Survival Guide: Volvo V60 parts
This slick Swede looks great, but is it likely to prove as fool-proof as an Audi A4?
Who said estates had to be boring? Well, whoever it was, they were proved wrong by the sleek and stylish V60 that arrived in 2010. Although the actual boot space – or more precisely access to it – is a bit of a compromise, it ticks plenty of other medium-sized family car boxes. It’s available with a range of good engines – there’s even a diesel-electric hybrid option – and because it’s not one of the most obvious mid-sized estate car choices there are some temptingly low used prices out there.
The first raft of V60s came with the option of the 2.0-litre D3 and 2.4 D5 diesel engines or the 1.6 T3, 1.6 T4, 2.0 T5 and 3.0 T6 petrols, with a choice of manual or six-speed Geartronic auto transmissions. The 1.6D V60 DRIVE arrived shortly after, followed by the D6 diesel-electric hybrid in 2013 which also featured parttime four-wheel drive. From 2016 it was badged the D5 Twin Engine.
A range refresh in early 2013 gave the V60 a mild visual facelift, and introduced cleaner engines and even more safety. Oh, and the T6 and D4 auto got two extra gears. The 3.0 T6 was renamed the Polestar from 2014, while a Cross Country in D3 and D4 guise (the latter with a 4WD option) came along in 2015. It was replaced by the Mk2 in 2018.
All V60s were well specced, with cruise, climate, a six-speaker audio and 16in alloys as standard. The SE gained auto wipers, folding mirrors and bigger 17in rims. Meanwhile, the SE Lux got part-leather trim and xenon lights; the R-design received 18in alloys with lowered and stiffer suspension, and the range topping R-design Lux benefitted from an even better in-car sound system.
The only real question mark, despite its solid feel and the fact that it’s based on the granite-like XC60 platform, is reliability. It was subject to 19 different recalls, covering everything from power steering leaks to iffy trim and panel fit. With that in mind, read on to find out what commonly goes wrong and how much you’ll spend putting things right.
Engines
The official service interval is every 12 months/18,000 miles, although on the D2 it should be carried out every 12,500 miles instead. All engines were fitted with a timing belt, and this must be replaced every 10 years/108,000 miles, but again it’s sooner on the D2 at 87,500 miles. It’s also important to keep a beady eye on the condition of the auxiliary belt; the official change interval is every 5 years/54,000 miles although there was a recall issued in 2013 concerning premature wear; if the belt fails, not only will you lose drive to the power steering, but it can also wrap itself around the cambelt with disastrous results. Another recall concerned the plastic inlet manifold which had a tendency to melt – close to 70,000 vehicles were
affected, and fire can result, so it’s worth visiting a Volvo main dealer to confirm the necessary software update and extra pipework has been fitted if necessary.
Other reported issues relate to clogged DPF filters on the D2 in particular as well as blocked EGR valves on the VEA engine in the D4. Regarding the latter, we understand changes were made to the EGR coolant system, as well as software upgrades to help reduce subsequent sooting up.
Transmission issues are rare, although a clunk when shifting into ‘D’ when the auto ’box is hot is not uncommon. In this case, changing the fluid (and possibly a
software upgrade) may help, although owners mention an inherent design fault with the O-ring which explains the loss of operating pressure.
Steering/suspension
While there’s nothing specific to report regarding the V60’s steering or suspension setup, a knock from the
rear is likely to be due to worn trailing arm bushes which can split and fail, or possibly a broken coil spring as they too have been known to snap on this model.
The steering pump can also fail; if the assistance becomes uneven, this could be why. A main dealer replacement (including the rack) will be £940, although they start at a more walletfriendly £175 secondhand.
Brakes
There’s an electronic parking brake on the V60, and there have been reports of premature rear pad wear if the automatic disengagement is used too often. And the caliper itself has also been known to seize, in which case you’ll notice uneven pad wear and one side sticking on. As you can see from the prices below, replacement calipers aren’t cheap.
Other issues
Some front screens were poorly bonded, so check the footwell carpets for dampness and get any leaks fixed urgently because there’s a control module under the carpet on the passenger side which if waterlogged will be expensive to replace.
Finally, not that you’ll need it at this time of year, but lack of chilled air in that posh V60 cabin is likely to be due to a failed compressor. They’re not cheap, but that’s the price you’ll pay for staying cool when it gets to summer.