The vehicle is experiencing repeated, unpredictable engine stalling while in motion and under active acceleration. The engine cuts out completely within 15–30 seconds or after several minutes of driving, without displaying any check-engine lights or diagnostic warning messages. This presents an immediate, severe safety hazard to the driver, passengers, and surrounding motorists on public roads. The vehicle is currently grounded as it is unsafe to operate.
Volvo XC60 stalling problems
22 of the 660 owner complaints about the Volvo XC60 describe engine stalls while driving, most of them for the 2015 model year.
- owner complaints
- 22
- worst model year
- 2015
- typical mileage
- 15,500
By model year
- 20231
- 20222
- 20211
- 20171
- 20164
- 20155
- 20141
- 20132
- 20121
- 20111
- 20103
Often reported together
Won't start 3Oil consumption 2Knocking 2Engine failure 2Check engine light 2Water leak 1Won't shift 1Steering lock-up 1
What owners say
Engine suffered severe mechanical damage/failure due to excessive oil consumption caused by defective factory piston rings (Volvo Quality Bulletin P10207). Vehicle exhibited heavy engine knocking and flashing warning lights during operation, creating a risk of sudden stall or complete power loss. Annapolis Volvo confirmed severe internal engine failure via dealer diagnostic invoice. Purchased vehicle only 10 months ago under 100k miles (currently 98k), long after Bulletin P10207's quiet expiration. Volvo never notified subsequent purchasers of this known defect, and front-line Consumer Care repeatedly issued automated denials without reviewing dealer diagnostic uploads or appeals. Annapolis Volvo quoted $14k–$17k for a used engine and ~$26k for a new engine—repair costs that exceed the entire purchase price and value of the vehicle, rendering an acknowledged, severe safety defect financially unresolvable. The video of the dealer diagnostic test that shows the catastrophic engine failure is directly related to this Quality Bulletin: [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
I repeatedly lost propulsion or shut down while driving. The vehicle would not shift into Drive or Reverse and would not move, although displays and lights remained powered. This occurred three times in approximately two weeks. One event occurred at approximately 55 mph. I had to call the police for help. This after Hudson Valley Property Maintence the two previous stalls had been fixed. Dealer performed software update/reinstall and test drove vehicle approximately 30 miles, but the same failure returned and vehicle required towing. This is a repeated highway-speed safety defect. This vehicle is a safety hazard, and I am afraid for my life. The first two tow truck drivers were not able to get it on a flatbed without dragging it which we chose not to do. It took a third tow truck driver with special equipment to lift the car and tow it. This process took five hours on the hottest day and alone while other cars were coming at me at 60 mph. I had to call the police for help. There was no police report filed. Just a quote to dispatch to send officers to control a dangerous situation. The toe was through Volvo roadside assistance.
Reporting a manufacturing defect in a 2022 Volvo XC60. The vehicle developed a metallic ticking noise in the timing area, audible at idle. Symptoms strictly match Volvo Technical Journal 36551.9.1 (the federal safety agency ID: MC-11015995-0001) regarding faulty camshaft seals. The noise disappeared when the oil filler cap was loosened, exactly as described in the TJ. An authorized Volvo dealer confirmed the defect and replaced the camshaft seals per Volvo’s protocol (Work Act No. ЗН-0131107). This repair completely resolved the issue, proving it was a manufacturing fault. The manufacturer refused warranty coverage citing 'salvage title' status, without proving any causal link between the title and this specific engine defect. Failure of timing components poses a significant safety risk, including sudden engine stall or oil leaks during operation. The owner was forced to pay out-of-pocket for the repair of a recognized factory defect. Supporting documents and video evidence are available upon request.
Engin shut off while driving and would not start again. Fortunately, this happened in a parking lot. If this happened on a highway, there could have been a bad outcome. When the car shut off the steering became very heavy. Dealer says it was a result of skipped timing. Timing belt did not break and has about 10,000 miles on it. Dealer provided no reason as to why this happened. No warning signs and no warning lights before this happened.
The contact owns a 2022 Volvo XC60. The contact stated while driving 50 MPH, the vehicle decelerated independently and then stalled. The contact pulled over to the side of the roadway and turned off the vehicle. While attempting to restart the vehicle, the vehicle failed to restart. The vehicle was towed back to residence and then towed to a dealer to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that there was coolant leaking into the engine, and the battery needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The VIN was not included in the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 22V793000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING). The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.
