2007 Volvo S60 diesel: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2007 Volvo S60 diesel?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2007 Volvo S60 diesel than on all cars registered in 2007.

• Suspension arm bushes and joints2× usual
  Volvo S60

  21.3% All 2007 cars

  10.4%

  Failed outright at MOT: 2.4%, against 2.2% of all 2007 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £120–£180 (one arm) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: Listen for clunks over bumps and feel for the steering wandering. Worn arm bushes show as cracked rubber near the wheels.

• Anti-roll bar bushes and joints4.7× usual
  Volvo S60

  5.2% All 2007 cars

  1.1%

  Failed outright at MOT: 0.9%, against 0.2% of all 2007 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £100–£280 (pair of drop links) Checkatrade

  At the viewing: Drive slowly over bumps and listen for a knock or rattle from the front. Worn anti-roll bar links are a cheap fix.

• Handbrake performance3.7× usual
  Volvo S60

  4.4% All 2007 cars

  1.2%

  Failed outright at MOT: 4.4%, against 1.2% of all 2007 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £80–£300 our estimate

  At the viewing: Pull the handbrake on a slope. It should hold the car within a few clicks.

Common 2007 Volvo S60 diesel MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2007 Volvo S60 diesel MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Suspension
  44% of testsRough price £120–£400

  At the viewing: Listen for knocks over speed bumps, and look behind each front wheel for a snapped coil spring.

• Lights and electrics
  39% of testsRough price £10–£80

  At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light, including brake lights and indicators, while you operate them.

• Brakes
  37% of testsRough price £150–£350

  At the viewing: Look for a lip on the disc edges and feel for judder or pulling when braking firmly from about 40mph.

• Tyres
  33% of testsRough price £70–£150

  At the viewing: Check the tread on all four tyres, including the inside edges, and look for cracks or bulges.

• Oil and fluid leaks
  8% of testsRough price £80–£600

  At the viewing: Look under the engine and on the ground where the car is usually parked for fresh oil or fluid.

• Steering
  7% of testsRough price £100–£450

  At the viewing: On a straight road the steering wheel should sit straight. Feel for play or knocking when turning.

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2007 Volvo S60 diesel

Ask before you travel to see it. A seller who knows the car will have answers, and receipts.

1. Any recent work on the suspension arm bushes and joints? (Flagged at MOT 2× as often on the 2007 Volvo S60 diesel as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the anti-roll bar bushes and joints? (Flagged at MOT 4.7× as often on the 2007 Volvo S60 diesel as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the handbrake performance? (Flagged at MOT 3.7× as often on the 2007 Volvo S60 diesel as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?