2008 Volvo XC60: common problems and what to check
What gets flagged at MOT on 2008 Volvo XC60s, from 242 tests in 2025, plus known faults and what to look at before you buy one.
Small sample: only 242 of these were MOT tested in 2025, so treat the percentages as rough. The known faults below don't depend on it.
What gets flagged at MOT
The share of 2008 Volvo XC60 MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.
- Suspension40% 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 electrics31% of testsRough price £10–£80
At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light, including brake lights and indicators, while you operate them.
- Tyres29% 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.
- Brakes24% 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.
- Wipers, windscreen and mirrors8% 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 leaks6% 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.
Known faults
Reported by owners, mechanics and buying guides for this model and age. Check which engine the car has, as some apply to one engine only.
- Many recalls (33)All engines
The XC60 has had 33 recalls, from fuel gauges to fuel leaks, gearboxes jamming and airbags not deploying.
At the viewing: Ask a Volvo dealer to check the VIN for outstanding recalls.
Source: Auto Express: used Volvo XC60 (Mk1, 2008-2017) problems and recalls
- Parking brake that won’t releaseAll engines
A sensor can wrongly think a door is open, which stops the electronic parking brake releasing.
At the viewing: Release the parking brake with all doors shut.
Source: Auto Express: used Volvo XC60 (Mk1, 2008-2017) problems and recalls
- Door locks in freezing weather (early cars)Early cars
Early cars can have locking and latching problems below freezing.
At the viewing: Lock, unlock and shut every door.
Source: Auto Express: used Volvo XC60 (Mk1, 2008-2017) problems and recalls
- Vibrations from wheels and tyresAll engines
Hard-to-trace vibrations usually come from the wheels and tyres.
At the viewing: Feel for vibration at motorway speed, and ask if all four wheels have been balanced.
Source: Auto Express: used Volvo XC60 (Mk1, 2008-2017) problems and recalls
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Other years
| Year | MOT tests | Most flagged |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 519 | Tyres 16% |
| 2022 | 7,152 | Tyres 24% |
| 2021 | 9,856 | Tyres 25% |
| 2020 | 7,890 | Tyres 27% |
| 2019 | 11,293 | Tyres 27% |
| 2018 | 10,775 | Tyres 25% |
| 2017 | 14,724 | Tyres 29% |
| 2016 | 14,700 | Tyres 29% |
| 2015 | 12,584 | Tyres 30% |
| 2014 | 8,746 | Tyres 31% |
| 2013 | 5,129 | Tyres 29% |
| 2012 | 4,791 | Suspension 31% |
| 2011 | 4,276 | Suspension 34% |
| 2010 | 3,973 | Suspension 36% |
| 2009 | 2,747 | Suspension 41% |
Where this comes from: the DVSA's anonymised results for every MOT test in Great Britain in 2025, counting tests of 2008 Volvo XC60s registered in 2008. "Flagged" includes advisories, so it isn't the same as a fail rate. How we score