NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
Engine complaints
36 reportsClear category filterMileage unknown · May 13, 2025
EnginePower TrainSteering
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 experience…
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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)
NHTSA ODI #11660749
Mileage unknown · Oct 21, 2024
Engine
I was driving approximately 65 MPH on the highway and suddenly my car started shuttering, stuttering, and my check engine light started blinking. My car started slowing down as if it was having trouble accelerating. I also received a warning message that said, “Reduce speed or shift up.” I only have 123,263 miles on the vehicle.…
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I was driving approximately 65 MPH on the highway and suddenly my car started shuttering, stuttering, and my check engine light started blinking. My car started slowing down as if it was having trouble accelerating. I also received a warning message that said, “Reduce speed or shift up.” I only have 123,263 miles on the vehicle. My mechanic informed me I was having a cylinder 2 misfire and that my exhaust valve burnt up. I also need a new timing belt. This is not the first time I’ve had a cylinder misfire on this car, so I believe there is something faulty in this vehicle. As a result of this incident, I pulled over on the highway and waited for a tow truck.
NHTSA ODI #11621005
Mileage unknown · Aug 23, 2024
Engine
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 num…
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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.
NHTSA ODI #11610422
Mileage unknown · May 19, 2024
Engine
car has high oil consumption. takes a full oil change every month
NHTSA ODI #11589549
Mileage unknown · Jan 29, 2024
Engine
I currently own a 2013 S60 2.5L T5 sedan (See Vin # referenced in Subject Line) that recently began displaying on the DIC the following alert/error messages: •Low Oil/No Oil Pressure alert My vehicle only has 67,400 miles on the engine and I am the 2nd owner of the vehicle purchasing it with only 19,560 miles or so, approximate…
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I currently own a 2013 S60 2.5L T5 sedan (See Vin # referenced in Subject Line) that recently began displaying on the DIC the following alert/error messages: •Low Oil/No Oil Pressure alert My vehicle only has 67,400 miles on the engine and I am the 2nd owner of the vehicle purchasing it with only 19,560 miles or so, approximately 3.2 yrs ago. Due to my distance from home to the nearest authorized local Volvo dealership (Manasquan NJ), when this warning came up on the car, I immediately took it to an authorized ASE local service repair shop. This vehicle’s oil has always been changed within Volvo manufacturer recommended oil change intervals, so I know that was not a potential cause. I did check the oil level, which was low and there has been no visible under the vehicle oil puddles/stains prior to taking it to determine the root cause of the alert. While at the local service repair center, I was alerted by the service manager that for this year model, there is a known manufacturing issue related to defective O-rings and Pistons causing the vehicle to heavily consume oil, potentially leading to engine failure and poses and immediate safety risk to myself and family members as well as the driving public if there was to be an engine failure. I reached out to Volvo USA earlier today to express my dismay and shock that for one I was not notified of this potential safety recall. I was then to my chagrin informed that my vehicle was not involved/eligible for an extended warranty coverage in an earlier settlement that Volvo was involved in, but also to my surprise I came across a Class Action lawsuit filed against Volvo for deceptive practices related concealing prior knowledge of this safety defect related to the O-Rings and Pistons. (See attached docs for settled Lawsuit Action and an earlier issued Quality Bulletin-[XXX]: Issue Date 1-04-23). After reviewing these two documents, it is clear to me that the bulletin deployed as well as the settling of the NJDCA INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATIO
NHTSA ODI #11568422
Mileage unknown · Jan 13, 2024
Engine
The engine has started to burn excess oil prompting the service engine light to come up way before next oil change. Auto mechanic has to add 5 quarts oil between oil changes on regular basis now telling us the Dealership will need to address the issue. Suggested we replace O rings in engine which is costly repair with no guarant…
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The engine has started to burn excess oil prompting the service engine light to come up way before next oil change. Auto mechanic has to add 5 quarts oil between oil changes on regular basis now telling us the Dealership will need to address the issue. Suggested we replace O rings in engine which is costly repair with no guarantee will solve issue. Could not afford the expensive repair. Recent online research shows this is common issue in the S60 between 50k-100k miles. I Bought this car for daughter as it had every service check required and thinking it was safe reliable car but now risk her running out of oil and engine stop working. 2013 S60 with 90k miles should not have engine problems, especially a Volvo known for high quality. Disappointed that reburbished engine not offered. I am loyal to Volvo having had 2 previous ones but am not impressed with the servicing of this issue.
