2001 Volvo S60: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2001 Volvo S60?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2001 Volvo S60 than on all cars registered in 2001.

• Steering rack inner joints4.8× usual
  Volvo S60

  17.8% All 2001 cars

  3.7%

  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 joints2.8× usual
  Volvo S60

  21.4% All 2001 cars

  7.6%

  Failed outright at MOT: 3.4%, against 1.6% 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.

• Sidelights2.3× usual
  Volvo S60

  12.5% All 2001 cars

  5.4%

  Failed outright at MOT: 10.5%, against 4.7% of all 2001 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £10–£80 our estimate

  At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light while you work the switches: indicators, brake lights, fog lights and reversing lights.

• Anti-roll bar link joints3.3× usual
  Volvo S60

  8.9% All 2001 cars

  2.7%

  Failed outright at MOT: 2.2%, against 0.9% of all 2001 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £60–£150 (one joint) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: Listen for knocking over bumps and check the rubber boots behind the wheels aren't split.

• Individual direction indicators2.6× usual
  Volvo S60

  9.1% All 2001 cars

  3.5%

  Failed outright at MOT: 4.9%, against 1.6% of all 2001 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £10–£80 our estimate

  At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light while you work the switches: indicators, brake lights, fog lights and reversing lights.

Common 2001 Volvo S60 MOT failures and advisories

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
  48% 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
  37% 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
  36% 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
  30% 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
  20% 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.

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2001 Volvo S60

Ask before you travel to see it. A seller who knows the car will have answers, and receipts.

1. Any recent work on the steering rack inner joints? (Flagged at MOT 4.8× as often on the 2001 Volvo S60 as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the suspension arm bushes and joints? (Flagged at MOT 2.8× as often on the 2001 Volvo S60 as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the sidelights? (Flagged at MOT 2.3× as often on the 2001 Volvo S60 as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?