2016 Volvo XC90 Problems, Recalls & Reliability
Verdict
AvoidComplaint Index
100/100
#1 most-complained of 16 XC90 years
The 2016 Volvo XC90 ranks worst of 16 model years for owner complaints, with a complaint index of 100 and 197 complaints, 10 fires, and 8 recalls. It carries an Avoid verdict relative to other XC90 years, driven mainly by Engine (48% of complaints) and Electrical System (29%) reports.
- Complaints
- 197
- Recalls
- 8
- Crashes / fires
- 5 / 10
- Injuries / deaths
- 8 / 0
- NHTSA overall rating
- Not rated
- EPA combined MPG
- 23.5
- 22 city / 25.5 hwy
Top 2016 Volvo XC90 problems
NHTSA owner complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.
- Engine95 (48%)
- Electrical System57 (29%)
- Other39 (20%)
- Structure & Body33 (17%)
- Brakes19 (10%)
- Fuel System13 (7%)
- Transmission & Powertrain10 (5%)
- Airbags8 (4%)
- Collision Avoidance & Cameras7 (4%)
- Steering7 (4%)
What owners report
- Owners describe engine bay fires, sometimes preceded by a check-oil warning light and visible smoke before flames spread.
- Some fires occurred shortly after dealers performed the coolant bleeder hose recall repair, with burning smells and smoke on the drive home.
- Touchscreen and center console displays reportedly go blank or freeze while driving, disrupting climate and audio controls.
- The park assist feature has reportedly put the vehicle into reverse on its own, resulting in a low-speed collision.
- The automatic emergency braking (City Safety) system has reportedly triggered on its own at highway speed, slowing the car sharply without a hazard present.
- Center console electronics have reportedly emitted smoke and an odor tied to screen malfunctions.
2016 Volvo XC90 recalls
8 NHTSA recall campaigns list this model year.
- NHTSA 23V827000Dec 7, 2023Seat Belts2,911 vehicles
Seat belts:critical fasteners
Volvo Car USA, LLC (Volvo Car) is recalling certain 2015-2024 XC90 vehicles. The second-row seat belt buckle and lower belt anchor bolts may not be tightened properly.
Risk: An improperly tightened seat belt buckle may not restrain an occupant as intended, increasing their risk of injury during a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect and tighten the second-row seat belt buckle anchorage bolts, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 19, 2024. Owners may contact Volvo Car customer service at 1-800-458-1552. Volvo Car's number for this recall is R10259.
- NHTSA 21V273000Apr 21, 2021Electrical System162 vehicles
Electrical system:software
Volvo Car USA, LLC (Volvo Car) is recalling certain 2016-2020 XC90 Excellence vehicles. Liquid or condensation on the rear seat control display may cause the front passenger seat to move back as far as possible.
Risk: The rear passenger may become trapped by the front seat without the ability to cancel the seat's movement, increasing the risk of injury.
Remedy: Volvo Car will notify owners, and dealers will update the rear seat control display software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 14, 2021. Owners may contact Volvo Car customer service at 1-888-458-1552. Volvo Car's number for this recall is R10093.
- NHTSA 19V308000Apr 17, 2019Engine34,006 vehicles
Engine and engine cooling:cooling system:hoses/lines/piping/fittings
Volvo Cars of N.A., LLC (Volvo Cars) is recalling certain 2016 XC90 vehicles. Exposure to heat and humidity may cause the engine coolant bleeder hose to crack, resulting in a coolant leak.
Risk: If the coolant leak goes unnoticed, coolant may accumulate in the catalytic converter heat shield insulation and catch fire when the vehicle is stationary, increasing the risk of injury.
Remedy: Volvo Cars will notify owners, and dealers will replace the engine side coolant bleeder hose, free of charge. The recall began June 12, 2019. Owners may contact Volvo customer service at 1-800-458-1552. Volvo's number for this recall is R29936.
2016 Volvo XC90 fuel economy and fuel cost
- City
- 22 MPG
- Highway
- 25.5 MPG
- Combined
- 23.5 MPG
- Annual fuel cost (EPA)
- $3,375
- 15,000 mi/yr
- Fuel
- Premium
- 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 XC90 years
Frequently asked questions
- Is the 2016 Volvo XC90 reliable?
- Among XC90 model years, 2016 ranks worst, with a complaint index of 100 and 197 NHTSA complaints, more than any other year of this model.
- What are the main problems with the 2016 Volvo XC90?
- Engine issues account for 48% of complaints (95 of 197), including reports of fires, and Electrical System issues account for 29% (57 complaints), including console and park-assist malfunctions.
- Does the 2016 Volvo XC90 have engine fire recalls?
- Yes. NHTSA recall 19V308000 covers a coolant bleeder hose that can crack from heat and humidity and leak coolant, and owner complaints describe fires occurring after this repair was performed.
- How many recalls does the 2016 Volvo XC90 have?
- NHTSA lists 8 recalls for the 2016 XC90, covering seat belts, airbags, electrical systems, engine coolant hoses, air conditioning drain hoses, and sunroof software.
- How does the 2016 XC90 compare to other years?
- The 2016 XC90 has a complaint index of 100, the highest of any year listed, compared to 20 for 2010 and 40 for 2020, both rated better relative to other XC90 years.