2016 XC90 T6 - Losing engine oil near end of interval (4k miles) & viscosity recommendation

PaulyT · Dec 17, 2021

Hello,

I have a 2016 XC90 T6 Inscription with just over 60k miles. In the last 3 weeks I've noticed my oil level has decreased significantly (according to the digital gauge on the center display). I checked the gauge 3 weeks ago and it was full, but then when I checked last week it was reading about 1/4 full (or 3/4 of the way down, meaning it is roughly 3/4 of a quart, or 24 ounces, low), and now today it is showing about 1/8th full. This same thing happened to me just before my last oil change as well. Does anyone have any idea why this could be happening? I am aware of the piston ring issue on the 2016, but seems to me like it would be losing oil throughout the entire interval if that were the case, and not just after ~4k miles. The dealership here in Austin didn't have any ideas, but said they could run a $400 oil consumption* test, which I turned down. (*edited)

Secondly, but related, my last oil change was at the dealership 4k miles ago (in July). Like many others have pointed out, my owners manual says to use 0w-20, but under my hood it says 5w-30. Out of curiosity, I asked the dealership what viscosity they used and was told they always use 0w-20 motor oil. I am looking to perform my oil change myself this time and am wondering which viscosity oil people recommend? Given that I'm in central Texas, although it is now winter, I am tempted to use Liqui Moly 5w-30 or even 0w-30 (from FCP Euro) to ensure sufficient protection at higher temps, especially since it will be summer before I change my oil again. I do drive fairly aggressively, but most of my drives are shorter than 15 minutes, with the occasional 2-3 hour roadtrip. Any recommendations?

Any help would be greatly appreciated! And I apologize for the long post.

Wayne T5 · Dec 17, 2021

Unfortunately, oil consumption in the 2015 and early 2016 Drive E motors is a known issue. The oil control ring was a poor design which eventually gets clogged and allows oil to pass through which results in the engine burning oil. The fix is replacement pistons/rings or a new motor if the cylinder walls are scored. Maybe what your dealer was suggesting was a consumption test, where the dealer does an oil change and weighs the oil before it's filled, you drive the car normally, and then the dealer weighs the oil again that's removed to determine the rate of consumption. Here is the TJ published by Volvo which gives guidance to dealership techs on how to repair:

MC-10146443-9999.pdf (nhtsa.gov)

Here is a video that describes what is happening:

(1) The Reason Some Volvo Engines Burn Oil Volvo Problem - Bing video

There hasn't been a recall because this isn't considered to be safety related. You may be able to get some goodwill coverage for this repair if you have a service record with this dealership.

Gary-16-Xc90 · Dec 17, 2021

Your oil sticker specs under the hood are out of date and superseded by Volvo’s updated 0-20w spec.

Whatever oil you use, make absolutely sure that it meets Volvo’s updated spec. Otherwise, goodwill will go up in smoke.

You can get the exact details of the spec from your dealer. Check this out:

Oil…. Where to buy
Oil…. Where to buy

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DragonDon · Dec 17, 2021

My 2016 is going into the shop on Monday for this very thing. Volvo is covering the repairs. AFAIK, this is something that is covered, regardless of current warranty status but engine mileage may be a factor in there for coverage.

Talk with your dealer. If you need to pay for the test, do it so long as it’ll eventually be covered due to the defect. Verify that the work will be covered and your good.

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Island_V70 · Dec 17, 2021

If I read this right, the OP is driving around with 1/8th the desired amount of oil?
My V60 uses no oil so I don't have to add any, but if it did is that bar graph full to empty or full to 1 quart low?

Wayne T5 · Dec 17, 2021

Island_V70 said:
If I read this right, the OP is driving around with 1/8th the desired amount of oil?
My V60 uses no oil so I don't have to add any, but if it did is that bar graph full to empty or full to 1 quart low?

Common misconception. The bar graph is analogous to a dipstick so will show a quart or so low at its lowest point. A lot of folks like OP liken it to a fuel gauge - it is not.

Island_V70 · Dec 17, 2021

Wayne T5 said:
Common misconception. The bar graph is analogous to a dipstick so will show a quart or so low at its lowest point. A lot of folks like OP liken it to a fuel gauge - it is not.

Thanks! I thought that too!
My old V70 would use at least 1/2 quart in 4,000 miles, but it is old so not a big surprise. The V60 uses none at all.

GatorVolvo · Dec 17, 2021

My digital oil gauge had similar trends before I had my pistons replaced earlier this year. The gauge would stay at max and would start to drop slowly and the rate of drop would increase as it approached the 'min' level. I believe I paid for an extra oil change and to have the breather box replaced. Well worth the expense after Volvo agreed to goodwill the piston replacement. I had all of my services done at one of 2 Volvo dealerships since original purchase. Good luck.

MyVolvoS60 · Dec 17, 2021

DragonDon said:
My 2016 is going into the shop on Monday for this very thing. Volvo is covering the repairs. AFAIK, this is something that is covered, regardless of current warranty status but engine mileage may be a factor in there for coverage.

