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2016 Volvo S60 problems, recalls and owner complaints
What the 2016 Volvo S60 has been recalled for, how often it fails the UK MOT and what owners report, from official government data. Updated November 2, 2026.
- 4safety recalls
- 29owner complaints
- 1crash report
- 0fire reports
- 21%fail the UK MOT
29 complaints, against an average of 32 for the other 12 Volvo S60 model years.
Every Volvo S60 model year with its number of owner complaints. Pick a year to compare.
What goes wrong with the 2016 Volvo S60?
The components named most often in the 29 owner complaints. One complaint can name several, so the shares can add up to more than 100%.
What symptoms do 2016 Volvo S60 owners describe?
Found by reading the text of all 29 owner complaints. Tap a symptom for the answer, a real owner quote and any related recall.
- Why is my 2016 Volvo S60 burning or losing oil?5 owners · 17.2%
- Has the 2016 Volvo S60 had engine failures?4 owners · 13.8%
- Why does my 2016 Volvo S60 stall, lose power or shut off while driving?3 owners · 10.3% · Recall 15V555000
- Why does my 2016 Volvo S60 idle rough, misfire or hesitate?3 owners · 10.3%
Has the 2016 Volvo S60 been recalled?
4 U.S. safety recalls. Repairs are free at a franchised dealer; some are done over the air.
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.
Fix: 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.
Latches/Locks/Linkages: Doors: Latch Volvo Car of USA LLC (Volvo) is recalling certain 2011-2017 S60, S60I, V60, S60CC and V60CC vehicles. A component within the door latches may break, making the doors difficult to latch and/or leading the driver or a passenger to believe a door is securely closed when, in fact, it is not.
Risk: A door that is not securely latched could open while the vehicle is in motion, increasing the risk of injury to a vehicle occupant.
Fix: Volvo will notify owners, and dealers will replace all four door latches, free of charge. The recall began April 9, 2020. Owners may contact Volvo customer service at 1-800-458-1552. Volvo's number for this recall is R89978.
Seat Belts: Front: Buckle Assembly 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."
Risk: 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.
Fix: 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.
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.
Fix: 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.
Is the 2016 Volvo S60 recalled in the UK or Europe?
Recalls issued by the UK's DVSA and through the EU's Safety Gate system that cover this model and build period. European models can differ from U.S. ones, and "years estimated" means the recall gave no build dates, so confirm your own car with your registration or VIN.
UK DVSAThere is a risk for trapped air to be in the cooling system which may result in insufficient cooling of engine components
Risk: There is a risk for trapped air to be in the cooling system which may result in insufficient cooling of engine components.
Fix: Add an extra degassing line (Bleeder Hose) between the cooling system radiator and the cooling system expansion tank which will evacuate the trapped air
UK DVSAThere is a risk for trapped air to be in the cooling system
Risk: There is a risk for trapped air to be in the cooling system which may result in insufficient cooling of engine components.
Fix: Add an extra degassing line (Bleeder Hose) between the cooling system radiator and the cooling system expansion tank which will evacuate the trapped air.
UK DVSAPotential breakage/fatigue of a flexible steel cable supporting the front seatbelt anchor point
Risk: Potential breakage/fatigue of a flexible steel cable supporting the front seatbelt anchor point.
Fix: Replace the seat belt fastener with a new designed seat belt fastening.
UK DVSAThe engine's plastic inlet manifold may melt and deform
Risk: The engines plastic inlet manifold may melt and deform
Fix: Update vehicles with improved soot reducing software cleaning of TMAP and EMAP. Fit additional hoses where necessary.
UK DVSASmall cracks on the inside of a rubber fuel hose
Risk: Small cracks on the inside of a rubber fuel hose.
Fix: Replacement of affected fuel hoses.
UK DVSAOne or more airbags may fail to deploy in the event of a collision
Risk: It has been identified by the manufacturer that the air-bag initiator does not meet specification. This can therefore result in the initiator not functioning correctly which can lead to none deployment of the air-bag. Should a collision occur then there is an increased risk of injury to the occupants of the vehicle.
