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ProblemsByVinVOLVO / ENGINE
27 model-year entries · 2005–2016
Volvo engine problems
289 owner complaints filed with NHTSA against Volvo vehicles for engine issues.
1 active recall campaign. See engine across all makes →
Complaints
289
Recalls
1
Year-models
27
Avg fix
$3,100
6fires
3injuries
Editorial perspective by Frank DeSantis · European brand specialist
In the European service world, Volvo engine failures land on our lifts with regularity. 289 complaints across 27 year-model entries (2005–2016) is consistent with what we move in parts orders. The pattern repeats across model years, which usually points to a shared component supplier rather than a single bad production batch. 6 fire reports on the federal record — not common in this category but documented and worth weight. Across the 133 complaints reporting odometer mileage, the median failure lands at about 84,750 miles. Independent-shop repair on this category runs around $3,100; dealer pricing tends to run thirty to forty percent higher on European brands. Budget for a real pre-purchase inspection — compression and leakdown test, not just a code scan. Both are cheap and tell you what is left in the engine.
Worst-affected Volvo model-years for engine Top 25 by complaint volume
Volvo Trucks North America (Volvo Trucks) is recalling certain 2022-2025 Volvo VN and 2025 New VN trucks
A detached idler gear can damage the engine, resulting in a stall and increasing the risk of a crash or injury.
Fix: Dealers will inspect and replace the turbo compound units as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 28, 2025. Owners may contact Volvo Trucks' customer service at 1-800-528-6586. Volvo Trucks' number for this recall is RVXX2504.
Volvo Car USA, LLC (Volvo Car) is recalling certain 2022-2023 S60, V60, S90L, XC60, and XC90 vehicles
The vehicle may lose drive power as the high voltage battery is depleted, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Dealers will update the ECM software, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed December 8, 2022. Owners may contact Volvo Car's customer service at 1-800-458-1552. Volvo Car's number for this recall is R10198.
Volvo Trucks North America (Volvo Trucks) is recalling certain 2023 Volvo VN vehicles
An unexpected engine stall can increase the risk of a crash.
Fix: Cummins will replace the ECM and perform a recalibration. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed September 29, 2022. Owners may contact Volvo Trucks' customer service at 1-800-528-6586. Volvo Trucks' number for this recall is RVXX2203.
Volvo Car USA, LLC (Volvo) is recalling certain 2021 XC40 BEV vehicles
A loose or missing bolt may decrease the structural protection of the vehicle, increasing the risk of injury during a crash.
Fix: Dealers will replace the cross-member bracket and install new bracket bolts, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 16, 2021. Owners may contact Volvo customer service at 1-888-458-1552. Volvo's number for this recall is R10128.
Volvo Trucks North America (Volvo Trucks) is recalling certain 2022 VNL vehicles equipped with Cummins X15 diesel engines
A detached flywheel can cause loss of drive power, increasing the risk of a crash. Additionally, driveline pieces may be ejected from the engine compartment, increasing the risk of injury.
Fix: The affected vehicles are still within the manufacturer's control. The Volvo Trucks manufacturing facility will properly torque the capscrews and inspect for possible damage and, if necessary, repair any damage found, free of charge. The recall began January 5, 2021. Owners may contact Volvo Trucks customer service at 1-800-528-6586.
If the coolant leak goes unnoticed, coolant may accumulate in the catalytic converter heat shield insulation and catch fire when the vehicle is stationary, increasing the risk of injury.
Fix: Volvo Cars will notify owners, and dealers will replace the engine side coolant bleeder hose, free of charge. The recall began June 12, 2019. Owners may contact Volvo customer service at 1-800-458-1552. Volvo's number for this recall is R29936.
Volvo Trucks North America (Volvo) is recalling certain 2016-2019 Volvo VNL trucks equipped with Cummins ISX15 diesel engines
If the fuel line bursts, fuel may leak onto the road resulting in a roadway hazard for other motorists. The engine may also stall without warning, resulting in the vehicle's inability to restart, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Cummins will notify owners, and dealers will replace the single screen filter banjo bolt will be replaced with a dual screen filter banjo bolt, free of charge. The recall began November 21, 2018. Owners may contact Volvo customer service at 1-800-528-6586. Volvo's number for this recall is RVXX1802.
