I am so sorry to hear this. It sounds identical to what happened to my car. I had a Volvo dealership determine what was wrong with it and what it would cost to get it back running. They called it a total engine failure. They noted the following on the diagnostic report "loud knocking noise from internal to engine, no codes stored, oil level ok, no external leaks. checked oil level @ sensor port. .4MPA at idle with cold engine noise louder from bottom end of engine than cylinder head. noise coming from connecting rod bearing or wrist pin." I called and emailed Volvo corporate with the estimate to repair the car and eventually after months of persistence they covered $9390 toward installing a Volvo Remanufactured Engine and the related hardware into my 2016 Volvo XC60. I supplied proof of all the oil changes (I ever missed one) and other maintenance I performed on the car (front and rear brakes). I was the only owner. Everything remained intact including the odometer after the remanufactured engine was installed. It was what they called a "remove and replace" type of repair. It came with a lifetime warranty and my out of pocket cost was a $2500.00 deductible. The lifetime warranty applied during my ownership of the vehicle and was not transferable. Once it was repaired we immediately traded it in for a new car, NOT a Volvo.
My advice to you is to be persistent. It took approx 4 months for me to get them to cover it. The email I used was volvo1@mailac.custhelp.com. The phone number I called was 800 550 5658. You can also try to get a Volvo dealership to help you but honestly mine wasn't tremendously helpful. I think Volvo thought they could continue to delay giving me an answer and I would just go away but I didn't and they relented. Good luck to you. I'm happy to help you.

 

thank you so much! So nice of you to take the time to write this up. On the phone with them now. Really appreciate the awesome info.

 

No problem at all. I hope they do the right thing for you too. Best wishes.

 

I had a similar problem. Changing the piston rings and pistons helped me. But it is very expensive. Sometimes it's easier to fill up the oil. But I'm a perfectionist. I recently watched a good video on the subject:

 

FYI I annually changed the oil on our 2016 XC60 . Prior to February 2023, I had the low engine oil warning light come on for approximate 9 months (note that I do not drive the car very much from May to Oct). I would add a 3/4 to 1 quart every so often (perhaps 4 or 5 times) In February, Volvo sent a letter extending the warranty on our 2016 XC60 (~50,000 miles) relative to excessive oil consumption. The car is currently at the dealership having the engine rebuild at Volvo's expense. It is a multi-step process when you take it in initially.

1. they confirm the VIN is part of their "recall"
2. confirm no other issues with oil related parts, and then they complete an oil and filter change, and weigh amount of oil they put in
3. drive the vehicle at least 500 miles
4. return to Volvo and they will measure how much oil has been consumed, and put into their "calculations" to determine next steps
5. the SUV "failed" the test of oil consumption (i.e. had excessive oil consumption) and are now rebuilding the engine

I will provide an update on status when I get the car back and drive it. Be glad to answer any questions.

 

An update from my last post. Unfortunately there was a backorder on parts last spring for over two months, such that I was going back north for the summer. I have a scheduled appointment for Oct 10 to rebuild the engine. Will provide an update in the future..

 

I have the same issue with my 2015 S60, which has just over 62,000 miles and has been serviced regularly since I purchased it. Sometimes the yellow caution indicator comes on and other times it’s the red warning indicator. Often times it goes away on its own, which leads me to believe it’s a faulty sensor, especially since I’ve had other indicators come on and have been told by servicers that there is no issue with the car and it’s likely a flaw with the indicators. Other times the issue persists and I add a bit of oil; sometimes it causes the indicator to go away and other times not. I’ve never seen or been told of any problems due to low oil. I have all my service provided by certified Volvo providers that specialize in European automobiles. I’m hesitant to bring it to either of the Volvo dealers in the area because I have had terrible experiences with both.

Unfortunately, I think Volvo will no longer be amongst the vehicles I consider purchasing because of these types of nuisances. Now if only buying a new car wouldn’t set me back $60,000 for even modest models…

 

The most irritating feature of an otherwise great car. I have exactly the same problem, I was getting intermittent readings on the dashboard, which then ceased altogether, after a couple of visits to the independent garage, whom I trust, where they said that the oil level sensor was OK, because they could measure the oil level via their workshop diagnostic device, they have now said the sensor needs replacing. This was four months ago, despite me chasing them up a couple of times they don't appear to be able to source the part, I have tried a decent parts supplier, who tell me that it is not a part that VOLVO will supply to them. I have of course done an internet search, which brings up results of several different models of sensor all looking different at wildly different prices. In the last 12 months I have drained the oil, measured it refilled and topped it up twice, A massively inconvenient job without a ramp or inspection pit. Otherwise I have just topped up at random times, usually before long journeys. I have yet to make enquiries at a Volvo dealers, I don't fancy their workshop charges. I will do so in the near future, as I have a long trip planned for the summer, will update when I have any news. What is so wrong with fitting a dipstick to the bloody engine ? I suspect it has something to do with a generation of drivers who are terrified to look under a bonnet.