Add me to the list of 2012 S60 blown engines

[DerekD]

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.

Thanks Matthew. I have a new update.

They are now telling me that the engine does not need to be replaced, but instead re-built. They've described the solution as follows: "Removal of cylinder head assembly to access burnt exhaust valves in cylinder #4 and #5 due to low compression, replacement of 4 valves, 2 valves per cylinder and related seals and gaskets. Cylinder head will also be inspected through a machine shop to ensure integrity of assembly."

Their initial offer is to cover 1/2 of the repair costs. Right now those costs are $5000 for the above repairs. I've countered that I want it all covered. I should hear back later today with a further response.

[matthew1]

Interesting. Head job. I think you're already practicing this tactic in your communication with VCNA, but just in case: "polite but firm".

[DerekD]

Ok, so another update. I was told yesterday evening that Volvo is holding firm with their offer to cover only half the repair. I'd like to reach out to a market manager in the Los Angeles area, but I'm having difficulty getting a good email address. I sent an email that got forwarded to "corporate", but it was done by the local service manager. I'm hoping to make contact with an actual decision maker. Thoughts?

[djtomr941]

Ok, so another update. I was told yesterday evening that Volvo is holding firm with their offer to cover only half the repair. I'd like to reach out to a market manager in the Los Angeles area, but I'm having difficulty getting a good email address. I sent an email that got forwarded to "corporate", but it was done by the local service manager. I'm hoping to make contact with an actual decision maker. Thoughts?

Go look at a new Volvo and tell the dealer to work it out with Volvo. They would like to find a way to sell you a new car and either fix your old one or take it off your hands.

[cdavisrn]

Any update here? I'm currently in the middle of experiencing this nightmare.
I've been a Volvo owner (exclusively) for the past 20 years. I've owned everything from the V40 to XC90 - the vehicle has saved our lives on 3 separate occasions, hence the brand loyalty.

Anyway - I'm having a similar issue with our 2012 S60 which is otherwise in perfect condition. I was not aware of it at the time but due to the “DRIVER NOT WARNED OF LOW OIL PRESSURE” recall, I noticed a new knocking in my engine after a long drive this past weekend. Checked the oil and it was almost unreadable (no warning and it was too soon for a change), refilled the oil and brought it to our mechanic nearby.
He called me the next day to tell me the engine was blown and it would either need to be overhauled (particularly the connecting rods were damaged and pistons), replaced with a used engine or replaced with a Volvo remanufactured engine. Volvo said they could have one shipped in 5-7 business days for 11k...
I called Volvo and the rep I spoke to essentially said I was SOL. Currently in the middle of this hell so any help or experience you have would be great to hear. I don't really know which way is up at this point.
PS - my beautiful Volvo only has ~83K miles, I purchased it certified pre-owned. And up until this past weekend never had an issue with it.

[BlackBart]

Wow, I've never heard of this, what a bummer. I was about to ask if this is a valve guide issue - oil getting down into the ring lands, or bad ring material, or cylinder wall wear from dirty oil....?

But the last post in the thread that Matt linked says:
"Long oil drain intervals, especially with warm up idling, leads to sludge in oil ring grooves and the low tension rings will not power through the grip of the deposits. It is far from a sure failure."


I have an Audi A4 with the 1.8 turbo four. Because VW had to make this engine fit several cars, the oil pan shape was compromised to fit the A4 crossmember. It only holds 3.7 qts of oil. If you're down a half qt, there's only 3.2 qts - in a turbocharged, intercooled, high rev engine in a very tightly packed engine compartment. Of course I didn't know all this when I bought it used.

We think the first owner sludged up oil pipes and passages, maybe ran it low. I was careful about oil changes with synthetic and filled it to the brim before a long summer trip. A funny warning light went off right as we approached the only town with a dealer for 500 miles. We pulled into the shop with no appointment, which made them mad, but they put it on the laptop and looked it over. Oil was full, everything looked good they said, "You probably need a new level sensor." Sent me off.

2 1/2 hours later it spun the rod bearings and threw a rod out the block. "Wasn't their fault," they said, even though they had just sent me out with an oil warning light, saying it was fine. I replaced it myself with a good used engine and replaced every piece of the oil system and rebuilt the turbo. It also gets a jumbo-sized oil filter for an extra half quart.