Add me to the list of 2012 S60 blown engines

DerekD · Post by **DerekD** » 02 Nov 2016, 10:46

So, it happened to me. At 91k miles.

Check engine light came on with a rough idle. Went to my most local mechanic (Goodyear) and after they replaced the spark plugs and ignition coils ($600), they told me it didn't fix the problem and cylinder #5 was running at 18psi. Yay! They contacted Volvo to see if they could understand the issue or had any suggestions and were told "This is a common problem with the 2012 S60 engines and it means the engine is blown" Double Yay!

I'm now sitting in the Ontario Volvo lobby as they take a look at the vehicle to confirm what I'm sure is the correct diagnosis from Goodyear. I guess I'll be starting the corporate process of a goodwill.

The sad part about all of this is that my wife is in the market for an SUV and we were set on buying a Volvo (XC60 or XC90). My father's company has bought half a dozen Volvo's in the past. Depending on if Volvo steps up and fixes their lemons, we will be looking elsewhere for a car. Sad as we are Volvo enthusiasts.

Post by **matthew1** » 02 Nov 2016, 10:52

Ouch. Sorry to hear this, Derek.

How was your maintenance with the S60? Primarily oil changes... at your Volvo dealer? Oil type? Frequency?

DerekD · Post by **DerekD** » 02 Nov 2016, 11:10

Since the dealership is not local to my house, I did my regular oil changes at Valvoline. I'm not a car expert, but I believe they were putting in a synthetic blend.

I bought the vehicle as a pre-owned car from the dealership in 2014. No one ever told me I needed fully synthetic or any issues with oil consumption. I'm pretty religious about the oil changes and I just followed the sticker, I believe it was recommended every 5k miles.

Post by **matthew1** » 02 Nov 2016, 11:46

You'll do yourself a favor to find the receipts from those oil changes. Or get a printout from that shop.

You've seen the first and biggest S60 Blown Engine topic, yes?

Post by **oragex** » 02 Nov 2016, 12:33

Prepare to battle. Volvo is well known not to help customers past the warranty period even if it's clearly about a manufacturing/design defect. Anything else but contacting directing Volvo USA is a waste of time. Are you aware of the oil filter brand the garage was using?

DerekD · Post by **DerekD** » 02 Nov 2016, 13:56

matthew1 wrote:You'll do yourself a favor to find the receipts from those oil changes. Or get a printout from that shop.

You've seen the first and biggest S60 Blown Engine topic, yes?

Yes, actually the first post on this was the first thing I saw when I googled the issue after Volvo indicated that the problem is "common". It's really helpful. I should be getting the compression tests back soon for an official diagnosis from Volvo. After that, the Volvo USA discussions will begin. I'm hopeful to not have to battle it out, but if I need to, I need to.

I'll be contacting Valvoline for their records of my service done.

DerekD · Post by **DerekD** » 07 Nov 2016, 09:02

I've provided my service records which indicate my synthetic oil changes every 5-6k miles since I've owned the vehicles. The service records also show the multiple times I went in for a fluid refill as the oil level had prematurely gotten low.

My car is still with the service department at Ontario Volvo and we are awaiting word from Volvo corporate if they are going to cover the costs of the engine rebuild/replacement. I'm hoping for a positive response, but expecting a disappointing one. I will say that Juan Aranda, the service manager at the dealership, has been great to deal with and really helpful with working with me throughout this process.

Post by **matthew1** » 07 Nov 2016, 09:43

Thanks for the update, Derek. I have my fingers crossed for you. If not, I'll be happy to spread the claim rejection news. Bad press does wonders.

I have a feeling you'll get a positive outcome however.

djtomr941 · Post by **djtomr941** » 08 Nov 2016, 00:07

I had a blown engine that got replaced.

If Volvo is not working with you, go have your wife pick out a new Volvo and make her buying it contingent on Volvo agreeing to replace your engine.

DerekD · Post by **DerekD** » 08 Nov 2016, 10:08

djtomr941 wrote:I had a blown engine that got replaced.

If Volvo is not working with you, go have your wife pick out a new Volvo and make her buying it contingent on Volvo agreeing to replace your engine.

Ha! That's a good idea. I kind of thought of that myself.