Volvo Trucks North America (Trucks) is recalling certain model year 2017 VNL trucks manufactured March 15, 2016, to April 20, 2016, equipped with a Cummins ISX12 or ISX15 engine using certain engine control modules (ECM)
An engine stall can increase the risk of a crash.
Fix: Cummins will notify owners, and Cummins dealers will replace the existing ECM with a new ECM, free of charge. The recall began on July 11, 2016. Owners may contact Cummins customer service at 1-800-343-7357 or Volvo customer service at 1-800-528-6586. Volvo's number for this recall is RVXX1604.
Volvo Trucks North America (Volvo) is recalling certain model year 2012-2016 VNM trucks manufactured March 21, 2011, to April 30, 2015
If engine oil comes into contact with a hot surface, there could be an increased risk of a fire.
Fix: Volvo will notify owners, and dealers will secure the ends of the 90-degree elbow. In addition, the electronic control module (ECM) will be reprogrammed with software that can adjust the engine output under misfire conditions to limit crankcase pressures. These repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began on June 12, 2015. Owners may contact Volvo customer service at 1-800-528-6586. Volvo's number for this recall is RVXX1502.
Volvo Trucks North America (Volvo) is recalling certain model year 2013-2015 VNL trucks, and 2013-2014 VNM trucks equipped with certain Cummins Westport Model ISL G and ISX12 G engines
The improper operation of the sensor could induce elevated exhaust temperatures or flames from the exhaust pipe, increasing the risk of a vehicle fire or burn injury to a person near the exhaust pipe.
Fix: Cummins Inc. and Cummins Wesport Inc. will notify owners, and authorized Cummins service facilities will upload a new ECM calibration, free of charge. The recall began on April 12, 2014. Owners may contact Volvo at 1-800-528-6586. Volvo's number for this recall is RVXX1401.
Volvo Cars of North America, LLC (Volvo) is recalling certain model year 2011-2012 S60 vehicles manufactured June 22, 2010, through May 14, 2012, and equipped with 5-cylinder B5254T5 (VIN code 62) engines
Without being warned of a low oil pressure situation, the driver may continue to drive the vehicle until it stalls, which increases the risk of a crash.
Fix: Volvo will notify owners, and dealers will update the vehicle's software so that the driver is alerted should there be a low oil pressure situation, free of charge. The recall began on January 10, 2014. Owners may contact Volvo at 1-800-458-1552. Volvo's number for this campaign is R29436.
Fontaine Modification (Fontaine) is recalling certain model year 2011-2013 Volvo VAH vehicles modified with upward facing exhaust diffusers for use as auto-haulers
Excessive heat could result in a fire.
Fix: Fontaine will notify owners and dealers will replace the diffuser with one of a different shape and design, free of charge. Owners may contact Fontaine at 1-800-366-8246.
Common questions
How many Volvo engine complaints are on file with NHTSA?
289 complaints across 27 model-year entries from 2005 to 2016. 1 active recall campaigns cover engine issues across the Volvo lineup.
Which Volvo model has the most engine complaints?
The 2005 Volvo XC90 leads with 58 complaints in this category. Next: 2012 S60 (45) and 2013 S60 (29).
What does it cost to fix Volvo engine problems?
Independent shops average $3,100 for engine repairs across the Volvo lineup. Dealer pricing tends to run twenty to forty percent higher. Specific cost depends on the failure mode and parts availability.
Are there Volvo engine recalls?
Yes — 12 active recall campaigns cover engine on Volvo vehicles. Recall fixes are free regardless of mileage or warranty status. The list below shows current campaigns with their NHTSA numbers.
Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) public records database.
Editorial commentary written by Frank DeSantis, an independent contributor to ProblemsByVin
and not affiliated with Volvo.
Severity ratings derive from reported crashes, fires, injuries, and fatalities on the NHTSA complaint and recall record.
Repair cost averages reflect independent-shop pricing and may differ in your area.