The 2018 Volvo S60 is the final model year of the second-generation platform (P3), built in Sweden and China. While generally reliable compared to earlier Volvos, they suffer from transmission cooling issues, PCV system failures causing oil consumption, and turbocharger problems, particularly on the high-output T6 models.
Transmission Oil Cooler Failure and Fluid Contamination
Common · high severityTypical onset: 60,000-100,000 mi
Symptoms: Transmission slipping or harsh shifts, Milky or pink coolant in overflow tank (cross-contamination), Check engine light with transmission codes, Transmission overheating warning
Fix: Replace transmission oil cooler, flush both cooling system and transmission completely. Contaminated fluid can destroy the valve body if not caught early. Expect 4-6 hours labor plus parts. If valve body is damaged, add another $1,200-1,800.
Estimated cost: $1,800-3,500
PCV System Failure Leading to Excessive Oil Consumption
Common · medium severityTypical onset: 70,000-120,000 mi
Symptoms: Burning oil 1+ quart per 1,000 miles, Blue smoke from exhaust on cold start, Oil in intake tract and intercooler, Rough idle and hesitation
Fix: Replace PCV valve, oil trap, and all associated hoses. Clean intake and intercooler of oil buildup. On 4-cylinder turbos, this is preventive maintenance. Delay causes piston ring carbon buildup and permanent oil consumption. 3-4 hours labor.
Estimated cost: $600-1,200
Turbocharger Failure (T5 and T6 Models)
Occasional · high severityTypical onset: 80,000-130,000 mi
Symptoms: Loss of boost pressure and power, Whistling or grinding noise from engine bay, Check engine light with turbo underboost codes, Blue smoke under acceleration, Metal shavings in oil
Fix: Turbo failure often stems from oil starvation due to PCV issues or failed oil supply lines. Replace turbocharger, all oil feed/return lines, and address root cause. T6 twin-scroll units are expensive. 6-8 hours labor for turbo R&R.
Estimated cost: $2,500-4,800
Timing Belt and Water Pump (T5 5-Cylinder Only)
Common · high severityTypical onset: 90,000-110,000 mi
Symptoms: No symptoms until catastrophic failure, Squealing from engine bay (worn tensioner), Coolant leak from water pump weep hole
Fix: Interference engine — belt failure destroys valves and pistons. Volvo service interval is 10 years/100k miles, but many techs recommend 90k. Replace belt, tensioner, idler pulleys, and water pump as a kit. 5-6 hours labor.
Estimated cost: $1,200-1,800
Front Engine Mount and Transmission Mount Deterioration
Occasional · low severityTypical onset: 80,000-120,000 mi
Symptoms: Clunking when shifting or accelerating, Excessive engine movement visible from engine bay, Vibration at idle in drive, Harsh engagement into gear
Fix: Hydraulic mounts fail internally, especially on turbocharged models with higher torque. Replace both front and transmission mounts together. 2-3 hours labor.
Estimated cost: $800-1,400
Fuel Injector and High-Pressure Fuel Pump Issues (Direct Injection Models)
Occasional · medium severityTypical onset: 70,000-100,000 mi
Symptoms: Hard starting, especially cold, Misfires with rough idle, Check engine light with fuel trim codes, Long crank time
Fix: Direct injection systems sensitive to fuel quality. Carbon buildup on injectors and HPFP cam follower wear are common. Clean or replace injectors (1-2 hours each), HPFP replacement if cam lobe is worn (4-5 hours). Use top-tier fuel to prevent.
Estimated cost: $1,200-2,800
A solid final-year choice with Swedish build quality, but only if PCV maintenance is documented and transmission cooler hasn't contaminated fluid — otherwise budget $3k-5k in deferred maintenance.
AI-assisted summary drawn from NHTSA recall data, our labor-times database, and platform knowledge. Not a substitute for a pre-purchase inspection on a specific vehicle.