Volvo S60
Volvo Drive-E twin-charged engine with turbo and supercharger for 235 kW from 2.0 litres. Unique drivetrain with sequential boost for immediate response at low RPM. More complex maintenance requirements due to dual charging.
Twin-Charge: turbo + supercharger
225 kW with supercharger for the lower rev range and turbo on top: no turbo lag, instant response. A uniquely Volvo system.
Engine Weaknesses 4
The Roots-type supercharger on the T6 Drive-E tends to seal failure from around 150,000β200,000 km. Degraded plastic and rubber parts allow uncontrolled air ingress. Typical fault code: P0171 (system lean). Repair cost 2,000β5,000 β¬.
Symptoms: Power drop especially at low rpm, check engine light P0171, poor fuel economy, supercharger ancillary noises
The timing belt change on the T6 is more complex than on T4/T5 due to the integrated supercharger. Labour time and costs are correspondingly higher. Change interval 120,000 km/8 years also applies.
Symptoms: No warning signs; recommendation: inspect from 100,000 km
The T6 supercharger bypass valve fails mechanically and triggers fault code ECM P00C423. Typical problem on older T6 engines, causing power loss and irregular engine running.
Symptoms: Irregular power delivery, check engine light with code P00C4, power drop at shift points
The T6 Drive-E shares the oil consumption problem of the early VEP4 family. All T6 pre-production years (2015β2018) are known as 'oil burners'. Volvo warranty extension to 8 years applies to documented cases.
Symptoms: Noticeably dropping oil level, no visible external loss, occasional blue smoke
Vehicle Weaknesses 11
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.
At higher mileages, worn tie rod ends, ball joints and suspension bushings on the S60 II/V60 I are frequently flagged by MOT inspectors. Tyre wear is very sensitive on this vehicle.
The audio and navigation system in the S60 II/V60 I fails due to cold solder joints on the control unit board β a known issue across this Volvo model generation. Replacement units cost over β¬700.
The Sensus infotainment system on the SPA platform (XC60 II, S90 II, V90 II, S60 III, V60 II) freezes or reboots while driving. Software updates improve stability. Steering wheel controls drop out sporadically.
The optional panoramic roof on the V90 II and S90 II shows malfunctions when opening/closing automatically. Faulty sensors or motor controllers can be expensive; water ingress possible if the seal is damaged.
The BLIS blind spot sensor on the S60 II/V60 I reacts to moisture ingress in the wiring harness with false alarms or complete system failure. Recalibration or sensor replacement is required.
Reports & Tests
333 owner complaints filed with NHTSA (2010β2018). Most reported: Engine (138), Other (50), Electrical (41).