Volvo XC60 problems: first and second generation guide
Volvo XC60 problems by generation - D4 and D5 diesels, gearboxes, AWD, air suspension, infotainment and T8 hybrids - with checks and prices for dealers.
· 6 min read
The most common Volvo XC60 problems are EGR, swirl-flap and DPF faults on the diesels, oil consumption on some 2.0 D4 Drive-E engines, AWD coupling wear, air suspension leaks on second-generation cars, infotainment freezes, and on the T8 plug-in hybrid battery and rear electric motor faults. None makes the XC60 a bad buy, but each must be checked and priced. Mileage and history matter more than the model year.
Volvo XC60 problems by generation and engine
The XC60 has had two generations, and the engines changed within each one. Identify engine and gearbox before you price the car.
| Generation | Years | Main engines | Gearbox |
|---|---|---|---|
| First (Y20) | 2008–2017 | 2.4 five-cylinder D3/D4/D5, 2.0 four-cylinder D4 Drive-E (from 2014–2015), T5, T6 | 6-speed manual, 6-speed and 8-speed automatic |
| Second (SPA) | 2017– | 2.0 D4/D5, B4/B5 48-volt mild hybrids, T5/T6, T8 plug-in hybrid | 8-speed automatic |
Volvo built its last diesel car in March 2024, so all diesel XC60s on the market are now used cars, and the second generation's later years are petrol, mild hybrid or plug-in.
Common problems with the first-generation XC60 (2008–2017)
The first-generation XC60 is solid in structure but now often has very high mileage. These are the faults to check:
- 2.4 diesel EGR and swirl flaps. The five-cylinder diesel can suffer from a sticking EGR valve and worn or stuck intake swirl flaps, causing loss of power and warning lights.
- DPF. Short-trip cars clog the particulate filter. Check for DPF warnings and regeneration history.
- 2.0 D4 Drive-E (VEA). From 2014–2015 the D4 became a four-cylinder. Owners and specialists report EGR valve and cooler faults and, on some engines, high oil consumption. Our Volvo XC60 D4 engine problems guide covers both diesels in detail.
- AWD coupling. The Haldex-type AWD coupling needs regular oil and filter changes; a neglected one can lose four-wheel drive. Ask for proof of service.
- Automatic gearbox. Harsh or delayed shifts on the six-speed automatic often improve after a fluid change and adaptation, but a flaring or slipping gearbox is expensive.
- Suspension and steering. Worn front control-arm bushes and drop links are common at high mileage.
Volvo XC60 2014 and 2016 problems
The 2014 and 2016 Volvo XC60 problems differ mainly by engine. A 2014 D4 is often the 2.4 five-cylinder, while 2015–2016 front-wheel-drive D4s usually have the newer 2.0 Drive-E, which is more economical but has more EGR and oil-consumption complaints. Check the engine code, not only the badge.
For car dealers
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Request accessCommon problems with the second-generation XC60 (2017 onwards)
The second-generation XC60 is more complex, and most of its issues are electrical or related to options.
- Air suspension. Optional four-corner air suspension can develop leaks, a tired compressor or a car that sits low after standing. Check the ride height after the car has stood overnight and look for suspension warnings.
- Infotainment. The Sensus touchscreen used until around 2021 can freeze, reboot or lose Bluetooth. Software updates help. From the 2022 model year, Google-based infotainment replaced it.
- 12-volt battery drain. Many electronic systems load the battery; a weak battery causes random warnings.
- Diesel emissions parts. The 2.0 D4 and D5 still need EGR and DPF checks, and the later B4/B5 diesels use AdBlue.
- T8 Twin Engine / Recharge. The plug-in hybrid has its own risks: the high-voltage battery, the rear electric drive unit and charging. See our Volvo XC60 T8 problems guide.
Which XC60 engines are most reliable?
For first-generation cars, the 2.4 five-cylinder diesel (D4 or D5) with full service history is the most proven choice, provided the EGR and swirl flaps are in order. For second-generation cars, the B4 and B5 mild hybrids and the T5/T6 petrols are simpler to own than the T8.
The T8 is not a bad car, but it carries the most expensive components. Buy it within the 8-year/160,000 km high-voltage battery warranty or price the risk in.
What goes wrong with XC60 air suspension?
On the second-generation XC60, air suspension problems usually start with a slow leak from an air spring or a pipe, which makes the compressor work harder until it overheats or fails. Typical signs are a car sitting low on one corner after standing, a compressor running for a long time and "suspension service required" messages.
Fix the leak before replacing the compressor, or the new one will fail too. If the car shows warnings at the auction, budget for at least one air spring and possibly a compressor.
How XC60 residual values hold up
The XC60 is one of Europe's most traded premium SUVs, and it holds value well, especially in the Nordic countries. According to listings tracked by MyCarDealer across 18 European countries in October 2026:
| XC60 | Listings | Median asking price | Median mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2013–2017 diesel | 1,281 | €13,729 | 197,000 km |
| 2018–2021 diesel | 801 | €24,520 | 141,200 km |
| 2018–2021, listed as hybrid (mostly mild hybrids) | 481 | €28,950 | 110,906 km |
| 2018–2021 plug-in hybrid (T6/T8) | 315 | €31,313 | 118,000 km |
The country differences are big. For 2013–2017 diesels, Sweden had 410 listings with a median of €14,994 and Norway 96 at €19,029, while Germany had 86 at €13,888 and Belgium 108 at €12,500. For 2018–2021 diesels, Sweden had 231 listings at €26,563 against €24,090 in Germany (57) and €21,000 in Italy (66).
A median first-generation diesel has nearly 200,000 km on the clock, so value high-mileage cars on condition and history, not on the year. Our guide to high-mileage car value shows how mileage changes the price, and a free valuation gives you the local market price for a specific XC60.
XC60 checklist before you bid
- Confirm engine code, gearbox and drive from the VIN and registration document.
- Check the digital service history at a Volvo dealer, including AWD coupling service.
- Read all modules for stored faults, especially engine, transmission, suspension and hybrid systems.
- Diesels: EGR, swirl flaps, DPF and, on newer engines, AdBlue.
- Air suspension: ride height after standing overnight, compressor run time, warnings.
- Infotainment: screen response, Bluetooth, camera and software version.
- T8: battery state of health, charging test, rear drive warnings and recall status.
Frequently asked questions
What is the most common problem with the Volvo XC60?
On diesels, EGR, swirl-flap and DPF faults are the most common. On second-generation cars, air suspension leaks and infotainment glitches are frequent complaints, and the T8 adds hybrid-system risks. Most of these can be found with a diagnostic readout and a careful test drive.
Which year to avoid Volvo XC60?
There is no single year to avoid, but take care with 2015–2016 front-wheel-drive D4s using the 2.0 Drive-E diesel, early T8s outside the battery warranty and any high-mileage car without service history. Check the engine code and recall status rather than the model year.
Is the Volvo XC60 a good reliable car?
Yes, with the right engine and full history. The body, interior and safety systems age well. The costly items are emissions components on diesels, air suspension and the hybrid drive on the T8.
Is a used Volvo XC60 a good buy?
For a dealer it is usually a good buy because demand is strong across Europe, especially in the Nordic countries, the Netherlands and Germany. Buy cars with documented service history and price emissions or suspension repairs into the bid.
Which XC60 engines are most reliable?
The 2.4 five-cylinder diesel with good history, the B4/B5 mild hybrids and the T5/T6 petrols are the safest choices. The 2.0 D4 Drive-E diesel and the T8 plug-in need more careful checks.