Used Volvo V60 2018-present reliability

When viewing a used car, always follow our used car buying checklist.

Look out for any bodywork damage, such as dents and scratches. Make sure the bumpers don’t have any scrapes, because they can’t always be repaired and replacements are expensive.

Make sure the alloy wheels haven't been kerbed, because not only can they be costly to repair, but they also might be hiding some more serious suspension alignment issues.

Volvo offers some light-coloured trim options that might start to look grubby if not kept clean.

Software issue

A problem was found with the vehicle connectivity module (VCM) that sends location information to the emergency services after a collision. It applies to cars constructed between 26 September 2018 and 30 October 2018. Any Volvo dealer should be able to perform a software update to fix the issue.

Loose rear suspension nut

There could be a problem with loose nuts and screws on the rear suspension of V60s made between 25 September 2018 and 1 April 2019. Contact your local dealer, because they'll be able to tell you if your car is affected. If it is, the bolts will be checked for tightness and replaced if necessary.

Automatic emergency braking (AEB)

The AEB system, which is supposed to apply the brakes when the forward collision sensors detect an imminent collision, might not actually do so. A software update is all that is required to sort the issue, and it applies to V60, S90, V90, XC40, XC60 and XC90 models built after 21 January 2019. The fix can be completed by any Volvo dealer, and owners should have been contacted regarding this. However, you can also speak with your local retailer for further information.

Supplementary restraint system

An issue has been found with the installation of a part of the supplementary restrain system fitted to V60s made between 10-22 September 2020. Find out if your car is affected by this because it'll need to be checked over by a technician at a Volvo dealer if it is.

Click here for more information. Contact your local Volvo dealer if you believe your vehicle is involved in a recall.

The V60 is a largely reliable car. In our 2023 What Car? Reliability Survey, it (along with its S60 saloon counterpart) ranked 14th out of 24 cars in the executive car class. Its reliability rating of 91.2% means it's more reliable than the Jaguar XF and Alfa Romeo Giulia, but less reliable than the Lexus IS in the top spot.

Tied for the most common complaint was the car's non-engine electrics and the sat-nav/infotainment – these accounted for 9.1% of complaints each. Following that was interior trim of which 6.1% of V60/S60 owners in our survey cited as something they'd experienced issues with.

As a car brand, Volvo ranked ninth out of 32 manufacturers – a confidence-inspiring result. Its overall reliability score of 93.7% makes it a more reliable brand than Mercedes and Porsche, but less reliable than Lexus (again, in the top spot).

Used Volvo V60: the owners' view

It's a bit of a mixed bag regarding reliability. Several owners praised the V60 for its dependable performance, noting few issues within the first years of ownership. However, others reported recurring problems, including faulty warning lights, electronic glitches and drivetrain malfunctions. These issues sometimes led to costly repairs.

Feedback on dealer service was also varied. Positive remarks were made about the professionalism and helpfulness of Volvo dealerships, with many readers feeling well supported during repair processes. Nevertheless, some expressed frustration over the lengthy wait times for service appointments and parts, which compounded the inconvenience of repairs. Overall, the Volvo V60 demonstrates good reliability with one or two exceptions, and while dealer service is generally praised, there is room for improvement in efficiency and parts availability.