2018 Volvo XC60: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2018 Volvo XC60?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2018 Volvo XC60 than on all cars registered in 2018.

• Brake pads1.6× usual
  Volvo XC60

  17.3% All 2018 cars

  10.9%

  Failed outright at MOT: 3.4%, against 2% of all 2018 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £75–£175 (one axle) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: Listen for squealing or grinding when braking, and look through the wheel at how much pad is left.

• Ball joint3.1× usual
  Volvo XC60

  3.1% All 2018 cars

  1%

  Failed outright at MOT: 0.3%, against 0.4% of all 2018 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.

Common 2018 Volvo XC60 MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2018 Volvo XC60 MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Tyres
  26% 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
  21% 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.

• Suspension
  6% 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.

• Wipers, windscreen and mirrors
  5% of testsRough price £15–£250

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

• Seats and seatbelts
  3% of testsRough price £80–£250

  At the viewing: Pull each seatbelt sharply. It should lock, and retract cleanly.

• Lights and electrics
  2% of testsRough price £10–£80

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

Known faults on the 2018 Volvo XC60

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.

• Engine fire recall (2.0 diesel)

  2.0 diesel

  About 70,000 UK cars with the 2.0 diesel are being recalled for a fire risk. Watch for odd smells, the engine light or hesitation.

  At the viewing: Ask a Volvo dealer about the recall's status for this car.

  Source: What Car?: used Volvo XC60 (2017 on) reliability

• Emergency braking and tailgate recalls

  All engines

  Recalls covered emergency braking that might not work (2020), tailgate arms that could freeze (built to Oct 2018) and the emergency call module (built 2017–2018).

  At the viewing: Ask for proof the recalls were done.

  Source: What Car?: used Volvo XC60 (2017 on) reliability

• DPF, turbo and hybrid battery faults

  Diesel and hybrid

  Diesels can have DPF and turbo problems, and hybrids battery and charging faults, with some losing electric range.

  At the viewing: Watch for warning lights and check the hybrid's charging and range.

  Source: What Car?: used Volvo XC60 (2017 on) reliability

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2018 Volvo XC60

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

1. What's the status of the diesel fire-risk recall on this car?
2. Any recent work on the brake pads? (Flagged at MOT 1.6× as often on the 2018 Volvo XC60 as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the ball joint? (Flagged at MOT 3.1× as often on the 2018 Volvo XC60 as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?