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Volvo S60 oil consumption problems

63 of the 1,274 owner complaints about the Volvo S60 describe excessive oil consumption, most of them for the 2012 model year.

owner complaints
63
worst model year
2012
typical repair cost reported
$5,000
typical mileage
90,478
Is there a fix? There are 5 recalls for this area of the car. See below

By model year

What owners say

Filed Oct 22, 2026 · Engine · TN

I was sold a car with is not safe for me to drive and didn’t know it. It at one time had a safety recall and whoever at the the time never had it repaired but it has outdated piston rings that leads to progressive oil consumption, it’s misfiring and leads to catastrophic engine failure. It’s just don’t feel safe to drive in I’m disabled & can’t afford for new engine or one to be rebuilt and sure can’t afford to be broke down on the road because of my health. Is there any help you can get me to help get this fixed I’m in desperate need here to get back n forth to my doctors, safely . It’s been almost 2 wks since I got the car and not been able to drive it of fear of breaking down. The recall has been or waeranty is expired now and I really need help to get it fixed

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 Apr 22, 2026 · Engine · GA

I experienced an engine issue that I believe is related to excessive oil consumption and the lack of an oil pressure light warning. The car was driven out of town when a noise was heard coming from the engine. A visual inspection of the engine revealed smoke coming from the engine department when the oil cap was removed. The dipstick was checked and showed no visible oil on the stick. Later in that evening, 3 additional quarts of oil were added to the engine but the addition of oil did not remedy the noise from the engine. The final result was that the car was towed to a Volvo dealership in Florida for repair. I checked the status of the recalls (oil comsumption and no oil pressure light) and the status is closed. From what I can tell, this issue appears to be directly related to previous recalls for the vehicle.

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 Dec 10, 2025 · Engine · 90,900 miles · NY

The contact owns a 2015 Volvo S60. The contact stated that the vehicle was experiencing excessive oil consumption. The contact stated that the vehicle had consumed 3 quarts of oil after driving 2,100 miles. Additionally, the contact stated that the low oil pressure warning light only illuminated after the vehicle had consumed over 3 quarts of oil. The dealer was notified of the failure; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that an unknown related extended warranty would not be extended to repair the vehicle. The failure mileage was approximately 90,900.

Filed Jun 26, 2025 · Engine · TX

Vehicle Make/Model/Year: 2014 Volvo S60 Mileage at Failure: 111,000 Incident Description: I am reporting a complete engine failure in my 2014 Volvo S60 due to excessive oil consumption, a known defect in these models as documented in Volvo’s Quality Bulletin P10207. I purchased this vehicle used only 7 months ago, unaware of this defect. There was no notification of any warranty extension or known issue, and the vehicle showed no signs of oil leakage —it simply failed. Volvo has refused to assist me because the vehicle is now beyond 100,000 miles and 8 years, despite their documented acknowledgment of this design flaw. This is a serious safety issue that could have resulted in an accident had the engine seized at highway speed. I am requesting the federal safety agency investigate further or reopen the matter as a public safety concern.

Filed Dec 2, 2024 · Engine · PA

Requesting reimbursement from Volvo Cars USA for a known defect in the engine’s piston rings. This defect has resulted in excessive oil consumption and necessitated costly repairs. Volvo reached a legal settlement in May 2023 regarding this defect—which affects the piston rings, pistons, and/or piston heads in certain 2013–2016 models. I never received a recall notice or any communication from the company informing me of the issue and the extension of warranty for my car. Had I received a letter before the expiration of the 8-year extended warranty, I would have had the opportunity to have the oil consumption test performed and the piston ring repair completed, all at no cost to me per Volvo quality notice P10207. Vehicle: •Year/Model: 2015.5 Volvo S60, VIN [XXX] •Current Mileage: 92,850 •Purchase: Purchased new in 2015 from Volvo of Princeton, NJ (Princeton Volvo) and delivered at the factory in Gothenburg, Sweden May 2023 then shipped to Princeton Volvo in July 2023. •Maintenance History: The vehicle has been consistently serviced at either the Princeton Volvo dealership or at a local AAA-approved repair center. Defect Timeline (for details and costs incurred see full letter attached) 1.[XXX] (47,044 miles): “low oil” light came on. 2.April 2019–November 2024: oil additions needed each 750 to 1,000 miles. 3.September 01, 2023: Replaced oil trap. 4.January 8, 2024 (83,582 miles): Stage 1 oil consumption test. 5. January 29, 2024: Failed stage 2 of oil consumption test. Needed piston ring repair. 6.January – June 2024: Volvo Princeton and Volvo USA refused to cover full costs of repair. 7. November 2024: Piston rings replaced. Total Costs Incurred to Date: $1,431.68 Total Costs Incurred and Anticipated Costs: $2,065.68 I respectfully request full reimbursement from Volvo Cars USA for expenses incurred and anticipated due to this issue, totaling $2,065.68. Thank you for your attention to this matter. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed Oct 3, 2024 · Engine · IL

