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Volvo XC60 Mk1 (2008-2016) reliability

At a glance

Volvo XC60 Mk1 built around 2016: about average at the MOT

Volvo XC60 Mk1 models built around 2016 fail their MOT about as often as similar cars the same age.

Looking at a Volvo XC60 Mk1?

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

Key figure

20% of MOT tests on Volvo XC60 Mk1 models built around 2016 ended in a fail (retests included), against 21% for similar cars the same age.

Most common issue

The most common MOT issue on Volvo XC60 Mk1 models built around 2016 involves the tyres.

Volvo XC60 Mk1
average reliability2008-2016SUVDIESEL / PETROL

Based on 72,943 tests of XC60 models registered 2008-2016.

About 1 in 30 XC60 Mk1 MOTs (3.2%) failed and still hadn't passed 3 days later. That's for cars built around 2016 (9 years old), all fuels combined.

Based on 17,373 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 XC60 Mk1 MOTs (5.2%) found at least one dangerous defect. These are cars built around 2016 (9 years old).

Based on 17,373 tests (DVSA MOT results, 2025). Dangerous is the most serious grade an MOT gives: a direct risk to road safety.

Mk1 fail rate by age

Below typicalAbove typicalHigh (28% or more)Highest fail rateUK average for cars this age
Age / builtFail rateMOT tests
8 yearsbuilt around 2017
8,14818.5%
9 yearsbuilt around 2016
17,37319.8%
10 yearsbuilt around 2015
13,88421.5%
11 yearsbuilt around 2014
8,90821.3%
12 yearsbuilt around 2013
6,40122.0%
13 yearsbuilt around 2012
6,05123.7%
14 yearsbuilt around 2011
5,39425.0%
15 yearsbuilt around 2010
4,80525.4%
16 yearsbuilt around 2009
1,90125.7%
17 yearsbuilt around 2008
7829.5%

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 17 years old.

How the XC60 Mk1 compares

At each age below, see how the XC60 Mk1 holds up against other cars the same age. The averages combine all fuel types.

Based on 52,541 tests across 10 Volvo models, built around 2016 (9 years old).

Below typicalAbove typicalHigh (28% or more)Highest fail rateVolvo average
Age / builtFail rateMOT tests
8 yearsbuilt around 2017
8,14818.5%
9 yearsbuilt around 2016
17,37319.8%
10 yearsbuilt around 2015
13,88421.5%
11 yearsbuilt around 2014
8,90821.3%
12 yearsbuilt around 2013
6,40122.0%
13 yearsbuilt around 2012
6,05123.7%
14 yearsbuilt around 2011
5,39425.0%
15 yearsbuilt around 2010
4,80525.4%
16 yearsbuilt around 2009
1,90125.7%
17 yearsbuilt around 2008
7829.5%

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 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.

Suspension bushes and joints

Worth checking

Listen for knocks over speed bumps and ask about recent control-arm or anti-roll-bar work.

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 SUVs to compare

Other SUVs, with each one's figures taken at the same age as the XC60 Mk1.

  1. 1

    Lexus RX

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    9.3%
    Fail, no pass in 3 days
    1.7%
    Dangerous
    3%
    Still registered at 10 years
    90.4%

    Lower fail rate: 9.3%, against 19.8% for the Volvo XC60 Mk1, both built around 2016.

    1,846 MOT tests on cars built around 2016

  2. 2

    Lexus NX

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    11.4%
    Fail, no pass in 3 days
    1.8%
    Dangerous
    3.3%
    Still registered at 10 years
    88.4%

    Lower fail rate: 11.3%, against 19.8% for the Volvo XC60 Mk1, both built around 2016.

    4,025 MOT tests on cars built around 2016

  3. 3

    Porsche Macan

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    11.6%
    Fail, no pass in 3 days
    3.6%
    Dangerous
    2.7%
    Still registered at 10 years
    91.6%

    Lower fail rate: 11.6%, against 19.8% for the Volvo XC60 Mk1, both built around 2016.

    4,401 MOT tests on cars built around 2016

  4. 4

    Mercedes-Benz GLE

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    11.6%
    Fail, no pass in 3 days
    2.7%
    Dangerous
    4.7%
    Still registered at 10 years
    77%

    Lower fail rate: 11.6%, against 19.8% for the Volvo XC60 Mk1, both built around 2016.

    4,383 MOT tests on cars built around 2016

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

92%of all Volvo XC60 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% · The same

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

54 recalls in all

15 of the 54 XC60 Mk1 recalls cover cars built in these years.

  • 2 Critical
  • 13 more

Top concerns

  • Driver's airbag module may not deploy as intended
  • Fuel may leak
  • There is a risk for trapped air to be in the cooling system which may result in insufficient cooling of engine componen

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

Fail rate by engine size, built around 2016 (9 years old)

Engine sizes across all diesel XC60 tests (not specific to Mk1).

