Volvo S60

All Drive-E four-cylinders use a timing belt rather than a chain. Change interval is 120,000–150,000 km (some sources: 12–16 years). Earlier change recommended at high mileage.

Symptoms: No warning before sudden failure; occasional belt squeal with failing tensioner

Drive-E engines from early production years (2013–2016) show a known piston ring problem with increased oil consumption. A class action lawsuit in the USA documented the issue. Rings were revised from MY2016.5.

Symptoms: Heavy oil consumption (1 L / 1,000 km or more), blue smoke from the exhaust especially on acceleration, frequent top-ups required

The Drive-E four-cylinders (VEP4) were fitted with low-tension piston rings to reduce friction. Result: elevated oil consumption, especially in the early production phase 2014–2016. Volvo extended the warranty to 8 years/160,000 km.

Symptoms: Dropping oil level without visible leaks, occasional blue smoke, oil consumption above 0.5 L/1,000 km

The PCV system of the Drive-E T4 tends to clog with extended oil change intervals. Positive crankcase pressure forces oil past seals and accelerates oil consumption through the piston rings.

Symptoms: Overpressure at oil filler, oil in air filter housing, smoke from breather, oil cap blows off

The rubber boost hoses between the turbocharger and intercooler age and crack. Typical problem on Drive-E engines after 100,000 km. Pressure loss leads to power drop and engine fault codes.

Symptoms: Sudden power loss, whistling noise under load, check engine light, turbo underboost fault code

The five-cylinder diesel D5 is prone to cylinder head cracks and worn cylinder liners, particularly on models built between 2010 and 2013. Coolant loss without a visible leak is the first warning sign.

The 6-speed dual-clutch gearbox 6DCT450 shows juddering on pull-away, rough gear changes and transmission fluid loss. Neglecting fluid changes risks complete transmission failure.

A software fault can cause the electric parking brake on models up to 2014 to release unintentionally. A Volvo recall and software update fix the problem.

A faulty weld between the rotor shaft and the hydraulic brake assembly was found on the V90 II and S90 II. If it fails, ABS, ESC and brake assist are disabled. Volvo issued a recall in 2021.

On XC60 II vehicles built between September 2018 and April 2019, nuts and bolts at the rear axle may be too loose. Handling can change abruptly; check recall status.

Water gets into the windscreen wiper motor and causes it to fail. SPA platform models are affected; a 2020 recall addressed incorrectly tightened wiper arms. Visibility in rain significantly impaired.