This is a Technical Journal: Text plus 2 PDFs and 1 .PNG Oil Consumption test. Perform the test. Follow service procedure Description and Service sections updated to clarify that vehicle reports are not required.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2015 Volvo S60 engine problems
severe 16 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $3,100 · see engine across all vehicles →
Complaints
16
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$3,100
2fires
When does it fail?
Of the 16 engine complaints filed for the 2015 Volvo S60, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 75,000-100,000 mi.
0-25k
25-50k
50-75k
75-100k
100-125k
125-150k
150k+
Each bar shows the share of total complaints filed at that mileage range. Peak failure window highlighted. Some owners report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 miles symptom-free. Maintenance habits and driving conditions shift the curve as much as mileage alone.
What stands out
Among the 7 model years of Volvo S60 in our records for engine problems, this one ranks #3 by owner-complaint volume.
Engine accounts for 28% of all owner complaints filed against this vehicle, across 5 categories tracked.
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering engine on this vehicle — documented repair instructions, service campaigns, or warranty extensions sent to dealers. A TSB isn't a recall (it's not a free safety remedy), but it's the manufacturer acknowledging the issue and how to fix it.
This is a Technical Journal: High Temperature Message in DIM after Coolant Pump Replacement. Replace coolant pump
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This is a Technical Journal: High Temperature Message in DIM after Coolant Pump Replacement. Replace coolant pump
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Extended Warranty
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Engine Control Module (EMS) Software (MSW) Information â August 2022; Improvement List (Change Log) - US21+OBD22 (13L VGT, TC) And US17+OBD22 (11L) Emissions
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
The 2015 S60 shows a consistent pattern of premature piston ring wear causing severe oil consumption. Owners report the engine burning a quart of oil every 500–1,000 miles, with low-oil warnings coming on only after the level drops dangerously low. Multiple owners went through oil consumption tests—a process costing over $500—only to be diagnosed with faulty piston rings or pistons requiring replacement. Volvo acknowledged this defect in 2013–2016 models and issued an extended warranty (quality notice P10207) but many owners never received notification; those who missed the window were told to pay out-of-pocket or denied coverage entirely.
Several owners reported engine stalling at highway and city speeds, accompanied by loss of power steering and check engine lights. Dealers diagnosed faulty cylinders and rod knock, recommending full engine replacement. Two separate complaints describe engine fires—one while driving, another while parked—suggesting potential hazard from oil leakage or consumption patterns.
One owner reported alternator belt shredding and sliding under the timing belt, causing timing damage and catastrophic engine failure; the S60 allegedly lacks the protective guards found on competing vehicles. A catalytic converter failure linked to oil leakage was also reported at higher mileage. One diagnosis identified an oil filter housing leak as a separate issue. Across all narratives, owners express frustration that Volvo withheld knowledge of the defect for years and delayed notification until warranties had expired.
Same Volvo S60 engine reports on nearby years: 2012 · 2013
Failure modes owners describe
Excessive Oil Consumption (Piston Ring Defect)
The piston rings, pistons, and/or piston heads fail prematurely, causing the engine to burn or lose oil at abnormal rates. Volvo acknowledged this defect affecting 2013–2016 models in a legal settlement in May 2023 and issued quality notice P10207 extending warranty coverage. Owners report needing oil top-ups every 500–1,000 miles and receiving low-oil warnings that appear only after significant oil loss. Some owners failed stage-2 oil consumption tests, requiring piston ring replacement. Without notification of the defect and extended warranty window, many owners fell out of coverage and were denied manufacturer support.
When: Typically appears between 46,000 and 90,900 miles; one case reported ongoing consumption from approximately 47,000 miles through 92,850 miles.
Symptoms owners cite: Low oil pressure warning light illumination; Excessive oil consumption (1 quart per 500–1,000 miles); Check engine light illumination; Engine misfiring and rough running; Reduced engine performance warnings; Delayed low-oil warning (light comes on only after oil level critically low)
Codes mentioned: Check engine light (unspecified codes implied)
Repairs/costs cited: Piston ring replacement reported in one case ($1,431.68–$2,065.68 total costs out-of-pocket). Some owners were told they needed full engine replacement due to piston scoring caused by prolonged low-oil operation. Oil consumption tests cost over $500.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Volvo quality notice P10207 extended warranty for piston ring, piston, and piston head defects in 2013–2016 models. Legal settlement reached May 2023. Many owners did not receive recall notice or warranty extension notification. Some owners reported Volvo refused to cover repair costs after initial inspection; others reported Volvo only provided repairs on 'good will basis' despite acknowledged defect.
Engine Stalling and Loss of Power
The engine shuts down completely or loses power while driving, accompanied by loss of power steering and brake controller issues. One case involved a vehicle with rod knock after attempted restart; diagnosis indicated low oil levels and engine requiring replacement. Another case involved stalling at highway speeds following low-oil consumption, leading to diagnosis of faulty cylinders and engine replacement need.
When: Occurring at various mileages; one at 46,370 miles (near previous oil change at 45,000 miles); another at 117,000 miles.
Symptoms owners cite: Complete engine shutdown while driving at normal speed; Loss of power steering; Brake controller failure warning; Rod knock noise after restart attempt; Check engine light flashing while driving at highway speeds; Vehicle stalling on multiple occasions; Inability to restart engine
Codes mentioned: Brake controller failure, Check engine light (specific codes not provided)
Repairs/costs cited: One vehicle required battery and starter replacement but then developed rod knock; dealer determined full engine replacement needed and found vehicle 2 quarts low on oil. Another vehicle with stalling and faulty cylinders diagnosis required full engine replacement. No repair costs provided in these cases.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealer diagnosed failures but offered no assistance. Manufacturer notified in at least one case but provided no response.
