Volvo XC60
Strongest D5 variant with 158 kW and 440 Nm, bi-turbo charged for dynamic performance. Most powerful development stage of the proven 5-cylinder diesel with Euro 5 standard. Fitted in the more sporting diesel versions of all large Volvo model ranges.
Quicker SUV diesel
Strongest D5 in the XC60 I: noticeably quicker. The best choice in the old XC60 for high-mileage drivers.
Engine Weaknesses 4
Replacement interval 160,000 km or 10 years — also on the automatic variant (175 hp version). Belt-driven water pump must always be replaced at the same time.
Symptoms: No warning signal. Belt failure leads to engine damage.
The final D5244T15 also retains the copper seal problem of the D5 family at the injector copper rings. Sealing integrity should be checked regularly on vehicles over 5 years old.
Symptoms: Black deposits around injectors, exhaust smell, misfires.
DPF on the D5244T15 clogs like all D5 generations with predominantly short-trip use. Longer motorway runs for active regeneration are recommended.
Symptoms: DPF warning light, power loss, oil level rises (diesel in oil), increased fuel consumption.
EGR valve becomes contaminated by soot from exhaust gases. If the flap actuator sticks, exhaust gas recirculation fails and emissions exceed the limit.
Symptoms: Power loss, check engine light (P0400), black smoke, increased fuel consumption.
Vehicle Weaknesses 10
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.
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.
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.
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.
Reports & Tests
314 owner complaints filed with NHTSA (2008–2017). Most reported: Other (65), Wipers & Visibility (62), Electrical (54).