2016 Volvo XC70 Reliability Data: Problems & Recalls
Best The 2016 Volvo XC70 has a complaint index of 18, the second-best of 12 model years, and ranks 10th worst (out of 12) with a Best verdict. It has 7 complaints and 2 recalls, with Engine as the top problem area.
Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology
YearToAvoid Scorecard
- Complaint Index
- 18/100
- #10 of 12 XC70 years
- Verdict
- Best
- vs. other years of this model
- Complaints
- 7
- unique NHTSA reports
- Recalls
- 2
- distinct NHTSA campaigns
- Crashes
- 0
- reported in complaints
- Fires
- 0
- Injuries
- 0
- Top issue
- Engine
- NHTSA overall rating
- Not rated
- EPA combined MPG
- 23.5
- 21 city / 28 hwy
- Injuries / deaths
- 0 / 0
Top 2016 Volvo XC70 problems
Share of this year’s NHTSA complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.
- Engine2 (29%)
- Electrical System1 (14%)
- Other1 (14%)
- Seat Belts1 (14%)
- Transmission & Powertrain1 (14%)
- Visibility & Wipers1 (14%)
A complaint can list more than one component, so shares add up to more than 100%. Shares are % of complaints.
What owners report
- Transmission can get stuck in park when cold, refusing to shift into gear, with a dashboard message saying the car is not in park.
- The backup camera's view is partially blocked by part of the vehicle body, and owners were told Volvo has no fix.
- The engine has stalled at intersections more than once, with repair shops initially blaming a dead battery before the car died again.
- The driver's instrument panel blacks out intermittently, and a separate defect leaves trailer stop, running, and signal lights working unreliably.
- Front seat belts have failed to release after being buckled, trapping occupants in their seats.
2016 Volvo XC70 recalls
2 NHTSA recall campaigns list this model year.
- NHTSA 20V378000Jun 30, 2020Seat Belts308,260 vehicles
Seat belts:front
Volvo Cars of N.A., LLC (Volvo) is recalling certain 2008-2016 V70 and XC70, 2007-2016 S80, 2011-2018 S60 and V60, 2016-2018 S60 Cross Country, 2014-2020 S60L, 2009-2015 S80L, 2009-2016 XC60 and 2015-2018 V60 Cross Country vehicles. The flexible steel cable that connects the seat belt to the front outboard seating positions may fatigue over time, causing the seat belt to not secure the occupant in the event of a crash.
Risk: An unsecured occupant has an increased risk of injury in the event of a crash.
Remedy: Volvo will notify owners, and dealers will replace the seat belt anchor cable for both front seats. The recall began December 10, 2020. Owners may contact Volvo customer service at 1-800-458-1552. Volvo's number for this recall is R10029.
- NHTSA 15V555000Sep 2, 2015Electrical System7,855 vehicles
Electrical system:wiring:fuses and circuit breakers
Volvo Cars of North America, LLC. (Volvo) is recalling certain model year 2016 Volvo S60, V60, V60CC, XC60, XC70, and S80 vehicles manufactured April 8, 2015 to August 19, 2015. In certain driving conditions when using the automatic engine stop/start function, the starter motor fuse may blow, preventing the car from restarting when necessary.
Risk: If the vehicle is unexpectedly unable to be started in the middle of traffic, such as when stopped at an intersection, there is an increased risk of a crash.
Remedy: Volvo will notify owners, and dealers will replace the existing starter motor fuse with a higher amperage fuse, free of charge. The recall began on October 26, 2015. Owners may contact Volvo customer service at 1-800-458-1552 or by visiting http://volvo.custhelp.com. Volvo's number for this recall is R39574.
2016 Volvo XC70 fuel economy and fuel cost
- City
- 21 MPG
- Highway
- 28 MPG
- Combined
- 23.5 MPG
- Annual fuel cost (EPA)
- $2,800
- 15,000 mi/yr
- Fuel
- Regular
- Current regular gas
- $4.32/gal
- national avg.
EPA figures; median across configurations of this model year. Estimate your own cost with the fuel cost calculator.
2016 compared with other XC70 years
Frequently asked questions
- Is the 2016 Volvo XC70 reliable?
- Based on NHTSA owner complaints and recalls, the 2016 XC70 ranks 10th worst out of 12 model years, with a complaint index of 18 and a Best verdict relative to other XC70 years.
- What problems does the 2016 Volvo XC70 have?
- NHTSA lists 7 complaints for the 2016 XC70, led by Engine issues (29% share), followed by Electrical System, Seat Belts, Transmission & Powertrain, and Visibility & Wipers complaints.
- Does the 2016 Volvo XC70 have any recalls?
- Yes, NHTSA lists 2 recalls: one for a seat belt anchor cable replacement and one for an electrical starter motor fuse replacement, both non-do-not-drive recalls.
- What year Volvo XC70 should I avoid?
- Among XC70 years, 2008 and 2010 are rated Avoid with complaint indexes of 100 and 91, while 2016 is rated Best with a complaint index of 18.
- What is the median mileage for 2016 XC70 complaints?
- NHTSA data shows a median mileage of 27,350 for overall failures, and 38,000 miles specifically for the Transmission & Powertrain complaint.