IsItAGoodCar
Reliability Guide

Common Problems with the
2019 Volvo S60 (SPA)

The SPA S60 reached the UK in 2019 (produced from 2018 for 2019 models, T5/T6/T8 Recharge power and Plus/Ultimate UK trims), the last Volvo saloon built for Europe; production in South Carolina for Europe and North America ended in June 2024.

What changed for 2019

  • •2019: third-generation S60 launched in Britain
  • •2020: B4/B5 mild-hybrid names arrived with the 48V system
  • •2024: European/North American production ended - Europe is now saloon-free apart from the ES90

Common MOT watch-outs

  • !ERAD hybrid rear-drive module failures on T8 cars
  • !48V mild-hybrid starter/battery faults on B-cars
  • !Infotainment software currency
3
Known Issues
1
Serious
2
Moderate
0
Minor

All Known Issues

ERAD (Electric Rear Axle Drive) Failure

SeriousGearbox & Transmission

Hybrid models can suffer from rear electric motor failure, often caused by internal coolant ingress. This is a common issue on the SPA platform where coolant leaks into the motor housing, eventually destroying the bearings or internal electronics.

Est. Repair Cost: £3,000–£8,000
Warning Signs:

Whining noise from rear, Hybrid system error, Loss of AWD

What to Inspect:
  • EV mode test drive
  • Service history for hybrid system updates or ERAD coolant seal checks
Verified by IsItAGoodCar Research Team

Front Suspension Lower Control Arm Bushing Wear

ModerateSuspension & Chassis

The large hydro-bushings in the front lower suspension control arms can tear or leak hydraulic fluid, causing steering vagueness, tramlining, and metallic knocking over sharp bumps.

Est. Repair Cost: £350–£750
Warning Signs:

Knock over speed humps, Steering wheel vibration under braking, Uneven front tyre shoulder wear

What to Inspect:
  • Inspect front control arm rear bushings for fluid leakage or perishing
  • Check for steering pull on uneven roads
Verified by IsItAGoodCar Research TeamUpdated

High-Voltage Coolant Heater (HVCH) Failure on PHEV

ModerateCooling System

On T8 and T6 Recharge plug-in hybrids, the High Voltage Coolant Heater responsible for warming the cabin in pure electric mode can fail, preventing cabin heating without the petrol engine firing.

Est. Repair Cost: £800–£1,600
Warning Signs:

No warm air from vents in Pure EV mode, Engine kicks in immediately when cabin heat is requested, "Hybrid System Service Required" alert

What to Inspect:
  • Test heating in pure electric drive mode
  • Check for stored DTCs in the climate control module
Verified by IsItAGoodCar Research TeamUpdated

Buying Tips for 2019 Volvo S60 (SPA)

  • T8 Recharge examples need the ERAD health check this model is known for.
  • Late 2024 cars are effectively the end of the line for the S60 in Europe.
2020–2021
Check a 2019 Volvo S60 (SPA) by Registration