IsItAGoodCar
Reliability Guide

Common Problems with the
2014 Volvo S60 (P3)

The 2014 update brought the all-new Drive-E four-cylinder engine family, the revised front end with larger grille, and updated interior materials - the specification most surviving UK cars now carry.

What changed for 2014

  • •2014: Drive-E D2/D3/D4 and T5/T6 four-cylinder engines
  • •2015-2016: software and infotainment refreshes
  • •2018: superseded by the SPA S60

Common MOT watch-outs

  • !VEA/Drive-E oil consumption on early D4 diesel cars
  • !EGR and DPF soot blockage on short-trip diesels
  • !Turbo actuator faults on T5 cars
3
Known Issues
2
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

VEA / Drive-E Oil Consumption

SeriousEngine

Some later four-cylinder cars can use oil heavily because of piston-ring or crankcase-breathing issues, and ignored consumption can lead to major engine work.

Est. Repair Cost: £500–£3,500
Warning Signs:

Frequent low-oil warnings, Regular top-ups between services, Blue smoke or fouled plugs in worse cases

What to Inspect:
  • Ask directly about oil usage
  • Inspect the service record for oil-consumption tests or engine work
  • Check the dipstick and level from cold
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 2014 Volvo S60 (P3)

  • Buy a car with evidence of oil-level monitoring between services.
  • Later T8 hybrid cars were sold as the P3 continued next to the SPA S60.
2011–20132015–2016
Check a 2014 Volvo S60 (P3) by Registration