[zombielinux]

I figured it was about time to start this thread.

I bought a used 2015 S60 last year @ 32000miles from a non-volvo dealer.

I had the vehicle services and an oil change done after I got it home at about 33000 miles.

I changed the oil and filter every 5000 miles (Mobile 1 5w30 and a Mahle filter).

The car has run perfectly until mid march when the Covid19 quarantines began, where the car was only driven once a week.

In early April, I was driving home when the engine shut off. I was able to coast it to a safe pull off spot, but unable to restart it.

I had it towed home, and thinking the battery was dead (sitting at 8 volts after trying to restart it), I hooked it up to a battery tender.

It still refused to start, but it sounded and smelled like the starter was struggling.

One new starter and battery later, and it started, but had an awful rod-knock. The car currently sits at 46200 miles, with the last oil service done at 45000 miles.

Its been towed to the dealer, where I've been informed it needs a new engine. They claimed it was "low on oil" and had to put 2 quarts in to get it to the middle of the dipstick range. Seems like burning through 2 quarts in 1200 miles is a bit of an issue all its own.

At NO point did the oil pressure light come on in the entire time I've owned the vehicle.

The dealer wants 12K for a used engine, and honestly, that's 80% of what I paid for the car.

Does anyone have any contacts at Volvo I can reach out to? The dealer says they've contacted corporate and they're unwilling to play ball.

 

[Oceans60R]

I figured it was about time to start this thread.

I bought a used 2015 S60 last year @ 32000miles from a non-volvo dealer.

I had the vehicle services and an oil change done after I got it home at about 33000 miles.

I changed the oil and filter every 5000 miles (Mobile 1 5w30 and a Mahle filter).

The car has run perfectly until mid march when the Covid19 quarantines began, where the car was only driven once a week.

In early April, I was driving home when the engine shut off. I was able to coast it to a safe pull off spot, but unable to restart it.

I had it towed home, and thinking the battery was dead (sitting at 8 volts after trying to restart it), I hooked it up to a battery tender.

It still refused to start, but it sounded and smelled like the starter was struggling.

One new starter and battery later, and it started, but had an awful rod-knock. The car currently sits at 46200 miles, with the last oil service done at 45000 miles.

Its been towed to the dealer, where I've been informed it needs a new engine. They claimed it was "low on oil" and had to put 2 quarts in to get it to the middle of the dipstick range. Seems like burning through 2 quarts in 1200 miles is a bit of an issue all its own.

At NO point did the oil pressure light come on in the entire time I've owned the vehicle.

The dealer wants 12K for a used engine, and honestly, that's 80% of what I paid for the car.

Does anyone have any contacts at Volvo I can reach out to? The dealer says they've contacted corporate and they're unwilling to play ball.

You'll need to contact Volvo Customer Care 1-(800)-550-5658
Many times the customer can be more successful at relaying a problem to corporate for goodwill.
Have every receipt for service. Just so you know, there are many types of Mobil 1 oil and some do not meet the specs for Volvo oil ACEA A5/B5 so be sure you used that type of oil.

 

[PM]

I figured it was about time to start this thread.

I bought a used 2015 S60 last year @ 32000miles from a non-volvo dealer.

I had the vehicle services and an oil change done after I got it home at about 33000 miles.

I changed the oil and filter every 5000 miles (Mobile 1 5w30 and a Mahle filter).

The car has run perfectly until mid march when the Covid19 quarantines began, where the car was only driven once a week.

In early April, I was driving home when the engine shut off. I was able to coast it to a safe pull off spot, but unable to restart it.

I had it towed home, and thinking the battery was dead (sitting at 8 volts after trying to restart it), I hooked it up to a battery tender.

It still refused to start, but it sounded and smelled like the starter was struggling.

One new starter and battery later, and it started, but had an awful rod-knock. The car currently sits at 46200 miles, with the last oil service done at 45000 miles.

