Volvo XC60

The READ (Rear Engine Auxiliary Drive) on early B6324S engines uses needle bearings instead of ball bearings. These bearings can seize with inadequate lubrication. Switched to ball bearings from 2011 (B6324S5).

Symptoms: Loud rattling or grinding from the rear of the engine, oil pressure loss, MIL light, engine noise under load.

Before MY2011, the READ unit (Rear Engine Ancillary Drive) uses needle roller bearings that can fail prematurely under splash lubrication. Typical symptom: squealing/grinding from the engine bay. Complex removal with special tooling required.

Symptoms: Grinding or rumbling from the right-hand side of the engine bay, especially on cold start; progressively louder

Technical service bulletins document oil leaks at the B6324S camshaft end plugs. Oil seeps from the side of the cylinder head. Volvo has issued a repair procedure.

Symptoms: Oil leak at the side of the cylinder head, oil smell after driving, engine oil loss with no visible underbody source.

Two of the four catalytic converters are integrated directly into the exhaust manifold. If they fail, the manifold must be replaced as an assembly — an extremely expensive part. 8 hours labour due to poor accessibility.

Symptoms: Check engine light, elevated emissions, typical sulphur smell from exhaust, power loss

The 6-cylinder occasionally suffers coolant loss through ageing hoses and failed thermostats. At high mileages the cooling system should be serviced as a unit to prevent overheating damage.

Symptoms: Rising coolant temperature, coolant loss without visible leak, occasional heater failure in winter

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.