Fix: Recall all affected vehicles to replace the air-bags with a new quality assured component.
UK DVSASeatbelt may separate from the buckle
Risk: It has been identified there is a possibility the front seatbelt buckle stud may not have been punched correctly during production. This may result in a separation between the buckle and seatbelt bracket if the vehicle is involved in a collision.
Fix: Recall all affected vehicles to inspect the seatbelt buckle and if required to replace the seatbelt buckle.
UK DVSAStalling and loss of steering power assistance
Risk: Involved vehicles may have a software issue which could cause the engine to momentarily cut-out and restart while driving. This could also cause disturbances in some electrical systems such as shut down of the instrument cluster infotainment system and loss of power steering assistance.
Fix: Recall the vehicles that are likely to be affected and upgrade the software of the control units.
UK DVSAFuel guage may not show fuel level correctly
Risk: Fuel gauge may not show correct level
Fix: Dependent on affected Model update software. Until updated the manufacturer advises to maintain fuel level above approx one third.
EU Safety GateAir bubbles may remain in the engine cooling system when filling coolant.This can cause insufficient cooling and damage the engine, increasing the risk of fire in the engine compartment.
Measures: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Distributor; Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users; Date of entry into force: 14/07/2020
EU Safety GateAir bubbles may remain in the engine's cooling system after filling with coolant.Consequently, the cooling of the engine might be impaired, causing the engine to overheat, leading to its damage or even to fire.
Measures: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Distributor; Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users; Date of entry into force: Unknown
EU Safety GateExcessive carbon deposits could build up in the intake system of the engine.Consequently, the temperature of the intake air could rise, causing the engine's intake manifold to melt and deform. This could lead to the engine to stall, increasing the risk of accidents or even the engine bay to catch fire.
Measures: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Distributor; Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users; Date of entry into force: Unknown
EU Safety GateExcessive carbon deposits could build up in the intake system of the engine.Consequently, the temperature of the intake air could rise, causing the engine's intake manifold to melt and deform. This could lead to the engine to stall, increasing the risk of accidents or even the engine bay to catch fire.
Measures: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Distributor; Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users; Date of entry into force: 17/03/2020
EU Safety GateExcessive carbon deposits could build up in the intake system of the engine.Consequently, the temperature of the intake air could rise, causing the engine's intake manifold to melt and deform. This could lead to the engine to stall, increasing the risk of accidents or even the engine bay to catch fire.
Measures: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Distributor; Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users; Date of entry into force: 17/03/2020
EU Safety GateExcessive carbon deposits could build up in the intake system of the engine.Additionally, the intake valve could leak.Consequently, the temperature of the intake air could rise, causing the engine intake manifold to melt and deform. This could lead to the engine to stop increasing the risk of accidents or even the engine bay to catch fire.
Measures: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Distributor; Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users; Date of entry into force: Unknown
EU Safety GateExcessive carbon deposits could build up in the intake system of the engine.Consequently, the temperature of the intake air could rise, causing the engine's intake manifold to melt and deform. This could lead to the engine to stop, increasing the risk of accidents or even the engine bay to catch fire.
Measures: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Distributor; Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users; Date of entry into force: Unknown
EU Safety GateDue to an excessive build-up of carbon deposits in the intake system, the plastic engine intake manifold may melt and deform.As a result, a localized engine bay fire may occur.
Measures: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Distributor; Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users; Date of entry into force: Unknown
EU Safety GateExcessive carbon deposits could build up in the intake system of the engine.Additionally, the intake valve could leak. Consequently, the temperature of the intake air could rise, causing the engine intake manifold to melt and deform. This could lead to the engine to stop increasing the risk of accidents or even the engine bay to catch fire.
Measures: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Distributor; Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users; Date of entry into force: 27/09/2019
EU Safety GateCracks in the fuel hose may cause fuel to leak into the engine compartment.This may consequently lead to a fire.
