VehicleVerdict

2016 Volvo XC70 problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just 7 complaints on file for the 2016 Volvo XC70 — too few to judge reliability from owner reports alone — but 2 recall campaigns apply to this year, so any used example should have its VIN checked for completed recall work.

7

NHTSA complaints

2

Recalls

0

Investigations

0

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

0

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2016 compare to other XC70 years?

XC70 NHTSA complaints by model year, 2016 highlighted118 complaints2001: 77 complaints2002: 46 complaints2003: 28 complaints2004: 118 complaints2005: 31 complaints2006: 22 complaints2007: 37 complaints2008: 54 complaints2009: 20 complaints2010: 17 complaints2011: 18 complaints2012: 17 complaints2013: 9 complaints2014: 3 complaints2015: 9 complaints2016: 7 complaints
XC70 NHTSA complaints by model year, 2016 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all XC70 years to avoid →

What are the most common 2016 Volvo XC70 problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Engine229%
Electrical System114%
Other114%
Seat Belts114%
Transmission114%
Visibility & Wipers114%

Does the 2016 Volvo XC70 have recalls?

2 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.

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.

“Car stalled at an intersection twice. We took it to a repair shop after the first instance and they told us the battery had died, though they were able to charge it and it restarted fine. They could not find any other issues. We continued to drive it and two days later the car died at another…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · October 6, 2021

“WHEN COLD SOMETIMES NOT ABLE TO SHIFT FROM PARK TO ANY OTHER GEAR OR NEUTRAL. AFTER DRIVING, ABLE TO SHIFT FROM DRIVE OR REVERSE BACK TO PARK BUT GET MESSAGE SAYING "CAR IS NOT IN PARK - SHIFT TO PARK". WHEN IN NEUTRAL SOMETIMES NOT ABLE MOVE SHIFTER FROM NEUTRAL TO DRIVE OR PARK. WHEN CONTACTED…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · March 19, 2018

“We have experienced three major defects with this vehicle. First and most concerning is the intermittent blackout of the driver's instrument panel (aka driver's information module, DIM). Second most conerning is the defect in the trailer lighting control module that leaves stop, running and signal…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · May 3, 2022

“The seatbelts on the front driver and passenger side have failed to release when trying to unbuckle. This is a hazard. If there was a moment where it's imperative to leave the car (fire, water, etc) Driver and passenger could get locked in their seatbelts without the ability to exit the vehicle.…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Seat Belts · January 17, 2024

“OWNER ON INTERSTATE AT POSTED SPEED (65) HEARD EXPLOSIVE SOUND OF THE SUNROOF EXPLODING. NO OTHER CARS WERE AHEAD OR ALONGSIDE, AND NO EVIDENCE OF A THROWN OR DROPPED OBJECT WAS APPARENT AT THAT TIME OR AFTERWARD. FORTUNATELY THE SUNSHADE SHIELDED HER FROM MOST OF THE BROKEN GLASS. DEALER CALLED IT…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Other · March 12, 2018

2016 Volvo XC70 — common questions

Is the 2016 Volvo XC70 reliable?

The record is thin — 7 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 2 recalls should be verified as completed.

Does the 2016 Volvo XC70 have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns affecting the 2016 Volvo XC70. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Which Volvo XC70 years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the XC70 years to avoid are 2004, 2001, 2008, 2002, 2007. The cleanest record among XC70 years belongs to 2014.

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.