IsItAGoodCar
Reliability Guide

Common Problems with the
2012 Volvo S60 (P3)

We've identified 2 known issues that can affect the 2012 Volvo S60 (P3). 1 of these are serious faults that could be expensive to repair.

2
Known Issues
1
Serious
1
Moderate
0
Minor

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.

Est. Repair Cost: £900–£2,500
Warning Signs:

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

What to Inspect:
  • Check for documented fluid changes
  • Drive the car in slow traffic and on hills
  • Look for specialist gearbox repair invoices
Verified by IsItAGoodCar Research Team

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.

Est. Repair Cost: £200–£550
Warning Signs:

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

What to Inspect:
  • Drive over broken roads
  • Inspect front tyre shoulders
  • Check MOT history for repeat suspension advisories
Verified by IsItAGoodCar Research Team

Buying Tips for 2012 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.
Check a 2012 Volvo S60 (P3) by Registration