Measures: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Manufacturer; Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users; Date of entry into force: Unknown
EU Safety GateThe front passenger seat belt buckle can be incorrectly fastened, with the consequence that the buckle can separate from the seat belt…The front passenger seat belt buckle can be incorrectly fastened, with the consequence that the buckle can separate from the seat belt clasp in the event of an accident.
Measures: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Manufacturer; Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users; Date of entry into force: Unknown
EU Safety GateDue to a problem with the airbag inflators, the airbags may fail to deploy in the event of a crash, increasing the risk of injury to the…Years estimatedDue to a problem with the airbag inflators, the airbags may fail to deploy in the event of a crash, increasing the risk of injury to the occupants.
Measures: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Distributor; Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users; Date of entry into force: Unknown
EU Safety GateWhile driving, the Engine Control Module (ECM) may reset causing the engine to momentarily cut-off and restart while driving.It could also lead to a loss of power-steering assistance.
Measures: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Distributor; Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users; Date of entry into force: 19/02/2016
EU Safety GateThe handbrake may under certain conditions release inadvertently.
Measures: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Other; Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users; Date of entry into force: 26/02/2015
How often does the 2016 Volvo S60 fail its MOT?
Why they failed: the share of failed tests with at least one fault in each area (a test can fail on several). Cars first registered in 2016, tested in Great Britain in 2023; first registration is usually, but not always, the model year. Source: DVSA anonymised MOT tests and results, Open Government Licence v3.0.
What do 2016 Volvo S60 owners report?
12 of the 29 complaints, the most recent for the most-reported components, as the owners wrote them. NHTSA removes names and VINs; long reports are trimmed. CarHooq has not verified individual claims.
I was sold a car with is not safe for me to drive and didn’t know it. It at one time had a safety recall and whoever at the the time never had it repaired but it has outdated piston rings that leads to progressive oil consumption, it’s misfiring and leads to catastrophic engine failure. It’s just don’t feel safe to drive in I’m disabled & can’t afford for new engine or one to be rebuilt and sure can’t afford to be broke down on the road because of my health. Is there any help you can get me to help get this fixed I’m in desperate need here to get back n forth to my doctors, safely . It’s been…
As soon as I bought the car heading home . They put oil in car and by time I got home the car had consumed at least a qrt , it misfired And seemed to lose power and didn’t think I would make it home before breaking down but luckily I did . I did research and Called Volvo of Cool Springs, they checked the data base and told me that previous owner had never had the piston rings updated and would cause high oil consumption leading to catastrophic engine failure & would have to have engine rebuilt or whole new engine with updated pistons , which the dealership never told me about or anything about…
In November of 2021, I purchased my dream car, a 2016 Volvo s60 Cross Country, proud to own a vehicle from a company known for their safe and reliable vehicles. In April of 2022, a class action case ([XXX], et al., v. Volvo Car USA, LLC, Volvo Cars of North America, LLC, and Volvo Personvagnar AB) was issued against Volvo due to a KNOWN-TO-VOLVO DESIGN FLAW in their engines which could lead to engine failure. The case was settled out of court in early 2023 and Volvo issued an extended warranty for vehicles owners to take preventative measures against potential engine failure. Although my car…
The contact owns a 2016 Volvo S60. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the SRS warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who repaired the vehicle under NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V378000 (Seat Belts) and 16V798000 (Seat Belts). The dealer also repaired an unstated electrical failure. The contact stated that the cells in the battery were faulty. The vehicle was repaired but the failure recurred. The contact stated that after several weeks, the SRS warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken back to the local dealer who informed the…
The alternator seized on the highway snapping the serpentine belt which got sucked into the timing and stopped the car in the left lane at highway speed. The timing guard failed allowing the belt to damage the timing. Volvo says it needs a head job I have possession of the vehicle and all maintenance records. Cars behind me dodged onto the shoulder to avoid hitting me. There was no warning. Furthermore this is a known problem a quick search of Volvo forums turned up over a dozen cars with insufficient timing guards
Windscreen wiper motors failed during inclement weather making visibility impossible. The vehicle was only approximately 2 years old at the time of failure. This created a serious safety issue and may have led to a crash and injury. The dealer diagnosed the issue as failed wiper motors and replaced the motors under manufacturer's warranty.
