Common Problems with the
2010–2013 Volvo S60 (P3)

We've identified 2 known issues that can affect the 2010–2013 Volvo S60 (P3). 1 of these are serious faults that could be expensive to repair.

Known Issues

Serious

Moderate

Minor

The 2010–2013 period has 1 more issue than the Volvo S60 (P3) average across all year periods.

All Known Issues

Powershift Gearbox Hesitation and Clutch Wear

SeriousGearbox & Transmission

Dual-clutch Powershift cars can jerk, shudder or lose drive if fluid servicing has been skipped or the clutch and mechatronic hardware is wearing out.

Most affected: D3 Powershift, D4 Powershift, T4 Powershift

Estimated cost: £900–£2,500Affects: 2010–2016Often appears around: 50k-110k miles

Typical symptoms

•Jerky take-off
•Transmission warning message
•Shudder or delay when parking or reversing

What to inspect before you buy

✓Check for documented fluid changes
✓Drive the car in slow traffic and on hills
✓Look for specialist gearbox repair invoices

Front Suspension Bush and Top-Mount Wear

ModerateSuspension & Chassis

The S60’s weight and UK road use wear front bushes, links and top mounts, gradually turning a refined saloon into a clunky one.

Most affected: All S60 P3 variants

Estimated cost: £200–£550Affects: 2010–2018Often appears around: 60k-120k miles

Typical symptoms

•Clonk over potholes
•Vague steering feel
•Uneven front tyre wear

What to inspect before you buy

✓Drive over broken roads
✓Inspect front tyre shoulders
✓Check MOT history for repeat suspension advisories

Buying Tips for the 2010 Volvo S60 (P3)

✓If it has Powershift, treat missing fluid-change history as a price-changing defect rather than a small service omission.
✓Late Drive-E and VEA engines deserve direct questions about oil use and top-ups, because some owners have faced expensive piston-ring work.
✓A suspension knock on an S60 is rarely just a cheap drop link by now, so budget properly if the front end feels loose or noisy.

2014–2016 Volvo S60 (P3)