Volvo XC60 Common Faults & Problems (UK Buyer's Guide)
2008–2024 · Premium family SUV
This is an independent guide to the Volvo XC60, written for used car buyers rather than sellers. The faults below come from owner reports, UK garage patterns and MOT history for this generation — not manufacturer marketing, and we take no commission from any dealer. Use it to spot the expensive problems before you hand over money.
Safe, comfortable and solid — the big-ticket risks are the PHEV battery and air suspension.
Common Faults
Each fault below is drawn from real owner reports and UK garage patterns for this generation — not generic used-car advice.
D4 / D5 diesel DPF and injector issues
moderateUrban-use diesels block the DPF; injector seals weep and cause a diesel smell in the cabin.
Check for: Diesel smell, warning light history, oil level above max.
Typical cost: £600–£1,500
Sensus infotainment freezes
minorThe portrait touchscreen can reboot or lock up; updates usually resolve it.
Check for: Cold-start the car and use the screen straight away.
Typical cost: Usually free software update
T8 plug-in hybrid battery and charging faults
seriousCharging faults and reduced electric range on older T8s can be expensive out of warranty.
Check for: Ask to see it charge, and check the indicated electric range against the original figure.
Typical cost: £2,000+ for battery work
What to Check Before Buying
Take this list to the viewing. Every point comes straight from the faults above.
- D4 / D5 diesel DPF and injector issues: Diesel smell, warning light history, oil level above max.
- Sensus infotainment freezes: Cold-start the car and use the screen straight away.
- T8 plug-in hybrid battery and charging faults: Ask to see it charge, and check the indicated electric range against the original figure.
MOT history red flags
If any of these appear on the last two MOTs, negotiate hard or walk away.
- Emissions failure on a diesel
- Suspension advisories on air-sprung cars
Sharp questions to ask the seller
- Full Volvo service history?
- If it is a T8, what electric range does it show when fully charged?
Not sure this is the right car for you?
Get matched to a car that fits your life, budget and mileage — free, in about two minutes.
Find my carFound your car?
Get the full £5.99 Buyer's Verdict for this exact vehicle: MOT history, mileage check, model faults cross-checked against its record, and a buy / negotiate / walk-away call.
Start with the regNew to MOT history? Read how the free MOT check works first — no signup, no card.