common MOT issue on Volvo S60 Mk3 models built around 2020 involves the tyres.
Based on 3,252 tests of S60 models registered 2019+.
About 1 in 40 S60 Mk3 MOTs (2.7%) failed and still hadn't passed 3 days later. That's for cars built around 2020 (5 years old), all fuels combined.
Based on 1,449 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 20 S60 Mk3 MOTs (5.1%) found at least one dangerous defect. These are cars built around 2020 (5 years old).
Based on 1,449 tests (DVSA MOT results, 2025). Dangerous is the most serious grade an MOT gives: a direct risk to road safety.
Mk3 fail rate by age
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 6 years old.
How the S60 Mk3 compares
At each age below, see how the S60 Mk3 holds up against other cars the same age. The averages combine all fuel types.
Based on 53,647 tests across 9 Volvo models, built around 2020 (5 years old).
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.
Brake pads
High priorityAsk when the pads were last replaced and check the warning-light history.
Tyres
Worth checkingCheck tread depth across the full width on all four; uneven wear suggests alignment or suspension issues.
Shock absorbers
Worth checkingBounce-test each corner; check for oily streaks down the strut bodies.
Vehicle-specific check
Worth checkingCheck 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 Mk3.
- 1
Alfa Romeo Giulia
Same body type, tested at the same age
- Fail rate
- 10.2%
- Fail, no pass in 3 days
- 2.5%
- Dangerous
- 4.5%
Fewer dangerous faults: 4.5%, against 5.1% for the Volvo S60 Mk3.
1,198 MOT tests on cars built around 2020
- 2
Audi A6
Same body type, tested at the same age
- Fail rate
- 9.8%
- Fail, no pass in 3 days
- 1.9%
- Dangerous
- 4.4%
- Still registered at 10 years
- 79.1%
Fewer dangerous faults: 4.4%, against 5.1% for the Volvo S60 Mk3.
4 critical recall campaigns matching this model/build period.
6,003 MOT tests on cars built around 2020
- 3
Tesla Model 3
Same body type, tested at the same age
- Fail rate
- 15.9%
- Fail, no pass in 3 days
- 5.1%
- Dangerous
- 9.5%
No clear edge over the Volvo S60 Mk3 on these figures.
21,865 MOT tests on cars built around 2020
- 4
Porsche Taycan
Same body type, tested at the same age
- Fail rate
- 9.6%
- Fail, no pass in 3 days
- 3.4%
- Dangerous
- 5.9%
Lower fail rate: 9.6%, against 11.7% for the Volvo S60 Mk3, both built around 2020.
1,269 MOT tests on cars built around 2020
- 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.
Recall context
58 recalls in all10 of the 58 S60 Mk3 recalls cover cars built in these years.
- 2 Critical
- 8 more
Top concerns
- SPA1 cell modules
- A software error may prevent the engine control module from starting the engine
- BCM2 – push road
For the exact car, check GOV.UK's recall checker with the number plate.
How S60 Mk3 cars have aged
How S60 Mk3 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.
Some lines cover only a year or two, so read this as a rough guide.
Mk3 variants compared
S60 Mk3 variants built around 2020
The fail rate for each S60 Mk3 variant, grouped by fuel. Each row counts fails per MOT test, the same way as the main fail rate chart.
Petrol
- S60 R-DESIGN + T5 AUTO14.1%697 tests
- S60 INSCRIPTION + T5 AUTO10.1%328 tests
- S608.3%277 tests
Most common issues on Volvo S60 models of this age
This list covers every Volvo S60 built around 2020, whichever generation it is. We don't have a defect list for the Mk3 on its own.
Most common advisories and fails
In order of the share of MOT tests that recorded each one
- 114.3%Advisory
Tyre worn close to the legal limit or worn on the edge
- 214.2%Advisory
Tyre slightly damaged, cracking or perishing
- 314.0%Advisory
Brake pads wearing thin
- 45.9%Advisory
Shock absorber has a light misting of oil
- 54.8%Advisory
Tyre has a cut that does not reach the ply or cords
Based on 1,449 tests
Looking at a Volvo S60 Mk3?
Enter its number plate to see its full MOT history, risk rating and running costs.
Frequently asked questions
Built around 2020 (5 years old), the Volvo S60 Mk3 (2019-present) fails MOTs at about the rate typical for this age. This is based on 1,449 5-year-old MOT tests from DVSA data. Each retest counts as a test.