Engine complaints by model year
| Year | Complaints | Share of year's complaints | Typical mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 1 | 5% | — |
| 2022 | 3 | 20% | 42,000 miles |
| 2021 | 1 | 13% | — |
| 2020 | 1 | 8% | — |
| 2019 | 1 | 4% | — |
| 2017 | 1 | 6% | 60,000 miles |
| 2016 | 9 | 35% | 87,000 miles |
| 2015 | 25 | 43% | 80,000 miles |
| 2014 | 12 | 48% | 75,000 miles |
| 2013 | 37 | 43% | 80,000 miles |
| 2012 | 62 | 51% | 86,000 miles |
| 2011 | 1 | 20% | 1,000 miles |
| 2008 | 2 | 20% | 123,000 miles |
| 2007 | 3 | 14% | 99,000 miles |
| 2006 | 9 | 29% | 76,000 miles |
| 2005 | 10 | 23% | 94,000 miles |
| 2004 | 85 | 43% | 82,000 miles |
| 2003 | 21 | 18% | 59,000 miles |
| 2002 | 17 | 9% | 102,000 miles |
| 2001 | 20 | 9% | 69,000 miles |
Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (engine, cooling system, oil leaks, timing chain, exhaust).
Mileage when the problem started
What owners report
The contact owns a 2022 Volvo S60. The contact stated while driving 40 MPH, the vehicle lost motive power. The contact stated that "Critical Safety Fault Battery - Stop and Service immediately" message was displayed. The contact was able to make it to work and had the vehicle towed to the dealer. The dealer diagnosed the vehicle and stated that the vehicle had experienced the failure listed in NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V793000 (Engine and Engine Cooling); however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was contacted, and a case was filed. The failure mileage was 42,000.
While reversing, the car came to a sudden abrupt halt and the check engine lamp and other warning lamps illuminated. The ignition was still active (the car was in hybrid mode, operating on battery for motive power only), I cycled the transmission to "D" and no forward movement occurred, also tried "R" and back to "D" with the same result - no movement. I cycled the ignition off and on, the engine started and the car could be moved. CEL still on. I scanned the car and found permanent DTC's U0111 (Lost Communication with Battery Energy Control Module) and U0120 (U0120 Lost Communication with Starter Generator Control Module). After several key on key off events, the CEL extinguished and battery motive power was again available. The DTC's are still in memory. …
At 86K miles can smell oil burning and add 1 quart light comes on. It's said Volvo is aware of a defect with the piston rings causing oil to consume and burn away. They aren't willing to address the issue outside warranty expiration. They did recently indicate how Volvo changed the requirement for using 5W30 oil to claim now Volvo changed there minds. How now only 0W20 full synthetic oil must be used. The label under the hood says use 5W30 only. It appears that Volvo is changing oil types because they know there's an issue with the piston rings and is trying to cover up a defect by doing so.
The alternator seized on the highway snapping the serpentine belt which got sucked into the timing and stopped the car in the left lane at highway speed. The timing guard failed allowing the belt to damage the timing. Volvo says it needs a head job I have possession of the vehicle and all maintenance records. Cars behind me dodged onto the shoulder to avoid hitting me. There was no warning. Furthermore this is a known problem a quick search of Volvo forums turned up over a dozen cars with insufficient timing guards
The contact owns a 2015 Volvo S60. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the contact noticed a warning light and message stating to pull over. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact pulled the vehicle over to the side of the road and called the manufacturer about the error message. The manufacturer informed the contact to add engine oil to the vehicle. The contact added engine oil to the vehicle to drive to her destination. The following day the contact took the vehicle to the local dealer for an oil change however, the failure recurred several times. The contact took the vehicle back to the local dealer who inspected the vehicle and performed an oil consumption test and diagnosed the failure as an oil filter housing leak. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. …
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.
I was driving my car and one day I got a warning to stop car immediately that there was no oil. I get regular oil changes and maintenance. I checked the oil and it was empty. There are no leaks, nothing burning out of the exhaust. I added oil and 2 weeks later same warning, I have to add oil 1-2 times a month. I took the car to Volvo and they couldn't find an issue. I took the car to family mechanic and he said there is a known issue w Volvo cars pistons rings going bad and causing oil to burn. He said there is a class action law suit about this very thing. I took the car back to Volvo dealer and they found the issue and want $8000 to correct it. Volvo knows about their faulty piston rings. They even acknowledged it at the dealer and told me to put something in my oil and keep adding oil monthly. They told me the car will be fine as along as I add oil. …
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 NHTSA investigate further or reopen the matter as a public safety concern.
Related recalls (5)
Engine and engine cooling › Engine › Engine control module (ECU/ECM)
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.
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.
Engine and engine cooling › Engine
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.
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.
Engine and engine cooling
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.
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 customercare@volvoforlife.com.
Engine and engine cooling
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.
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.
Engine and engine cooling › Cooling system › Fan
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.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the cooling fan. The recall began on November 29, 2004. Customers should contact Volvo cars at 1-800-458-1552.
Frequently asked questions
Which Volvo S60 years have engine problems?
By NHTSA complaints, the 2004 (85), 2012 (62), 2013 (37), 2015 (25) and 2003 (21) model years. Engine complaints make up 43% of all complaints for the 2004.
Is there a recall for Volvo S60 engine problems?
Yes — 5 recalls, including 22V-793 (engine control module (ecu/ecm), Oct 20, 2022); 13V-592 (engine, Nov 22, 2013); 10V-579 (engine and engine cooling, Nov 17, 2010). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers; check a specific car with the VIN recall check.
At what mileage do Volvo S60 engine problems start?
Across all years, half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 81,000 miles; 17% happened before 50,000 miles.
What part fails most often?
Owners most often name the engine (25 mentions), followed by the exhaust system › emission control (4).
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.