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Excessive Oil Consumption on 2018 Volvo XC60 T5 Momentum

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Tom H. · rep 0 · May 22, 5:13 AM · 1 replies · solved · Question

Vehicle: 2018 Volvo XC60 T5 Momentum

Hey everyone,

I've got a 2018 Volvo XC60 T5 Momentum and I've noticed it's been drinking oil lately. I have to add about a quart every 1,500-2,000 miles, which seems really high for a car with only 60k miles on it. There are no visible leaks under the car, and I don't see any blue smoke from the exhaust.

Has anyone else experienced this with their T5 engine? Is this normal for these Volvos, or should I be concerned? I'm worried about potential long-term damage.

Any advice on what to check first would be great. Thanks!

✓ Accepted solution

ClearTheCode Admin

ClearTheCode Team · rep 0 · May 22, 5:13 AM

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ClearTheCode admin answer:

Excessive oil consumption in modern engines, including Volvo's Drive-E T5, can be a concern. While some consumption is normal, a quart every 1,500-2,000 miles is on the higher side and warrants investigation. Here are the common causes and steps to take:

  1. PCV (Positive Crankcase Ventilation) System Issues:

    • Cause: The PCV system, particularly the oil trap/separator, can become clogged or fail. This leads to excessive crankcase pressure, which can force oil past seals and piston rings, increasing consumption.
    • Diagnostics: A simple test is to remove the oil filler cap while the engine is running. If there's strong suction or pressure, it could indicate a PCV issue. You might also hear a whistling sound from the engine bay.

  2. Turbocharger Seal Wear:

    • Cause: Worn seals within the turbocharger can allow engine oil to leak into either the intake or exhaust system, where it is then burned off. This often doesn't produce visible external leaks.
    • Symptoms: You might notice a slight burning oil smell, especially after hard acceleration, or subtle blue smoke from the exhaust, particularly on startup or deceleration.

  3. Piston Ring Issues:

    • Cause: While less common in relatively low-mileage engines, worn or stuck piston rings can lead to oil bypassing into the combustion chamber. This can be due to manufacturing defects, prolonged use of incorrect oil, or extended oil change intervals.

Common OBD Codes (if related issues arise):

  • P0521: Engine Oil Pressure Sensor/Switch Range/Performance (indicates an issue with oil pressure, which could be related to consumption or lubrication).
  • P0420: Catalyst System Efficiency Below Threshold (Bank 1) - This code might appear if excessive oil burning has damaged the catalytic converter over time.

When to See a Shop: It's highly recommended to have your 2018 Volvo XC60 T5 inspected by a qualified Volvo technician if:

  • The oil consumption rate increases.
  • You start seeing blue smoke from the exhaust.
  • Any engine warning lights illuminate on your dashboard.
  • You perform the PCV test and suspect an issue.

Ignoring excessive oil consumption can lead to serious long-term problems, including catalytic converter failure, spark plug fouling, and potential engine damage due to insufficient lubrication. A professional can perform a proper diagnostic, including a compression test, leak-down test, and thorough inspection of the PCV and turbo systems.

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