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D5244TD5204

2.4/2.0 D3/D4/D5 5-cylinder (D5244T/D5204, 2001-2016) engine: faults and reliability

Volvo D4/D5 (5 cilindros and VEA) version

With caution

Several owners document that the auxiliary belt can break and take the timing belt with it, destroying the engine as a result, between 74,000 and 119,000 km; check the timing belt history before buying.[1][2]

Years
2001–2016
Power
136–215 hp
Faults that affect it
4
1 of high or critical severity
Cars that use it
9
in our database

14 sourcesHow we work

What changes in this version

Volvo's own engine, an inline five-cylinder with common rail injection and a variable-geometry turbocharger, launched in 2001 with 163 hp for the S60, S80 and V70. It was built in two capacities (2.4 and a shorter-stroke 2.0-litre version) and sold as the D3, D4 or D5 depending on output. In 2005 the D5 went from 163 to 185 hp with a larger turbo, seven-hole injectors (previously five) and a particulate filter now fitted as standard; in the XC90's final years it reached 200-215 hp.[3][4][5]

Engine codes of this version: D5244T, D5204.

Faults of the D5244T engine

The documented engine faults that affect this version and its years, from most to least important.

  1. 1Critical severityFrequency: CommonTimingAuxiliary belt breakage that takes the timing belt with it (5-cylinder)Yes: on the 2.4/2.0 5-cylinder (D5244T/D5204, 2001-2016), several owners describe the auxiliary belt breaking and taking out or damaging the timing belt, with the engine destroyed. It happens in the S60 and XC60 between 74,000 and 119,000 km, and in one case not even the extended warranty covered it.
  2. 2Medium severityFrequency: CommonEmissions controlClogged EGR valve or EGR cooler leaking into the intakeYes, in both D4/D5 families: the EGR gets dirty or clogged, and its cooler can lose its seal and leak coolant into the intake. It appears in the XC60, S60, V40 and V60, between 56,000 and 180,000 km, with limp mode and, in some cases, several valve replacements.
  3. 3Medium severityFrequency: CommonEmissions controlDPF (particulate filter) blockage and incomplete regenerationsYes: the D4/D5's diesel particulate filter (DPF) can clog or give sensor faults when regenerations are not completed, almost always because of short journeys. Documented in the XC60 (9 cases out of 132 testimonies), the XC90 and the S60/V40 VEA, sometimes together with AdBlue warnings.
  4. 4Medium severityFrequency: RareIntakeBreakage of the intake manifold swirl flap (5-cylinder)One documented case in the first-generation Volvo XC60 (2.4d of 163 hp) describes replacement of the intake manifold swirl flap at 120,000 km. With the sources available we have only been able to confirm that specific case for this engine, so we cannot say it is widespread.

Cars fitted with the D5244T engine

Open each car to see all its faults with this engine and what to check before buying it.

Volvo

Frequently asked questions

Is the D5244T engine reliable?

Our verdict is “With caution”. Several owners document that the auxiliary belt can break and take the timing belt with it, destroying the engine as a result, between 74,000 and 119,000 km; check the timing belt history before buying.[1][2]

What faults does the D5244T engine have?

The documented ones that affect this version, by importance: auxiliary belt breakage that takes the timing belt with it (5-cylinder) (critical severity), clogged EGR valve or EGR cooler leaking into the intake (medium severity), DPF (particulate filter) blockage and incomplete regenerations (medium severity) and breakage of the intake manifold swirl flap (5-cylinder) (medium severity).

Which cars use the D5244T engine?

Volvo XC90 I (2002–2014), Volvo XC60 I (2008–2017), Volvo S60 I (2001–2010), Volvo S60 II (2010–2018), Volvo V70 III (2007–2016), Volvo S80 II (2006–2016), Volvo XC70 III (2007–2016), Volvo V60 I (2010–2019) and Volvo V40 II (2012–2019).[1][2][3][4][5][6][7][8][9][10][11][12][13][14]

Are you buying a car with the D5244T engine?

We will put you in touch with a partner only if you authorise it in the form.

Do you have a car with this engine? Tell us which faults you have had and at how many kilometres. Report your fault.

Sources

Every fact on this page links to its source. If you find an error, let us know.

  1. Fiabilité et pannes Volvo S60Fiches-auto.fr · Other source · consulted 27 September 2026 · in French
  2. Fiabilité et pannes Volvo XC60 (2008-2017)Fiches-auto.fr · Other source · consulted 27 September 2026 · in French
  3. Volvo D5: 185 CV para el S60, V70, XC70 y XC90Autopista.es · Motoring press · published July 2005 · consulted 27 September 2026 · in Spanish
  4. Volvo XC90Wikipedia · Other source · consulted 27 September 2026 · in Spanish
  5. Volvo S60Wikipedia · Other source · consulted 27 September 2026 · in Spanish
  6. Volvo XC60Wikipedia · Other source · consulted 27 September 2026 · in Spanish
  7. Volvo V70Wikipedia · Other source · consulted 27 September 2026 · in Spanish
  8. Volvo Engine ArchitectureWikipedia · Other source · consulted 27 September 2026
  9. Volvo S80Wikipedia · Other source · consulted 27 September 2026 · in Spanish
  10. Volvo XC70Wikipedia · Other source · consulted 27 September 2026 · in Spanish
  11. Volvo V60Wikipedia · Other source · consulted 27 September 2026 · in Spanish
  12. Fiabilité et pannes Volvo V60Fiches-auto.fr · Other source · consulted 27 September 2026 · in French
  13. Volvo V40Wikipedia · Other source · consulted 27 September 2026 · in Spanish
  14. Fiabilité et pannes Volvo V40Fiches-auto.fr · Other source · consulted 27 September 2026 · in French