Not true at all. If still under the 4 yr / 50k factory it's covered. If under the 7yr / 100k old CPO it's covered. And I believe the 5 yr / unlimited CPO would cover.

Unfortunately if you are outside of that window, then it becomes a matter of Goodwill. And how much good will you get depends several factors.

1. Was the vehicle bought from a Volvo dealership?

2. Are you the original owner?

3. Have you always serviced at Volvo dealership?

If yes, then chances are you'll get partial to full good will.

Now....

On other hand, if you bought 2nd hand or from a used car lot you're completely out of luck.

If you have missed services at Volvo Dealer (done a few yourself or some at independent) then Goodwill will maybe be partial at best if at all.

If you used an independent for all services after factory, you're probably out of luck.

Talk with your dealer. If you need to pay for the test, do it so long as it’ll eventually be covered due to the defect. Verify that the work will be covered and your

See above.

.215033 · Dec 18, 2021

PaulyT said:
Hello,

I have a 2016 XC90 T6 Inscription with just over 60k miles. In the last 3 weeks I've noticed my oil level has decreased significantly (according to the digital gauge on the center display). I checked the gauge 3 weeks ago and it was full, but then when I checked last week it was about 1/4 full (or 3/4 of the way down), and now today it is showing about 1/8th full. This same thing happened to me just before my last oil change as well. Does anyone have any idea why this could be happening? I am aware of the piston ring issue on the 2016, but seems to me like it would be losing oil throughout the entire interval if that were the case, and not just after ~4k miles. The dealership here in Austin didn't have any ideas, but said they could run a $400 compression test, which I turned down.

Secondly, but related, my last oil change was at the dealership 4k miles ago (in July). Like many others have pointed out, my owners manual says to use 0w-20, but under my hood it says 5w-30. Out of curiosity, I asked the dealership what viscosity they used and was told they always use 0w-20 motor oil. I am looking to perform my oil change myself this time and am wondering which viscosity oil people recommend? Given that I'm in central Texas, although it is now winter, I am tempted to use Liqui Moly 5w-30 or even 0w-30 (from FCP Euro) to ensure sufficient protection at higher temps, especially since it will be summer before I change my oil again. I do drive fairly aggressively, but most of my drives are shorter than 15 minutes, with the occasional 2-3 hour roadtrip. Any recommendations?

Any help would be greatly appreciated! And I apologize for the long post.

Hey there, fellow Austinite!!

If I were you, I’d take the car to Robert Mendoza down at Capital V Connection on south congress. He’s been at this for decades and I’ve been bringing my cars to him for 5+ years... not only does he know what he’s talking about, but he does quality work and his excellent ratings reflect his honesty. He may be able to help you diagnose the problem and may even know a fix! Other option is Voltech up near Wells Branch, but they’re colder and not as thorough (read: less pricey but not as good).

Good luck diagnosing your issue - I wish you the best. In case you haven’t already noticed, our local dealer sucks. Hopefully you can get your XC90 into some competent hands. At the very least, Volvo of San Antonio is supposedly MUCH better.

DragonDon · Dec 18, 2021

MyVolvoS60 said:
Not true at all. If still under the 4 yr / 50k factory it's covered. If under the 7yr / 100k old CPO it's covered. And I believe the 5 yr / unlimited CPO would cover.

Unfortunately if you are outside of that window, then it becomes a matter of Goodwill. And how much good will you get depends several factors.

1. Was the vehicle bought from a Volvo dealership?

2. Are you the original owner?

3. Have you always serviced at Volvo dealership?

If yes, then chances are youll get partial to full good will.

On other hand, if you bought 2nd hand or a used car lot you're completely out of luck.

If you have missed services at Volvo then Goodwill will maybe be partial at best if at all.

See above.

Did you miss the part where I said “verify if the work is covered”?

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MyVolvoS60 · Dec 18, 2021

DragonDon said:
My 2016 is going into the shop on Monday for this very thing. Volvo is covering the repairs. AFAIK, this is something that is covered, regardless of current warranty status but engine mileage may be a factor in there for coverage.

Ummmmm......

DragonDon said:
Did you miss the part where I said “verify if the work is covered”?

Didn't miss that part at all. You stating this is covered regardless of current warranty status is simply untrue. Per my above reply, those are the parameters under which things are covered. Period.

Gary-16-Xc90 · Dec 18, 2021

As I tried to emphasize in my PSA in another thread, the terms of any warranty, prepaid maintenance, et al vary from one jurisdiction to another.

This is especially true from one country to another (e.g., US v. Canada).
Even within the US, some provisions (e.g., exclusions from coverage) in an agreement may be null and void as being contrary to the applicable state / commonwealth / territorial laws.

Look at the end of your agreements to determine what provisions are contrary to your [state] laws at the time the agreement was executed. Some provisions may even be deemed void by judicial interpretations and case law. Everyone simply needs to review their agreements in their entirely, review the applicable laws, and/or seek legal advice.

Perspectives on "generalities and experiences" are useful. However, there is no need to squabble on the "details" as YMMV by applicable law.

DragonDon · Dec 18, 2021

MyVolvoS60 said:
Ummmmm......

