YearToAvoid

2016 Volvo XC90 Engine Problems

NHTSA lists 95 engine complaints for the 2016 Volvo XC90, 48% of all 197 complaints that year. Owners reported coolant leaks, stalling, and 7 fires, at a median 13,500 miles. A related recall (19V308000) covers a coolant bleeder hose that can crack from heat and humidity.

Engine complaints
95
48% of 197
Crashes reported
1
Fires reported
7
Injuries reported
3
Median mileage
13,500 mi
Related recalls
1

Typical engine symptoms owners report

  • Owners describe coolant leaks near the turbo and cooling pipes that lead to smoke or fire from the engine bay, sometimes after recall service was already performed.
  • Several owners report the check engine light coming on followed by sudden stalling at highway speed, with the vehicle unable to restart.
  • Multiple reports describe an Engine Coolant Low warning followed later by an Engine Temperature High warning, then the vehicle catching fire while parked.
  • One owner reported white smoke emerging from underneath the vehicle while driving, prompting all occupants to exit and call emergency services.
  • A fire was reported after exiting a freeway, with smoke and flames coming from the engine bay shortly after an oil warning light activated.

When 2016 Volvo XC90 engine complaints were filed

First complaint Aug 26, 2015, latest Aug 17, 2026.

2016 Volvo XC90 engine complaints: complaints filed per quarter72015 Q32017 Q12019 Q12021 Q22022 Q32024 Q12025 Q3
95 complaints filed with NHTSA from 2015 Q3 to 2026 Q3; peak 2023 Q3 (7).

Engine recalls for the 2016 Volvo XC90

  1. 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.

Engine complaints by XC90 model year

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

  1. 20101 (8%)
  2. 20117 (37%)
  3. 20120 (0%)
  4. 20132 (18%)
  5. 20141 (25%)
  6. 20150 (0%)
  7. 201695 (48%)
  8. 201728 (35%)
  9. 20187 (14%)
  10. 201910 (24%)
  11. 202010 (31%)
  12. 20218 (23%)
  13. 20228 (28%)
  14. 20232 (5%)
  15. 20245 (14%)
  16. 20252 (7%)

Frequently asked questions

How many engine complaints does the 2016 Volvo XC90 have?
NHTSA lists 95 engine complaints for the 2016 XC90, which is 48% of all 197 complaints filed for that model year.
Is there a recall for the 2016 Volvo XC90 engine?
Yes. Recall 19V308000 covers an engine coolant bleeder hose that can crack from heat and humidity exposure, causing a coolant leak. Dealers replace the hose free of charge.
Did the 2016 XC90 engine problems cause fires?
NHTSA data shows 7 fires reported in the engine complaint category for the 2016 XC90, along with 3 injuries and 1 crash.
At what mileage do 2016 XC90 engine problems typically appear?
The median mileage at failure for engine complaints on the 2016 XC90 is 13,500 miles.
How does the 2016 XC90 compare to other years for engine complaints?
The 2016 XC90 has the highest engine complaint share of any model year in the data, at 48%, compared to 35% for 2017 and 14% for 2018.

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.