Volvo D13 (Mack MP8)
12.80L Inline-6 turbo diesel • Volvo Group
About the Volvo D13 (Mack MP8)
The Volvo D13 (sold as Mack MP8 in Mack trucks) is a 12.8L inline-6 turbo diesel produced by Volvo Group. It's the most common engine in Volvo Trucks and Mack trucks (both Volvo Group brands). The Volvo D13 has a strong reputation for smooth power delivery, excellent integration with the Volvo I-Shift / Mack mDRIVE automated manual transmissions, and good fuel economy. Volvo has invested heavily in the D13 platform — it's the foundation of the entire Volvo Trucks North America commercial vehicle program. Modern Volvo D13 / Mack MP8 with the TC (turbo compounding) feature offers an additional 50 hp recovered from exhaust gases.
Overview
The Volvo D13 (sold as Mack MP8 in Mack trucks) is a 12.8L inline-6 turbo diesel produced by Volvo Group. It's the most common engine in Volvo Trucks and Mack trucks (both Volvo Group brands). The Volvo D13 has a strong reputation for smooth power delivery, excellent integration with the Volvo I-Shift / Mack mDRIVE automated manual transmissions, and good fuel economy. Volvo has invested heavily in the D13 platform — it's the foundation of the entire Volvo Trucks North America commercial vehicle program. Modern Volvo D13 / Mack MP8 with the TC (turbo compounding) feature offers an additional 50 hp recovered from exhaust gases.
Specifications
- Manufacturer
- Volvo Group
- Displacement
- 12.80 liters
- Configuration
- Inline-6 turbo diesel
- Fuel type
- Diesel
- Horsepower
- 375–500 hp
- Torque
- 1450–1850 lb-ft
- Production years
- 2007–present
- Truck classes
- Class 8
- Applications
- Long haul, regional, vocational
Design and engineering
12.8L inline-6 with cast iron block. Variable geometry turbocharger. High-pressure common rail. EPA 2017 GHG-compliant SCR aftertreatment. The optional Turbo Compound (TC) feature uses a power turbine on the exhaust to recover energy and add it back to the crankshaft — improves fuel economy by 3-5%. Integration with I-Shift / mDRIVE is exceptional.
Generations and emissions eras
Reliability and longevity
Modern D13/MP8 (2017+) is reliable and well-integrated. Earlier 2007-2010 EGR-era D13 had standard emissions-era issues. The D13 is parent-bore — full rebuild requires complete engine replacement or extensive machining, more expensive than wet-sleeve Cummins X15.
Common problems
EGR cooler failures at 400K-600K miles. NOx sensor failures (P229F) common at 300K+ miles. DEF dosing valve issues. Some 2017-2019 D13 engines with TC had power turbine issues addressed by TSB.
Maintenance schedule
Engine oil every 50,000 miles (Volvo Long Drain). Fuel filters every 25,000 miles. Coolant analysis every 100,000 miles. DPF cleaning every 400,000 miles.
Pros and cons
✓ Pros
- • Smooth power delivery — Volvo I-Shift integration
- • Strong fuel economy (especially with TC option)
- • Reliable modern emissions controls
- • Volvo Long Drain oil intervals (50K miles)
- • Strong dealer support
⚠ Cons
- • Parent-bore block — expensive at rebuild
- • Lower resale than Cummins X15 in similar applications
- • Volvo/Mack dealer network smaller than Freightliner
- • Higher initial cost than Detroit DD13 in similar applications
Resale value impact
D13-equipped Volvo VNL or Mack Anthem trucks have similar or slightly lower resale vs equivalent Detroit DD15 Cascadia or Cummins X15 Kenworth. Mack trucks with MP8 hold value well in vocational markets where Mack brand strength is strongest.