IsItAGoodCar
Reliability Guide

Common Problems with the
2014 Volvo V60 (P3)

The 2014-2018 era V60 carried the facelifted front end, Drive-E four-cylinders (D2, D3, D4, T5, T6) and eventually the T8 twin-engine hybrid, remaining on sale alongside the SPA V60 into 2018.

What changed for 2014

  • •2014: Drive-E engine rollout and restyled front end
  • •2015-2016: Cross Country raised version launched
  • •2018: production handed over to the SPA second generation

Common MOT watch-outs

  • !VEA oil consumption on early Drive-E diesels
  • !Turbo and EGR faults on short-trip cars
  • !12V battery and software quirks on hybrids
4
Known Issues
2
Serious
2
Moderate
0
Minor

All Known Issues

Powershift Gearbox Faults

SeriousGearbox & Transmission

As in the S60, neglected Powershift estates can jerk, hesitate and eventually need major clutch or mechatronic work.

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

Jerky low-speed shifts, Transmission warning, Shudder when reversing or parking

What to Inspect:
  • Confirm fluid-change history
  • Drive in traffic and on hills
  • Look for specialist transmission invoices
Verified by IsItAGoodCar Research Team

VEA / Drive-E Oil Consumption

SeriousEngine

Late V60 (P3) models with four-cylinder VEA engines can use oil heavily due to piston-ring design, requiring expensive engine work if not addressed.

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

Frequent low-oil warnings, Blue smoke, Regular top-ups required

What to Inspect:
  • Ask about oil usage
  • Check service history for oil consumption tests
  • Inspect for blue smoke on startup
Verified by IsItAGoodCar Research Team

EGR and DPF Clogging on Diesels

ModerateExhaust & Emissions

Frequent short journeys clog the EGR system and DPF, bringing flat performance, warning lights and expensive cleaning or replacement bills.

Est. Repair Cost: £250–£1,000
Warning Signs:

Engine system service required message, Flat response at low rpm, Frequent regeneration or smoke

What to Inspect:
  • Warm motorway-style drive
  • Check for EGR cooler or DPF invoices
  • Avoid obvious low-speed urban diesels
Verified by IsItAGoodCar Research Team

Tailgate Lock and Powered-Tailgate Faults

ModerateElectrics & Electronics

Estate-specific lock, loom and powered-tailgate problems can leave the V60 awkward to use and, in some cases, vulnerable to water-related electrical issues.

Est. Repair Cost: £120–£700
Warning Signs:

Tailgate will not latch or release cleanly, Power tailgate stops halfway, Rear wiper or demister oddities

What to Inspect:
  • Operate the tailgate several times
  • Inspect loom gaiters and lock action
  • Check the boot floor and side trims for damp
Verified by IsItAGoodCar Research Team

Buying Tips for 2014 Volvo V60 (P3)

  • Later 2016-2018 cars are the best-rounded used buys.
  • Confirm any oil-consumption remedy work was done on D4 cars.