2016 VOLVO S60. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARD TO NHTSA SAFETY RECALL 20V-378. *LD THE CONSUMER STATED THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME COMPLETING THE RECALL REPAIR. *JS
WE BOUGHT THIS CAR USED FROM A VOLVO DEALERSHIP IN AUGUST OF 2019 WHILE STILL UNDER FACTORY WARRANTY. IT HAS 19-INCH VOLVO ALLOY WHEELS WITH 235/40/R19 TIRES. IN A LITTLE OVER A YEAR, TWO OF THE WHEELS HAVE CRACKED PRESUMABLY AFTER HITTING POTHOLES. WE HAD BOTH WHEELS REPAIRED AT A PROFESSIONAL WHEEL REPAIR FACILITY. THE REPAIR WORKED (SO FAR) ON THE FIRST WHEEL BUT THE PROBLEM HAS RECURRED TWICE ON THE SECOND WHEEL REPAIR. THE VOLVO DEALERSHIP'S ONLY OFFER IS TO SELL US A NEW WHEEL AT OVER $700 EACH. WE HAVE NEVER CRACKED A WHEEL PREVIOUSLY IN OVER 40 YEARS OF DRIVING. THIS WHEEL/TIRE…
THE MANUFACTURER HAS NOT CORRECTED A KNOWN RECALL. NOR HAVE I RECEIVED AN UPDATE. THE RECALL NOTICES STATE THERE IS NOT YET PARTS AVAILABLE TO CORRECT IT. BUT ACCORDING TO THE NHTSA WEB SITE VIN LOOK-UP, THE RECALL IS LISTED AS RECALL INCOMPLETE . WHEN IF THERE IS NO FIX AVAILABLE IT SHOULD BE LISTED AS RECALL INCOMPLETE. REMEDY NOT YET AVAILABLE . WE HAVE RECEIVED RECALL NOTIFICATIONS, THE FIRST ATTACHMENT. WE HAVE NOT RECEIVED A FOLLOW-UP NOTIFICATION FOR EITHER RECALL NOTICES. IN THE ONE FOR NHTSA RECALL 19V849 (RECALL R89978: DOOR LATCHES) STATES: "UNFORTUNATELY AT THIS TIME, REPLACEMENT…
THE MANUFACTURER HAS NOT CORRECTED A KNOWN RECALL. NOR HAVE I RECEIVED AN UPDATE. THIS IS THE SECOND NOTICE IN THE ATTACHED DOCUMENT. THEY STATE THERE IS NOT YET PARTS AVAILABLE TO CORRECT IT. BUT ACCORDING TO THE NHTSA WEB SITE VIN LOOK-UP, THE RECALL IS LISTED AS RECALL INCOMPLETE. WHEN IF THERE IS NO FIX AVAILABLE IT SHOULD BE LISTED AS RECALL INCOMPLETE. REMEDY NOT YET AVAILABLE. WE HAVE RECEIVED RECALL NOTIFICATIONS, THE FIRST ATTACHMENT. WE HAVE NOT RECEIVED A FOLLOW-UP NOTIFICATION FOR EITHER RECALL NOTICES. IN THE ONE FOR NHTSA RECALL 20V-378 RECALL R10029: FRONT SEAT BELT FASTENER…
RECEIVED A RECALL LETTER IN JANUARY 2020 BUT NO FOLLOWUP FROM VOLVO YET. IT IS A SAFETY CONCERN REGARDING FAULTY DOOR LATCHES AND I AM CONCERNED WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE.
STEERING WHEEL SQUEAKS AND CREAKS WHEN COLD. TOLD IT RELATES TO AIRBAG SPRING, TRIM AROUND AIRBAG. GOING BACK FOR 4TH REPAIR.
