Volvo XC60
Strongest Drive-E diesel with 173 kW and PowerPulse technology against turbo lag. Twin-turbo with variable turbine geometry for 480 Nm at low RPM. Only available with eight-speed automatic; SCR system for Euro 6.
Efficient diesel four-cylinder
120 kW VEA diesel: economical and adequate in daily use. Not a highlight, but a solid touring diesel.
Engine Weaknesses 6
The D5 bi-turbo D4204T23 develops problems with the high-pressure turbocharger at high mileage. Loose turbine shaft and oil in the air pipe are typical findings. Repair of both turbos has cost owners €2,500–7,500 at the dealer.
Symptoms: Oil in air pipe after turbo, whistling from turbo area, power loss, smoke under load
The D5 Drive-E (235 hp) shows turbocharger failure, sometimes at relatively low mileages. SwedeSpeed forum documents turbine wheel collapse. Debris can contaminate the intercooler and intake tract.
Symptoms: Heavy power loss, black smoke, metallic noise from engine bay, car goes into limp mode
The D5 bi-turbo is also affected by the EGR cooler recall. Although higher exhaust temperatures slow down soot paste formation somewhat, EGR problems also occurred on this engine variant.
Symptoms: EGR fault code, engine throttling, in worst cases fire risk
EGR valve and cooler on the D5 are prone to soot contamination, as on the D4. Regular motorway driving slows the process.
Symptoms: Check engine light (EGR fault code P0400/P0401), idle fluctuations, power loss
DPF clogging from frequent short trips, as regeneration temperature is not reached. Incomplete regeneration cycles cause fuel dilution of engine oil and raise the oil level.
Symptoms: DPF warning light, power drop, elevated oil level, diesel smell in engine oil
Volvo's exclusive PowerPulse compressed-air reservoir system for faster turbo response has rubber hoses that crack under temperature and pressure cycling. Pressure loss reduces the PowerPulse effect and can trigger boost fault codes.
Symptoms: Boost pressure fault code, slightly delayed response under load, whistling noise
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).