Used Volvo XC60 (Mk2, 2017–Present) Buyer’s Guide: Reliability, PowerPulse Faults and Air Suspension Issues

Introduction

The second-generation Volvo XC60 is one of the most complete family SUVs of the last decade: handsome, safe, refined and usually less troublesome than some premium-badged rivals. But a tidy cabin and a strong Volvo reputation do not make every used example a safe buy.

This used volvo xc60 mk2 buyers guide focuses on the cars UK buyers are most likely to see, especially 2017 to 2019 examples. We’ll cover the best engines, common problems Volvo XC60 Mk2 owners report, and what matters most when inspecting one.

Which XC60 Mk2 should you buy?

For most UK buyers, the sweet spot is the D4 diesel. It offers strong real-world economy, enough performance, and avoids the extra complexity of the D5’s PowerPulse system. If you cover motorway miles, it is the safest all-round diesel choice.

The D5 diesel is quicker and more relaxed under load, but this is where the best-known technical worry sits. Buyers comparing Volvo XC60 D4 vs D5 reliability should know the D5’s PowerPulse hardware adds another failure point.

If your mileage is modest or you want to future-proof against diesel restrictions, the T5 petrol is the simpler bet. It is thirstier, but for short trips and town use it often makes more sense than a diesel with a hard life.

The 8-speed automatic is generally good. It should shift cleanly, without flaring, clunks or hesitation when moving between Drive and Reverse.

Cabin, tech and suspension: where age shows first

The XC60 Mk2 still feels properly premium inside. Seats are excellent, refinement is strong and visibility is good by SUV standards. Even so, early cars can show their age through software rather than hardware.

The main weak point is the Sensus infotainment system. Freezing screens, random restarts and slow responses are common enough on early cars that every buyer should test navigation, Bluetooth, reversing camera and climate functions before money changes hands. A fully updated car is preferable.

Suspension choice matters too. Standard steel-sprung cars are the safer ownership proposition. Optional air suspension improves ride quality, particularly on larger wheels, but it can become expensive once leaks or compressor wear appear.

Also check carefully for damp carpets. Reports of Volvo XC60 water leaking into footwell areas are not unheard of, and the fix depends on whether the cause is a blocked drain, seal issue or something more involved.

Common Faults and Known Issues

• PowerPulse hose failure on D5 models: the classic Volvo XC60 PowerPulse failure symptoms are a loud hiss under acceleration, reduced shove and sometimes a warning light. The system uses compressed air to help spool the turbo, and split hoses are the usual culprit.
• Sensus screen glitches: freezing, rebooting, blank screens or laggy operation. Software updates are often the first remedy.
• Air suspension leaks or compressor failure: if the car sits unevenly, drops overnight or the compressor runs repeatedly, budget carefully. An XC60 air suspension compressor failure or leak repair can exceed £1,500.
• Water ingress: damp front footwells, misted windows and a musty smell need investigating. Water can also trigger electrical oddities.
• Diesel short-trip issues: like any modern diesel, D4 and D5 cars used mainly for town work can suffer DPF or emissions-related complaints.
• Tyre and wheel damage: large wheels look good, but kerbing, inner-edge wear and harsh impacts are common on poorly maintained examples.

Buying Advice

If your priority is dependable long-term ownership, the best answer to is the 2018 Volvo XC60 reliable for long term ownership is: yes, usually, but only in the right spec and with the right history.

I would shortlist cars in this order:

1. D4 with standard suspension and full history.
2. T5 petrol if you do lower annual mileage.
3. D5 only with evidence of careful maintenance and a fault-free road test.

Look for servicing by Volvo or a respected specialist, and evidence that software campaigns have been done. A stamped book alone is not enough; ask for invoices.

Compared with riskier premium SUVs such as the Used Range Rover Evoque (L538, 2011–2018) Buyer’s Guide: Reliability, Ingenium Engine Faults and DPF Issues, the XC60 is generally the more reassuring buy. Against mainstream alternatives, it will still cost more to run than something like the Used Hyundai Tucson (TL, 2015–2020) Buyer’s Guide: Reliability, DCT Gearbox Issues and Clutch Wear.

Inspection Checklist

• Start from cold and make sure no warning lights remain on.
• On a D5, accelerate firmly and listen for hissing or obvious loss of pull.
• Test every function of the Sensus screen, including camera, nav and phone pairing.
• If fitted with air suspension, check the car sits level and raises or lowers promptly.
• Feel the front and rear carpets for dampness.
• Drive at low speed and over rough surfaces for suspension knocks.
• Check gearbox behaviour in traffic and on kickdown.
• Inspect tyre wear across all four corners; uneven wear can point to alignment or suspension issues.
• Verify service invoices, MOT history, both keys and any towbar use.

Ownership Costs

A D4 can return mid-40s mpg in mixed use if driven sensibly; a D5 is usually a little worse, while a T5 petrol often sits in the low-30s mpg bracket. Exact figures depend heavily on wheel size, route and driving style.

Insurance is rarely cheap, and larger wheels bring pricier tyres. Servicing at a good Volvo specialist is usually more sensible than main-dealer prices once the car is out of warranty. Brake discs, pads and premium tyres are all SUV-sized bills.

Road tax varies by registration date and original list price, so check the exact car rather than relying on a generic quote.

As for how much it costs to fix a Volvo PowerPulse hose, quotes vary, but it is usually far cheaper than major turbo or suspension work.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the second-generation Volvo XC60 reliable?
Generally yes. Early 2017 to 2019 cars are the ones to inspect most carefully for PowerPulse, infotainment and suspension issues.

What is the Volvo PowerPulse issue?
On D5 diesels, the compressed-air system can develop split hoses, causing hissing, weaker acceleration and occasional warning lights.

Should I avoid air suspension on a used XC60?
Not automatically, but buy on condition. It rides well, yet faults are expensive, so a standard-suspension car is the safer financial choice.

Which engine is best for a used XC60?
For most UK buyers, the D4 diesel is the best balance of performance, economy and reliability. The T5 petrol suits lower-mileage drivers.

Are there common electrical problems with the XC60 Mk2?
Yes. Sensus touchscreen glitches are the main complaint, so make sure updates have been applied.

Summary

The XC60 Mk2 deserves its strong reputation, but not every used example is equal. The safest picks are straightforward ones: D4, standard suspension, full history, dry interior and fully working Sensus.

D5 cars are not bad cars, but they do carry the added risk of PowerPulse faults. Air suspension is lovely when healthy, though best treated as a luxury rather than a must-have.

Should You Get a Professional Vehicle Report?

On a used XC60, a paper history and a quick test drive only tell part of the story. A Professional Vehicle Report from MyCarPilot costs £14.99 as a one-off payment and is designed to help buyers sense-check model risks, ownership history and market context. It is built by automotive engineers, powered by specialist AI and backed by UK vehicle data, with a 30-day Buying Companion for follow-up questions. If you want more detail on how it works, see the FAQ.