Its been towed to the dealer, where I've been informed it needs a new engine. They claimed it was "low on oil" and had to put 2 quarts in to get it to the middle of the dipstick range. Seems like burning through 2 quarts in 1200 miles is a bit of an issue all its own.

At NO point did the oil pressure light come on in the entire time I've owned the vehicle.

The dealer wants 12K for a used engine, and honestly, that's 80% of what I paid for the car.

Does anyone have any contacts at Volvo I can reach out to? The dealer says they've contacted corporate and they're unwilling to play ball.

This is a fairly common issue with the 4 cylinder engines. There was a bad batch of engines with ring issues. There are a few threads on this and the process people had to go through in order to get assistance with VCOA. Two thoughts to consider if you get nowhere with VCOA. 1.) Insurance claim, which will probably total he car. 2.) Used engine from copart or ebay. Definitely cheaper as long as you avoid the dealer. Good luck.

 

[Almaz]

This being a 2015 is probably the 5-cylinder engine.
Also, while the Mobil-1 oil used may not be the one Volvo recommends, it should not kill the engine. That would be a total garbage engine if it's that sensitive to the oil.

OP should definitely call Volvo and present his case.

 

[Ilovedoughnuts]

Regarding the oil I used to use mobil 1 in my old S70 but for the drive e engine the mobil 1 5w-30 doesnt have the european specs that are required for warranty. I now use the Pennzoil Ultra Platinum 5w-30. But I doubt the oil would cause all those problems. From what I read the early engines had a ring problem which was fixed later on.

 

[zombielinux]

Update:

Called customer care and opened a case.

Its the 5 cylinder 2.5L

The mobile 1 I use has ACEA A5/B5 on the back of the bottle, so it should be golden. Its the full synthetic stuff you get at Costco.

The car has had no necessary service other than tires, the starter, the battery, and regular oil changes.

Option 1 is if I've exhausted all other options. I wonder what they would give me for the car, and if its more economical than the repair. I've got a mechanic that says he can do a used one for between 3-6K

 

[zn14]

Please keep us updated as this progresses. I am very curious how Corporate Volvo treats you considering you bought the car used from a non Volvo dealer.
Hopefully they will stand behind their product, especially with such low mileage.

 

[zombielinux]

Alright, I've actually just heard back.

"We would first like to thank you for your patience while your case was opened. We have finished reviewing your case and as much as we truly desire to resolve all of our customer’s requests to their satisfaction, it is not possible to meet every expectation. We regret that in this instance, Volvo Car USA cannot accommodate your request for assistance with this repair. We apologize for any inconvenience in this matter. "

That's extremely frustrating.

 

[Wayne T5]

Update:

Called customer care and opened a case.

Its the 5 cylinder 2.5L

The mobile 1 I use has ACEA A5/B5 on the back of the bottle, so it should be golden. Its the full synthetic stuff you get at Costco.

The car has had no necessary service other than tires, the starter, the battery, and regular oil changes.

Option 1 is if I've exhausted all other options. I wonder what they would give me for the car, and if its more economical than the repair. I've got a mechanic that says he can do a used one for between 3-6K

There is a TJ (technical journal) in place for this motor if you want to take a look over at volvotechinfo.com. Hopefully you can get some goodwill assistance from Volvo just given the low miles and the TJ. If that doesn't work then I'd go with your other option above.

 

[Wayne T5]

Alright, I've actually just heard back.

"We would first like to thank you for your patience while your case was opened. We have finished reviewing your case and as much as we truly desire to resolve all of our customer’s requests to their satisfaction, it is not possible to meet every expectation. We regret that in this instance, Volvo Car USA cannot accommodate your request for assistance with this repair. We apologize for any inconvenience in this matter. "

That's extremely frustrating.

That's terrible. I guess I'd explore the used motor route.

 

[The Driver]

Well, from the dealer it's going to be at least 30-45% more as far as labor. A used engine should be significantly cheaper, about 50-70% cheaper than retail. You NEED to find a reputable independent Volvo specialist. I would recommend posting on the forums in both the regional sections and under the P3 and P2 platform sections as well.

