Volvo2000–2020 Critical issues documented

Volvo V60 P3: common faults & what to check

The P3 is the Volvo V60 built 2011–2019. Of the 11 faults documented for the V60, 4 apply to this generation, each with its symptoms, what to inspect and a typical repair cost. Free, no account needed.

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Documented faults

Critical

Most serious

$650–$1,400

Typical repair

Service milestones

You're looking at the P3

Everything below is narrowed to this variant. Pick a different one to change it.

2011–2019P3 Selected2011–2019P3Engine not documented for this generationEngine not documentedDocumented issues4 knownSee faults & what to checkPhoto: Zytonits via Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 2.0.

Choose a different generation

Now narrow it to the engine

A 1.8 and a 2.4 of the same car do not fail the same way, so the faults below narrow to the engine as well as the year. Free, no account needed.

Which engine is in it? These cover every year of this model.

T5 petrol· petrol T6 PHEV D4 diesel· diesel

A 2011 Volvo V60 is the P3 generation (2011 to 2019).

We cannot narrow the engine list to this year, so every engine this model was sold with is offered.

Start your free check on this Volvo V60

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Volvo V60 P3Engine not picked yet

Pick the engine above first: the V60 came with 3, and without it the report has to show all of their faults. Pick the engine

Can't confirm for this car

Volvo V60 · 2011

Narrowed to the year. No engine is recorded for this vehicle. Pick an engine to see which faults apply.

Tell us the engine, or check the engine code on the car, before relying on this.

No engine is recorded for this vehicle.

matched on year only

What to look out for

The checks worth doing on a Volvo V60 before you hand over any money. Every documented fault is listed below, each with its own page.

Serious issue
Ask the seller or a Volvo dealer whether the 2020 front seat belt cable recall has been done and ask for the record.
See why
Front seat belt steel cable can fatigue and break: recall (first generation P3 V60, 2010-2018)
On the first generation (P3) V60, the flexible steel cable that anchors the outboard side of each front seat belt can fatigue and separate, so the belt may not hold the occupant in a crash. Volvo recalled about 2.18 million cars worldwide for this, including 24,977 in Australia (ACCC PRA 2020/18415, REC-001435) and NHTSA 20V378 in the USA. The fix is a free replacement of the seat belt fastener at a Volvo dealer.
What you would notice
- Usually none before failure
- Seat belt buckle side feels loose or the cable is frayed beside the seat
Typically $0–$400 to put right.
Costly issue
Any movement beyond 1–2 mm in the bush indicates failure.
See why
Front Subframe Rear Mounting Bush Failure — Steering Shimmy
On the P3-platform V60 the front subframe is secured to the body at four points. The two rear mounting bushes are pressed into the subframe and isolate road inputs from the body. These hydraulic bushes degrade from around 100,000 km, collapsing under the combined load of braking and cornering. As the bush voids soften the subframe shifts rearward under braking, changing front toe and caster geometry dynamically. Drivers experience a steering shimmy or wheel tramp between 80 and 110 km/h that worsens under light braking. The fault is frequently misdiagnosed as wheel balance or tyre wear.
What you would notice
- Steering shimmy or vibration through the steering wheel at 80–110 km/h
- Shimmy worsens or is triggered under light braking from highway speed
- Symptom persists after new tyres and confirmed wheel balance
- Clunking or thumping from the front subframe area over speed bumps
- Uneven or rapid front tyre wear indicating geometry shift
Typically $650–$1,400 to put right.

Volvo V60 service schedule

The 2 engines a 2011 Volvo V60 was sold with, each with its own intervals. Pick your engine above to narrow this to one. These are the model’s intervals — the car’s own service book is the only thing that can tell you what has actually been done to it.

First Generation (V60) · 2011–2018 · 2.0L T5 Turbo Petrol - FWD

Petrol

Due by distance

100,000 km
Make sure the transmission fluid has been changed so the gear changes stay crisp.
120,000 km
Check the coolant hoses and thermostat housing are still sound.
150,000 km
Control arm bushings and the rest of the suspension may want a professional look here for ride comfort.

First Generation (V60) · 2011–2015 · 3.0L T6 Turbo Petrol - AWD

Petrol

Due by distance

100,000 km
Flush the cooling system fully and inspect where the turbo piping connects.
130,000 km
The Haldex all-wheel-drive system wants an oil and filter service here so torque keeps flowing smoothly.
150,000 km
Sensible point to go over the suspension bushings and strut mounts and keep the comfort Volvo is known for.

