Used car guide

2013 Volvo S60: common problems and what to check

What gets flagged at MOT on 2013 Volvo S60s, from 1,366 tests in 2025, plus known faults and what to look at before you buy one.

1,366MOT tests in 2025
74%pass first time (all 2013 cars: 66%)
9,400typical miles a year
35%had tyres flagged

What gets flagged at MOT

The share of 2013 Volvo S60 MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

  • Tyres
    35% 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.

  • Suspension
    32% 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
    25% 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
    16% of testsRough price £10–£80

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

  • Wipers, windscreen and mirrors
    7% of testsRough price £15–£250

    At the viewing: Check for chips in the driver's view, and test the wipers and washers.

  • Oil and fluid leaks
    3% 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.

Looking at a Volvo S60?

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Other years

YearMOT testsMost flagged
20201,114Tyres 32%
20191,176Tyres 25%
2018875Tyres 32%
20171,083Tyres 31%
20161,162Tyres 35%
20151,209Tyres 33%
20141,333Tyres 33%
20121,653Suspension 40%
20111,702Suspension 35%
2010603Suspension 37%
2007510Suspension 47%
2006816Lights and electrics 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 2013 Volvo S60s registered in 2013. "Flagged" includes advisories, so it isn't the same as a fail rate. How we score