Volvo S60

Engines before model year 2012 had a known piston ring problem with elevated oil consumption. Volvo offered an 8-year / 100,000-mile warranty extension. Revised pistons and rings from 2012.

Symptoms: Rapidly dropping oil level, blue exhaust smoke, engine oil blackens faster than normal.

The SI6 timing chain is fundamentally robust and 'engine-life' rated. Rare but documented: chain tensioner gives up and chain slaps. Repair on this engine is very labour-intensive.

Symptoms: Rattling or chattering noise from top of engine especially cold, check engine light, P0340 fault.

The B6304T4 thermostat sticks in the closed position, especially when it has not been changed for a long time. The warm-up phase is normal, but then it fails to open and engine temperature climbs to critical levels.

Symptoms: Engine temperature rises too high after a short drive, temperature warning, poor heater output in cold weather

SI6 B6304T4 PCV diaphragm tears and produces a hissing noise. Damaged PCV increases crankcase pressure and can damage seals. Typical long-life wear item on this engine.

Symptoms: Whistling hissing noise from engine bay especially at idle, oil seeping, rough idle.

Like its predecessor the B6304T2, the B6304T4 PCV diaphragm is also a known wear item. The diaphragm tears, causes hissing noises, and allows oil vapour into the intake tract. Replacing the membrane alone is often not a lasting fix — complete box replacement recommended.

Symptoms: Hissing at idle, elevated oil consumption, oil mist on air filter hose

The B6304T4 received Volvo's revised piston rings but remains sensitive to poor oil change discipline. Neglected PCV maintenance accelerates piston ring wear. Maximum 10,000 km oil change interval.

Symptoms: Increasing oil consumption above 200,000 km, blue smoke under load, slightly cloudy oil

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.