2002 Volvo S60: common problems and what to check
What gets flagged at MOT on 2002 Volvo S60s, from 540 tests in 2025, plus known faults and what to look at before you buy one.
What stands out
Parts flagged at MOT more often on 2002 Volvo S60s than on all cars registered in 2002.
- Steering rack inner joints5.2× usualVolvo S6019.4% All 2002 cars3.7%
Failed outright at MOT: 0%, against 0% of all 2002 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.
Rough price £100–£450 our estimateAt 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 joints2.5× usualVolvo S6020.9% All 2002 cars8.3%
Failed outright at MOT: 3.3%, against 1.8% of all 2002 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.
Rough price £120–£180 (one arm) ClickMechanicAt the viewing: Listen for clunks over bumps and feel for the steering wandering. Worn arm bushes show as cracked rubber near the wheels.
- Individual direction indicators3.2× usualVolvo S6010.6% All 2002 cars3.3%
Failed outright at MOT: 2.6%, against 1.4% of all 2002 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.
Rough price £10–£80 our estimateAt the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light while you work the switches: indicators, brake lights, fog lights and reversing lights.
- Number plate lights1.9× usualVolvo S6014.6% All 2002 cars7.5%
Failed outright at MOT: 2.8%, against 1.9% of all 2002 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.
Rough price £5–£40 our estimateAt the viewing: Check the number plate lights work and the plates are clean and legal.
- Anti-roll bar bushes and joints4.3× usualVolvo S607.8% All 2002 cars1.8%
Failed outright at MOT: 0.7%, against 0.4% of all 2002 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.
Rough price £100–£280 (pair of drop links) CheckatradeAt the viewing: Drive slowly over bumps and listen for a knock or rattle from the front. Worn anti-roll bar links are a cheap fix.
By area
The share of 2002 Volvo S60 MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.
- Suspension52% 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.
- Lights and electrics39% of testsRough price £10–£80
At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light, including brake lights and indicators, while you operate them.
- Brakes38% 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.
- Tyres31% 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.
- Steering22% 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.
- Exhaust and emissions14% of testsRough price £100–£1,200
At the viewing: Look for black soot in the tailpipe, listen for blowing from the exhaust and check for engine or DPF warning lights.
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Other years
| Year | MOT tests | Most flagged |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | 1,114 | Tyres 32% |
| 2019 | 1,176 | Tyres 25% |
| 2018 | 875 | Tyres 32% |
| 2017 | 1,083 | Tyres 31% |
| 2016 | 1,162 | Tyres 35% |
| 2015 | 1,209 | Tyres 33% |
| 2014 | 1,333 | Tyres 33% |
| 2013 | 1,366 | Tyres 35% |
| 2012 | 1,653 | Suspension 40% |
| 2011 | 1,702 | Suspension 35% |
| 2010 | 603 | Suspension 37% |
| 2007 | 510 | Suspension 47% |
| 2006 | 816 | Lights and electrics 38% |
| 2005 | 1,040 | Lights and electrics 42% |
| 2004 | 846 | Suspension 46% |
| 2003 | 783 | Suspension 47% |
Where this comes from: the DVSA's anonymised results for every MOT test in Great Britain in 2025, counting tests of 2002 Volvo S60s registered in 2002. "Flagged" includes advisories, so it isn't the same as a fail rate. How we score