The Most Reliable Volvo Engine, Ranked

Voting rules: Choose the engine you think is the most reliable!

Updated on Apr 17, 2024 07:52

Determining the most reliable engine from a respected manufacturer like Volvo can significantly influence buying decisions and car maintenance plans. Many drivers and enthusiasts share diverse experiences and opinions, often leading to lively discussions and debates on forums and social media. This ranking aims to collect a wide range of insights and quantify them into a digestible format. By participating in voting, you contribute to a community-driven resource that aids potential buyers, current owners, and automotive enthusiasts in making informed choices. Each vote helps ensure that our rankings reflect real-world reliability and performance, making this an invaluable tool for anyone interested in Volvo engines and their longstanding reputation for durability.

What Is the Most Reliable Volvo Engine?

1

26
votes
Volvo B230 engine

Volvo Cars

The B230 is a reliable engine that has been used in various Volvo models for over two decades. It is known for its durability, and many vehicles with this engine have gone over 300,000 miles.
The Volvo B230 engine is a reliable and robust four-cylinder gasoline engine that was produced by Volvo Cars from the late 1970s to the mid-1990s. It gained a reputation for its durability and longevity, making it a popular choice among Volvo enthusiasts and owners.

Engine Type: Inline 4-cylinder

Displacement: 2.3 liters

Fuel Delivery: Bosch K-Jetronic mechanical fuel injection

Valvetrain: Overhead camshaft with rocker arms

Compression Ratio: 9.8:1
2

24
votes
Volvo D5 engine

Volvo Cars

The D5 is a diesel engine that has been used in various Volvo models since 2001. It is known for its fuel efficiency and reliability, and it has been used in many high-mileage vehicles.
The Volvo D5 engine is a diesel engine produced by Volvo Cars. It is a robust and reliable engine known for its performance and efficiency.

Displacement: 2.4L

Number of cylinders: 5

Fuel type: Diesel

Power output: 163-215 horsepower

Torque: 42-49 lb-ft
3

14
votes
Volvo B18 engine

Volvo

The B18 is a four-cylinder engine that was used in Volvo vehicles from the 1960s through the 1980s. It is known for its simplicity and durability, and it is still a popular choice for classic Volvo enthusiasts.
The Volvo B18 engine is a four-cylinder, overhead valve (OHV) engine manufactured by Volvo. It was introduced in 1961 as a replacement for the earlier B16 engine, and it remained in production until 1974. The B18 engine is known for its reliability, longevity, and robust construction.

Engine Type: Four-cylinder, inline

Valve Configuration: Overhead Valve (OHV)

Displacement: 1.8 liters (1778cc)

Bore and Stroke: 84.14 mm x 80 mm

Compression Ratio: 8.7:1
4

27
votes
Volvo T5 engine

Volvo Cars

The T5 is a turbocharged engine that has been used in various Volvo models since the 1990s. It is known for its power and reliability, and it has been used in many high-performance vehicles.
The Volvo T5 engine is a four-cylinder petrol engine developed by Volvo Cars. It is known for its performance, reliability, and efficiency.

Engine Type: Inline 4-cylinder

Displacement: 2.0 liters

Power Output: Varies with model, typically ranges from 250 to 350 horsepower

Torque: Varies with model, typically ranges from 258 to 369 lb-ft

Compression Ratio: Varies with model, typically ranges from 9.5:1 to 10.3:1
5

25
votes
Volvo D13 engine

Volvo Group

The D13 is a diesel engine that has been used in Volvo trucks since 2008. It is known for its fuel efficiency and durability, and it has been used in many long-haul trucks.
The Volvo D13 engine is a heavy-duty diesel engine commonly used in Volvo trucks. It is renowned for its reliability, power, and fuel efficiency.

Displacement: 12.8 liters

Configuration: Inline 6-cylinder

Cylinder bore: 131 mm

Stroke: 158 mm

Compression ratio: 17.3:1
6

9
votes
Herranderssvensson · CC BY-SA 3.0

Volvo B21 engine

Volvo Cars

The B21 is a four-cylinder engine that was used in Volvo vehicles from the 1970s through the 1990s. It is known for its reliability and simplicity, and it has been used in many classic Volvo models.
The Volvo B21 engine is an inline four-cylinder gasoline engine produced by Volvo Cars from 1975 to 1998. It was the successor to the Volvo B20 engine and was primarily used in Volvo's 200 series vehicles.

