2012 Volvo S60 petrol: common problems and MOT failures
What MOT testers find on the petrol Volvo S60 first registered in 2012 (petrol cars only): we looked at the 387 MOTs these cars had during 2023–2025. Plus known faults and what to look at before you buy one.
Small sample: there were only 387 MOTs of these cars during 2023–2025, so treat the percentages as rough. The known faults below don't depend on it.
Common 2012 Volvo S60 petrol MOT failures and advisories
The share of 2012 Volvo S60 petrol MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.
- Tyres25% 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.
- Suspension25% 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.
- Brakes18% 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.
- Lights and electrics12% of testsRough price £10–£80
At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light, including brake lights and indicators, while you operate them.
- Oil and fluid leaks5% 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.
- Wipers, windscreen and mirrors5% of testsRough price £15–£250
At the viewing: Check for chips in the driver's view, and test the wipers and washers.
Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2012 Volvo S60 petrol
Ask before you travel to see it. A seller who knows the car will have answers, and receipts.
- Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?
Looking at a Volvo S60?
Check the actual car: its own MOT history, mileage and what to ask the seller. Free, no sign-up.
Other years
Every year of the Volvo S60 compared
| Year | MOT tests | Most flagged |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | – | Too new for MOT data |
| 2024 | – | Too new for MOT data |
| 2023 | – | Too new for MOT data |
| 2022 | 392 | Tyres 23% |
| 2021 | 732 | Tyres 28% |
| 2020 | 3,306 | Tyres 27% |
| 2019 | 3,416 | Tyres 26% |
| 2018 | 2,601 | Tyres 32% |
| 2017 | 3,207 | Tyres 32% |
| 2016 | 3,497 | Tyres 33% |
| 2015 | 3,695 | Tyres 33% |
| 2014 | 4,164 | Tyres 33% |
| 2013 | 4,237 | Tyres 35% |
| 2011 | 5,430 | Tyres 33% |
| 2010 | 1,901 | Suspension 33% |
| 2009 | 166 | Lights and electrics 39% |
| 2008 | 1,013 | Suspension 38% |
| 2007 | 1,790 | Suspension 43% |
| 2006 | 2,963 | Lights and electrics 41% |
| 2005 | 3,849 | Lights and electrics 41% |
| 2004 | 3,292 | Suspension 43% |
| 2003 | 2,794 | Suspension 46% |
| 2002 | 1,992 | Suspension 49% |
| 2001 | 855 | Suspension 48% |
| 2000 | – | Too few tests |
Where this comes from: the DVSA's anonymised results for every MOT test done in Great Britain during 2023–2025, counting the MOTs of Volvo S60 cars first registered in 2012. "Flagged" includes advisories, so it isn't the same as a fail rate. How we score