The 2018 V60 represents the tail end of Volvo's P3 platform before the SPA redesign. Generally solid, but the T5 engine (2.5L turbo I5) has serious oil consumption issues that can lead to catastrophic failures, while transmissions show mount and cooler problems under heavy use.
T5 Engine Oil Consumption & Piston Ring Failure
Common · high severity
Typical onset: 60,000-120,000 mi
Symptoms: Burning 1+ quart per 1,000 miles, Blue smoke on startup or acceleration, Check engine light with lean codes, Oil fouled spark plugs, Sudden catastrophic failure if run low on oil
Fix: Requires complete engine rebuild or short block replacement. Piston rings carbon up due to PCV system design and direct injection. Some owners caught it early with top-end work (rings, hone, deck), but most need full short block. 18-25 hours labor for full rebuild.
Estimated cost: $5,500-9,000
Transmission Oil Cooler Failure
Occasional · high severity
Typical onset: 70,000-110,000 mi
Symptoms: Transmission slipping or harsh shifts, Pink or milky transmission fluid, Overheating warnings, Coolant mixing with ATF causing internal damage
Fix: The external cooler develops internal leaks allowing coolant and ATF to mix. Requires cooler replacement plus full transmission flush, sometimes transmission rebuild if caught late. 4-6 hours for cooler and flush, add 12-18 hours if transmission needs internal work.
Estimated cost: $1,200-2,000 (cooler/flush), $4,500-6,500 (with trans rebuild)
Transmission Mount Collapse
Common · medium severity
Typical onset: 50,000-90,000 mi
Symptoms: Clunk when shifting from Park to Drive, Vibration at idle in gear, Excessive engine movement when accelerating or braking, Visible sag on driver side engine bay
Fix: The hydraulic transmission mount fails, allowing excessive powertrain movement. Straightforward replacement but requires supporting the drivetrain. 2-3 hours labor.
Estimated cost: $400-700
Fuel Filter Clogging (Pre-Pump Strainer)
Occasional · medium severity
Typical onset: 80,000-130,000 mi
Symptoms: Hard starting when hot, Loss of power under load, Stalling or hesitation, Fuel pump whine, Check engine light with fuel pressure codes
Fix: The in-tank pre-filter/strainer clogs, starving the high-pressure pump. Requires fuel tank drop to access. Often discovered when diagnosing fuel pressure issues. 3-4 hours labor.
Estimated cost: $500-800
Crankshaft Position Sensor Failure
Occasional · high severity
Symptoms: No-start condition with cranking but no fire, Intermittent stalling while driving, Tachometer dropping to zero, Random crank/no-start especially when hot
Fix: Sensor fails without warning, leaving you stranded. Sensor itself is cheap but access requires removing intake components on the I5. 1.5-2.5 hours labor depending on engine.
Estimated cost: $250-450
PCV System / Oil Trap Clogging
Common · medium severity
Typical onset: 60,000-100,000 mi
Symptoms: Oil consumption increase, Oil in intake tract, Rough idle, Whistling noise from engine bay, Oil leaks from valve cover or rear main
Fix: The oil separator box (oil trap) clogs, creating crankcase pressure that forces oil past seals and contributes to ring fouling. Should be replaced preventively. 2-3 hours labor includes hoses and associated vacuum lines.
Estimated cost: $400-650
Owner tips
Check oil every 1,000 miles religiously on the T5 engine—consumption starts gradually then accelerates
Replace PCV/oil trap system at 60k miles as preventive maintenance to reduce ring carbon buildup
Inspect transmission fluid color annually; pink or milky means immediate cooler attention needed
Budget $1,000/year for deferred maintenance items if buying used over 80k miles
The 2.0L turbo I4 (T6 Twin Engine) avoids the I5 oil consumption plague but has its own turbo and hybrid system complexity
Buy the four-cylinder version if possible, or budget $6-8k in reserve for inevitable T5 engine work—otherwise a comfortable, safe wagon with typical Volvo maintenance costs.
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.
Fitment notes: AGM required for start-stop system; battery located in trunk
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Every control module on the 2011-2018 Volvo V60 — where it lives, replacement time, and what it takes to program a replacement. Modules marked dealer / factory tool won't work after a part swap alone — budget for programming.
⚠️ All keys must be present for programming; part of CEM replacement
Aftermarket tool coverage varies by software version and vehicle build — treat "aftermarket tool" rows as "usually possible" and verify against your tool maker's coverage list before promising a customer. Spot a wrong location or hour? Tell us — corrections ship fast here.
Volvo Cars of N.A., LLC (Volvo) is recalling certain 2008-2016 V70 and XC70, 2007-2016 S80, 2011-2018 S60 and V60, 2016-2018 S60 Cross Country, 2014-2020 S60L, 2009-2015 S80L, 2009-2016 XC60 and 2015-2018 V60 Cross Country vehicles. The flexible steel cable that connects the seat belt to the front outboard seating positions may fatigue over time, causing the seat belt to not secure the occupant in the event of a crash.
Consequence: An unsecured occupant has an increased risk of injury in the event of a crash.
Remedy: Volvo will notify owners, and dealers will replace the seat belt anchor cable for both front seats. The recall began December 10, 2020. Owners may contact Volvo customer service at 1-800-458-1552. Volvo's number for this recall is R10029.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE · 18V800000
2018-11-13
Volvo Car USA LLC (Volvo) is recalling certain 2017-2019 Volvo XC90, S90, V60, V60 Cross Country, V90, XC40, XC60, and V90 Cross Country vehicles. The software installed in the Vehicle Connectivity Module (VCM) may have an error causing the Telematics and Driver Support Systems to function improperly. As a result, the GPS will not provide location information to emergency personnel in the event of an emergency.
Consequence: If the GPS location is not provided to emergency personnel it can inhibit emergency response in the event of a crash or injury.
Remedy: Volvo will notify owners, and dealers will correct the software, free of charge. The recall began December 26, 2018. Owners may contact Volvo customer service at 1-800-458-1552. Volvo's number for this recall is R39917.
Performance
Horsepower
240hp
Torque
258lb-ft
0–60 mph
6.4sec
Quarter mile
14.9sec
Top speed
130mph
Fuel economy (EPA)
City
22mpg
Highway
32mpg
Combined
26mpg
Fuel
Regular Gasoline
Capability & size
Towing capacity
3,300lb
Curb weight
3,750lb
EPA class
Small Station Wagons
Wiper blades
Final year of first generation V60. Same specs as 2017.
Size-standard part numbers — verify your connector type before buying. Rear blades are model-specific; check the package's vehicle list.
Fuel economy figures are EPA data via fueleconomy.gov (median across matching trims). Performance figures are compiled estimates for the 2018 Volvo V60 2.0L Turbo I4 and can vary by trim.
🔧 Database maintained under the daily editorial review of Chris Hackleman · Master Technician · 20+ years and Jeff Moore · Master Mechanic · 20+ years.