YearToAvoid

2016 Volvo XC60 Engine Problems

NHTSA has logged 17 engine complaints for the 2016 Volvo XC60, 45% of all complaints filed for this model year, with median failure mileage at 66,400 miles. No related engine recall is on file for this model year.

Engine complaints
17
45% of 38
Crashes reported
0
Fires reported
0
Injuries reported
0
Median mileage
66,400 mi
Related recalls
0

Typical engine symptoms owners report

  • Owners report rapid or excessive oil consumption, often needing a quart added every 500 to 1,000 miles with no visible leaks.
  • Some describe the low oil warning light appearing repeatedly before dealers diagnosed faulty piston rings.
  • Several owners report sudden loss of engine power or complete engine failure while driving, sometimes requiring the vehicle to be towed.
  • One owner described the engine shutting off unexpectedly with heavy steering afterward, attributed by a dealer to skipped timing.
  • Some owners report unstable idle with RPMs surging up and down at stops, triggering the check engine light.
  • A few complaints mention a burning smell inside the cabin accompanying low oil warnings.

When 2016 Volvo XC60 engine complaints were filed

First complaint Jan 4, 2022, latest Jul 1, 2026.

2016 Volvo XC60 engine complaints: complaints filed per month3Jan 2022Mar 2023Sep 2023Aug 2024Jan 2025Jun 2025Dec 2025
17 complaints filed with NHTSA from Jan 2022 to Jul 2026; peak Mar 2023 (3).

Engine recalls for the 2016 Volvo XC60

No safety recalls on record for this model year.

Engine complaints by XC60 model year

Raw complaint counts per model year; newer years have had less time to accumulate complaints.

  1. 20107 (13%)
  2. 20115 (14%)
  3. 20123 (7%)
  4. 20134 (6%)
  5. 20147 (44%)
  6. 201514 (30%)
  7. 201617 (45%)
  8. 20173 (19%)
  9. 20186 (17%)
  10. 20197 (19%)
  11. 20202 (9%)
  12. 20216 (13%)
  13. 202212 (16%)
  14. 20235 (9%)
  15. 20243 (13%)
  16. 20254 (12%)

Frequently asked questions

How many engine complaints does NHTSA have for the 2016 Volvo XC60?
NHTSA lists 17 engine complaints for the 2016 Volvo XC60, which is 45% of all complaints filed for this model year.
Is there a recall for the 2016 Volvo XC60 engine?
No related engine recall is listed for the 2016 Volvo XC60 in the data reviewed.
What mileage do 2016 Volvo XC60 engine problems typically show up at?
The median mileage at failure for engine complaints on the 2016 Volvo XC60 is 66,400 miles.
What is the most common engine problem owners report on the 2016 Volvo XC60?
Owners most often report excessive oil consumption tied to piston ring issues, along with some cases of sudden engine power loss or failure.
Did any 2016 Volvo XC60 engine complaints involve crashes or fires?
No, NHTSA data shows zero crashes and zero fires among the 17 engine complaints for this model year.

Sources: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation complaint and recall databases; U.S. EPA fuel economy data; NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings. Complaints are unverified owner reports.

Data updated Sep 24, 2026. Read the methodology and data sources. The Complaint Index is based on NHTSA owner complaints and recalls; it is not a reliability rating.