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Volvo S60 reliability

B · Good

MOT pass rates and common problems from 179,302 MOT tests of cars first registered 2001–2021.

Jump to: YearsEnginesCommon failures
69.1%pass first time
+5.4 ptsvs typical car
Beats 72%of cars
179,302MOT tests

Verdict

The Volvo S60 passes its MOT first time on 69.1% of tests, 5.4 points higher than a typical car of the same age and mileage (63.6%). That puts it ahead of 72% of cars on UK roads once age and mileage are taken into account.

By year of first registration, the 2010 S60 does best (beats 95% of cars) and the 2001 worst (beats 48%).

Of its engines, the 2.0 Diesel does best (beats 82%) and the 2.0 Petrol worst (beats 60%).

Better than average on suspension, visibility, body & structure.

Watch these weak spots

Handbrake performance1.7×as often as a typical car

MOT pass rate by age

First-time pass rate at each MOT by the car’s age in years.

40%50%60%70%80%90%3456789101112131415161718192087%83%78%75%71%64%58%56%58%
Volvo S60Typical car, same age & mileage

Best and worst years

By year of first registration, ranked against all cars on UK roads after adjusting for age and mileage. Green = better than half of cars.

2001
Beats 48%
2002
Beats 64%
2003
Beats 60%
2004
Beats 63%
2005
Beats 70%
2006
Beats 70%
2007
Beats 67%
2008
Beats 68%
2010
Beats 95%
2011
Beats 88%
2012
Beats 76%
2013
Beats 84%
2014
Beats 83%
2015
Beats 79%
2016
Beats 68%
2017
Beats 60%
2018
Beats 57%
2019
Beats 72%
2020
Beats 68%
2021
Beats 87%

Engines

All years, most common first. Grades compare each car with cars of the same age and mileage (A = best 20% of cars on UK roads, E = worst 20%), so an older or higher-mileage car can grade above one with a higher pass rate.

EngineYearsTestsPass rateRankGrade
2.0 Diesel2010–201861,60677.1%Beats 82%A
2.4 Diesel2002–201353,94661.0%Beats 72%B
2.0 Petrol2001–202039,91466.5%Beats 60%B
1.6 Diesel2011–201518,06571.5%Beats 70%B
2.5 Petrol2003–20042,33763.9%Beats 84%A
1.6 Petrol2011–20111,24474.1%Beats 87%A
2.4 Petrol2002–20021,16856.0%Beats 64%B
2.0 Hybrid2021–20211,02290.0%Beats 87%A

Where it fails

Each area compared with a typical car of the same age and mileage, in points of pass rate. Tap or hover an area to see what to check.

Exhaust: 2.2% of tests fail on emissions & leaks, against 4.6% for a typical car of the same age and mileage. Listen for a blowing exhaust at start-up and look underneath for oil or fluid leaks.Suspension: 6.6% of tests fail on suspension, against 12.9% for a typical car of the same age and mileage. Listen for knocks over speed bumps and push each corner down: it should settle at once.Lights: 14.0% of tests fail on lights & electrics, against 16.7% for a typical car of the same age and mileage. Walk round the car with every light on, including brake, fog and number plate lights.Tyres: 7.7% of tests fail on tyres, against 7.5% for a typical car of the same age and mileage. Check the tread on every tyre, including the inner edge, and look for cuts or bulges.Brakes: 10.3% of tests fail on brakes, against 10.2% for a typical car of the same age and mileage. Brake firmly on the test drive: the car should stop straight with no pulsing or grinding.Lights: 14.0% of tests fail on lights & electrics, against 16.7% for a typical car of the same age and mileage. Walk round the car with every light on, including brake, fog and number plate lights.Lights+2.7 ptsTyres: 7.7% of tests fail on tyres, against 7.5% for a typical car of the same age and mileage. Check the tread on every tyre, including the inner edge, and look for cuts or bulges.Tyres−0.2 ptsBrakes: 10.3% of tests fail on brakes, against 10.2% for a typical car of the same age and mileage. Brake firmly on the test drive: the car should stop straight with no pulsing or grinding.Brakes−0.1 ptsSuspension: 6.6% of tests fail on suspension, against 12.9% for a typical car of the same age and mileage. Listen for knocks over speed bumps and push each corner down: it should settle at once.Suspension+6.3 ptsExhaust: 2.2% of tests fail on emissions & leaks, against 4.6% for a typical car of the same age and mileage. Listen for a blowing exhaust at start-up and look underneath for oil or fluid leaks.Exhaust+2.4 ptsSuspension: 6.6% of tests fail on suspension, against 12.9% for a typical car of the same age and mileage. Listen for knocks over speed bumps and push each corner down: it should settle at once.Brakes: 10.3% of tests fail on brakes, against 10.2% for a typical car of the same age and mileage. Brake firmly on the test drive: the car should stop straight with no pulsing or grinding.Tyres: 7.7% of tests fail on tyres, against 7.5% for a typical car of the same age and mileage. Check the tread on every tyre, including the inner edge, and look for cuts or bulges.Lights: 14.0% of tests fail on lights & electrics, against 16.7% for a typical car of the same age and mileage. Walk round the car with every light on, including brake, fog and number plate lights.Exhaust: 2.2% of tests fail on emissions & leaks, against 4.6% for a typical car of the same age and mileage. Listen for a blowing exhaust at start-up and look underneath for oil or fluid leaks.Lights: 14.0% of tests fail on lights & electrics, against 16.7% for a typical car of the same age and mileage. Walk round the car with every light on, including brake, fog and number plate lights.Lights+2.7 ptsTyres: 7.7% of tests fail on tyres, against 7.5% for a typical car of the same age and mileage. Check the tread on every tyre, including the inner edge, and look for cuts or bulges.Tyres−0.2 ptsBrakes: 10.3% of tests fail on brakes, against 10.2% for a typical car of the same age and mileage. Brake firmly on the test drive: the car should stop straight with no pulsing or grinding.Brakes−0.1 ptsSuspension: 6.6% of tests fail on suspension, against 12.9% for a typical car of the same age and mileage. Listen for knocks over speed bumps and push each corner down: it should settle at once.Suspension+6.3 ptsExhaust: 2.2% of tests fail on emissions & leaks, against 4.6% for a typical car of the same age and mileage. Listen for a blowing exhaust at start-up and look underneath for oil or fluid leaks.Exhaust+2.4 pts
Better than typicalTypicalWorse than typical
Tyres: 7.7% of tests fail on tyres, against 7.5% for a typical car of the same age and mileage. Check the tread on every tyre, including the inner edge, and look for cuts or bulges.

