Used Volvo XC60 2017-present reliability

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

This is one big SUV and, despite the standard-from-new reversing cameras, it’s always worth checking the front and rear extremities for any scuffs or dents picked up in supermarket car parks or on the school run. Also look out for kerb damage on the alloy wheels. Check the seats all slide and fold as they should and any electrical operation on the tailgate.

Potential engine fire: Volvo is presently in the process of recalling around 70,000 cars in the UK fitted with a 2.0-litre diesel engine, over potential engine fires. There isn't a fix at the moment, so owners are being told to pay attention to any unusual smells coming into the interior, if the engine warning light illuminates, or if the engine hesitates under acceleration. Read our news story on this for further information or contact Volvo directly on 01628 854 210.

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 3 March 2017 and 30 October 2018. Any Volvo dealer should be able to perform a software update to fix the issue.

Tailgate lifting arm: There was an issue with certain early examples built up until 26 October 2018 where the tailgate lifting arms could freeze in cold weather. Contact your local Volvo dealer to find out if your car is one of those affected, because the arms will need to be replaced to solve the issue.

Braking issue: In March 2020 Volvo recalled nearly 750,000 vehicles worldwide amid concerns that their autonomous emergency braking (AEB) systems are faulty.

The fault - affecting 736,430 cars, 56,368 of which are in the UK - was identified by Danish motoring body FDM during a road test in late 2019. The emergency brake on a Volvo XC60 consistently failed, meaning that the car did not automatically apply the brakes as expected when driven towards a special test pillow that normally would engage the system. The affected cars are safe to use: the regular braking system in these cars is not affected by the AEB issue and has full functionality. It's worth checking that this recall has been applied to the vehicle you're looking at.

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

We consider the Volvo XC60 to be a reliable car. This generation of the model finished in third place out of 24 cars in the large SUV class in our 2023 What Car? Reliability Survey, above the Audi Q5 and BMW X3 but below the Toyota RAV4. It achieved an excellent reliability score of 97.9% in petrol/hybrid form. Diesel cars were down in sixth with a score of 93.9% – that's still respectable.

Although petrol and hybrid versions of the Volvo XC60 were hit by slightly more issues than diesel models (12% versus 11%), they were all fixed for free, so they rank higher. The engine was the most common fault area, followed by the battery and bodywork. Two-thirds of cars were fixed within a day.

Volvo as a car brand finished in ninth place out of 32 manufacturers in the same survey with a good overall score of 93.7%. This result placed the brand above Audi and BMW but below Kia and Lexus.

Used Volvo XC60: owners' reliability data

As part of our 2023 Reliability Survey, What Car? readers cited the Volvo XC60 (2017-present) as having a generally good but not spot-free reliability record, with notable differences across petrol, hybrid, and diesel models. Diesel models were particularly prone to problems with the Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF) and turbochargers, leading to costly repairs. Hybrid owners mentioned battery and charging system issues, with some experiencing reduced electric range over time. Across all variants, electrical faults such as malfunctioning infotainment systems and sensor failures were common.

Reader experiences with Volvo dealerships varied. Some praised the service for being professional and prompt, with issues resolved under warranty. However, others reported long wait times for parts and appointments, as well as high costs for out-of-warranty repairs.