2016 Volvo S60: questions owners ask
Is the 2016 Volvo S60 reliable?
NHTSA data alone cannot rate reliability, but it shows what owners reported. Owners filed 29 complaints with NHTSA about the 2016 Volvo S60; the most common categories were engine (11, 37.9%), electrical system (5, 17.2%), seat belts (3, 10.3%). There are 4 safety recalls. 1 complaint mentions a crash.
What are the most common problems with the 2016 Volvo S60?
Across 29 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the categories mentioned most often are engine (37.9% of complaints), electrical system (17.2% of complaints), seat belts (10.3% of complaints), structure (10.3% of complaints), visibility/wiper (10.3% of complaints). One complaint can name several components.
Does the 2016 Volvo S60 have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 4 recalls for the 2016 Volvo S60; the most recent (campaign 20V378000, 2020-06-30) concerns Seat Belts: Front. Recall repairs are free at a franchised dealer; check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Why is my 2016 Volvo S60 burning or losing oil?
5 of the 29 owner complaints NHTSA has on file for the 2016 Volvo S60 (17.2%) describe excessive oil consumption or oil leaks. One owner wrote: "I have 86,585 miles on the car and have followed or exceeded the manufactures recommendation on oil changes. now i am told after my last oil change that the engine is consuming a lot of oil." (NHTSA complaint 11338534, July 2020). If it happens to your car, check your VIN for open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls and report the problem to NHTSA; complaints are what trigger investigations.
Has the 2016 Volvo S60 had engine failures?
4 of the 29 owner complaints NHTSA has on file for the 2016 Volvo S60 (13.8%) describe complete engine failure or a replaced engine. One owner wrote: "2016 volvo s-60. consumer writes in regards to engine problems. *ld..the consumer stated volvo had a recall on the oil pressure sensors (failure caused engines to seize)." (NHTSA complaint 10966928, April 2017). If it happens to your car, check your VIN for open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls and report the problem to NHTSA; complaints are what trigger investigations.
Why does my 2016 Volvo S60 stall, lose power or shut off while driving?
3 of the 29 owner complaints NHTSA has on file for the 2016 Volvo S60 (10.3%) describe the engine stalling, losing power or shutting off while driving. A related recall exists: campaign 15V555000 (electrical system: wiring: fuses and circuit breakers). The fix: Volvo will notify owners, and dealers will replace the existing starter motor fuse with a higher amperage fuse, free of charge. One owner wrote: "As soon as I bought the car heading home . They put oil in car and by time I got home the car had consumed at least a qrt , it misfired And seemed to lose power and didn’t think I would make it home before breaking down but luckily I did ." (NHTSA complaint 11771976, October 2026). Recall repairs are free at a dealer; check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Why does my 2016 Volvo S60 idle rough, misfire or hesitate?
3 of the 29 owner complaints NHTSA has on file for the 2016 Volvo S60 (10.3%) describe rough idling, misfires or hesitation when accelerating. One owner wrote: "Volvo failed to notify consumer of a manufacturer's defect with the volvo spark plugs being unstable in its original housing, which resulted in 'recalled spark plugs'." (NHTSA complaint 11203374, April 2019). If it happens to your car, check your VIN for open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls and report the problem to NHTSA; complaints are what trigger investigations.
Check your own S60
Counts are a starting point, not a verdict: popular models collect more complaints because more of them are on the road, and NHTSA does not verify individual reports. To see whether a recall is still open on your car, enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls (U.S.) or your registration at check-vehicle-recalls.service.gov.uk (UK). Had a safety problem? Report it to NHTSA; complaints are what trigger investigations and recalls.
Data: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation recall and complaint databases (public domain), DVSA anonymised MOT results (Open Government Licence v3.0), DVSA vehicle recalls (Open Government Licence v3.0), EU Safety Gate alerts (© European Union), retrieved November 2, 2026. Model year 2016 only; combines NHTSA's entries for S60, S60CC and S60I. How these reports are made.