IsItAGoodCar

Common Problems with the
2013 Volvo XC60 (Gen 1)

The facelift improved the front-end design and infotainment, while later VEA-era engines altered the fault profile compared with the earlier D5 cars.

What changed for 2013

  • •Facelifted front styling
  • •Updated infotainment
  • •Broader move toward newer engine family

Common MOT watch-outs

  • !Front suspension links
  • !Rear brakes
  • !Emissions warnings on diesels
4
Known Issues
0
Serious
3
Moderate
1
Minor

The 2013 period has 3 more issues than the Volvo XC60 (Gen 1) average across all year periods.

All Known Issues

Powered tailgate strut or motor failure

ModerateBodywork & Rust

The electric tailgate mechanism often weakens or stops working, leaving the boot reluctant to open fully or stay up.

Most affected: SE Lux, R-Design, cars with power tailgate

Estimated cost: £400–£800Affects: 2008–2017Often appears around: Age-related rather than mileage-related

Typical symptoms

  • •Tailgate stops halfway
  • •Boot drops after opening
  • •Grinding or clicking from tailgate area

What to inspect before you buy

  • ✓Cycle the tailgate several times
  • ✓Check for manual assistance being needed
  • ✓Inspect for prior strut or motor replacement

D5 cam cover and breather oil leaks

ModerateEngine

The older D5 engine can leak oil from the cam cover and PCV-related areas, and oil contamination near the auxiliary belt should not be ignored.

Most affected: D5, D4 five-cylinder

Estimated cost: £300–£600Affects: 2008–2014Often appears around: 80k-150k miles

Typical symptoms

  • •Oily residue around top of engine
  • •Burning oil smell
  • •Gradual oil-level drop

What to inspect before you buy

  • ✓Inspect around cam cover and breather lines
  • ✓Check belt area for oil contamination
  • ✓Verify oil level and change history

Haldex pump failure

ModerateGearbox & Transmission

AWD cars can lose rear-drive assistance when the Haldex pump or its filter clogs through missed servicing.

Most affected: D5 AWD, T5 AWD

Estimated cost: £250–£600Affects: 2008–2017Often appears around: 50k-120k miles

Typical symptoms

  • •Front-wheel-drive feel in poor weather
  • •Traction warning messages
  • •No evidence the rear axle is contributing

What to inspect before you buy

  • ✓Haldex service invoices
  • ✓Matched tyres across axles
  • ✓Specialist scan if buying an AWD model

Door lock actuator failure

MinorBodywork & Rust

Individual door latches fail and cause one or more doors to ignore the remote or refuse to unlock cleanly.

Most affected: All XC60 Gen 1 models

Estimated cost: £150–£300 per doorAffects: 2008–2017Often appears around: Age-related rather than mileage-related

Typical symptoms

  • •One door stays locked
  • •Remote works on some doors only
  • •Occasional double-unlock attempts needed

What to inspect before you buy

  • ✓Test every door with both keys
  • ✓Check child-lock and deadlock functions
  • ✓Listen for weak actuator movement

Buying Tips for the 2013 Volvo XC60 (Gen 1)

  • ✓Test the powered tailgate repeatedly because weak struts and motor faults are common and expensive if ignored
  • ✓On AWD cars, ask for Haldex servicing because Volvo did not shout loudly enough about it in the standard schedule
  • ✓D5 diesels need oil-leak inspection around the cam cover and breather system, especially if the auxiliary belt area looks dirty
  • ✓Check every door lock, parking sensor and rear electrical feature because tailgate and lock problems are common with age
2008–2012 Volvo XC60 (Gen 1)2014 Volvo XC60 (Gen 1)

Browse 2013 Volvo XC60 (Gen 1) in our Directory

View MOT history, registration data, and reliability scores for 2013 Volvo XC60 (Gen 1) vehicles.

View 2013 Directory

Other Volvo XC60 (Gen 1) Year Periods

2008–2012201320142015–2017

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