Engine Fire
Two separate complaints describe engine compartment fires. One occurred while the vehicle was being driven out of a parking lot (smoke from vents observed, fire developed under hood). Another involved a parked, unoccupied vehicle where a doorman noticed the fire and called emergency services. Both suggest potential electrical or fuel system ignition hazard related to engine oil consumption or leakage.
When: One incident occurred on 4/6/2026 (as stated in complaint); timing of second incident not specified.
Symptoms owners cite: Smoke from engine vents while driving; Engine compartment fire; Fire damage to engine compartment
Repairs/costs cited: Both incidents required emergency fire department response. Vehicles deemed destroyed or requiring extensive repair.
Alternator Belt Failure with Timing Belt Damage
The alternator belt shredded and migrated underneath the timing belt, causing the engine timing to shift out of spec and resulting in severe internal engine damage. Owner reports that some vehicles have timing belt guards to prevent this; the 2015 S60 is allegedly lacking such protection, allowing a catastrophic failure chain. Owner's mechanic indicated this is a common recurring issue affecting multiple S60 vehicles.
When: Specific mileage not provided. Vehicle stalled after leaving a stop sign.
Symptoms owners cite: Alternator belt shredding; Engine timing malfunction following belt entry into timing system; Severe internal engine damage; Engine stalling at low speed
Repairs/costs cited: Estimated repair cost $13,000–$15,000 for full engine replacement or rebuild. Owner's mechanic reported seeing the same issue on another 2015 S60 T5.
Catalytic Converter Failure Due to Oil Leak
Check engine light illuminates and vehicle is diagnosed with catalytic converter failure caused by an oil leak. The failure is linked to the excessive oil consumption and related leakage issues affecting this model line.
When: At approximately 165,000 miles.
Symptoms owners cite: Check engine light illumination; Catalytic converter failure
Codes mentioned: Check engine light (specific codes not provided)
Repairs/costs cited: Catalytic converter replacement needed but not performed. Vehicle was outside warranty mileage limits.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer informed contact that vehicle exceeded mileage warranty limits and provided no assistance.
Oil Filter Housing Leak
Check engine light and low-oil warning appear; vehicle is diagnosed with an oil filter housing leak after repeated occurrences of the warning even following oil change. Cause distinct from the piston ring oil consumption issue.
When: At approximately 76,000 miles.
Symptoms owners cite: Check engine warning light; Low-oil warning light; Recurring warning despite oil top-up and oil change
Codes mentioned: Check engine light
Repairs/costs cited: Oil filter housing leak diagnosed; vehicle not repaired.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer was made aware but no details provided on response or assistance offered.
Synthesized from 16 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 5 most recent
The contact owns a 2015 Volvo S60. The contact stated that the vehicle was experiencing excessive oil consumption. The contact stated that the vehicle had consumed 3 quarts of oil after driving 2,100 miles. Additionally, the contact stated that the low oil pressure warning light only illuminated after the vehicle had consumed over 3 quarts of oil. The dealer was notified of the failure; however,…
The engines in these car are built with improper piston rings and the looses compression in the cylinders. This happens at 40k-140k. Volvo admitted to this issue but will not do anything about it.
Requesting reimbursement from Volvo Cars USA for a known defect in the engine’s piston rings. This defect has resulted in excessive oil consumption and necessitated costly repairs. Volvo reached a legal settlement in May 2023 regarding this defect—which affects the piston rings, pistons, and/or piston heads in certain 2013–2016 models. I never received a recall notice or any communication from…
The contact owns a 2015 Volvo S60. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the contact noticed a warning light and message stating to pull over. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact pulled the vehicle over to the side of the road and called the manufacturer about the error message. The manufacturer informed the contact to add engine…
I have been getting a low oil level sign in my car after 5 months of doing an oil change. This is not the first time this has happened. It is suspected this may be a oil consumption issue and not an oil leak as there is no visible sign of oil leak. The oil consumption problem has been confirmed by an independent mechanic.
Had engine trouble with your 2015 Volvo S60?
File a complaint with NHTSA → It's free, official, and how every report above got here — owner filings are the federal safety record this page is built on.
Common questions
How serious is the engine problem on the 2015 Volvo S60?
It's a meaningful issue. 16 complaints have been filed and the failure mode causes operational problems for owners. Repairs average $3,100.
At what mileage does the engine typically fail?
Based on the 16 complaints filed, engine issues most often appear around 89,324 miles. Some report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 with no symptoms. Maintenance habits matter — vehicles that received timely fluid services and were not regularly overworked tend to last longer.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $3,100 for engine repairs on this vehicle. Dealer pricing tends to run 20-40% higher. The exact figure depends on the specific failure mode, parts availability, and your local labor rates. If you're outside factory warranty, an extended service contract often covers this category.
Are there any recalls related to engine?
No active recalls currently cover engine issues on this vehicle. The complaints filed represent owner-reported failures that haven't risen to the level of a manufacturer-issued recall — but they're still worth knowing about before you buy or budget for repairs.
Related
Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database. Verify the raw federal record at
nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2015/Volvo/S60.
Severity ratings are derived from reported crashes, fires, injuries, and fatalities. Repair cost estimates are
independent-shop national averages and may differ in your area. Some links on this page are affiliate links.