2019 Volvo V60 2.0L Diesel · YV19 DMZ

A clear pattern of rear-axle wear dominates the MOT history of this V60, with brake component advisories appearing on three of the five recorded tests and culminating in a major failure for a leaking rear shock absorber at the most recent attempt. The 2026-05-22 test failed outright when the nearside rear shock was found to be seriously leaking hydraulic fluid, although the vehicle was subsequently presented again just six days later on 2026-05-28 and passed with the same two rear brake advisories carried over from the failed examination. The rear brake pads were flagged as wearing thin on three separate occasions across 2023 and 2026, and the rear brake discs were noted as pitted or scored on both the failed and the follow-up tests in May 2026. Taken together, the record points to a rear-end that is consuming components at a steady rate and has now produced a genuine structural suspension defect, even though the vehicle managed to pass on its second attempt. Against a seven-year age, the recorded odometer reading of 102,436 miles equates to an annual accumulation of roughly 14,634 miles, which sits well above average for a modern estate of this vintage. There are no significant testing gaps in the record, with annual examinations consistently submitted from 2022 through 2026, so the mileage progression appears linear rather than the product of long stationary periods followed by catch-up use. Higher annual mileage of this nature typically accelerates wear on consumables such as brake pads, discs, tyres and suspension damping, and the recorded pattern on this V60 aligns with that expectation, particularly at the rear axle where the braking and suspension components are accumulating duty cycles at a faster rate than a lower-mileage example would experience. For a prospective buyer, the priority items for inspection are the rear shock absorbers and the rear braking system, given the confirmed fluid loss on the nearside unit and the repeated advisories on pads and discs. On a test drive, listen for any clonking or knocking from the rear suspension over uneven road surfaces, as a failing shock can allow excessive play in the mounting bushes and top mounts, and pay particular attention to whether the vehicle settles unevenly or exhibits a harsh, bouncy rebound after compression. Brake pedal feel should be assessed for sponginess or excessive travel, which could indicate that the scored rear discs are causing inconsistent pad bite, while a sustained pull to one side under firm braking may suggest a binding or partially seized rear caliper that would warrant closer inspection. The tyres also deserve close attention, with advisories recorded in both 2022 and 2024 for nearside front and offside front edges worn down to between 2mm and 3.5mm. Check the current front tyres for uneven shoulder wear, which on a V60 can point to worn front suspension bushes, worn drop links, or alignment issues that MOT testing alone would not necessarily flag. Finally, because the recent MOT outcome was only achieved after replacing or addressing the leaking rear shock, it is worth confirming with the seller what rectification work was actually carried out between the 22 May failure and the 28 May pass, and whether any supporting invoice or warranty documentation is available to evidence the repair.