Volvo

Volvo S60 (2017)

1,179 real MOT outcomes analysed • 87.4% first-time pass rate

2017 Volvo S60

CarHunch analysed 1,179 real MOT records for the 2017 Volvo S60. Real test outcomes — pass rates, defect profiles, mileage data — from verified DVLA records. Updated as new MOTs are recorded.
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AI Analysis Reliability Overview Common Issues Check a Specific Reg Buyer's Checklist Pass Rate by Fuel Mileage Distribution Still on the Road MOT Averages Colour Breakdown Compare Models

The 2017 Volvo S60 passes its MOT first time at a respectable 87.4%, comfortably above the UK average of 80%, but a significant concern is that 35.5% of these cars have recorded a dangerous defect at some point—well above acceptable levels and a red flag for structural or safety integrity issues. Petrol variants perform slightly better at 90.2% pass rate versus 86.8% for the more common diesel models.

At 55,915 miles median, these cars are showing typical wear for their age, yet they're racking up 6.5 advisories per vehicle on average—suggesting accumulated maintenance needs rather than catastrophic failure. Before purchasing, run a full structural and brake inspection history through MOT records, because while most examples will pass, the frequency of dangerous defects indicates vulnerability in specific systems that warrant serious scrutiny.

The 2017 Volvo S60 has a decent first-time pass rate (87.4%), but a higher-than-average share of vehicles have had serious defects recorded — the individual vehicle's history matters a lot here.

⚠️ Over 1 in 5 of these vehicles have had a dangerous MOT failure at some point — usually tyres or brakes, and often a one-off issue rather than a persistent problem. The group stats won't tell you which one you're looking at.
First-time pass
87.4%
UK average ~80%
Around average
Dangerous (ever)
35.5%
At least once in MOT history
Check this vehicle
Avg failures / car
1
Over 6.8 tests on record
High
Typical mileage
56k
Middle half: 41k–78k
For context
Good baseline reliability. A 87.4% first-time pass rate puts this well above the UK average — it's a well-sorted vehicle in this age bracket.
🔧 Expect consumable spend. An average of 6.5 advisories per vehicle tells you wear items (tyres, brakes) get flagged regularly. Budget for them — they're not surprises.
🔍 The dangerous defect figure is real. Most are one-off tyre failures or brake issues — not structural problems. But it's exactly why checking the individual vehicle's history is essential, not optional.

These stats describe 1,179 vehicles as a group. The specific vehicle you're looking at could be the one good example or the one outlier. Run its registration to find out.

Watch for defects — worth knowing

What tends to go wrong

Across 1,179 vehicles — figures show how many had each issue flagged at least once in their MOT history.

Tyre wear 44.7%
Offside Front Tyre worn close to legal limit/worn on edge · Nearside Front Tyre worn close to legal limit/worn on edge · Nearside Rear Tyre worn close to legal limit/worn on edge · …
Budget for a full set — on a vehicle this age, tyres are expected consumables. An inspection will confirm how much is left.
Brake wear 37.1%
Rear Brake pad(s) wearing thin · Front Brake pad(s) wearing thin · Front Brake disc worn, pitted or scored, but not seriously weakened · …
Ask the seller when brakes were last serviced. If they don't know, factor in the cost.
Other issues 9.1%
Nearside Rear Child Seat fitted not allowing full inspection of adult belt · Rear Registration plate deteriorated but not likely to be misread · COVID-19 6 MONTH EXTENSION

Data covers a 3-year window centred on 2017.

See this vehicle's full MOT history & AI hunches

Spot recurring advisories, hidden issues, and how it compares to 1,179 Volvo S60 cars.

UK

Before you buy a 2017 Volvo S60

Based on MOT data from 1,179 vehicles — here's what to check.

  • 📋 Check the full MOT history. 35.5% of these vehicles have had a dangerous defect recorded - recurring advisories often signal problems years before they become failures.
    Search the reg on CarHunch for the full MOT history, reliability stats and a free AI-powered analysis of that exact vehicle.
  • 🔍 Brake pipes, sills and subframes are the key areas on a vehicle this age — structural rust is hard to spot without getting underneath. A mechanic will check all of this before you commit, and give you a concrete basis to negotiate on price. Inspection ClickMechanic
  • 📄 Outstanding finance, insurance write-offs and clocking won't appear in the MOT records — a dedicated history check covers all of this. Our link gets you 20% off automatically. History carVertical Get 20% off via CarHunch

Pass Rate by Fuel Type

Fuel type Vehicles Pass rate Avg failures
Diesel (82%) 963 86.8% 1.04
Petrol (18%) 216 90.2% 0.8

Colour Breakdown

Based on 53,916 Volvo S60 vehicles registered in the UK — across all years. From DVLA registration records.

Blue 22.9%
12,359
Silver 20.2%
10,875
Black 17.2%
9,295
Grey 11.3%
6,116
Gold 9.1%
4,889
Red 8.4%
4,522
Green 5.4%
2,890
White 3.9%
2,094
Yellow 0.9%
476
Bronze 0.4%
215
Purple 0.3%
173
Maroon 0%
12

Mileage Distribution

Most 2017 Volvo S60 vehicles sit in the blue band. If the vehicle you're looking at is outside it, it's either unusually low or high mileage for its age.

55,915
typical
40,930
low mileage
77,802
high mileage

Half of all 2017 Volvo S60 vehicles fall between 40,930 and 77,802 miles.

Is the mileage you're seeing normal?
Under 40,930 miles — lower than most. Could be great, or could be a vehicle that rarely moved. Check test frequency and mileage progression in the MOT history.
40,930–77,802 miles — normal for age. This is where most 2017 Volvo S60s sit.
Over 105,032 miles — higher than typical. Not necessarily a problem, but check service history and look out for advisory build-up on tyres and brakes.

2017 Volvo S60 — Still on the Road

Almost all 2017 Volvo S60s are still on the road.

Strong survival — 1,029 vehicles still getting MOTs in 2025, 90% of the peak.

1,142 1,029 2020 2025

Based on vehicles from this manufacture year that had at least one MOT test in each calendar year. Data from 2020–2025.
* The 2020 dip reflects the government's COVID-19 MOT exemption, which allowed certificates to be extended by six months — fewer tests were conducted that year.

MOT History Averages

6.8
Avg MOT tests per vehicle
1
Avg failures per vehicle
6.5
Avg advisories per vehicle
Other model years — Volvo S60: All S60 years → Which year to buy? →
2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2018 2019

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Compare with another model

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Watch for defects — worth knowing