Used car guide

2001 Volvo S60: common problems and what to check

What gets flagged at MOT on 2001 Volvo S60s, from 237 tests in 2025, plus known faults and what to look at before you buy one.

Small sample: only 237 of these were MOT tested in 2025, so treat the percentages as rough. The known faults below don't depend on it.

237MOT tests in 2025
59%pass first time (all 2001 cars: 61%)
4,900typical miles a year
4.7×the usual rate for steering rack inner joints

What stands out

Parts flagged at MOT more often on 2001 Volvo S60s than on all cars registered in 2001.

  • Steering rack inner joints4.7× usual
    Volvo S60
    17.7% All 2001 cars
    3.8%

    Failed outright at MOT: 0%, against 0% of all 2001 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

    Rough price £100–£450 our estimate

    At the viewing: On a straight road the steering wheel should sit straight. Listen for knocks when turning, and check the steering feels even.

  • Suspension arm bushes and joints2.6× usual
    Volvo S60
    19.4% All 2001 cars
    7.5%

    Failed outright at MOT: 3%, against 1.5% of all 2001 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

    Rough price £120–£180 (one arm) ClickMechanic

    At the viewing: Listen for clunks over bumps and feel for the steering wandering. Worn arm bushes show as cracked rubber near the wheels.

By area

The share of 2001 Volvo S60 MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

  • Suspension
    45% of testsRough price £120–£400

    At the viewing: Listen for knocks over speed bumps, and look behind each front wheel for a snapped coil spring.

  • Brakes
    35% of testsRough price £150–£350

    At the viewing: Look for a lip on the disc edges and feel for judder or pulling when braking firmly from about 40mph.

  • Lights and electrics
    32% of testsRough price £10–£80

    At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light, including brake lights and indicators, while you operate them.

  • Tyres
    31% of testsRough price £70–£150

    At the viewing: Check the tread on all four tyres, including the inside edges, and look for cracks or bulges.

  • Oil and fluid leaks
    20% of testsRough price £80–£600

    At the viewing: Look under the engine and on the ground where the car is usually parked for fresh oil or fluid.

  • Steering
    19% of testsRough price £100–£450

    At the viewing: On a straight road the steering wheel should sit straight. Feel for play or knocking when turning.

Looking at a Volvo S60?

Check the actual car: its own MOT history, mileage and what to ask the seller. Free, no sign-up.

Other years

YearMOT testsMost flagged
2022378Tyres 23%
2021382Tyres 31%
20201,114Tyres 32%
20191,176Tyres 25%
2018875Tyres 32%
20171,083Tyres 31%
20161,162Tyres 35%
20151,209Tyres 33%
20141,333Tyres 33%
20131,366Tyres 35%
20121,653Suspension 40%
20111,702Suspension 35%
2010603Suspension 37%
2008301Suspension 41%
2007510Suspension 47%
2006816Suspension 38%
20051,040Lights and electrics 42%
2004846Suspension 46%
2003783Suspension 47%
2002540Suspension 52%

Where this comes from: the DVSA's anonymised results for every MOT test in Great Britain in 2025, counting tests of 2001 Volvo S60s registered in 2001. "Flagged" includes advisories, so it isn't the same as a fail rate. How we score