1.4 to 2.0 litres20.9%8,349 tests2.0 to 3.0 litres18.8%8,937 tests
How XC60 Mk1 cars have aged

How XC60 Mk1 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%30%57911131517Age at MOTBuilt around 2016, 5 years old at the time of MOT: 14.0% (10,590 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2016, 6 years old at the time of MOT: 16.1% (10,487 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2016, 7 years old at the time of MOT: 17.5% (10,266 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2016, 8 years old at the time of MOT: 18.0% (10,111 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2016, 9 years old at the time of MOT: 19.4% (10,053 tests, 2025 data)2016Built around 2015, 6 years old at the time of MOT: 15.3% (8,944 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2015, 7 years old at the time of MOT: 17.3% (8,900 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2015, 8 years old at the time of MOT: 19.7% (8,903 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2015, 9 years old at the time of MOT: 19.4% (8,640 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2015, 10 years old at the time of MOT: 20.7% (8,537 tests, 2025 data)2015Built around 2014, 7 years old at the time of MOT: 18.4% (6,533 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2014, 8 years old at the time of MOT: 19.9% (6,490 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2014, 9 years old at the time of MOT: 21.1% (6,309 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2014, 10 years old at the time of MOT: 20.7% (6,047 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2014, 11 years old at the time of MOT: 21.3% (5,930 tests, 2025 data)2014Built around 2013, 8 years old at the time of MOT: 20.4% (3,943 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2013, 9 years old at the time of MOT: 20.1% (3,825 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2013, 10 years old at the time of MOT: 21.8% (3,748 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2013, 11 years old at the time of MOT: 20.5% (3,594 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2013, 12 years old at the time of MOT: 21.3% (3,551 tests, 2025 data)2013Built around 2012, 9 years old at the time of MOT: 22.2% (3,813 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2012, 10 years old at the time of MOT: 22.8% (3,716 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2012, 11 years old at the time of MOT: 22.6% (3,614 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2012, 12 years old at the time of MOT: 22.4% (3,467 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2012, 13 years old at the time of MOT: 23.1% (3,396 tests, 2025 data)2012Built around 2011, 10 years old at the time of MOT: 23.5% (3,451 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2011, 11 years old at the time of MOT: 22.2% (3,337 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2011, 12 years old at the time of MOT: 23.3% (3,246 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2011, 13 years old at the time of MOT: 23.6% (3,134 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2011, 14 years old at the time of MOT: 24.4% (2,996 tests, 2025 data)2011Built around 2010, 11 years old at the time of MOT: 23.7% (3,430 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2010, 12 years old at the time of MOT: 22.6% (3,221 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2010, 13 years old at the time of MOT: 24.3% (3,121 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2010, 14 years old at the time of MOT: 24.7% (3,002 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2010, 15 years old at the time of MOT: 25.0% (2,864 tests, 2025 data)2010Built around 2009, 12 years old at the time of MOT: 23.1% (2,204 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2009, 13 years old at the time of MOT: 22.4% (2,077 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2009, 14 years old at the time of MOT: 24.7% (1,940 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2009, 15 years old at the time of MOT: 22.9% (1,741 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2009, 16 years old at the time of MOT: 25.5% (1,670 tests, 2025 data)2009Built around 2008, 13 years old at the time of MOT: 22.7% (97 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2008, 14 years old at the time of MOT: 19.5% (87 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2008, 15 years old at the time of MOT: 20.0% (85 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2008, 16 years old at the time of MOT: 31.8% (88 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2008, 17 years old at the time of MOT: 29.5% (78 tests, 2025 data)2008
First registered around 2016First registered around 2015First registered around 2014First registered around 2013
Mk1 variants compared
All generations of this modelPlenty of data

Most common issues on Volvo XC60 models of this age

This list covers every Volvo XC60 built around 2016, whichever generation it is. We don't have a defect list for the Mk1 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

    21.0%
    Advisory: 5,471Fail: 485 (8% of the times it was found)
  2. 2
    Advisory

    Brake pads wearing thin

    12.6%
    Advisory: 2,318Fail: 421 (15% of the times it was found)
  3. 3
    Advisory

    Tyre slightly damaged, cracking or perishing

    7.7%
    Advisory: 1,684Fail: 288 (15% of the times it was found)
  4. 4
    Advisory

    Suspension arm pin or bush worn, but not moving too much

    7.5%
    Advisory: 2,080Fail: 156 (7% of the times it was found)
  5. 5
    Advisory

    Coil spring corroded

    7.2%
    Advisory: 348Fail: 1,125 (76% of the times it was found)

Based on 17,373 tests

Looking at a Volvo XC60 Mk1?

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

Frequently asked questions

Built around 2016 (9 years old), the Volvo XC60 Mk1 (2008-2016) fails MOTs at about the rate typical for this age. This is based on 17,373 9-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 72,943 MOT tests on Volvo XC60 models first registered between 2008-2016. These figures are a guide, not a guarantee.