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Volvo XC60

B4204T27 2.0L T6 Drive-E 320 hp Automatic All-wheel drive SUV 2013–2017
– Be Careful
Engine B4204T27 – Be Careful 8,650–32,350 €

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.

Fun Factor? Fun to Drive!

T6 XC60 — Volvo's sporting moment

258 kW twin-charged in the XC60: direct response, no pause. Unusually sharp for an SUV.

Engine Weaknesses 4

!! Supercharger seals wear at high mileage

The Roots-type supercharger on the T6 Drive-E tends to seal failure from around 150,000–200,000 km. Degraded plastic and rubber parts allow uncontrolled air ingress. Typical fault code: P0171 (system lean). Repair cost 2,000–5,000 €.

Symptoms: Power drop especially at low rpm, check engine light P0171, poor fuel economy, supercharger ancillary noises

1,800–5,000 € from 150,000 km
!! Timing belt — change more complex due to supercharger

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

700–1,500 € from 120,000 km
!! Supercharger bypass valve failed (P00C4)

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

300–1,500 € from 100,000 km
!! Oil consumption — VEP4 piston rings (as T5)

The T6 Drive-E shares the oil consumption problem of the early VEP4 family. All T6 pre-production years (2015–2018) 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

1,500–5,000 € from 50,000 km

Vehicle Weaknesses 10

!! Cooling Cylinder head cracks — D5 (5-cylinder diesel)

D5 diesel (2009–2013) is prone to frequent cylinder head cracks and worn cylinder liners. Coolant loss without a visible leak is the warning sign; total engine failure is possible.

2,500–13,000 € from 130,000 km
!! Other Recall: ribbed belt breaks — risk of engine damage

A recall was issued for five-cylinder diesel XC60 I vehicles because the ribbed belt can break prematurely. Without this belt, the alternator, power steering pump and A/C compressor all fail; in the worst case the engine overheats.

0–0 €
!! Gearbox Haldex coupling clogs up through neglected oil change

The Haldex pump on the XC60 I AWD blocks up with oil sludge when the oil change is neglected. Recommendation: change Haldex oil every 30,000 km, otherwise the rear axle loses drive. Pump replacement costs €400–800.

300–900 € from 80,000 km
!! Rust Rust on front wings and wheel arches

Foam insulation and wheel arch liners trap moisture and dirt; rust forms from the inside behind the clips. Check wing and wheel arch at the 10 o'clock and 2 o'clock positions.

500–2,000 € from 80,000 km
!! Body Leaking windscreen — water ingress into the vehicle

Volvo itself confirms: on the XC60 I the two-component windscreen adhesive at the upper edge detaches. Water gets under the carpet, damages electronics and leads to mould growth. Documented multiple times in online forums.

250–700 € from 80,000 km
!! Electronics Premature battery failure — high quiescent current

The XC60 I draws an elevated quiescent current through its numerous control units. Many owners report battery failures after 2–3 years, especially with predominantly short-trip use. Deep discharge can damage electronics.

150–350 € from 80,000 km
!! Suspension Front axle: steering play from tie rod ends and ball joints

MOT reports and used car advisers confirm: the front axle on the XC60 I is frequently flagged. Tie rod ends and ball joints wear early, especially in combination with the heavy diesel engine.

200–700 € from 90,000 km
! Electronics Electric tailgate does not open/close

The electric tailgate on the XC60 I stops opening due to software faults or fails to close fully. Gas struts fail after 40,000–70,000 km, causing the tailgate to drop uncontrolled.

100–400 € from 60,000 km
! Suspension Suspension frequently flagged at MOT

MOT reports regularly flag the XC60 I for wear on tie rod ends, control arm joints and suspension bushings. Springs and dampers fail more frequently from the third MOT onwards.

250–800 € from 100,000 km
i Electronics BLIS system and seat heating fail

The BLIS blind spot sensor on the XC60 I fails through moisture ingress in the wiring loom. Seat heaters fail frequently on older vehicles. Both issues are typical but not safety-critical.

100–500 € from 90,000 km

Reports & Tests

nhtsa_complaints NHTSA Complaint Summary 2026-03
Below Average

314 owner complaints filed with NHTSA (2008–2017). Most reported: Other (65), Wipers & Visibility (62), Electrical (54).