See all 4 issues for this oneDocumented for the exact year and engine you picked, including 2 rated critical.

Body, brakes, suspension & interior1 critical2

01Front seat belt steel cable can fatigue and break: recall (first generation P3 V60, 2010-2018)

Ask the seller or a Volvo dealer whether the 2020 front seat belt cable recall has been done and ask for the record.2010–2018Interior$0–$400

OccasionalInterior $0–$400 to fix

On the first generation (P3) V60, the flexible steel cable that anchors the outboard side of each front seat belt can fatigue and separate, so the belt may not hold the occupant in a crash. Volvo recalled about 2.18 million cars worldwide for this, including 24,977 in Australia (ACCC PRA 2020/18415, REC-001435) and NHTSA 20V378 in the USA. The fix is a free replacement of the seat belt fastener at a Volvo dealer.

Symptoms to notice

Usually none before failure
Seat belt buckle side feels loose or the cable is frayed beside the seat

What to check

Ask the seller or a Volvo dealer whether the 2020 front seat belt cable recall has been done and ask for the record.
Look at the buckle side of both front seats with a torch: the buckle should be firmly held and the cable sheath should not be frayed or kinked.
Pull hard on each buckle once it is latched.
If a workshop inspection is possible: have a Volvo dealer check recall status against the VIN.

Where to look: Front seats, inboard buckle side (seat belt fastener steel cable)

Ask the seller

“Has the 2020 seat belt cable recall been done on this car?”
“Can you show the dealer record?”

02Front Subframe Rear Mounting Bush Failure — Steering Shimmy

Any movement beyond 1–2 mm in the bush indicates failure.petrol2010–2018Suspension$650–$1,400Read the full fault: symptoms, where to look, what to ask the seller

Depends on the exact engine — 2 moreDocumented for a specific engine we could not confirm from what you picked. Check the engine code on the car.

Engine, transmission & cooling2

01B4204T timing belt tensioner spring failure

Demand receipts confirming timing belt, tensioner, idler pulley, and water pump were replaced together as a kit.petrol2010–2018EngineCan't confirm for this car$650–$12,000

OccasionalEngine $650–$12,000 to fix

Can't confirm for this car

The B4204T/T2/T3 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine uses a rubber timing belt and a spring-loaded tensioner. The tensioner spring fatigues progressively from heat cycling and can lose preload, allowing belt slack. The belt-driven coolant pump can also seize and suddenly drop tensioner pressure. Once the belt skips a tooth on the camshaft sprocket, valve-to-piston contact is almost certain, causing catastrophic internal engine damage. Volvo's published interval of 120,000 km is widely considered too long; many failures occur between 80,000 and 115,000 km.

Symptoms to notice

Rattling or flapping noise from front of engine on cold start
Check engine light with P0340 or P0345 camshaft position sensor codes
Rough idle or random misfires
Sudden engine stall without prior warning in catastrophic cases

What to check

Demand receipts confirming timing belt, tensioner, idler pulley, and water pump were replaced together as a kit. If records are absent or the car is over 90,000 km, budget for immediate replacement. Listen carefully for any rattling from the timing cover area on a cold start.

Where to look: Front of engine behind plastic timing cover on the passenger side

Parts involved: Timing belt.

Ask the seller

“When was the timing belt last replaced and was the full kit including tensioner and water pump done at the same time?”
“Do you have workshop receipts for the timing belt service?”
“Has the car ever thrown a camshaft sensor fault code?”

02D5 diesel DPF blockage from short-trip urban use

Check the oil level — fuel dilution from repeated failed regens raises the oil above the maximum mark and thins it noticeably.diesel2010–2018EngineCan't confirm for this car$800–$3,200

CommonEngine $800–$3,200 to fix

Can't confirm for this car

The Diesel Particulate Filter on D5 diesel S60 and V60 models requires exhaust temperatures above approximately 550°C to complete passive regeneration. Urban stop-start driving keeps exhaust temperatures too low for passive regen, causing soot to accumulate. The engine management system initiates active regeneration by post-injecting fuel, but if the car is switched off mid-cycle or used only for short trips the regen aborts and soot continues to accumulate. A fully blocked DPF triggers limp mode; forced regeneration may fail at high soot loads, requiring filter replacement. Repeated failed regens also cause fuel dilution of the engine oil, which can accelerate engine wear.

