2016 Volvo XC90: engine failure

Filed Jul 17, 2026 · Engine · NC

Piston rings inside the engine failed due to a known oil consumption issue with this model vehicle. The engine failed while the car was driving 85 mph and consequently slowed down to 15mph on the highway, leaving the owner of the car stranded alone on the highway. Volvo has a known fix for this issue and there was a class action lawsuit for it, but since it was settled, there was no recall. This is, in fact, a dangerous issue that is preventable. Additionally, the sunroof drains also leak. Water frequently leaks down the A-pillar directly onto the Central Electronic Module (CEM) causing unsafe electrical issues and potential engine failure. This was a known issue on other models, but it is also present in this model vehicle. When I tried to fix this under a warranty contract, I was denied by the certified repair shops.

Filed Jun 26, 2026 · Engine, Fuel system · ND

My 2016 Volvo XC90 suddenly lost power while I was driving, requiring me to pull over and have the vehicle towed. This is a documented safety issue associated with a known piston ring defect in 2013-2016 Volvo vehicles equipped with 2.0L and 2.5L engines, which was the subject of a federal class action lawsuit ([XXX] et al. v. Volvo Car USA, LLC, Case No. XXX, filed XXX. No there we NO warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure. I purchased this vehicle as a second owner from Carvana [XXX] — one month after the class action was filed. I was never notified of the defect, the litigation, or any service campaign or extended warranty coverage associated with this VIN, through Carvana nor Volvo. Since the power loss, I have spent $11,543.75 in out-of-pocket repairs (replacement engine, labor, towing). Despite a new engine being installed, the vehicle enters limp mode within one mile of driving. A Volvo-authorized dealer has quoted an additional $19,959.65 in repairs without certifying that the work will resolve the safety issue. Volvo Customer Care has declined to assist, stating their internal service campaign has concluded. I am submitting this safety complaint because sudden, unexplained power loss in a moving vehicle is a significant safety hazard, and because second owners of affected vehicles were never properly notified of the defect. I never knew nor was this disclosed to me before purchase from Carvana nor told to me by Volvo. I was in the middle of nowhere and I was not sure what to do and being a single woman, I was unsafe and scared. What ever this issue is Volvo and the dealer in South Dakota (where it is parked right now) as I had it towed on June 5th, and they don't want to help nor fix my vehicle. I need my catering business vehicle as this is a very concerning for my loss of use for over a year now for my catering part of my business. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed Jan 23, 2026 · Engine · NC

*the engine is the part that failed due to excessive oil consumption. *it became a safety risk once it started selecting its own driving speed after dropping driving speed to 31mph on [XXX in Raleigh. *the problem was confirmed by the dealer, Volvo of Cary *it has not been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others *upon a service visit our technician, Ray Rancell of Volvo of Cary advised that the engine was leaking oil and engine failure would occur if we didn't take care of it so we did to a total of $2879.74 which would keep the engine from seizing. That means we paid to prevent exactly what happened anyway and as I found out later he did not perform an oil consumption test so he had no way of knowing the shape the engine was in but charged for this work anyway. The repair invoice says the customer stated oil leaking on timing belt but that is incorrect. I would have no way of knowing that as the only thing i know about cars is replinishg fluids. We did have to replinish oil often and advised Ray of that but he said it was normal. Thank God I was able to get into the slow lane and prevented any accident but my and my daughter's life was certainly put at risk. There is a known recall for excessive oil consumption which I fould out about later. When I questioned Volvo they said my VIN number was not included in the recall. Clearly, it should have been. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed Jan 23, 2026 · Engine · MD

My vehicle was signaling me to add oil every 600 - 1000 miles around 85,000 miles. The dealership charged me for a chemical treatment to stop the oil burning around 90,000 miles. At about 95,000 miles, my engine failed while driving on the interstate. There was no warning light or degradation of power. Suddenly, the engine lost power, went into limp mode and I could not maintain highway speed. The display flashes "Engine Performance Reduced." My SUV is now parked in my yard. I have paid two Volvo dealerships and a Volvo repair shop to inspect it. They reported oil burning, cylinder scoring and spark plug failure. There is scoring in the #3 cylinder and there is also no compression in the #3 cylinder. They further advised me that ALL engines that fit in my vehicle will experience this oil burning issue and the subsequent pathway to failure. I see evidence that this is a known issue with 2.0L and 2.5L Volvo engines between 2013-16. Of particular note is that several other owners have experienced failure in the #3 cylinder. There is an issue of clogged rings causing oil burning. Oil burning leads to damage to internal engine components like pistons, spark plugs, valves and etc..causing engine failure and ultimately engine fires. Oil burning extends into the exhaust system and also damages catalytic converters leading to failure of those components and even fires. I understand Volvo issued Tech Journals to dealerships but, to date, this information has not been published to the consumer that we may be made hole. This is a major design flaw that creates an expensive and extremely dangerous situation affecting numerous engine parts subject to high levels of heat during engine operation. Any of these parts are susceptible to spontaneously combusting during operation and without warning. It is an extremely dangerous situation. However, I see no evidence of a recall on my vehicle.

