2013 Volvo S60 diesel: common problems and MOT failures
What MOT testers find on the diesel Volvo S60 first registered in 2013 (diesel cars only): we looked at the 3,988 MOTs these cars had during 2023–2025. Plus known faults and what to look at before you buy one.
What goes wrong more than usual on a 2013 Volvo S60 diesel?
Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2013 Volvo S60 diesel than on all cars registered in 2013.
- Track rod ends1.8× usualVolvo S607.8% All 2013 cars4.3%
Failed outright at MOT: 3.9%, against 2.2% of all 2013 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.
Rough price £50–£150 (one end, plus about £30–£50 if it needs a wheel alignment) ClickMechanicAt the viewing: On a straight road the steering wheel should sit straight. Listen for knocks when turning, and check the steering feels even.
Ball joint: 1.9% here, against 4.6% of all 2013 cars. Engine oil leaks: 2.1% here, against 4.6% of all 2013 cars.
Common 2013 Volvo S60 diesel MOT failures and advisories
The share of 2013 Volvo S60 diesel MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.
- Tyres35% 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.
- Suspension29% 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.
- Brakes25% 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 electrics15% of testsRough price £10–£80
At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light, including brake lights and indicators, while you operate them.
- Wipers, windscreen and mirrors7% of testsRough price £15–£250
At the viewing: Check for chips in the driver's view, and test the wipers and washers.
- Steering2% 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 2013 Volvo S60 diesel
Ask before you travel to see it. A seller who knows the car will have answers, and receipts.
- Any recent work on the track rod ends? (Flagged at MOT 1.8× as often on the 2013 Volvo S60 diesel as on other cars the same age.)
- 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% |
| 2012 | 5,225 | Suspension 36% |
| 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 2013. "Flagged" includes advisories, so it isn't the same as a fail rate. How we score