Engine Burning Oil problems of the 2012 Volvo S60

Nine problems related to engine burning oil have been reported for the 2012 Volvo S60. The most recently reported issues are listed below. Please also check out the statistics and reliability analysis of the 2012 Volvo S60 based on all problems reported for the 2012 S60.

1 Engine Burning Oil problem

Failure Date: 01/16/2021

Extremely high oil consumption was eventually diagnosed by dealer as due to faulty piston rings, which were replaced at a highly-discounted cost on 1/17/20 at 100,573 miles. While driving the car on 1/16/21 (mileage was then about 105,000 miles) I got an alert that there was no oil pressure and car should be stopped immediately. After stopping, I determined that the oil level was in the normal zone. I then talked to the dealer, who said he thought it was an electronic issue and that I could drive the car home. Less than 20 miles later, an alert said the engine was shutting down, and the car limped to a stall at the side of a freeway exit. Car could not be started, and was towed to the dealer. Dealer has advised that the engine had failed and could not be repaired.

2 Engine Burning Oil problem

Failure Date: 01/10/2020

Excessive oil consumption between oil change intervals. Since the purchase of this car (2/1/2016) I have used fully synthetic oil (castrol). Oil level slowly drops between scheduled oil changes. Prior to the last scheduled oil change (1/10/2020) I checked the oil it it was very dangerously low. There are not ( as certified by ase auto tech and confirmed) no external oil leaks or evidence of oil in the engine compartment. This car now has 84. 000 miles on it and I'm afraid that it will damage itself even on the short commute my wife has to work. I continue to monitor the oil level now almost daily. I feel this is (daily oil check) absurd as clearly, per the owners manual, does not nor should not require checking and refilling oil this often. The car has shown this pattern of lubricant consumption since we bought it. The tailpipes have always had a heavy deposit of carbon since we bought it. I was told that "volvos run dirty' and that it was not of any concern. Now that I see a technical journel and TSB clearly indicating a problem with my specific car, this explains why. I understand the fact in 2012 Volvo assembly switched motor types (62 to 63?) during midrun. Indicative of a problem or issue. I believe my auto was involved. It is the auto maker's responsibility to ensure a safe automobile with a reasonable amount of maintenance (or pm) required. The condition my wife and myself have been experiencing is clearly not normal for any auto maker and evidently has existed since it left the assembly line. I ask only for the automaker to stand behind their own TSB flaw, perform the work needed to repair or replace all part/parts needed to resolve their TSB for my auto. Thanks for your time in review.

3 Engine Burning Oil problem

Failure Date: 10/19/2019

The car suffers from high engine consumption, engine oil runs out prior to oil change intervals with no evidence of oil leaks or oil burning). This can cause catastrophic engine failure while driving. The high oil consumption has been documented by the dealer and shared with the manufacturer. Volvo has even issued a technical journal that attributes the cause to faulty piston o-rings. Manufacturer didn't issue a recall and refuses to address the problem. There are several similar cases described in Volvo forums and other social media channels, that have not received any cooperation from Volvo.

4 Engine Burning Oil problem

Failure Date: 08/12/2019

Tl- the contact owns a 2012 Volvo S60. The contact stated that the engine would burn excessive oil as the oil light would flash intermittently; the contact would frequently replace the oil when the oil light flashed. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle would shake and stall without warning. The contact took the vehicle baum boulevard automotive 4741 baum blvd, pittsburgh, PA 15213 where the spark plug and coils were replaced; however, the failure had reoccurred soon after. The contact then towed the vehicle to star Volvo cars greensburg 5200 us-30 b, greensburg, PA 15601 where the vehicle was diagnosed with engine failure. The contact was given an estimate of $7,000. 00 for the repair; the vehicle remained in the possession of the dealer. Upon investigation, the contact discovered NHTSA campaign number: 13v592000(engine and engine cooling) which she linked with her failure. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and offered no assistance. The vehicle had not been repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 50,000. Jo.

5 Engine Burning Oil problem

Failure Date: 06/20/2019

The oil was changed at 85,000 miles. At approximately 90,000 miles, the low oil pressure light flashed on and immediately disappeared when making turns. The sensor light did not remain on the dashboard. There was no evidence of oil leaking. After a couple of days, the engine began knocking. The oil level was checked and was low. Oil was added to the car. The car was taken to the Volvo dealer for a diagnostic check. The dealer representative stated that no warning light indicators showed during the diagnostic check. The engine was starved of oil and needed to be replaced. He mentioned that for this model and year, new vehicle owners that still had a warranty were asked to come in and have piston o-rings replaced because of excessive oil consumption. We were not made aware of this issue.

6 Engine Burning Oil problem

Failure Date: 11/03/2018

Like many of the complains listed for this make and model, my 2012 Volvo S60 is consuming oil between oil changes with no warning light of low oil pressure showing up. There is no smoke or puddles indicating burning oil or an oil leak. We try to keep a close eye on the oil because the dealer said since it's a turbo it needs extra oil between changes. About a year ago the oil trap was changed because it was leaking. Recently, the car started running rough, like it needed spark plugs,(though it was not time) then the check engine light came on. We found out the 5th cylinder stopped firing and I have a warped head now because of the engine getting too hot. The week before, I could smell the car was burning rich, now I realize it was because of the 5th cylinder and very likely the 'gunk' from the stopped up oil trap. Everything leads back to the oil issue.

7 Engine Burning Oil problem

Failure Date: 12/28/2016

Vehicle burned through all oil causing engine failure with no warning from vehicle electronics (check engine light came on as engine began to fail; was able to travel to closest mechanic). Vehicle dealership said this is a known issue that has had previous recall (for oil pressure warning) for other of the same model year but not this particular vehicle.

8 Engine Burning Oil problem

Failure Date: 09/22/2016

My 2012 S60 has less than 63k miles and it is burning oil. I've not seen any leaks or exhaust smoke, so I assumed all was well. Dealer ship advised it's normal for a Volvo to loss 1-2 quarts of oil between oil changes. Recently the engine failed with no warning, and warranty is out. Can't believe a 2012 veh. Would have such engine problems and Volvo customer service does not acknowledge the problem.

9 Engine Burning Oil problem

Failure Date: 06/13/2016

The car is using oil like crazy. Going thru 3-4 quarts every 2000 miles. Started at 40541 when serviced, they noted it was a quart low. I am now at 79000. & the problem has just gotten worse. I spoke to dealer about this & they acted as if they had no idea what it could be or why. They agreed to do oil consumption test (they said was the next step in protocol) when I told them that I had read that this was a major problem & I had copy of the service bulletin that had been issued. They even told me mine was not included, that the t6 models were the ones with the issue. That is not true. Took it back again after 2000 miles & I was barely showing any oil on the dipstick but they told me to bring it in & not to add oil. I didn't want to drive it this low. I get it over to the dealer which is 40 min away. They checked it & gave me a loaner but made me pay $150. I asked what this was of since they said the loaner would be provided for free & they said it was "tax". It has been 7 days & I haven't heard anything. They haven't touched my car. They called after 5 days & said that they were waiting to hear from their rep. I don't know if I should call Volvo north America myself, or give the dealer more time. I don't have much faith in them at this point. I feel they act secretive & won't be honest about problems. I hope they prove me wrong & restore my faith in Volvo. I was so excited to buy a Volvo & was looking forward to having this car for a long time. I was even considering getting a Volvo SUV. This is a problem that many are having. It seems to be the piston & rings. Some have had to have new engines bc the piston & rings didn't help.



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Fuel Economy of S60 Vehicles
S60 Service Bulletins
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S60 Defect Investigations