Volvo V60
B4 variant of the Drive-E MHEV with 48-volt mild hybrid support and 140 kW system output. Same base as the B3 but higher boost pressure for more mid-range pull. Suitable for comfortable long-distance driving; check the 48V electrical system regularly above 100,000 km.
Estate everyday with MHEV
B4 in the V60 II: adequate power for relaxed driving. More economical than the old turbocharged five-cylinder.
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 20
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.
Loose flange nuts on the rear toe link can abruptly worsen handling. Check for Volvo recall; affects S60 and V60 from September 2018.
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.
MOT reports criticise above-average wear on tie rod ends, ball joints and suspension bushings at the front axle of the V60 III. This occurs earlier with heavier engine variants or sporty driving.
On the 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.
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 — a known issue across this Volvo model generation. Replacement units cost over €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 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 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 V60 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 V60 III. On plug-in hybrids in particular, rarely used brake discs corrode quickly due to predominant use of regenerative braking.
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
1 owner complaints filed with NHTSA (2018–2024). Most reported: Wipers & Visibility (1).