In November of 2021, I purchased my dream car, a 2016 Volvo s60 Cross Country, proud to own a vehicle from a company known for their safe and reliable vehicles. In April of 2022, a class action case ([XXX], et al., v. Volvo Car USA, LLC, Volvo Cars of North America, LLC, and Volvo Personvagnar AB) was issued against Volvo due to a KNOWN-TO-VOLVO DESIGN FLAW in their engines which could lead to engine failure. The case was settled out of court in early 2023 and Volvo issued an extended warranty for vehicles owners to take preventative measures against potential engine failure. Although my car is listed under the extended warranty, I was never sent any notice of it from Volvo. On [XXX], while driving on a highway, at speed limit, my 2016 Volvo s60 Cross Country's engine failed. I learned about the Extended Warranty from a the federal safety agency Quality Bulletin (Extended Warranty P10183: I5T Oil Consumption Replace; Model Year 20132016 S60, 2015-2016 V60, V60CC and XC60, 2016 XC70, S60CC and S60L) while researching the issue with my car online. I contacted Volvo Customer Care to ask why I was not sent notice and what they could do. I was told that to open a case with Volvo I would need a diagnostic from a dealership. On August 5, 2024, I took my car in for a diagnostic at Patrick Volvo Cars in Schaumburg, IL, from who I also purchased the car in 2021. August 6, 2024 I received a partial diagnostic and was told that they would require 10x the original diagnostic price to find the root of the issue in the engine. On the same day, I called Volvo customer care and opened a case. After weeks of little to no communication, on September 3 Volvo denied my case. I was not provided any opportunity to communicate over the phone with my case manager at Volvo - only after she sent me the decision did I receive a call from her to learn Volvo does not care about my side of the story. Please view attached documents for more details, thank you. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT

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 Jul 7, 2024 · Engine · AL

Discovered that my engine is burning oil. There was no warning from my vehicle or from Volvo (during regular maintenance) that this was happening. It was just sudden that the check engine light went on and I checked the oil and found that it was basically empty. Volvo confirmed that the engine is burning oil and that this model and make was discovered to have this engine issue. Volvo did not offer a solution other than to buy a new vehicle to replace this one. In my research online, this problem is common for this model and make 2012 S60 T5, may other have reported the same issue and it seems that there is a recall for this problem but my vehicle (VIN) does not report this to be a problem for my car. I’m not sure what to do.

Related recalls

Engine and engine cooling: engine: engine control module (ecu/ECM)Reported October 20, 2022 · 15,674 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Volvo Car USA, LLC (Volvo Car) is recalling certain 2022-2023 S60, V60, S90L, XC60, and XC90 vehicles. An electronic control module (ECM) software error may prevent the combustion engine from starting, causing a loss of drive power.
Risk
The vehicle may lose drive power as the high voltage battery is depleted, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Dealers will update the ECM software, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed December 8, 2022. Owners may contact Volvo Car's customer service at 1‑800‑458‑1552. Volvo Car's number for this recall is R10198.

Recall number 22V793000 · Recall details

Engine and engine cooling: engineReported November 22, 2013 · 30,929 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Volvo Cars of North America, LLC (Volvo) is recalling certain model year 2011-2012 S60 vehicles manufactured June 22, 2010, through May 14, 2012, and equipped with 5-cylinder B5254T5 (VIN code 62) engines. In the affected vehicles, the vehicle may not alert the driver of a low oil pressure situation.
Risk
Without being warned of a low oil pressure situation, the driver may continue to drive the vehicle until it stalls, which increases the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Volvo will notify owners, and dealers will update the vehicle's software so that the driver is alerted should there be a low oil pressure situation, free of charge. The recall began on January 10, 2014. Owners may contact Volvo at 1‑800‑458‑1552. Volvo's number for this campaign is R29436.

Recall number 13V592000 · Recall details

Engine and engine coolingReported November 17, 2010 · 6,046 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Volvo is recalling certain model year 2011, s80, s60, xc70 and xc60 vehicles. The software calibration for the fuel cut-off functionality in the engine control module (ECM) is too sensitive.
Risk
Sudden engine stall could occur increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Dealers will update the ECM and TCM with new software free of charge. The safety recall is expected to begin on or before december 10, 2010. Owners may contact volvo at 1‑800‑458‑1552 or at [email protected].

Recall number 10V579000 · Recall details

Engine and engine coolingReported June 5, 2007 · 32,189 vehicles affected
What is wrong
On certain passenger vehicles, the fuel pressure sensor located on the left end of the fuel rail may, at times, transmit incorrect signal regarding the fuel pressure to the engine control module. If the signal is outside of the pre-programmed allowable limits, a diagnostic trouble code may be set and the check engine light will come on. The soldered joints on the circuit board of the fuel pressure sensor may crack due to temperature changes and excessive vibrations.
Risk
Misfire may occur during driving that, in turn, will reduce the engine torque and in the worst case scenario, the engine may stall without warning. In certain traffic situations this could cause an unsafe situation and possibly a crash.
Remedy
Dealers will replace the fuel pressure sensor free of charge. The recall began on june 29, 2007. Owners may contact volvo at 1‑800‑458‑1552.

Recall number 07V226000 · Recall details

Engine and engine cooling: cooling system: fanReported September 13, 2004 · 149,799 vehicles affected
What is wrong
On certain passenger and sport utility vehicles, under certain operating conditions, some electric cooling fans may overheat potentially causing heat damage and, in rare instances, a fire in the engine compartment.
Risk
A fire in the engine compartment could occur.
Remedy
Dealers will replace the cooling fan. The recall began on november 29, 2004. Customers should contact volvo cars at 1‑800‑458‑1552.

Recall number 04V451000 · Recall details

Questions about the Volvo S60 oil consumption

Which Volvo S60 years have excessive oil consumption problems?

The model years with the most reports are 2012 (22 complaints), 2013 (20 complaints) and 2015 (10 complaints).

How much does it cost to fix excessive oil consumption on the Volvo S60?

Owners who mentioned a price put the repair at about $5,000 (median of 10 complaints that include a dollar amount). Costs vary with mileage, warranty and where the work is done.

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