Filed Oct 20, 2025 · Engine, Fuel system · IN

On September 30, 2025, a 2016 Volvo XC90 T6 experienced sudden engine failure while driving westbound on I-75 (Alligator Alley) at highway speed. The vehicle abruptly went into reduced power mode (“turtle mode”) without warning. This forced the driver to stop on the roadside, creating a serious safety hazard in fast-moving traffic. Component/system that failed: Engine / Power Train. An independent repair facility performed diagnostics on October 6, 2025, including a compression test. Results confirmed that one cylinder had lost compression due to a failed cylinder head. The mechanic attributed this to excessive oil consumption from defective piston rings, a condition documented in Volvo technical bulletins. Inspection: The vehicle was inspected by an independent service center. Photos and test results are available for inspection upon request. The manufacturer was contacted and denied assistance, citing mileage, despite known oil consumption defects in this engine family. Safety risk: The sudden loss of power at highway speed put the driver and other motorists at risk of collision. With no advance warning, the driver was left stranded on a dangerous stretch of interstate. Reproduction: The failure has been confirmed through diagnostic testing and inspection by the independent service center. Manufacturer/police/insurance inspection: The manufacturer has been notified, but no inspection by Volvo has occurred to date. No police or insurance inspection was performed. Warning messages or lamps: Prior to the breakdown, no warning lamps or messages indicated impending failure. The first and only symptom was the sudden loss of power on the highway. Incident cause assessment: Based on mechanic’s findings, the underlying cause is piston ring/oil consumption defect leading to cylinder head failure. This defect is widely reported in Volvo vehicles with this engine and represents a safety-related condition.

Filed Sep 17, 2024 · Brakes, Engine · 140,000 miles · SC

The contact owns a 2016 Volvo XC90. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the oil light illuminated. The contact stated that the failure was related to the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 19V308000 (Engine and Engine Cooling). The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed that an oil change was needed. The vehicle was repaired. The vehicle was taken to another local dealer, who informed the contact that the vehicle was consuming oil and informed the contact about an oil consumption test. The contact was informed that a spark plug had exploded in the engine. The engine was replaced. The contact noticed that water was entering inside the vehicle. There was water dripping on the entertainment center, and the pixels were half out. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed that the infotainment screen needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. While driving at unknown speeds, the brakes became inoperable. While at a car wash, the fenders detached. After driving for several hours, the turn off engine message was displayed. The contact added additional coolant, but the coolant depleted quickly. The vehicle was taken back to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed that the engine line had split open. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was contacted, and opened a case but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 140,000.

Filed Jul 8, 2024 · Engine · 175,000 miles · NY

The contact owns a 2016 Volvo XC90. The contact stated that after starting the vehicle, the vehicle failed to accelerate above 15 MPH while depressing the accelerator pedal. The contact stated that a turtle warning symbol appeared on the instrument panel along with an "Engine System Reduced Performance" message displayed. The contact called the dealer and had the vehicle towed to the dealer location. After two days of diagnostic testing, the contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced due to engine failure. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 175,000.

Filed Jun 4, 2024 · Engine, Fuel system · AZ

The vehicle exhibits excessive oil consumption due to defective oil control rings, as highlighted by Quality Bulletin P10186. Additionally, the sunroof leaks, as noted in Technical Journal 31272 and TJ 35503.3.0, and there are further issues with the windshield wiper/turn signal system, the parking brake system, and the steering wheel module. Yes, the vehicle is available for inspection upon request. The excessive oil consumption and related engine issues can lead to engine damage and potential failure while driving, posing a serious safety risk. The sunroof leakage could impair visibility and cause electrical failures. The persistent dashboard warning messages and system malfunctions further distract and endanger the driver and others on the road. Yes, the problem has been reproduced and confirmed by various dealers and independent service centers, as indicated by numerous customer cases, court rulings, and a class-action lawsuit. Yes, the vehicle has been inspected by the manufacturer and documented in various technical journals and bulletins. There is no specific mention of inspection by police or insurance representatives. Yes, there were several warning lamps and messages, including the low oil light, Check Engine light, and messages related to the parking brake and windshield wiper/turn signal system. Symptoms such as slow acceleration, loss of power, higher tailpipe emissions, and a foul odor from the exhaust were also observed. These issues appeared shortly after acquiring the vehicle and persisted despite multiple repair attempts. The incident is primarily caused by engineering flaws and faulty materials, particularly the defective oil control rings leading to excessive oil consumption. Despite engine replacements, the problem persisted, indicating a fundamental design flaw. The sunroof leakage and other system malfunctions further suggest widespread safety and durability issues in the vehicle, rendering it unsafe to operate.

