VehicleVerdict

2016 Volvo XC60 problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

A typical year for this model

The 2016 Volvo XC60 sits mid-pack among XC60 years: 45 NHTSA complaints against a model median of roughly 55, with 3 recalls and no defect investigations.

Engine leads the complaint categories with 16 reports (36% of the total). In government crash testing it earned 5 of 5 NCAP stars overall.

45

NHTSA complaints

3

Recalls

0

Investigations

4

Crash-involved

1

Fires reported

0

Injuries

0

Deaths

5

NCAP overall · of 5 stars

How does 2016 compare to other XC60 years?

XC60 NHTSA complaints by model year, 2016 highlighted113 complaints2009: 0 complaints2010: 79 complaints2011: 50 complaints2012: 56 complaints2013: 81 complaints2014: 26 complaints2015: 67 complaints2016: 45 complaints2017: 21 complaints2018: 55 complaints2019: 62 complaints2020: 28 complaints2021: 74 complaints2022: 113 complaints2023: 74 complaints2024: 34 complaints2025: 38 complaints
XC60 NHTSA complaints by model year, 2016 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all XC60 years to avoid →

What are the most common 2016 Volvo XC60 problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Engine1636%
Other818%
Seat Belts613%
Electrical System49%
Brakes37%
Airbags24%
Lighting24%
Fuel System12%
Seats12%
Transmission12%
Visibility & Wipers12%

Does the 2016 Volvo XC60 have recalls?

3 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

20V378000Seat BeltsJune 30, 2020 · 308,260 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

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.

16V798000Seat BeltsNovember 2, 2016 · 74,027 units

Defect

Volvo Car USA LLC (Volvo) is recalling certain model year 2016-2017 XC90, S90, XC60, V60 Cross Country, V60, S60 Cross Country, S60, and S60 Inscription vehicles manufactured February 16, 2015, to August 22, 2016. On the affected vehicles, the front passenger seat belt buckle attaching stud may loosen, allowing the buckle to separate from the seat belt bracket. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 210, "Seat Belt Assembly Anchorages" and number 209, "Seat Belt Assemblies."

Consequence

If the seat belt buckle separates from the bracket, the front seat passenger may not be adequately restrained in the event of a crash, increasing their risk of injury in the event of a crash.

Remedy

Volvo will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the front passenger seat belt buckle stud, replacing the seat belt buckle as needed, free of charge. The recall began January 2017. Owners may contact Volvo customer service at 1-800-458-1552. Volvo's number for this recall is R89708.

15V555000Electrical SystemSeptember 2, 2015 · 7,855 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

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.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“Volvo XC60 is burning oil and putting off a smell. Approximately every 500 miles I am prompted to put in another quart of oil. No signs of leaking. Took the car into a mechanic to inspect and was notified this is a known Volvo problem and I'd need to take it to a dealership since there are several…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · March 20, 2023

“I was driving and the car started shaking and unable to accelerate. I pulled over and the car started smoking and a fire erupted under the hood. I vacated the vehicle and called 911. The car erupted in flames and burned down to the frame. The insurance inspector wasn't able to determine the cause…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Other · August 20, 2023 · fire

“I HAVE OWNED THIS VEHICLE SINCE JULY OF 2020, AND CAN'T GET THE SERVICE FOR THE SAFETY RECALL PERFORMED. THE RECALL IS FOR THE FRONT SEAT BELTS. I HAVE CONTACTED THE DEALERSHIP AND VOLVO BUT HAVEN'T RECEIVED A RESPONSE.”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Seat Belts · July 20, 2020

“Volvo xc60 sunroof drains clog and leak. Sunroof maintenance is not mentioned in owner's manual, and dealer does not clear drains during regular service unless specifically asked to. Leak causes damage to electronic systems including airbag system. While any sunroof has the potential to leak, this…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · August 13, 2025

“I DROVE MY CAR TO THE GARAGE AND WANT TO TURN OFF THE CAR. THE CAR SUDDENLY START TO ACCELERATE AND WENT THROUGH MY GARAGE DOOR. ALL SIDE AIRBAGS ARE POPPED UP, BUT NOT FRONT AIRBAG. *DT *AS AROUND A YEAR AGO, WHEN MY DROVE HER CAR SLOWLY DUE TO HEAVY TRAFFIC, THE CAR STOPPED AND NEEDED TO TURN ON…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · September 20, 2019 · crash

2016 Volvo XC60 — common questions

Is the 2016 Volvo XC60 reliable?

It is close to typical for the XC60: 45 NHTSA complaints, 3 recalls, and no investigations on file.

What are the most common 2016 XC60 problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are engine (16 complaints), other (8 complaints), seat belts (6 complaints).

Does the 2016 Volvo XC60 have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns affecting the 2016 Volvo XC60. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Which Volvo XC60 years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the XC60 years to avoid are 2022. The cleanest record among XC60 years belongs to 2009.

How safe is the 2016 Volvo XC60?

In NHTSA's NCAP crash testing, the 2016 Volvo XC60 earned an overall rating of 5 out of 5 stars.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.