Volvo S60 loss of power problems

Filed Oct 18, 2026 · Engine, Fuel system · TN

As soon as I bought the car heading home . They put oil in car and by time I got home the car had consumed at least a qrt , it misfired And seemed to lose power and didn’t think I would make it home before breaking down but luckily I did . I did research and Called Volvo of Cool Springs, they checked the data base and told me that previous owner had never had the piston rings updated and would cause high oil consumption leading to catastrophic engine failure & would have to have engine rebuilt or whole new engine with updated pistons , which the dealership never told me about or anything about it because the repairs where never fixed when there was a open recall . The vehicle suffers from a critical, systemic manufacturing defect involving defective piston rings that results in sudden, severe engine oil consumption and subsequent engine misfires. The vehicle consumes oil at an alarming rate without any external leaks, putting it at imminent risk of catastrophic engine failure while in motion. This issue causes sudden power loss and stalling while driving at highway speeds, creating an extreme safety hazard to the driver, passengers, and other vehicles on the road. Volvo is fully aware of this widespread manufacturing defect and previously issued an extended warranty/recall program for these exact defective piston rings, which has since expired. This leaving consumers exposed to sudden, dangerous mechanical breakdowns. A formal safety investigation is urgently requested to address the inherent engine failure hazards posed by these defective components.it wasn’t a wreck or accident but it could of been the way car was acting after leaving dealership and it’s because of faulty piston rings that the engine is a ticking time bomb and no way I can afford new engine or one to be rebuilt . They should be liable for selling a lemon it could permantky break down at anytime with the faulty piston rings and I’m disabled to me that’s not only bad business but a safety hazard

Filed Sep 17, 2026 · Engine · 15,000 miles · TN

The contact owns a 2015 Volvo S60. The contact stated that on several occasions, the vehicle hesitated while starting. Upon starting, the vehicle shuddered, vibrated, lost power, and entered Limp mode. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds on several occasions, the vehicle stalled. The vehicle was restarted after each failure; however, after the last occurrence, the vehicle took longer to restart. The check engine warning light blinked on several occasions. The vehicle was driven to the contact's residence and later taken to an independent mechanic for diagnosis. The contact was informed that the engine had failed, and the piston rings or the engine needed to be replaced. The failure mileage was 150,000.

Filed Dec 10, 2025 · Engine, Transmission · CA

My Volvo S60 has developed excessive oil consumption consistent with the condition described in Volvo’s “Engine Oil Consumption” extended-warranty notice. I only received this notice after my vehicle had already passed the 8-year/100,000-mile eligibility period, preventing me from accessing the program intended for this defect. I visited an authorized Volvo dealer regarding the oil-consumption issue, and the dealer recommended performing Volvo’s official oil-consumption test. Before authorizing the test, I asked Volvo to cover the cost and confirm reimbursement eligibility. Volvo declined these requests, requiring me to pay for the test and any related repairs. I proceeded with the official oil-consumption test at my own expense, and the results confirmed abnormal oil consumption. Despite this, Volvo again declined reimbursement or goodwill assistance and did not provide any written, technical explanation based on the confirmed test results. This condition poses safety concerns, including possible engine damage, stalling, or sudden loss of power if oil drops unexpectedly. To maintain safe operation, I must frequently check and top off the oil. I also previously owned another Volvo model (XC60 2015.5) equipped with the same engine family, which experienced a piston-ring failure in late 2021. At that time, the recommended repair was piston-ring replacement—the same repair now recommended for this S60. Volvo declined coverage for that prior failure as well. Experiencing similar defects in two Volvo vehicles with the same engine family suggests a broader pattern that may impact safety. I am reporting this issue to the federal safety agency because: • Volvo sent the program notice only after my vehicle was no longer eligible. • Volvo denied reimbursement despite a confirmed defect. • The defect creates safety risks due to potential loss of power. • My experience aligns with reported patterns of excessive oil consumption and piston-ring failures in this engine family.

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 Jul 8, 2024 · Airbags, Electrical · OR

2004 volvo s60 purchased the car used in sept 04. On 7/8/24 stranded at 7-11 car wouldn't start. Acting as if there was power loss, AC went off, brake failure light on panel, power windows and locks did not work, temp 105 outside , then driver panel went black., I was scared. Engine wouldn't start. Finally, after waiting 10 minutes...it started running but was sluggish. Radio was on, power door, locks, and windows, did not work. Cut the car off and back on, all power returned, now check engine and air bag trouble on panel. Called volvo dealer next day near my home, they can not see my car til next week tuesday. Can not access engine box, must go to dealer.