Engine Type: Inline four-cylinder

Displacement: 2.1 liters

Fuel System: Fuel injection (EFI) or carburetor

Valvetrain: Overhead camshaft

Power Output: 95-140 horsepower
7

9
votes
Volvo V8 engine

Volvo Cars

The V8 is a powerful engine that has been used in various Volvo models since 2005. It is known for its performance and reliability, and it has been used in many high-end Volvo vehicles.
The Volvo V8 engine is a powerful and robust engine developed by Volvo Cars. It is a compact eight-cylinder engine designed for performance and efficiency.

Engine Type: V8

Displacement: 4.4 liters

Configuration: DOHC V8

Cylinder Arrangement: V formation

Valvetrain: 32 valves
8

10
votes
Volvo D16 engine

Volvo Trucks

The D16 is a diesel engine that has been used in Volvo trucks since 2004. It is known for its power and durability, and it has been used in many heavy-duty trucks.
The Volvo D16 engine is a heavy-duty diesel engine manufactured by Volvo Trucks. It belongs to the Volvo D-series engines, which are known for their reliability and performance. The D16 engine is specifically designed for demanding applications in trucks and construction equipment.

Displacement: 16.1 liters

Cylinder Configuration: Inline-6

Fuel System: Common Rail Injection

Power Output: 500-625 horsepower

Torque: 1,850-2,050 lb-ft
9

9
votes
Volvo B30 engine

Volvo Cars

The B30 is a six-cylinder engine that was used in Volvo vehicles from the 1960s through the 1980s. It is known for its reliability and smoothness, and it has been used in many classic Volvo models.
The Volvo B30 engine is a six-cylinder gasoline engine produced by Volvo Cars. It was introduced in 1969 and remained in production until 1998. The engine was renowned for its reliability and durability.

Engine Type: Inline six-cylinder

Displacement: 3.0 liters

Power Output: varied across different versions

Cylinder Block Material: Cast iron

Valvetrain: Overhead camshaft
10

10
votes
Volvo B234 engine

Volvo

The B234 is a four-cylinder engine that was used in Volvo vehicles from the 1980s through the 1990s. It is known for its reliability and durability, and it has been used in many classic Volvo models.
The Volvo B234 engine is a four-cylinder, 2.3-liter gasoline engine that was produced by Volvo between 1990 and 1998. It was designed as an upgrade to the previous B230 engine, offering improved power and efficiency. The B234 engine is known for its reliability and durability, making it a popular choice among Volvo enthusiasts and owners.

Engine type: Four-cylinder

Displacement: 2.3 liters

Fuel type: Gasoline

Production years: 1990-1998

Aspiration: Naturally aspirated

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Discussion

Ranking factors for reliable engine

Engine design

Some Volvo engines are better designed than others, with features such as advanced fuel injection systems, low friction technologies, and improved cooling systems that enhance reliability.
Age and mileage

Older Volvo engines may be less reliable than newer ones due to wear and tear. Similarly, engines with high mileage may be more prone to breakdowns and other issues.
Maintenance history

A well-maintained engine is likely to be more reliable than one with a spotty maintenance record.
Performance capabilities

High-performance engines may be more prone to breakdowns due to the stresses placed on the components.
User reviews

Checking user reviews and ratings can be helpful in determining the reliability of a Volvo engine.

About this ranking

This is a community-based ranking of the most reliable Volvo engine. We do our best to provide fair voting, but it is not intended to be exhaustive. So if you notice something or engine is missing, feel free to help improve the ranking!

Statistics

6659 views
154 votes
10 ranked items

Voting Rules

A participant may cast an up or down vote for each engine once every 24 hours. The rank of each engine is then calculated from the weighted sum of all up and down votes.

More information on most reliable volvo engine

Volvo is a renowned Swedish automobile manufacturer known for producing luxury cars that are robust, safe, and reliable. If you are considering purchasing a Volvo, it's essential to know which engine type is the most reliable. Volvo has produced several engine types over the years, but the most reliable engine is the Volvo B230. This engine type was introduced in 1985 and was used in various Volvo models until 1998. The B230 engine is a four-cylinder engine that is known for its durability, fuel efficiency, and low maintenance cost. It's a non-interference engine, meaning that the valves and pistons won't collide if the timing belt snaps, reducing the risk of engine damage. The B230 engine has proven to be robust and long-lasting, making it a top choice for Volvo enthusiasts.