Symptoms to notice

DPF warning light illuminated on the dashboard
Engine entering limp mode with reduced power
Excessive fuel smell from exhaust during regeneration attempts
Oil level rising above maximum on dipstick due to fuel dilution

What to check

Check the oil level — fuel dilution from repeated failed regens raises the oil above the maximum mark and thins it noticeably.
Ask about the car's primary use pattern.
Request any DPF service or replacement history.
If a workshop inspection is possible: Verify DPF soot loading via a scan tool.

Where to look: Exhaust system beneath the vehicle, close-coupled to the catalytic converter behind the engine

Parts involved: Diesel particulate filter.

Ask the seller

“Has the DPF warning light ever come on?”
“Is the car used primarily for short urban trips or longer motorway journeys?”
“Has the DPF been cleaned by a workshop or replaced?”

Other Volvo V60 engines and years7 documented issues that do not apply to the one you picked.

Engine, transmission & cooling3

01Electronic Throttle Module (ETM) Failure

Cold-start the vehicle and check for immediate smooth idle.petrol2000–2009EngineDoes not apply$1,200–$1,900

CommonEngine $1,200–$1,900 to fix

Does not apply

First-generation S60 T5 and T6 share the identical B5254T/B6294T ETM throttle body as the XC70 and V70 of this era. Internal potentiometer wear produces erratic or absent throttle response. Onset is often intermittent; vehicles sometimes recover after restart before failing permanently. Volvo campaign 22228 covered selected North American vehicles; NZ/AU examples are typically unaffected by the campaign.

Symptoms to notice

Sudden stall with no preceding warning
Throttle non-responsive or jittery at cruise
P0120 stored fault code with or without active warning light
Intermittent limp-home mode on startup

What to check

Cold-start the vehicle and check for immediate smooth idle.
Scan for P0120/P0121/P0122.
Test throttle blade movement by hand with ignition off — it should move freely without sticking.
Request any ETM replacement documentation.

Where to look: Intake throttle body, driver-side engine bay

Ask the seller

“Has the ETM or throttle body been replaced?”
“Any sudden stalling or power loss episodes, even if resolved?”

02T6 Supercharger Drive Belt Tensioner Pulley Bearing Failure

Spin the pulley by hand with the engine off and belt removed — any roughness, notchiness, or lateral play confirms bearing failure.petrol2015–2020EngineDoes not apply$780–$1,650

OccasionalEngine $780–$1,650 to fix

Does not apply

The Drive-E T6 engine pairs a twin-scroll turbocharger with a Rotrex centrifugal supercharger driven by a separate accessory belt. The tensioner pulley bearing for the supercharger drive belt is a sealed unit that is not included in any scheduled maintenance interval. Bearing grease migrates out under the heat cycles typical of sustained high-RPM use, causing progressive roughness followed by seizure. A seized pulley sheds the supercharger drive belt, immediately eliminating low-RPM boost and potentially wrapping the belt around the auxiliary drive. Volvo's repair action is tensioner and pulley replacement together.

Symptoms to notice

High-pitched metallic whine from the right side of the engine increasing with RPM
Whine present under light load and intensifying under full-throttle acceleration
Visible belt fraying or lateral wander on the supercharger drive pulley
Sudden loss of low-RPM boost with MIL and boost underrun codes if bearing seizes

What to check

Spin the pulley by hand with the engine off and belt removed — any roughness, notchiness, or lateral play confirms bearing failure. Inspect the supercharger drive belt for edge fraying, glazing, or rubber transfer on the pulley faces. If a workshop inspection is possible: With the engine idling and bonnet open, use a mechanic's stethoscope or long-handled screwdriver on the supercharger tensioner pulley housing to isolate bearing roughness.

Where to look: Right side of engine (passenger side); supercharger drive belt and spring-loaded tensioner pulley adjacent to the supercharger nose

Parts involved: Timing belt.

Ask the seller

“Has the supercharger drive belt or tensioner pulley been replaced?”
“Has any high-pitched whining noise been noticed from the engine, especially at higher RPMs?”
“Has the car ever lost power unexpectedly or shown a boost-related warning light?”

