Hi,

In doing my research on these cars I've stumbled across a few references that indicate SOME of the T5's or T6's might have had problems with rings during some years, requiring rebuilds or engine replacements. But other sources say no.

The only thing definitive I can find is the Volvo recall for oil level indication problems that was corrected with a software flash. Everything else could be anecdotal or wrong. Such is the web.

So, what's the word? Are these engines subject to this or not? If so, which years, which models? I can't drop 25 bills on a used car just to drop 7 more on an engine. But if they're solid, then away we go.

Can anybody speak to this definitively?

 

Yes. Some do. Some do not. The T5 is limited to engine code 62 in 2012. The 6 cylinder could be any engine code 90, 94, 95 or 96 (2010 MY).

90, 94 and 95 start with software and a new dipstick with higher fill level.

96 gets the same plus an oil pan baffle.

We have protocol we have to follow at the dealer for these under warranty or goodwill. Some get rings. Some get a cam cover reseal. Some get engines.

 

Thanks for your answer.

So if I buy a 2012 or later T6 the issue is not of concern? I'm looking at 2012's.

 

It is still a concern. The note about the 2010 is only for that engine code.

 

Hm. So the T5's only had the issue in 2012, with that single engine code?

I guess maybe I should look at the T5's, although giving up 50 HP makes me sad...

 

Yes, 2012 T5 engine code 62 has a bulletin about piston rings. The 6 cylinders had multiple issues across many years.

 

Thank you. I really appreciate the insights.

 

OK, I keep seeing ads for T6 AWD cars, for not a lot more than the T5's, and that 50 HP is just compelling.

Say I get a car and it develops the issue? What's the worst case scenario? How much oil do they burn? Do the cars have any kind of catastrophic failure, or is it just a matter of dumping in a quart every 3000 miles or so? I've driven old Porsches that used a quart every 1500 miles and it was considered "normal". I could live with that, if that's the only downside.

 

That's the immediate downside. Then it fouls spark plugs. Then it could cause buildup in valves causing low compression causing misfires. Could also cause the cat to fail prematurely. You don't want to keep dumping oil in.

 

What miles will the problem manifest itself by? Can you tell by checking the tailpipe for oil, or are there any other signs you can spot a problem?

If, for example, I found one with 60K miles, and the tailpipe had dry black soot inside (not oily at all), and the smoke from the warm running engine was pretty much invisible, would that mean the car was likely solid?

 

Most have problems by 60k if they'd going to have them, but I have seen a couple come in with around 80k or 90k.

Not sure I would rely totally on checking the tailpipe. Pulling the spark plugs would be a better idea. Or having service history to see if it was ever brought in for oil consumption.

 

(To OP And there's fouling of the PCV "system," which, on modern Volvos is way more than a valve: consists of a couple hoses and an oil separator box. I've got a real T5 and a T5e and both are strong. 98% of real T6 owners love their engines quite passionately. Have used ONLY synthetic oil and I change it once a year. Go for it, but eyes wide open.

 

I have a 2012 S60 T5 turbo with 71k. The oil light flashed when I went around a corner last night. I checked the oil this morning before starting it and found NO OIL on the dipstick! I added a couple quarts, got a reading, then added a couple more, in total I put 5 quarts of oil in this car to get it in the normal range!! My last oil change was about 6 weeks ago and I added a quart soon after that, thinking the garage left it a quart short when the light came on. This car is great in every way, but this sounds like a major issue.

The warranty ended at 50k, I know there's a TSB out there, does anyone know if Volvo is doing anything about it?

Thanks,

Jeff

 

What's your VIN?

 

YV1622FS9C2117670

 

Your car has an open recall, changing the oil specification requirement to synthetic 5W30 meeting ACEA A5/B5 to prevent oil consumption.

 

Thank you ES6T, I hope the issue is that easily resolved. Volvo has no open recalls for my VIN on their website and a call to the dealer basically got me a "no such problem" response. I have not been using synthetic oil, I will drain the oil I just added and go with your recommendation. Thank you again for your help!

Jeff

 

Technically its a service campaign, so that might be why Volvo's recall website doesn't show it. Campaign S29650.

 

Thanks @ES6T! I'm changing over to the recommended oil today. Happy holidays!

 

Just FYI. Mobil 1 Synthetic does not meet the Volvo synthetic spec. Go with Castrol or Pennzoil synthetic.