What Is the P0172 Code on the 2022 Volvo XC60?
When your 2022 Volvo XC60 throws a P0172 trouble code, it means the engine control module has detected that Bank 1 of the engine is running richer than it should. The 2022 XC60 comes with a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder in B5 trim (247 hp) or a turbo-supercharged version in the B6 (295 hp), both featuring Volvo's mild-hybrid 48-volt system. There is also the Recharge T8 plug-in hybrid variant. A rich condition means the engine is burning too much fuel relative to air, which reduces performance and increases emissions.
Symptoms You May Notice
- Check engine light illuminated
- Reduced fuel economy from the typical 23-29 MPG range
- Dark or black exhaust smoke
- Rough or unstable idle
- Strong gasoline smell from the exhaust
- Sluggish acceleration or hesitation
Most Common Causes of P0172 on the 2022 XC60
- Dirty or Faulty Mass Airflow (MAF) Sensor - Oil residue or contaminants on the MAF sensor element cause it to underreport airflow, prompting the ECM to inject excess fuel.
- Leaking Fuel Injectors - The high-pressure direct-injection system on the XC60's 2.0L engine uses precision injectors. If one develops a leak or fails to close completely, fuel accumulates in the cylinder.
- Failed Upstream O2 Sensor - The Bank 1 upstream oxygen sensor provides critical feedback for fuel trim adjustments. A sluggish or biased sensor leads to incorrect enrichment.
- Clogged Air Filter - A dirty air filter starves the engine of air, tilting the air-fuel ratio toward the rich side and triggering the P0172 code.
How to Diagnose the Problem
Plug in an OBD-II scanner and confirm the P0172 code. Check for companion codes such as P0175 (Bank 2 rich) which could indicate a system-wide issue versus a Bank 1 specific problem. Review short-term and long-term fuel trims. If long-term fuel trim on Bank 1 is below -10%, the ECM has been compensating for a sustained rich condition. Inspect the air filter first since it is the easiest check. Then visually examine the MAF sensor for contamination. Test fuel pressure to ensure the fuel system is not over-pressurized. Monitor the upstream O2 sensor with a scan tool to verify it oscillates between 0.1V and 0.9V at a normal rate.
Repair Options and What to Expect
For the 2022 XC60, cleaning the MAF sensor with dedicated MAF cleaner spray is often the first and least expensive approach. If cleaning does not resolve the issue, the MAF sensor may need full replacement. Fuel injector replacement on the direct-injection 2.0L engine is a job that typically takes 2-3 hours of labor. The O2 sensor on Bank 1 is accessible from underneath the vehicle and can be replaced with a standard O2 sensor socket. Air filter replacement is a 5-minute DIY job accessible from the top of the engine bay.
Estimated Repair Costs
- MAF Sensor Replacement: $150 - $350 (parts and labor)
- Fuel Injector Replacement: $300 - $700 (parts and labor)
- O2 Sensor Replacement: $200 - $450 (parts and labor)
- Air Filter Replacement: $25 - $55 (DIY)
Volvo dealership labor runs around $160-$200 per hour. An independent European car shop can save you significant money on these repairs.
Prevention Tips
- Replace the air filter every 15,000-20,000 miles
- Use premium fuel as recommended by Volvo
- Have the MAF sensor inspected and cleaned at each major service interval
- Address check engine lights as soon as they appear
- Follow the maintenance schedule in your Volvo XC60 owner's manual