Every MOT area

Share of tests failing on each area, against a typical car of the same age and mileage (black line).

Lights & electrics
14.0% vs 16.7%
Brakes
10.3% vs 10.2%
Tyres
7.7% vs 7.5%
Suspension
6.6% vs 12.9%
Visibility
3.6% vs 6.0%
Steering
3.2% vs 3.0%
Body & structure
2.9% vs 5.4%
Emissions & leaks
2.2% vs 4.6%
Seat belts & airbags
0.7% vs 1.8%
Wheels
0.5% vs 0.5%

Buying one or MOT due? Check these

  • Handbrake performance 1.7× typical
    Check the handbrake holds the car firmly on a slope.
  • Headlight aim
    Park facing a wall at night: both dipped beams should sit level and dip to the left.
  • Tyre damage & cracking
    Look for cuts, bulges and cracking on both sidewalls of every tyre.
  • Sidelights
    Walk around with the lights on: bulb failures are the easiest MOT fails to avoid.
  • Tyre tread depth
    Check every tyre, including the inner edge, has at least 3 mm of tread. Uneven wear can point to alignment or suspension problems.
  • Brake pads
    Ask when the pads were last replaced and look for a brake-wear warning on the dash.

Pass rate by mileage

First-time pass rate by mileage at the test.

50%60%70%80%90%100%10k20k30k40k50k60k70k80k90k100k110k120k130k140k150k92%85%79%73%67%62%61%59%
Volvo S60Typical car

Most common MOT failures

ItemThis carTypicalvs typical
Handbrake performance5.3%3.2%1.7×
Headlight aim5.0%4.6%1.1×
Tyre damage & cracking4.7%3.8%1.2×
Sidelights3.9%4.2%0.9×
Tyre tread depth2.8%3.3%0.8×
Brake pads2.7%2.4%1.1×
Headlight bulbs & units2.7%3.1%0.9×
Track rod ends2.3%2.0%1.2×
Number plate lights1.9%2.1%0.9×
Windscreen wipers1.6%2.6%0.6×

Specific defects found

Tester wording for the most frequent failure items, per 1,000 tests.

Defectper 1,000
The aim of a headlamp is not within limits laid down in the requirements49.7
A suspension pin, bush or joint excessively worn34.5
A lamp missing, inoperative or in the case of a multiple light source more than 1/2 not functioning29.0
Tyre tread depth not in accordance with the requirements27.7
A brake lining or pad worn below 1.5mm25.6
Parking brake efficiency below minimum requirement25.5
A tyre seriously damaged23.8
A tyre cords visible or damaged21.4
Check another car

Pick a make and model to see its MOT pass rate, best and worst years and weak spots.

Every year and engine

Tap a year to see its engines. Grades compare each car with cars of the same age and mileage (A = best 20% of cars on UK roads, E = worst 20%), so an older or higher-mileage car can grade above one with a higher pass rate.

