XC60 Turbo problem

[Hambridge26]

Hey.. I’m hoping someone can help..
I had Volvo assist out 2 days ago who advised I have a small leak of oil leaking onto the engine. Took it to the dealer yesterday who diagnosed - Exhaust gas leakage from turbo, reqs turbo and associated parts, with a quote of £4000

It’s done 60k miles and for 2 years of its life has sat on my driveway due to Covid. It’s a well looked after car. The engineer advised in all the years at working for Volvo he has only seen one other example of the same.

Would I have any right to recourse here.. I can’t afford a 4k bill but wouldn’t expect in on a car of this age/miles. Any help/advice would be really appreciated

[samoht]

Sorry to hear that.

It would also be relevant to know the year of the car, and when and where you bought it. Also when and where it's been serviced (in your ownership and before).

As a general rule the manufacturer's legal responsibility ends when the new car warranty does, except for safety critical issues which this isn't.

You can absolutely say to the dealer that you're disappointed and shocked that a quality car like a Volvo would have such a failure as this, and ask them to ask Volvo for a contribution. Depending on the car's history, you may have a good chance or no chance, but it's worth asking.

Otherwise I'd try and research a recommended specialist garage and take it there, they can give a second opinion on what's gone wrong and a lower cost option to repair it. FWIW I had two turbos rebuilt for about £800, so I'd not expect it to cost four grand to fix yours.

Next time you buy a car, if you want the manufacturer to definitely back it up long-term, consider a Toyota or Lexus, they will warrant for up to 11 years if you service it with them.

[stevemcs]

How old and what engine.

[Hambridge26]

Thank you for coming back to me. It’s a 67 plate 2 litre diesel. I purchased it second hand from a Volvo dealership and it’s got full Volvo service history.
Tash

[Hambridge26]

I also agree with getting a second opinion.. trying desperately to get a local garage to see it quickly. The dealership spoke to the gesture of goodwill centre to see what they could offer, the response was a no with no reasoning given

[clockworks]

I had the turbo fail on my Skoda Superb 280. Car was less than 4 years old, less than 30K miles, full main dealer history.

Fault was with the actuator, not the actual turbine, but it couldn't be replaced separately. Replacement at the main dealer, £2200. Specialist wanted £1800. Rebuilt turbo and DIY fitting - around £900.

In the end, Skoda agreed some goodwill, and did the job for £1800.

[NRG1976]

Hambridge26 said:

Thank you for coming back to me. It’s a 67 plate 2 litre diesel. I purchased it second hand from a Volvo dealership and it’s got full Volvo service history.
Tash

I think the tricky situation is that it is 6+ years old and has 60k miles on the clock - from a manufacturer perspective you can understand why they would be reluctantly to offer too much for free.

[Hambridge26]

I do understand that.. but from research and Volvo telling me.. it’s a fault they never see and one that happens when oil is not sorted at service.. which mine has had every year without fail.
The shock factor at the bill has been the worst.. but will try and source a second opinion. To drive my car you would not know there is a problem..

[samoht]

Hambridge26 said:

The shock factor at the bill has been the worst.. but will try and source a second opinion. To drive my car you would not know there is a problem..

At 6 years and 60k miles, your car is probably halfway through the manufacturer's expected design life.

In my opinion it's not that unreasonable to have a turbo failure at this age and mileage. What is unreasonable to me is if it costs you £4k to fix it.

clockworks said:

I had the turbo fail on my Skoda Superb 280.

Fault was with the actuator, not the actual turbine, but it couldn't be replaced separately. Replacement at the main dealer, £2200. Specialist wanted £1800. Rebuilt turbo and DIY fitting - around £900.

I'd be thinking to try and find a good independent garage who can send the turbo away to be rebuilt, hopefully would be about a grand.

Still a lot of money, but a brand new car can lose that in a few months in depreciation, and a car with similar performance from a big naturally aspirated petrol engine will cost far more to fuel. There ain't no such thing as a free lunch when it comes to motoring sadly.

[stevemcs]

I’ll try and pull up the Volvo parts tomorrow and see what’s there … if the turbo is cracked then there is little that can be done

[NRG1976]

There are a couple of specific Volvo U.K. forums around, you may find some good advice / recommendations from people who have had the same issue on them too.