Volvo XC60 Problems

Volvo's XC60 SUV drives all 4 wheels, built on the Volvo SPA platform.

The first series Volvo XC60 was made by Volvo Car Gent in Ghent, Belgium. The second-generation, released in 2017, is made in Sweden (Torslanda), China (Chengdu), and Malaysia (Shah Alam).

Volvo XC60s are comfortable, well-equipped cars and, if properly serviced and maintained, are reliable as any other late-model premium-class cars.

It’s hard to say one over the other, both appeal. The Forester is well built, it has all the features you want, and would be reliable. The Volvo has the style, the features, and would also be reliable, in the sense that there is nothing of a serious nature that could bite you on the backside down the track. As they’re both three to five years old they shouldn’t be expensive to service, particularly the Forester, which has capped-price servicing. I would go with your head and choose the Forester, but you have to like what you drive, and I could equally understand if you chose the Volvo. You wont go far wrong with either of them.

From what we can establish the towing rating of the XC60 T8 hybrid is around 1600 kg, which would mean it wouldn’t tow your caravan.

Windscreens do occasionally leak, and there are a number of possible causes. Unless you can prove that it was a manufacturing or installation fault there’s not a lot you can do except pay the money and replace it. Rather than go through the dealer you could try one of the windscreen companies, which should be cheaper.

It depends on the condition and kays of the Volvo. I would expect a 2012/2013 XC60 to have done on average 60,000 to 80,000 km. At that mileage it should still have plenty of life left in it, but it is closer to the end of the road than a new Forester would be. If you chose with your heart you’d take the Volvo, but your head would tell you to buy the Subaru.

Our information is that the 2010 XC60 diesel is a solid and reliable car, but you should consider the wisdom of buying a diesel. If you're regularly driving reasonable distances on the highway a diesel can be a good way to go, but if you're mainly driving short distances locally then it would probably not be a good purchase. As for the cost of parts the Volvo is comparable with other rival makes and models. The best course of action should you buy one is to pal up with an independent mechanic with Volvo experience. Volvo specialists have the diagnostic tools needed, and are usually able to buy parts at a more affordable price. Often they will be factory parts imported from places like America, and landed here at a much lower price than you be charged by a dealer.

John Duggan of Volvo Australia says: "It is normal in the XC60 for the rear brakes to wear quicker than the fronts. There is no issue with the braking system and the brake force distribution is even, front and rear."