2010–2026 Volvo S60 · common problems & known faults

D-series diesel DPF and EGR blockage on short-run cars

Typically appears

60,000+ miles

What to inspect

Check for regeneration warnings and inspect the EGR service history

Automatic gearbox harshness where fluid has never been changed

Typically appears

80,000+ miles

What to inspect

Feel for flare or shunt between low gears

Sensus portrait screen freezing and rebooting

Typically appears

Age-related

What to inspect

Start from cold and let the screen boot fully

Front lower arm bushes worn on UK roads

Typically appears

70,000+ miles

What to inspect

Listen for clonks and check for wandering under braking

Rear pads and electronic parking brake actuator wear

Typically appears

60,000+ miles

What to inspect

Apply and release the parking brake and check rear pad thickness

Auxiliary belt tensioner failure leading to belt snapping and potential timing belt derailment on VEA 2.0-litre engines.

Typically appears

50,000-70,000 miles

What to inspect

Start the engine from cold and listen for a high-pitched squeal or chirping from the offside engine bay. Shine a torch down the side of the engine to check the auxiliary belt for fraying.

Blocked sunroof drains causing water ingress into the cabin, which can corrode the Central Electronic Module (CEM) and cause multiple electrical failures.

Typically appears

4-6 years

What to inspect

Press your hand firmly into the front passenger footwell carpet to check for dampness. Inspect the A-pillar fabric and headlining for water tide marks.

Door lock actuator failure causing doors to refuse to lock or unlock, often triggering a deadlock fault.

Typically appears

60,000-80,000 miles

What to inspect

Use the key fob to lock and unlock the car three times in rapid succession. Pull every exterior and interior door handle to ensure all latches engage and release correctly.