We have a 2010 Volvo XC90 3.2 AWD. Well before we were due for our 37,500 mile service, our check oil level light came on. We added oil and mentioned this to the dealer at the 37,500 service. To make sure there were no issues, they changed the oil and had us bring it back at ~40,000 miles to see if we had burned through any oil. But they didn't see any issues.

Now we're about 44,000 miles and the oil level light came on again.

I understand that some oil consumption is normal - but I've owned many cars and I've never had an issue like this before - especially at such low mileage.

Is this typical in XC90s or should I be concerned that there is a larger issue? We had intended to keep this car for a while - but the fact that I'm adding oil regularly at such low mileage makes me concerned for how this car will behave when its got 50k, 60k, 70k, etc.

Curious to hear any thoughts.

Many thanks.

 

No there is definitely a problem with these engines and oil consumption. There was one point in time where I was doing 2 oil consumption jobs a week. It all depends on what engine is in the vehicle. Some of the repairs are just cam covers, piston replacement, head replacement, or engine replacement. What is the VIN and I could tell you more or less what you are dealing with. I don't know if your car is still under safe and secure warranty but if you've done all of your services at the dealer Volvo more than likely will goodwill the oil consumption concern seeing as is only has 44k miles. Where exactly are you located?

 

Thanks for the reply.

VIN is YV4982CZ7A1560192. We're located in the Washington DC area.

We're still under safe and secure - so shouldn't be any cost to us. Just worried about the life of the vehicle.

Thanks!

 

That should just be a cam cover reseal. Don't worry about the life of the engine. The message comes on when it's only about 1.5 quarts low so you still have about 6.5 quarts in the engine. Just take it back to the dealer with another oil consumption concern and they should take care of it from there.

 

my 2011 XC90 is going through a similar type problem. When we brought it in at 20K they changed the pistons and said it would be good as new. We have since brought it back twice for low oil levels and now at 30K they want us to leave it so they can "discuss with the factory" and do some major engine work. Thinking this might be a lemon...any advise? I can just imagine what problems I am going to have after my powertrain warranty is up at 50K, huh?

 

That is strange. I've never had any cars come back after I replaced pistons. More than likely they have to talk to the engineers so they can get the engine replacement authorized. The only powertrain problems with these cars is the oil consumption. if you service your car at the dealer when the service is due, Volvo has been known to 100% goodwill oil consumptions after the warranty expires

 

Great info! Nice to see Volvo standing behind their equipment even after the warranty expires.

 

going thru same issue with my 2012 xc60 at 490000 miles. Low engine light came on last week brought to dealer said they will replace pistons. Will repair last or should i dump the car worried about longevity of engine down the road. When do they deem it necessary to replace engine ?

 

Well once the piston have been replaced I havent seen any cars come back for oil consumption issues and if they have it been due to the technicians work not because of the engine.

 

if i trade vehicle do u recomend going with 5 cly. Any problems with those. Would like to get a trouble free car . I just went thru similar problem with 2011 forester needing a new engine after going thru 1 qt, every 1 k miles…..25k on car...

 

ended up dumping the 2011 for a new 2014...fingers crossed!

 

I just joined this forum after searching for a trend of low oil levels. I have a 2011 XC90 V6 3.2, just turned 48k miles. At 6k into the last oil cycle (1.5k prior to change) the light came on and I was nearly 2QT low. Similar to other posts, the dealer originally said they could find no problems and that some oil burning is normal. I smell no burning and there are no leaks on my driveway. I am concerned as my warranty is about to expire, and wonder if I need to purchase an extended warranty just for this issue.

 

Volvo has been repairing these after the warranty is up. Your dealer needs to open a case about this.

 

Joining this thread to report I've had the same recurring issue. It started shortly after 45K miles and it's been in and out of the dealership 4-5 times. When my warranty ran out this Spring the dealership assured me this was a known problem and Volvo stands 100% behind the issue. Out of warranty they most recently did the piston work. Less than 1K miles later the oil light was back on. I'm pleased to say it's back in the dealership getting a new engine installed.

I'm not sure how this will impact the resale value (most likely bad) but Volvo and my local dealership has been very responsive and done the right thing, providing loaners and repairs out of warranty.

Expecting my 2011 XC90 back in the next week and will report back on the work and how they handle any sort of extended warranty on the new engine.

 

Just bought a 2011 xc60, 3.2 no turbo
Seems to use oil in only a few hundred miles

Have warranty from dealer and extra warranty.

 

We had this problem on our 2007 XC90 3.2 and it went on for a few years. VCUSA monitored it for a while, noting each time the low oil light came on. The last time it happened was only 2 months after having it in for service. As I was out of CPO warranty, We were able to get VCUSA to goodwill us a new engine.

If your’s Is doing the same thing after too love, I’d push for a new engine instead of the service. It does t guarantee the issue will resolve itself and it takes almost as much time to perform.