 

[zombielinux]

@TheDriver

I've found a competent independent (did work on our wagon when we first got it and lived in the city). He says 3k for an engine, 6k for the high performance (???) variant. As long as all the other parts are there.

I'm absolutely livid. I've babied this car.

 

[Tango]

You shouldn't be livid. You have several factors going against you. It's a 5 year old car. You aren't the first owner. Who knows what that first owner did as far as maintenance. And 46,000+ miles. Also bought from a non Volvo dealer. And you did your own maintenance. So your Volvo dealer can't go to bat for you. Sounds like the dealer is really sticking it to you money wise. At least Volvo looked into it. Maybe if you can get ALL the maintenance records from the previous owner. Also check with your insurance co.. They may help out. Anything at all would help.

 

[Almaz]

@zombielinux This absolutely sucks and is such a disappointment. You are stuck and can only try to get the car back running for the least amount of money.
You may be able to find a motor on your own for less than 3K (perhaps?) but it's not worth it. Let your indie mechanic source and install the motor. This way of something doesn't work it's his responsibility.

 

[zombielinux]

@Tango. The previous owner was the original leasee of the vehicle, the car was serviced by volvo entirely until its warranty expired last july.

When I change the oil, I write my initials, the date, and the mileage of the vehicle on the lid of the oil filter box, and put them in the glovebox. They're all there.

Dealer definitely is sticking it to me money wise.

I might call up the insurance company, but I worry that it'll be like opening pandoras box. Can't un-call the insurance company.

@Almaz, I was definitely gonna let the indie find the parts and put it all together.

 

[The Driver]

I might call up the insurance company, but I worry that it'll be like opening pandoras box. Can't un-call the insurance company.

This maybe your best bet, just had a similar situation with our low mileage sub 30k 2012 C300 where the roof leaked, shorted out a ton of electronics totalling over 5k in damage. Put it through ins with a decent deductible but well worth the claim. Ask your indy if he's familiar with the process.

 

[zombielinux]

Just for everyone's viewing.

https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/tsbs/2019/MC-10161744-9999.pdf

This seems to indicate anything with a B5254T12 engine has the potential for high oil consumption.

 

[abcdefghii]

I'd call the dealer that did the work for the original owner, they can email you copies, I'd then photograph the oil filter boxes you have with the mileage etc. and send it with a copy of that PDF to Volvo customer care. Calmly explain that it was serviced at a Volvo dealer for the first 33k miles (send them those maintenance copies from the original owner), that you have changed the oil on time with the recommended oil specifications (send those pictures) and that the symptoms you experienced match those explained in the service bulletin and see if that will persuade them to do anything for you. Might also be worth canvassing owners who had the same problem to check their symptoms and eventual outcome.

Sadly, I still think they will do nothing for you. But, at least worth a shot if it was serviced at a dealer for so far 66% of it's life and for the other 34% serviced on time with correct parts.

 

[Wayne T5]

What's odd in this case is that you never got the low oil pressure light. Had you caught it in time you may have been able to get away with just having the rings replaced and not a new motor.

You of course have every right to be angry. Engines should not be grenading in 5 year old cars with 46k miles on the clock that have been maintained.

 

[limey]

You shouldn't be livid. You have several factors going against you. It's a 5 year old car. You aren't the first owner. Who knows what that first owner did as far as maintenance. And 46,000+ miles. Also bought from a non Volvo dealer. And you did your own maintenance. So your Volvo dealer can't go to bat for you. Sounds like the dealer is really sticking it to you money wise. At least Volvo looked into it. Maybe if you can get ALL the maintenance records from the previous owner. Also check with your insurance co.. They may help out. Anything at all would help.

Edited for me not reading the entire thread lol. You are getting shafted big time. If you have all the records the dealer should be going to bat for you.