Filed May 2, 2024 · Engine, Fuel system · MA

The contact owns a 2016 Volvo XC90. The contact stated that both oil and coolant would frequently be added to the engine as both the check engine and oil warning lights would appear on the instrument panel. The vehicle was taken to the dealer on multiple occasions where the crank shaft seal and fuel injectors were replaced; however, the failure persisted. One day while driving at 50 MPH, the vehicle began to hesitate upon depression of the accelerator pedal as the turtle warning light appeared on the instrument panel which indicated that there was reduced engine performance. The contact managed to drive the vehicle to Herb Chambers Volvo Cars of Norwood(1120 Providence Hwy #1, Norwood, MA 02062) where they were informed that contact that the fourth engine chamber had burned out which lead to engine failure. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The vehicle had yet to be repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 93,000.

Filed Jun 27, 2023 · Engine · GA

My 2016 Volvo XC90's engine has suffered from high oil consumption that has required excessive servicing and additions of motor oil. These issues began several years ago when the XC90's low oil warning message appeared. The local Volvo dealership said my XC90 had an oil leak and it would cost over $10,000 to determine the source of the leak. So the Volvo dealership suggested that I regularly put 2 quarts of oil in the engine every couple hundred miles, which I have done. Despite the Volvo dealership's speculative guess, no oil leakage was ever seen and there was never any oil pooling under the vehicle. Then on Sunday, June 25, 2023, out of nowhere a "reduced engine performance" message popped up. The XC90 swerved, almost causing a wreck, while greatly decreasing speed in traffic on the interstate. I was barely able to get to the next exit where the engine died. Our car had to be towed over 30 miles to the nearest Volvo dealership. The engine was leaking oil throughout the engine compartment, including fully coating the spark plugs. Additionally, the motor mount is broken in multiple places causing the engine to shake wildly. Now I am told the engine is destroyed and will cost $20,000-$24,000 to replace. Volvo knows about the defective pistons and piston rings in the 2016 XC90 engines, as illustrated by Technical Journal 31216.6.0, but has never issued a recall. The local Volvo service dept. never checked, much less replaced the defective pistons and piston rings, even though it knew or should have known the defect could require the engine to be replaced. In speaking with Volvo customer service, I was advised that Volvo service technicians are not required to follow the service solutions found in the technical journal. Volvo's failure to recall the defective engines has now exposed my family, including my baby, to unnecessary danger, but also exposed us to grossly excessive costs/expenses due to known defects. A recall should be required for all 2016 XC90 engines.

Filed May 16, 2023 · Engine, Fuel system · FL

My XC90 had the oil consumption issue that I started reporting at 50K miles and Volvo finally performed a piston ring replacement at 80K miles under a service action. Fuel injectors were also replaced by the Dealer. On our first long distance trip from Tallahassee to Atlanta, the car lost all power and stopped on I-75, almost killing us. It had to be towed and the dealer says that the engine was flooded by fuel due to fuel pump module failure causing fuel injectors to stay activated and engine needs to be replaced. I believe that the issue was caused by the repair not being done correctly or the time it took Volvo to take responsibility for the oil consumption issue and subsequent repair.

Filed Apr 22, 2021 · Engine · 105,000 miles · DE

Tl* the contact owns a 2016 volvo xc90. The contact stated while driving 70 MPH, the vehicle started losing motive power as the reduced engine performance warning light illuminated. The contact had the vehicle towed to florence toyota (2300 w. Palmetto st, florence, sc 29501) where the mechanic replaced the spark plugs however, cylinder #2 was still unresponsive. The vehicle was then towed to beach volvo (855 jason blvd #2, myrtle beach, sc 29577) where the vehicle was diagnosed and she was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The contact then had the vehicle transferred to stillman volvo cars (1290 wilmington pike, west chester, pa 19382) where she was informed that a piece of cylinder had fractured and it appeared as though rodents might have tampered with the cylinder leading to the engine failure. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and a claim was filed. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 105,000.