Common Problems with the
2008 Volvo S60 (P2)

We've identified 2 known issues that can affect the 2008 Volvo S60 (P2). 1 of these are serious faults that could be expensive to repair.

Known Issues

Serious

Moderate

Minor

The 2008 period has 1 more issue than the Volvo S60 (P2) average across all year periods.

All Known Issues

AW55 automatic gearbox flare and valve-body wear

SeriousGearbox & Transmission

Five-speed automatics can flare between gears, thump into drive or slip once warm if fluid changes have been ignored.

Most affected: 2.4 auto, 2.5T Geartronic, D5 auto, T5 Geartronic

Estimated cost: £600–£2,000Affects: 2000–2008Often appears around: 90k-160k miles

Typical symptoms

•RPM flare on upshift
•Harsh engagement into drive
•Gearbox gets worse once hot

What to inspect before you buy

✓Full hot road test
✓Fluid-change history
✓Any valve-body or gearbox rebuild invoices

PCV system blockage and oil leaks

ModerateEngine

Five-cylinder petrol engines build crankcase pressure when the breather system blocks, pushing oil out of seals and making the engine smoky or sweaty.

Most affected: 2.4, 2.4T, 2.5T, T5

Estimated cost: £250–£650Affects: 2000–2009Often appears around: 80k-150k miles

Typical symptoms

•Whistling from dipstick area
•Oil leaks around cam seals
•Idle disturbance or smoke

What to inspect before you buy

✓Glove test over the oil filler
✓Inspect for heavy oil sweat
✓Ask if the PCV system has been renewed

Buying Tips for the 2008 Volvo S60 (P2)

✓Geartronic cars should shift cleanly from cold and stay smooth once hot; flare or a thump into drive is a proper warning sign
✓Five-cylinder petrols need proof the PCV system has been renewed before crankcase pressure pushes oil out of seals
✓Watch the instrument cluster carefully during the whole drive because intermittent DIM faults are common and annoying
✓A well-kept D5 or 2.4T with evidence of suspension work is usually a better used buy than a cheap performance-looking car on old parts

2006–2007 Volvo S60 (P2)2009 Volvo S60 (P2)