Vehicle failed to start after short trip (<5 miles) with no electrical power present. Jump started from another car after approximately 1/2 hour. Drove car to home, car stalled in driveway again with no electrical power. Replaced 5 year old battery car started fine then stalled on road during test drive while approaching an intersection and suffered loss of all electrical power including inoperative hazard flashers. Transmission went into park and car could not be moved out of active traffic lane. Car towed to repair shop where cracked fuse at positive battery terminal found (see photos attached). Repair shop contacted a Volvo dealer and was informed they typically see a couple vehicles a week for same issue.
Purchased the vehicle sometime in 2021. Been dealing with oil consumption issues since then. Always maintained the vehicle per manufacturer recommendations. At first I had to top off the oil here and there and didn’t think much of it. Forward to Sept 2023 I have to add a quart every 500 miles. I began to research about the oil consumption problem and learned the following: There was a letter that was sent out to Volvo owners in Feb 2023 about a service bulletin regarding an oil consumption test and if the vehicle fails the oil consumption test then Volvo will replace piston rings or engine. They would also extend the warranty. The free oil test applies to vehicles within 8yrs or 100k. I never received the letter because I was the second owner. I called Volvo North America and they confirmed that the previous owner was listed on their end and that previous owner must’ve received the letter. If I had received the letter in Feb 2023 then I would be within that 8yr time frame and that would qualify me for repairs. I asked Volvo for grace to be included in the free oil consumption test. They said no because I was outside the time frame which was 3 months. Only 3 months! I never received the letter and I had to research on my own. I never received that letter and if I had received the letter then I would’ve taken it immediately to Volvo for the free oil test consumption. I believe this is a serious safety problem because at one point the engine will seize and could stall on the interstate due to the excessive oil consumption. Please look into this safety issue. A sudden seizure of engine leads to a sudden stall at interstate speeds which can cause a major collision and I know the federal safety agency is all about safety for operators of vehicles. Thank you!!
There was (still is) an issue with my 2016 Volvo XC60's electrical wiring. I was driving, about to get onto the highway when my volvo stalled on the on ramp. It wouldn't start, it couldn't be jumped. It had to be towed to the repair shop. They charged me over $1,000.00 for a brand new starter, and after they did it started for one day and then it broke down again. I couldn't even drive it out of the repair shop. I had to get it towed again. The dealership said it was an electrical/wiring issue that could be very expensive. I have found out that there was a recall for 2015 XC60 Volvos for wiring/electrical issues causing the vehicle to stall. However my 2016 volvo XC60 does not qualify per the repair show due to the date it was manufactured. I'm submitting this form for a safety issue because volvo clearly KNEW about this issue enough to need recalls for 2015s. There should also be recalls for this same wiring/electrical issue in 2016s.
"Failure Charging" warning advisory light came on the dashboard. This problem has been going on for the whole ten years I have owned this vehicle. I am the original owner of this Volvo and had some engine warning on the dashboard since the first month. I took vehicle in to the Culver City Volvo for 1000 miles check-up and annual oil change and check-up for 5 years under warranty and requested software update and reported the engine stalling during the first month. The "failure charging" or "engine check" or "dangerous" "immediate" repair needed signs came on sometimes and did not come on other time. When the "failure charging" sign comes on and the engine is turned off and restarted the warning would go away sometimes. I believe this is a Volvo vehicle computer software malfunction. I reported this problem to the dealer for 5 years during annual service appointments. This problem was not solved and I have lived with this, stupidly patient for 10 years. Today, problem light came on during biennial smog check for vehicle license renewal and failed the smog test. So, I informed the mechanic and tried a second test several minutes later and passed the second time because the software problem did not surface this time. So, my question is: has this Volvo software problem been reported by others as I have heard by word of mouth that this software problem is found on Volvo cars? And, has there been a recall to fix this Volvo software problem? When this "failure charging" sign comes on, it is very worrisome and makes me feel the vehicle may stop on the road.
Related recalls
Engine and engine cooling: engine: engine control module (ecu/ECM)
- 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
- 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
Questions about the Volvo XC60 stalling
Which Volvo XC60 years have engine stalls while driving problems?
The model years with the most reports are 2015 (5 complaints), 2016 (4 complaints) and 2010 (3 complaints).
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