03B4204T GDI Intake Valve Carbon Buildup at High Mileage

Heavy carbon buildup appears as a black, crusty ring around the valve stem reducing the valve curtain area.petrol2014 onwardEngineDoes not apply$750–$1,600

CommonEngine $750–$1,600 to fix

Does not apply

The B4204T-family engines use gasoline direct injection (GDI), in which fuel is injected directly into the combustion chamber rather than upstream of the intake valve. Without fuel wash the intake valve stems and back-faces accumulate combustion blowby deposits (carbon). By 100,000–130,000 km deposits are typically thick enough to restrict airflow, cause intermittent misfires on cold start, rough idle, and a measurable reduction in power. The only effective remediation is walnut-shell blast cleaning of the intake ports with the inlet manifold removed, or mechanical scraping under direct vision.

Symptoms to notice

Rough idle, especially on cold start, that clears as engine warms
Intermittent misfire codes P030X on one or more cylinders
Reduced power and throttle response compared to earlier in the vehicle's life
Failed or marginal emissions test without other faults present
Increased fuel consumption with no mechanical fault found

What to check

Heavy carbon buildup appears as a black, crusty ring around the valve stem reducing the valve curtain area. Compare observed deposits against photographic reference for 100,000 km and 150,000 km typical accumulation rates. Request service records for any previous intake cleaning procedure. If a workshop inspection is possible: With the engine cold and the intake manifold accessible, remove the intake manifold and use a borescope to inspect the back-face of each intake valve.

Where to look: Intake manifold and intake valve ports — cylinder head intake side, accessible after manifold removal

Parts involved: Intake manifold.

Ask the seller

“Has the intake manifold ever been removed for intake valve cleaning?”
“Has the vehicle ever had misfire codes or rough idle complaints?”
“What is the total mileage and has any power reduction been noticed over time?”

Body, brakes, suspension & interior3

01Front Lower Ball Joint Premature Wear (3rd Gen S60)

Inspect the ball joint boot for cracking or grease expulsion.petrol2018 onwardSuspensionDoes not apply$500–$1,200

OccasionalSuspension $500–$1,200 to fix

Does not apply

Third-generation S60 models have been reported with accelerated front lower ball joint wear compared to earlier Volvo platforms. The ball joint is pressed into the lower control arm and uses a softer elastomer boot compound than previous generations, which degrades more rapidly under UV exposure and road debris. Failed ball joints create a clunking noise and, in severe cases, risk wheel separation. Documented on Volvo S60 owner forums and reported by independent suspension specialists in Australia.

Symptoms to notice

Clunking or popping from the front suspension over bumps
Steering pull to one side under braking
Accelerated front tyre wear
Play felt in the steering at low speeds

What to check

Inspect the ball joint boot for cracking or grease expulsion.
Check for any lateral play in the joint by hand — any detectable movement is grounds for replacement.
If a workshop inspection is possible: On a hoist, grasp the wheel at top and bottom and rock it to check for vertical play indicating ball joint wear.

Where to look: Front lower control arm, ball joint at the outer end, both sides

Parts involved: Ball joint.

Ask the seller

“Have the front ball joints been inspected recently?”
“Is there any clunking from the front suspension over bumps?”
“Has the car had a wheel alignment or suspension inspection in the last 12 months?”

02Front Lower Control Arm Ball Joint Wear

Inspect the ball joint boot for splits or grease loss.2000–2009SuspensionDoes not apply$500–$1,100

CommonSuspension $500–$1,100 to fix

Does not apply

P2-platform S60 front lower control arms have pressed-in ball joints that wear prematurely on higher-mileage examples. Worn joints develop vertical and lateral play, causing steering wander and clunking over bumps. The design typically requires full control arm replacement rather than isolated ball joint renewal. A severely worn joint can separate, causing sudden loss of steering geometry and wheel positional control.

Symptoms to notice

Clunking from front suspension over bumps or during braking
Steering wander or vague straight-line tracking
Uneven tyre wear on the front axle
Vibration through the steering wheel on rough surfaces

What to check

Inspect the ball joint boot for splits or grease loss.
Check both sides — wear is typically bilateral.
If a workshop inspection is possible: On a hoist, lever between the control arm and hub knuckle to check for ball joint play.

Where to look: Front lower control arms, both sides

Parts involved: Ball joint.

Ask the seller

“Have the front control arms or ball joints been replaced?”
“Any clunking or steering wander noted at recent WOF?”

