Volvo V60
Strongest variant of the 2.5-litre turbocharged five-cylinder with 187 kW and an improved intercooler. Delivers high torque across a wide RPM band with good everyday usability. Used in S60 Polestar-optimised versions and as the V60/S60 T5.
Powerful long-distance companion
Strong turbo for brisk motorway runs without strain. Typically Volvo: comfort remains the trump card.
Engine Weaknesses 4
Volvo officially identified piston ring defects on the B5254T12. Low-tension rings fitted for efficiency reasons caused heavy oil consumption. Repair solution: piston ring replacement. Vehicles before serial number 1501327 most affected.
Symptoms: Oil consumption above 0.5 L/1,000 km, blue smoke on cold start, frequent oil top-ups required.
The B5254T12 is an interference engine. Timing belt and water pump must be replaced together as prescribed. The timing belt drives the water pump; a slow pump leak can contaminate the belt and destroy it prematurely.
Symptoms: No warning before belt breaks. Squealing on cold start indicates a failing tensioner.
Plastic PCV housing becomes brittle, oil separator clogs. Typical Volvo five-cylinder problem across all turbo variants. Elevated crankcase pressure accelerates seal wear.
Symptoms: Whistling noise, oil seeping at rear main seal, elevated oil consumption, engine oil mist.
At higher mileage, piston rings and valve stem seals tend toward elevated oil consumption. 0.5–1 L per 1,000 km is borderline; above that indicates a fault.
Symptoms: Blue smoke from exhaust, regularly topping up engine oil required, oil level visibly drops.
Reports & Tests
41 owner complaints filed with NHTSA (2010–2018). Most reported: Engine (15), Other (5), Powertrain (5).