NHTSA ODI #11565284
Mileage unknown · Sep 10, 2023
Engine
The car consumes approx. 0,5 to 1,0 liters of oil per 1000 miles. The problem started around 60,000 miles and has slowly worsened. Volvo admits that there is a problem with the piston rings, and the only fix is an expensive oil consumption test followed by an engine teardown and rebuild
NHTSA ODI #11543742
Mileage unknown · Jul 23, 2023
Engine
Received a notification from Volvo USA, acknowledging an excessive oil consumption problem with certain model from 2013 to 2016, our 2013 S60 being one of them. Apparently it is a known design problem relating to pistons/ring, which can potentially damage the engine. This notification stated that Volvo voluntarily extended the …
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Received a notification from Volvo USA, acknowledging an excessive oil consumption problem with certain model from 2013 to 2016, our 2013 S60 being one of them. Apparently it is a known design problem relating to pistons/ring, which can potentially damage the engine. This notification stated that Volvo voluntarily extended the warranty to 8 years and 100,000 miles, which of course excluded our 2013 S60! How is it that Volvo can get away with this?? Should this not be a recall? There was a class action against Volvo on this specific problem, but was resolved outside of court. This means that a handful of owners got compensated, but there are a lot more of us out here, trying to figure what to do about this!!! Do we need to start another class action? The government should not let corporations like Volvo get away with this!!! Please do something about this! 🙏🙏🙏
NHTSA ODI #11533939
Mileage unknown · Feb 14, 2023
Engine
Dash board message very low engine oil, drove home, called dealer and was seen next day. They videotaped my car in case the driving to the dealer caused damage. I paid for an oil change and was told to come every 5,000 miles or less. mileage 93,400 miles This is a known fire hazard for 2013 S60 Volvo.
NHTSA ODI #11507285
Mileage unknown · Feb 14, 2023
Engine
I own two 2013 S60 and both with excessive oil consumption. Having to add ~5 quarts per month. Brought this to Volvo's attention in 2019 and had Volvo service confirm excessive oil consumption.
NHTSA ODI #11507236
Official recalls
4Jun 30, 2020
Volvo Cars of N.A., LLC (Volvo) is recalling certain 2008-2016 V70 and XC70, 2007-2016 S80, 2011-2018 S60 and V60, 2016-2018 S60 Cross Country, 2014-2020 S60L, 2009-2015 S80L, 2009-2016 XC60 and 2015-2018 V60 Cross Country vehicles. The flexible steel cable that connects the seat belt to the front outboard seating positions may fatigue over time, causing the seat belt to not secure the occupant in the event of a crash.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: An unsecured occupant has an increased risk of injury in the event of a crash.
Remedy: Volvo will notify owners, and dealers will replace the seat belt anchor cable for both front seats. The recall began December 10, 2020. Owners may contact Volvo customer service at 1-800-458-1552. Volvo's number for this recall is R10029.
Nov 26, 2019
Volvo Car of USA LLC (Volvo) is recalling certain 2011-2017 S60, S60I, V60, S60CC and V60CC vehicles. A component within the door latches may break, making the doors difficult to latch and/or leading the driver or a passenger to believe a door is securely closed when, in fact, it is not.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: A door that is not securely latched could open while the vehicle is in motion, increasing the risk of injury to a vehicle occupant.
Remedy: Volvo will notify owners, and dealers will replace all four door latches, free of charge. The recall began April 9, 2020. Owners may contact Volvo customer service at 1-800-458-1552. Volvo's number for this recall is R89978.
Mar 5, 2013
Volvo is recalling certain model year 2013 S60 and XC60 vehicles, manufactured on January 7, 2013. The product identification labels were printed with the incorrect manufacture year. Thus, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of 49 CFR Part 567, "Certification Regulation."
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: With an incorrect date of manufacture on the certification label, the vehicle owner may not be to determine if they are affected by future vehicle recalls, increasing their risk of a crash of injury.
Remedy: Volvo has quarantined the affected vehicles and will install correct labels prior to sale. The recall began during March 2013. Owner notification letters will not be sent.
Sep 10, 2012
Volvo is recalling certain model year 2013 S60 and XC60 vehicles. A manufacturing defect within the Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) control unit may lead to an inadvertent deployment of the seat belt pretensioner and/or inflatable curtain.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: If the seat belt pretensioner and/or inflatable side curtain deploy without cause, the driver could be distracted and the driver's visibility could be reduced, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: These vehicles have not been sold and the SRS control unit will be replaced prior to the cars being sold. Owners may contact Volvo at 1-800-458-1552.
Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