Filed Jan 10, 2024 · Electrical, Engine · CA

On June 2, 2023 I went to start my car and the engine would not turn over. The dashboard displayed a number of warning lights and messages (DSTC Service Required, SRS Airbag Service Urgent, Transmission Service Required, Coolant System Service Required). When the tow truck driver arrived later that day, they tried to jumpstart my car but reported the battery was completely dead. I had the car taken to a local shop that specialized in Volvo cars. A few days later the shop called to tell me that not only was the battery dead, but my car key was no longer responding, and that the Engine Control Module "exploded." None of the mechanics at the shop had seen such a thing before. The shop also told me that they could not figure out what had been draining the battery. I was advised to reach out to the dealership. I did and happened to meet with the general manager and a lead technician who happened to be on site. I was told that while rare, the Engine Control Module can "explode." I was willing to drop the matter until I started seeing "Low Battery" warnings in early Sept. of 2023. I was finally able to get the car into the dealership on 1/2/24. After talking with the mechanic, he suggested that the satellite radio in my car was continuously draining my battery and to resolve the problem all they would need to do is download new software. A few hours later the mechanic confirmed that my car needed an RDAR upgrade to stop the battery drainage. I do not understand how the dealership could sell me the car without checking to make sure the software had been upgraded in the first place. RDAR failure is not something that pops up as a recall or major safety concern. If the car had lost power while in motion, there could have been serious consequences.

Filed Dec 19, 2023 · Engine · NC

Surpintine belt shredded due to faulty belt tensioner. Shreds of belt wedged between crankshaft timing sprocket on engine causing engine to jump timing while driving down highway and vehicle lost all power and very hard to steer due to all valves in motor bent because of poor design. Definitely a safety concern. Volvo is aware but does nothing. 11,000 dollars to replace engine.

Filed Aug 12, 2019 · Fuel system · 85,000 miles · VA

The low pressure fuel sensor on these vehicles is known by manufacturer to fail. This failure can cause hard start conditions, taking over 5 seconds at times to start the vehicle. The main danger of this comes from the fact this is a vehicle equipped with auto stop/start technology. I have experienced near misses due to coming to a stop at a stop sign and then taking over 5 seconds on occasion for the vehicle to restart the engine. On vehicles with worn fuel pumps this issue could manifest as loss of power under heavy engine load, such as climbing a hill or accelerating from a stop. The failure mode is open circuit, meaning at some point prior to failure there is also a chance of high resistance which on a fuel system component could lead to excessive heat and fire. The manufacturer is aware of the issue and has issued an extended warranty for the part was offered for 8 years 80,000 miles. I do not believe this is an appropriate response and a recall should be issued for the part due to its safety related consequences.

Filed Jan 28, 2019 · Engine · 115,000 miles · CA

Tl* the contact owns a 2012 volvo s60. While driving 30 MPH, the vehicle lost power and the engine seized. The contact stated that the vehicle exhibited the same symptoms as listed in the federal safety agency campaign number: 13v592000 (engine and engine cooling). The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who diagnosed the vehicle and stated that the engine seized. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The dealer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 115,000.

Filed Nov 3, 2017 · Engine · 90,112 miles · AZ

Car is volvo s60 2004 trim 2.4 4 door sedan fwd has 90317 miles on it. From last few weeks when I am driving vehicle it starts losing power and a warning come try slow down or shift up and my check engine light started blinking. This happened 4 times in last 1 week as the result I need to pull my car to safe place and restart that and then it runs better. This has really put me in danger to myself and other people on road. I am scare of driving the car in multiple lane roads in other lanes. I am now driving it on right lane only so that keep myself and other people safe for quick pull over if needed. Check engine gives me code p0171 and p0300. I went on line and followed advice and changed spark plugs, ignition coils and also oxygen sensor but no difference. Still car did same thing when I was driving with my family. I went on line and saw that many people have that issue with volvo s60 of this year and model and struggling. I think this is some volvo s 60 2004 model recall issue as it is creating accidental hazard to the owner of the car and the other traffic. Dr takyar