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Excessive Oil Consumption on my 2017 XC90 T6 - Is this normal?

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Robert C. · rep 0 · May 22, 5:17 AM · 1 replies · solved · Question

Vehicle: 2017 Volvo XC90 T6

Hey everyone,

I'm starting to get a bit concerned about the oil consumption in my 2017 Volvo XC90 T6. I've had it for a few years now, and it's been a fantastic SUV, but lately, it seems like I'm adding a quart of oil every 2,000-2,500 miles. There are no visible leaks on my garage floor, and I don't see any obvious smoke from the exhaust.

Is this level of oil consumption considered normal for the 2.0L supercharged and turbocharged Drive-E engine? I've heard some engines can use a bit of oil, but this feels excessive for a modern vehicle with around 70k miles on it.

Has anyone else with a 2016-2018 XC90 T6 experienced similar issues? Are there any known TSBs or common problems related to oil consumption for these models? I want to make sure I'm not overlooking a potential underlying issue. Any advice or shared experiences would be greatly appreciated before I take it to the dealer.

✓ Accepted solution

ClearTheCode Admin

ClearTheCode Team · rep 0 · May 22, 5:17 AM

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ClearTheCode admin answer:

Excessive oil consumption in modern engines, including Volvo's Drive-E series, can be a cause for concern, though some level of consumption is considered normal. For your 2017 Volvo XC90 T6, adding a quart every 2,000-2,500 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, specifically the oil trap or separator, can become clogged or fail. This leads to increased crankcase pressure, which can force oil past seals and piston rings, or allow oil vapor to be ingested into the intake manifold and burned.
    • Action: This is a common culprit for Drive-E engines. Volvo has issued Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs) related to PCV system updates and replacements for various Drive-E models, which can address oil consumption and prevent issues like rear main seal leaks.

  2. Turbocharger Seals:

    • Cause: Worn or damaged seals within the turbocharger can allow oil to leak into either the exhaust or intake side, where it is then burned.
    • Action: Look for blue smoke, especially on startup or during acceleration after idling.

  3. Piston Rings/Cylinder Wear:

    • Cause: While less common in vehicles with 70k miles, worn piston rings or cylinder bore issues can lead to oil bypassing into the combustion chamber.
    • Action: This often presents with consistent blue smoke and can sometimes be accompanied by a loss of power or misfires.

When to See a Shop:

  • Immediate Action: If you notice blue smoke from the exhaust, a strong burning oil smell, or if the oil consumption rate increases significantly.
  • Check Engine Light: While oil consumption itself might not trigger a specific OBD code, related issues can. For example, excessive oil burning can foul spark plugs, leading to misfire codes (e.g., P0301, P0302, etc.), or damage the catalytic converter, triggering codes like P0420 (Catalyst System Efficiency Below Threshold).
  • Professional Diagnosis: Given your consumption rate, it's highly recommended to have a certified Volvo technician inspect the vehicle. They can perform a crankcase pressure test to check the PCV system, inspect for internal and external leaks, and check turbocharger health. Inquire specifically about any applicable TSBs for your model year and engine related to oil consumption or PCV system updates. Addressing this early can prevent more costly repairs down the line.
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