2021 Volvo S601 engine90.0% passA
EngineTestsPass rateRankGrade
2.0 Hybrid1,02290.0%Beats 87%A
2020 Volvo S601 engine88.1% passB
EngineTestsPass rateRankGrade
2.0 Petrol3,67488.1%Beats 68%B
2019 Volvo S601 engine87.5% passB
EngineTestsPass rateRankGrade
2.0 Petrol5,28687.5%Beats 72%B
2018 Volvo S602 engines83.2% passC
EngineTestsPass rateRankGrade
2.0 Petrol3,23184.2%Beats 52%C
2.0 Diesel2,11381.6%Beats 61%B
2017 Volvo S602 engines81.4% passC
EngineTestsPass rateRankGrade
2.0 Diesel5,94680.4%Beats 58%C
2.0 Petrol1,45785.5%Beats 66%B
2016 Volvo S601 engine79.8% passB
EngineTestsPass rateRankGrade
2.0 Diesel8,65179.8%Beats 68%B
2015 Volvo S602 engines79.6% passB
EngineTestsPass rateRankGrade
2.0 Diesel9,56379.5%Beats 79%B
1.6 Diesel1,01880.6%Beats 80%A
2014 Volvo S602 engines77.7% passA
EngineTestsPass rateRankGrade
2.0 Diesel9,47478.3%Beats 85%A
1.6 Diesel2,75975.6%Beats 70%B
2013 Volvo S603 engines75.6% passA
EngineTestsPass rateRankGrade
2.0 Diesel6,45376.8%Beats 89%A
1.6 Diesel4,75072.6%Beats 70%B
2.4 Diesel1,10981.7%Beats 98%A
2012 Volvo S603 engines71.2% passB
EngineTestsPass rateRankGrade
2.0 Diesel6,65172.5%Beats 80%A
1.6 Diesel6,64269.2%Beats 67%B
2.4 Diesel1,84374.1%Beats 87%A
2011 Volvo S604 engines72.7% passA
EngineTestsPass rateRankGrade
2.0 Diesel8,58972.3%Beats 88%A
2.4 Diesel4,25876.4%Beats 96%A
1.6 Diesel2,89667.7%Beats 72%B
1.6 Petrol1,24474.1%Beats 87%A
2010 Volvo S602 engines74.5% passA
EngineTestsPass rateRankGrade
2.0 Diesel4,16673.6%Beats 94%A
2.4 Diesel1,79176.6%Beats 97%A
2008 Volvo S602 engines62.1% passB
EngineTestsPass rateRankGrade
2.4 Diesel2,38361.7%Beats 70%B
2.0 Petrol1,08562.9%Beats 66%B
2007 Volvo S602 engines60.3% passB
EngineTestsPass rateRankGrade
2.4 Diesel4,98760.7%Beats 70%B
2.0 Petrol1,32058.4%Beats 56%C
2006 Volvo S602 engines60.4% passB
EngineTestsPass rateRankGrade
2.4 Diesel8,04060.2%Beats 71%B
2.0 Petrol2,88960.8%Beats 67%B
2005 Volvo S602 engines59.2% passB
EngineTestsPass rateRankGrade
2.4 Diesel10,32858.7%Beats 71%B
2.0 Petrol4,40660.2%Beats 70%B
2004 Volvo S603 engines55.6% passB
EngineTestsPass rateRankGrade
2.4 Diesel9,01155.9%Beats 65%B
2.0 Petrol4,18353.5%Beats 54%C
2.5 Petrol1,19861.0%Beats 77%B
2003 Volvo S603 engines54.1% passC
EngineTestsPass rateRankGrade
2.4 Diesel6,73553.3%Beats 60%B
2.0 Petrol4,43952.0%Beats 49%C
2.5 Petrol1,13966.9%Beats 90%A
2002 Volvo S603 engines55.9% passB
EngineTestsPass rateRankGrade
2.0 Petrol5,01554.9%Beats 60%C
2.4 Diesel3,46157.4%Beats 72%B
2.4 Petrol1,16856.0%Beats 64%B
2001 Volvo S601 engine52.3% passC
EngineTestsPass rateRankGrade
2.0 Petrol2,92952.3%Beats 48%C

FAQ

What is the Volvo S60 MOT pass rate?

69.1% of MOT tests on the Volvo S60 were passed first time, based on 179,302 tests between 2018 and 2026 of cars first registered 2001–2021. A typical car of the same age and mileage passes 63.6% of the time.

Is the Volvo S60 reliable?

On MOT results it rates B (good): it passes first time more often than a typical car of the same age and mileage and does better than 72% of cars on UK roads. MOT results cover safety and emissions items, not every kind of breakdown.

Which Volvo S60 year is best?

Among years with enough data, the 2010 S60 does best for its age and mileage: it beats 95% of cars on UK roads. The 2001 does worst: it beats 48%.

Which Volvo S60 engine is best?

Across all years, the 2.0 Diesel does best: it beats 82% of cars on UK roads. The 2.0 Petrol does worst: it beats 60%.

What are the most common MOT failures on the Volvo S60?

The most common failure items are handbrake performance, headlight aim, tyre damage & cracking. Compared with similar cars, handbrake performance comes up 1.7× as often.

How we calculate this. We use official MOT results for cars tested in Great Britain from 2018 to 2026. Each car is compared with typical cars of the same age and mileage, so old and new cars are judged fairly; “pts” are percentage points above or below them. Differences also reflect how cars are used and maintained, not only how they are built.