Used car guide

2012 Volvo V60: common problems and what to check

What gets flagged at MOT on 2012 Volvo V60s, from 4,394 tests in 2025, plus known faults and what to look at before you buy one.

4,394MOT tests in 2025
68%pass first time (all 2012 cars: 63%)
9,400typical miles a year
39%had suspension flagged

What gets flagged at MOT

The share of 2012 Volvo V60 MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

  • Suspension
    39% 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.

  • Tyres
    36% 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.

  • 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
    22% 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
    8% of testsRough price £15–£250

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

  • Steering
    5% 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 V60?

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Other years

YearMOT testsMost flagged
20221,486Tyres 29%
20213,663Tyres 30%
20202,784Tyres 30%
20194,611Tyres 28%
20183,879Tyres 29%
20173,162Tyres 33%
20163,777Tyres 33%
20153,281Tyres 34%
20143,565Tyres 36%
20133,497Tyres 37%
20112,378Tyres 37%

Where this comes from: the DVSA's anonymised results for every MOT test in Great Britain in 2025, counting tests of 2012 Volvo V60s registered in 2012. "Flagged" includes advisories, so it isn't the same as a fail rate. How we score