Volvo S60
Drive-E turbocharged four-cylinder with 48-volt mild hybrid system (BISG) for the B3 entry level. The integrated starter-generator on the belt drive provides boost on acceleration and recuperates on deceleration. Up to 15% fuel reduction compared to the conventional petrol engine.
Entry-level with mild hybrid
120 kW just about manages the S60 III. Not a sporting engine, but a contemporary efficient powertrain.
Engine Weaknesses 4
The MHEV base engine uses the same timing belt drive as all Drive-E T variants. 120,000 km change interval applies; on the MHEV also check the ISG belt tensioner.
Symptoms: No warning signs; squeaking on cool starts as early warning
All B4204T34 MHEV variants share the Drive-E base engine. The known piston ring and oil consumption problem of the early VEP4 generation also applies here, especially on vehicles prior to the production update in 2019.
Symptoms: Dropping oil level without visible leak, occasional blue smoke, consumption above 0.5 L/1,000 km
The belt-driven 48V integrated starter-generator sits on the accessory belt. At higher mileages the ISG belt and pulley can wear or cause vibration issues. Limited long-term data available.
Symptoms: Vibration on engine rocking, noise on cranking, ISG warning light in instrument cluster
The shared Drive-E base engine of the MHEV variants carries the same PCV weakness. A clogged crankcase ventilation increases oil pressure on seals, promotes oil consumption and can contaminate the ISG with oil.
Symptoms: Oil film in intake area, overpressure at oil cap, elevated oil consumption
Vehicle Weaknesses 9
Loose flange nuts on the rear toe link can abruptly worsen handling. Check for Volvo recall; affects S60 and V60 from September 2018.
MOT reports criticise above-average wear on tie rod ends, ball joints and suspension bushings at the front axle of the S60 III and V60 III. This occurs earlier with heavier engine variants or sporty driving.
On the S60 III and V60 III, the optional panoramic sunroof drainage channels block with leaves and dirt. Backed-up water enters the interior, often under the dashboard or onto the rear seat.
The electric tailgate on the V60 II shows malfunctions from 20,000–40,000 km, fails to close fully or responds with a delay. Known issue on SPA models from model year 2019 onwards.
The rain sensor, parking aid and adaptive lighting on early S60 III/V60 II show software faults. Creaks and clicks from the dashboard and door trims are also widespread.
Rear brake pads wear faster than the fronts on the S60 III and V60 II. Electric parking brake and automatic braking functions accelerate the wear further.
The interior trim on the S60 III (and V60 III) is considered insufficiently heat-stable. Temperature fluctuations create annoying clicks and creaks in the door trims, dashboard and seat area.
Software updates for the S60 III can resolve existing issues with the rain sensor, parking aid, power steering support or adaptive lighting, but sometimes introduce new faults. Volvo has not yet fully mastered the electronics.
MOT reports show above-average brake disc wear on the S60 III/V60 III. On plug-in hybrids in particular, rarely used brake discs corrode quickly due to predominant use of regenerative braking.
Reports & Tests
4 owner complaints filed with NHTSA (2018–2024). Most reported: Other (1), Electrical (1), Engine (1).