Why is my Volvo V60 Drive-E burning so much oil?

Short answer: Some early 2015–2016 Volvo Drive-E 2.0L engines burn oil because of piston rings. Volvo issued a bulletin for engines built before a certain serial number, and owners on SwedeSpeed report engines being replaced under warranty after oil consumption tests. If you're adding oil between changes, document it and talk to a Volvo dealer.

Symptom: The low oil warning comes on between changes, or you're adding a quart every couple of thousand miles.

What to check first

1. Check the oil on the dipstick or display regularly and record what you add and when.
2. Ask a Volvo dealer for an oil consumption test (they fill and seal the oil, then measure after a set distance).
3. Ask about bulletin TJ-31216 and whether your engine serial number is in range.
4. Check your warranty and any extended coverage.

Likely causes

1. Piston ring problem on early engines. Covered by Volvo's bulletin for engines before serial 1501327.
2. PCV / crankcase ventilation. Worth ruling out on any turbo engine using oil.

What it usually costs

Owners on SwedeSpeed report engine replacements under warranty; one paid a $100 deductible. Out-of-warranty costs weren't posted, so ask Volvo about goodwill if you're just outside coverage.

Is it safe to keep driving?

Usually yes if you keep the oil full. Running low can damage the turbo and engine. Verify with a mechanic.

DIY or shop?

DIY for checking and topping up oil. The repair is a dealer job.

Recalls, bulletins and complaints in plain words

• Recalls: NHTSA lists no recall for oil consumption on the Volvo V60 for these model years (checked 2026-10-23). Other recalls may exist for your car, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. If your car is part of a recall, the dealer fixes it for free.
• Service bulletin: Volvo TJ-31216 covers oil consumption on early Drive-E 2.0L engines (built before serial 1501327), with piston and ring replacement. See the bulletin.
• NHTSA complaints: 19 keyword-matched complaints for Volvo V60 2015–2018 (of 42 unique complaints queried, NHTSA complaints API by model year, queried 2026-10-23; keywords: oil consumption, burning oil, low oil, piston ring). This counts complaints that mention these words. It is not a defect finding.

What owners report

• My Oil Consumption Saga is Over (2015.5 V60 Drive-E) on SwedeSpeed is an owner's account of getting the engine replaced under warranty with a $100 deductible, according to search results. (SwedeSpeed blocked direct reading, so we confirmed this through search results.)
• Oil consumption problem led to replacing the engine! on SwedeSpeed is another owner whose Drive-E engine was replaced for oil use. (Confirmed through search results.)
• My 2015 V60 Drive-E Oil Consumption Story... So Far on SwedeSpeed follows a 2015 V60 owner going through oil consumption testing with the dealer. (Confirmed through search results.)

Quick tip

Keep a log of every quart you add. That record is what gets a dealer to run the test and act on the bulletin.

Vehicle focus: 2015–2018 Volvo V60 with the 2.0L Drive-E 4-cylinder (T5, and T6 in some markets). Earlier 5- and 6-cylinder V60s use different engines.

Safety / mechanic note

Low oil can damage the turbo and engine. Verify with a mechanic.