2012 Volvo S60 · 5,938 MOT tests
2012 Volvo S60 reliability
2012 Volvo S60s fail 29.4% of first MOT tests, 17% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, ranking 6 of 19 S60 years (5,938 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
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- first-time fail rate (all Volvo S60s: 29%)
- 29.4%
- first-time fail rate (all Volvo S60s: 29%)
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- 17% fewer
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- typical miles at its MOT, aged about 10
- 103,998
- typical miles at its MOT, aged about 10
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
- 5,938
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
Year on year
2012 against the years either side
- 2011 cars: 29% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age (the 2012 car does worse)
- 2013 cars: 25% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age (the 2012 car does worse)
- Weak spot: steering, 4.9% of tests fail here (76% above cars of the same age and mileage).
- Strong point: exhaust, emissions and leaks, 51% fewer fails than comparable cars.
- Plates: a 2012 car carries a 61 plate (January–February 2012), or a 12 plate (March–August 2012), or a 62 plate (September–December 2012).
Common problems
What fails on a 2012 Volvo S60
Fail rate by area
- Tyres8.9%
- Suspension8.5%
- Lights and electrics8.3%
- Brakes6.8%
- Steering4.9%
- Windscreen, wipers and mirrors4.4%
- Exhaust, emissions and leaks1.8%
Average for cars of the same age and mileage
Top failures
Brake pads worn below 1.5mm 2.96%
Pads worn below 1.5mm lose stopping power and can damage discs, so replacement is needed before the car is driven.
Tyre tread below 1.6mm 2.91%
Tread below 1.6mm is illegal and reduces grip in wet conditions, so the tyre must be replaced.
Shock absorber serious fluid leak 2.53%
A shock absorber leaking heavily has likely lost its damping, so the car will handle and brake less safely.
Tyre ply or cords exposed 2.48%
Exposed ply or cords can let the tyre fail suddenly, so the tyre must be replaced before the car is driven.
Track rod end ball joint excessively worn 2.26%
Worn steering ball joints can affect steering control and safety, so repair is needed before the car is driven.
Track rod end dust cover damaged 1.5%
A damaged dust cover lets dirt into the ball joint, which speeds up wear and may lead to a costly replacement.
Common advisories
Tyre worn close to legal limit (15.33%) · Brake pads wearing thin (9.82%) · Brake disc pitted or scored (8.05%) · Coil spring showing some corrosion (7.41%) · Tyre slightly damaged or cracking (5.42%) · Shock absorber light oil misting (4.55%)
Other years
Every Volvo S60 year
The full picture: Volvo S60 reliability. Before you pay for any Volvo S60, a Full Check (£9.99) shows finance, stolen and write-off records the MOT can't.
Source: DVSA anonymised MOT results, 2022 to 2024, class 4 normal tests.
Is a 2012 Volvo S60 reliable?
2012 Volvo S60s fail 29.4% of first MOT tests, 17% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, ranking 6 of 19 S60 years (5,938 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
What fails on a 2012 Volvo S60 MOT?
Most often brake pads worn below 1.5mm (2.96% of tests), tyre tread below 1.6mm (2.91% of tests), shock absorber serious fluid leak (2.53% of tests).
How many miles should a 2012 Volvo S60 have done?
At its MOT aged about 10, a typical 2012 Volvo S60 shows 103,998 miles. Much higher or lower is worth asking about.
What plate is a 2012 car?
A car first registered in 2012 carries a 61 plate (January–February 2012), or a 12 plate (March–August 2012), or a 62 plate (September–December 2012).
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