Volvo XC60
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.
T6 Recharge — Volvo power
Twin-Charge in the new XC60: supercharger fills turbo gaps, result is more direct than anything else in the class.
Engine Weaknesses 4
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
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
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
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
Vehicle Weaknesses 11
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.
Mass recall in 2020 for around 750,000 vehicles worldwide due to faulty automatic emergency braking (AEB). Check recall status at the Volvo dealer and have the software update applied.
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.
The optional air suspension on the XC60 II frequently fails in cold weather. The compressor and dryer must be replaced together (Stage 3 repair); replacing just the compressor rarely lasts more than 2–3 months.
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.
On the XC60 II the electric tailgate lift arm loosens in low temperatures and impairs operation. Affects models from 2018 and 2019. Volvo issued a recall for this.
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 Sensus infotainment system freezes on the XC60 II or shows a black screen. Software updates usually help; in stubborn cases a control unit replacement is needed.
Early XC60 II tailgate arms freeze solid below 0°C. Volvo recall for vehicles up to October 2018; lift arm replacement by Volvo dealer free of charge.
Rear brake pads on the XC60 II wear faster than usual due to the autopilot function and automatic handbrake. Regular inspection of pad condition is recommended.
Reports & Tests
14 owner complaints filed with NHTSA (2017–2024). Most reported: Electrical (5), Fuel System (3), Airbags (2).