2013 Volvo S60 engine problems

Filed May 13, 2025 · Engine, Steering · NY

I am submitting this report to formally document a severe safety-related failure involving my 2013 Volvo S60, VIN # [XXX] . This vehicle is part of the Volvo brand, widely recognized and marketed as among the safest in the world. Incident Summary: On [XXX], at approximately [XXX] in Norwalk, Connecticut, the vehicle experienced a catastrophic mechanical failure while in operation. The auxiliary (serpentine) belt suddenly failed, shredded itself, and wrapped around the timing pulley. Debris from the failed belt entered the timing belt housing — a supposedly sealed and protected compartment — causing the timing belt to jump. This resulted in an immediate loss of engine power while driving, placing me in a highly vulnerable position. Fortunately, I was not on a multi-lane highway or in fast-moving traffic. Had I been traveling on a busier route, the sudden loss of power could have led to a serious crash and potential injury. This failure represented a genuine threat to my safety. Further inspection revealed that: The lower crankshaft sprocket had skipped three teeth due to the intrusion of the auxiliary belt. The timing belt, although not broken, was off track. A new timing belt was installed in an attempt to restart the engine. The engine would crank but failed to start. A compression test revealed zero compression in all cylinders. The valve train was severely damaged (bent valves), and the engine sustained internal mechanical failure beyond repair. Conclusion and Context: This is not an isolated incident. Upon further research, I discovered that this failure — specifically the auxiliary belt disintegrating and compromising the timing belt system — is a known and well-documented problem in vehicles equipped with the B5254T12 Turbo engine. Volvo has been previously alerted to similar cases before. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed Oct 21, 2024 · Engine · MA

I was driving approximately 65 MPH on the highway and suddenly my car started shuttering, stuttering, and my check engine light started blinking. My car started slowing down as if it was having trouble accelerating. I also received a warning message that said, “Reduce speed or shift up.” I only have 123,263 miles on the vehicle. My mechanic informed me I was having a cylinder 2 misfire and that my exhaust valve burnt up. I also need a new timing belt. This is not the first time I’ve had a cylinder misfire on this car, so I believe there is something faulty in this vehicle. As a result of this incident, I pulled over on the highway and waited for a tow truck.

Filed Aug 23, 2024 · Engine · VT

Engine has excessive oil consumption and sets owners up for expensive testing and repairs, because when the original recall came out, many Volvo s60 with excessive oil consumption were barely out of the allowed mileage range, which sticks the owners with excessive repairs. Volvo should stand behind this problem that effects numerous Volvo s60’s and compensate the repairs.

Filed May 19, 2024 · Engine · GA

car has high oil consumption. takes a full oil change every month

Filed Jan 29, 2024 · Engine · NJ

I currently own a 2013 S60 2.5L T5 sedan (See Vin # referenced in Subject Line) that recently began displaying on the DIC the following alert/error messages: •Low Oil/No Oil Pressure alert My vehicle only has 67,400 miles on the engine and I am the 2nd owner of the vehicle purchasing it with only 19,560 miles or so, approximately 3.2 yrs ago. Due to my distance from home to the nearest authorized local Volvo dealership (Manasquan NJ), when this warning came up on the car, I immediately took it to an authorized ASE local service repair shop. This vehicle’s oil has always been changed within Volvo manufacturer recommended oil change intervals, so I know that was not a potential cause. I did check the oil level, which was low and there has been no visible under the vehicle oil puddles/stains prior to taking it to determine the root cause of the alert. While at the local service repair center, I was alerted by the service manager that for this year model, there is a known manufacturing issue related to defective O-rings and Pistons causing the vehicle to heavily consume oil, potentially leading to engine failure and poses and immediate safety risk to myself and family members as well as the driving public if there was to be an engine failure. I reached out to Volvo USA earlier today to express my dismay and shock that for one I was not notified of this potential safety recall. I was then to my chagrin informed that my vehicle was not involved/eligible for an extended warranty coverage in an earlier settlement that Volvo was involved in, but also to my surprise I came across a Class Action lawsuit filed against Volvo for deceptive practices related concealing prior knowledge of this safety defect related to the O-Rings and Pistons. (See attached docs for settled Lawsuit Action and an earlier issued Quality Bulletin-[XXX]: Issue Date 1-04-23). After reviewing these two documents, it is clear to me that the bulletin deployed as well as the settling of the NJDCA INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATIO

Filed Jan 13, 2024 · Engine · OH

The engine has started to burn excess oil prompting the service engine light to come up way before next oil change. Auto mechanic has to add 5 quarts oil between oil changes on regular basis now telling us the Dealership will need to address the issue. Suggested we replace O rings in engine which is costly repair with no guarantee will solve issue. Could not afford the expensive repair. Recent online research shows this is common issue in the S60 between 50k-100k miles. I Bought this car for daughter as it had every service check required and thinking it was safe reliable car but now risk her running out of oil and engine stop working. 2013 S60 with 90k miles should not have engine problems, especially a Volvo known for high quality. Disappointed that reburbished engine not offered. I am loyal to Volvo having had 2 previous ones but am not impressed with the servicing of this issue.

Filed Sep 10, 2023 · Engine · CA

The car consumes approx. 0,5 to 1,0 liters of oil per 1000 miles. The problem started around 60,000 miles and has slowly worsened. Volvo admits that there is a problem with the piston rings, and the only fix is an expensive oil consumption test followed by an engine teardown and rebuild

Filed Jul 23, 2023 · Engine · WA

Received a notification from Volvo USA, acknowledging an excessive oil consumption problem with certain model from 2013 to 2016, our 2013 S60 being one of them. Apparently it is a known design problem relating to pistons/ring, which can potentially damage the engine. This notification stated that Volvo voluntarily extended the warranty to 8 years and 100,000 miles, which of course excluded our 2013 S60! How is it that Volvo can get away with this?? Should this not be a recall? There was a class action against Volvo on this specific problem, but was resolved outside of court. This means that a handful of owners got compensated, but there are a lot more of us out here, trying to figure what to do about this!!! Do we need to start another class action? The government should not let corporations like Volvo get away with this!!! Please do something about this! 🙏🙏🙏

Filed Feb 14, 2023 · Engine · CT

Dash board message very low engine oil, drove home, called dealer and was seen next day. They videotaped my car in case the driving to the dealer caused damage. I paid for an oil change and was told to come every 5,000 miles or less. mileage 93,400 miles This is a known fire hazard for 2013 S60 Volvo.

Filed Feb 14, 2023 · Engine · OH

I own two 2013 S60 and both with excessive oil consumption. Having to add ~5 quarts per month. Brought this to Volvo's attention in 2019 and had Volvo service confirm excessive oil consumption.