2010 Volvo XC60 2.4L Diesel · BN10 PWZ

A front‑end reliability issue dominates the mechanical story of this 2010 Volvo XC60; the MOT record shows a cluster of major failures in early 2024 affecting power steering, front CV‑boot integrity, lower suspension arm dust cover and an excessively binding front service brake, followed by later faults on the near‑side headlamp, tyre wear and an ABS warning lamp in 2025‑2026. The April 2026 test recorded a pass overall but flagged a major ABS fault, indicating that while earlier defects were apparently remedied, a new electronic braking concern has emerged. At 190,525 mi the vehicle averages just under 12,000 mi per year, a mileage rate that sits within normal usage for a sixteen‑year‑old SUV. There are no prolonged gaps in the MOT chronology, suggesting the car has been driven fairly consistently. That mileage level, combined with the front‑end component failures already logged, means wear on suspension bushings, CV joints, brake pads and discs, and the steering pump is to be expected and should be inspected for progressive deterioration. When test‑driving, feel for any steering torque or loss of assistance at low revs, which could indicate lingering power‑steering wear. Listen for clicking or whirring from the front wheels that would betray a compromised CV boot or joint, and check for play in the lower suspension arm by applying firm pressure to the wheel rim. The brake pedal should rise smoothly without a gritty or binding sensation; any hesitation or pulsation could point to the previously recorded front brake binding. Verify that the ABS warning lamp remains off after a short stop‑and‑go run, and confirm the near‑side headlamp illuminates both dipped and main beams. A thorough pre‑purchase inspection should include a visual check of the front CV boots for oil seepage, a hands‑on assessment of the lower ball‑joint dust covers, and a diagnostic scan of the ABS control unit to locate the fault triggering the warning lamp. Given the history of front‑end component failures, budgeting for possible replacement of CV boots, suspension arm dust covers, steering pump servicing and brake system refurbishment would be prudent before committing to purchase.