Didn't miss that part at all. You stating this is covered regardless of current warranty status is simply untrue. Per my above reply, those are the parameters under which things are covered. Period.

Dude, you got issues. I stated AFAIK. Never made any claim that it was so. You might want to have an extra eggnog or two this season to mellow out

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leahconnie2 · Dec 18, 2021

Bump

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MyVolvoS60 · Dec 18, 2021

Gary-16-Xc90 said:
As I tried to emphasize in my PSA in another thread, the terms of any warranty, prepaid maintenance, et al vary from one jurisdiction to another.

This is especially true from one country to another (e.g., US v. Canada).

Even within the US, some provisions (e.g., exclusions from coverage) in an agreement may be null and void as being contrary to the applicable state / commonwealth / territorial laws.

Look at the end of your agreements to determine what provisions are contrary to your [state] laws at the time the agreement was executed. Some provisions may even be deemed void by judicial interpretations and case law. Everyone simply needs to review their agreements in their entirely, review the applicable laws, and/or seek legal advice.

Perspectives on "generalities and experiences" are useful. However, there is no need to squabble on the "details" as YMMV by applicable law.

@PaulyT is in the USA so not aware or never heard of a state law invalidating the consumption clause. Not to say there isn't a state invalidating the clause. I guess he'd have to check with a lawyer on the contract if he wanted to go that route and if applicable.

I pointed out the various scenarios where things are covered and not covered so he can let us know. Appears @PaulyT has gone awol atm.

MyVolvoS60 · Dec 18, 2021

DragonDon said:
Dude, you got issues. I stated AFAIK. Never made any claim that it was so. You might want to have an extra eggnog or two this season to mellow out

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Not sure why you are defensive, as even by your own admission, it was "As Far as I know". That assumption was incorrect and I pointed out why what you stated wasn't applicable. I am sorry if mentioning Volvo's policy upset you in some way.

PaulyT · Dec 19, 2021

Wayne T5 said:
Common misconception. The bar graph is analogous to a dipstick so will show a quart or so low at its lowest point. A lot of folks like OP liken it to a fuel gauge - it is not.

Island_V70 said:
If I read this right, the OP is driving around with 1/8th the desired amount of oil?
My V60 uses no oil so I don't have to add any, but if it did is that bar graph full to empty or full to 1 quart low?

Sorry for the confusion. I should have clarified that the oil level gauge on the center display reads from full to 1 quart low. So, at its lowest point, I was driving around with 7/8 (0.875) of a quart low. Thanks for catching this. I just edited the OP to clarify.

PaulyT · Dec 19, 2021

XC__ said:
Hey there, fellow Austinite!!

If I were you, I’d take the car to Robert Mendoza down at Capital V Connection on south congress. He’s been at this for decades and I’ve been bringing my cars to him for 5+ years... not only does he know what he’s talking about, but he does quality work and his excellent ratings reflect his honesty. He may be able to help you diagnose the problem and may even know a fix! Other option is Voltech up near Wells Branch, but they’re colder and not as thorough (read: less pricey but not as good).

Good luck diagnosing your issue - I wish you the best. In case you haven’t already noticed, our local dealer sucks. Hopefully you can get your XC90 into some competent hands. At the very least, Volvo of San Antonio is supposedly MUCH better.

Howdy, fellow Austinite!
Thank you for the recommendation! Yes, I too have had my fair share of issues with the Volvo Cars of Austin service department. At the end of the day though, after many, many trips and probably 10-12 weeks of having a loaner car over the past 3 years, they have managed to fix all of my issues. This past summer, after gathering all the facts and presenting my case myself, I was able to get Volvo NA to completely cover the cost of replacing my evaporator (HVAC) under goodwill, which was quoted at $3500, 17-18 hours of labor. So, I was grateful for that outcome. But I wonder if that will have any impact on whether Volvo decides to cover any/all of the cost to repair this oil consumption issue under goodwill.

I will definitely make note of Robert Mendoza at Capital V Connection for service in the future now that I am out of warranty. Good to know! Thanks, again!

PaulyT · Dec 20, 2021

I'm blown away by the number of responses from you all offering advice and sharing your experiences! Thank you for helping me out!

To answer some of the questions above...
1) I am the second owner of my XC90

2) I purchased it through a European/Imports used car dealership here in Austin 🤦‍♂️ (...because for some reason I trust them a little bit more than used car salesmen at regular/franchised dealerships, and I like to do business with smaller, locally & family-owned businesses when possible).

3) I have had my oil changed at somewhere other than the Volvo dealership on two occasions, but everything else has been done at the same Volvo dealership.

Sorry for the delay in responding to questions. I really appreciate all the help!

2016 XC90 T6 - Losing engine oil near end of interval (4k miles) & viscosity recommendation

PaulyT

Wayne T5

Gary-16-Xc90

DragonDon

Island_V70

Wayne T5

Island_V70

GatorVolvo

MyVolvoS60

.215033

DragonDon

MyVolvoS60

Gary-16-Xc90

DragonDon

leahconnie2

MyVolvoS60

MyVolvoS60

PaulyT

PaulyT

PaulyT

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