03DSTC / ABS Module False Activation (TSB Issued)

Scan the ABS and brake control module for stored fault codes.petrol2018 onwardBrakesDoes not apply$0–$350

OccasionalBrakes $0–$350 to fix

Does not apply

Third-generation S60 models with the Dynamic Stability and Traction Control (DSTC) system experienced a software fault in the brake control module causing false ABS or stability control intervention without an actual wheel slip event. The fault was confirmed by Volvo and addressed in a Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) with a module software update. Vehicles without the update may experience unexpected brake intervention under normal driving, particularly on smooth surfaces or during gentle cornering.

Symptoms to notice

ABS or DSTC activates on dry, smooth road without wheel slip
ABS warning light illuminated without fault in brakes
Unexpected brake pulsing during normal low-speed driving
DSTC or traction control light flashing without apparent cause

What to check

Scan the ABS and brake control module for stored fault codes.
Check the module software version against the Volvo TSB specification.
Verify all ABS ring teeth are intact at each wheel hub.
If a workshop inspection is possible: If the software is unupdated, factor the cost of a dealer software update into the purchase.

Where to look: ABS/DSTC brake control module, located in the engine bay near the master cylinder

Ask the seller

“Has this car had any ABS or stability control software updates done at a Volvo dealer?”
“Have there been any warning lights related to ABS or traction control?”
“Has the brake system or ABS module ever been replaced or reprogrammed?”

Fluid leaks1

01T5 Turbocharger Oil Return Line Leak

With engine warm, inspect the turbo oil drain hose from the turbocharger underside to the sump for cracking or weeping.petrol2000–2009Fluid LeaksDoes not apply$400–$850

CommonFluid Leaks $400–$850 to fix

Does not apply

The B5254T turbo oil return (drain) line from the turbocharger to the sump uses a rubber section that hardens and cracks with heat cycling. The metal banjo fitting at the sump connection also corrodes and weeps. Oil drips onto the exhaust causing smoke; if ignored the leak can escalate to an underbonnet fire risk. Oil consumption without obvious external leakage is an early indicator.

Symptoms to notice

Oil drips or staining below the turbocharger or on the exhaust manifold heat shield
Burning oil smell after hard driving or at operating temperature
Gradual oil consumption between services without external pooling
Smoke from engine bay at idle after a run

What to check

With engine warm, inspect the turbo oil drain hose from the turbocharger underside to the sump for cracking or weeping.
Check the sump-side banjo fitting for corrosion and seepage.
Check oil level relative to service mileage.

Where to look: Underside of turbocharger, drain line running to engine sump, driver-side engine bay

Parts involved: Turbocharger.

Ask the seller

“Any history of oil leaks, oil consumption, or smoke from the engine bay?”
“When was the turbo oil return hose last inspected or replaced?”

Volvo V60 faults in detail

Narrowed to the Volvo V60 · 2011. Each of these has its own page: the symptoms, where to look, what to ask the seller and what the repair costs. Free, no account needed.

Front Subframe Rear Mounting Bush Failure — Steering ShimmyMajor · Suspension

What these repairs cost on other cars

Some of the Volvo V60’s documented faults are repairs other models share. Each page lists the documented NZ cost for every model it affects.

Other Volvo models

Volvo XC9027 documented faults Volvo XC6020 documented faults Volvo S6018 documented faults Volvo XC4016 documented faults Volvo XC706 documented faults

Volvo V60 buyer questions

Is the Volvo V60 reliable?

Like any used car, it depends on the specific example and its service history. Across the 11 documented faults for the Volvo V60, the recurring problem areas are engine, interior, and suspension. A Volvo V60 with a full service history and no signs of the issues listed on this page can be a sound buy but each one needs to be checked individually before you commit.

What are the most common problems with a used Volvo V60?

We've catalogued 11 known faults for the Volvo V60, covering engine, interior, and suspension. All 11 are written out in full on this page, with the symptoms to notice, what to inspect, and typical repair costs for each. Free to read, no account needed.

How much do repairs cost on a Volvo V60?

Most single repairs on the Volvo V60 fall between $650–$1,400 at NZ independent-workshop rates. Some of the 11 documented faults cost less and a few cost considerably more, and no one car needs them all. Knowing which ones to look for before you view is what lets you negotiate the price down or walk away.

Should I get a pre-purchase inspection on a Volvo V60?

Yes. A Volvo V60 inspection focused on its known weak points is the single best way to avoid an expensive mistake. KickTyres gives you a guided, model-specific inspection plus a market valuation and negotiation figure for $24.90 far less than the cost of missing one of the faults on this page.