2021 Volvo XC60 diesel: common problems and MOT failures
What MOT testers find on the diesel Volvo XC60 first registered in 2021 (diesel cars only): we looked at the 6,092 MOTs these cars had during 2023–2025. Plus known faults and what to look at before you buy one.
Common 2021 Volvo XC60 diesel MOT failures and advisories
The share of 2021 Volvo XC60 diesel 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.
- Brakes9% 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.
- 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.
- Lights and electrics2% of testsRough price £10–£80
At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light, including brake lights and indicators, while you operate them.
- Seats and seatbelts2% of testsRough price £80–£250
At the viewing: Pull each seatbelt sharply. It should lock, and retract cleanly.
- Suspension2% 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.
Known faults on the 2021 Volvo XC60 diesel
Reported by owners, mechanics and buying guides for this model and age. Check which engine the car has, as some apply to one engine only.
- 2.0 diesel
Engine fire recall (2.0 diesel)
About 70,000 UK cars with the 2.0 diesel are being recalled for a fire risk. Watch for odd smells, the engine light or hesitation.
At the viewing: Ask a Volvo dealer about the recall's status for this car.
- All engines
Emergency braking and tailgate recalls
Recalls covered emergency braking that might not work (2020), tailgate arms that could freeze (built to Oct 2018) and the emergency call module (built 2017–2018).
At the viewing: Ask for proof the recalls were done.
- Diesel and hybrid
DPF, turbo and hybrid battery faults
Diesels can have DPF and turbo problems, and hybrids battery and charging faults, with some losing electric range.
At the viewing: Watch for warning lights and check the hybrid's charging and range.
Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2021 Volvo XC60 diesel
Ask before you travel to see it. A seller who knows the car will have answers, and receipts.
- What's the status of the diesel fire-risk recall on this car?
- Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?
Looking at a Volvo XC60?
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 XC60 compared
| Year | MOT tests | Most flagged |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | – | Too new for MOT data |
| 2025 | – | Too new for MOT data |
| 2024 | – | Too new for MOT data |
| 2023 | 578 | Tyres 14% |
| 2022 | 7,469 | Tyres 24% |
| 2020 | 23,812 | Tyres 26% |
| 2019 | 33,485 | Tyres 27% |
| 2018 | 32,008 | Tyres 26% |
| 2017 | 43,851 | Tyres 29% |
| 2016 | 43,836 | Tyres 29% |
| 2015 | 37,637 | Tyres 30% |
| 2014 | 26,358 | Tyres 30% |
| 2013 | 15,402 | Tyres 29% |
| 2012 | 14,571 | Tyres 30% |
| 2011 | 13,261 | Suspension 30% |
| 2010 | 12,448 | Suspension 32% |
| 2009 | 8,780 | Suspension 36% |
| 2008 | 759 | Suspension 39% |
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 XC60 cars first registered in 2021. "Flagged" includes advisories, so it isn't the same as a fail rate. How we score