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2016 Volvo V60 problems, recalls and owner complaints
What the 2016 Volvo V60 has been recalled for, how often it fails the UK MOT and what owners report, from official government data. Updated November 9, 2026.
- 4safety recalls
- 62owner complaints
- 2crash reports
- 1fire report
- 21%fail the UK MOT
The most complained-about Volvo V60 year on file: 62 complaints, against an average of 7 for the other 7 model years.
Every Volvo V60 model year with its number of owner complaints. Pick a year to compare.
What goes wrong with the 2016 Volvo V60?
The components named most often in the 62 owner complaints. One complaint can name several, so the shares can add up to more than 100%.
What symptoms do 2016 Volvo V60 owners describe?
Found by reading the text of all 62 owner complaints. Tap a symptom for the answer, a real owner quote and any related recall.
Fault codes 2016 Volvo V60 owners mention
Diagnostic trouble codes owners wrote in their complaints. Open a code to see what it meant on other cars and whether a recall names it.
Has the 2016 Volvo V60 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 V60 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 DVSAPossible software issue in the vehicle connectivity module (vcm)
Risk: There may be a software issue in the Vehicle Connectivity Module.
Fix: Upgrade software in the Vehicle Connectivity Module.
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 DVSADriver's airbag module may not deploy as intended
Risk: Due to a potential manufacturing defect the gas generator in the driver's airbag module may not deploy as intended. This may reduce the affectivities of the airbag.
Fix: On affected vehicles replace the driver's air bag module.
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 GateA software problem has been detected in the communication module of the emergency call system.As a consequence, incorrect location information might be sent to the emergency services 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 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 GateOwing to a faulty gas generator, the driver airbag may only partially deploy in the event of a road accident leading to an increased risk…Owing to a faulty gas generator, the driver airbag may only partially deploy in the event of a road accident leading to an increased risk of injury for the driver.
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 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 V60 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 V60 owners report?
12 of the 62 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.
Engine suffered severe mechanical damage/failure due to excessive oil consumption caused by defective factory piston rings (Volvo Quality Bulletin P10207). Vehicle exhibited heavy engine knocking and flashing warning lights during operation, creating a risk of sudden stall or complete power loss. Annapolis Volvo confirmed severe internal engine failure via dealer diagnostic invoice. Purchased vehicle only 10 months ago under 100k miles (currently 98k), long after Bulletin P10207's quiet expiration. Volvo never notified subsequent purchasers of this known defect, and front-line Consumer Care…
BCM Trouble Codes: C000101, C000201, and C008248 Incident & Defect Summary: The Brake Control Module (BCM) experienced a premature internal electrical circuit failure at only 55,188 total vehicle miles. This vehicle was purchased directly from an authorized Volvo retail showroom (Volvo Cars Marin) in 2020 at 36,434 miles, meaning this primary active safety infrastructure failed after just 18,754 miles of personal ownership (averaging roughly 3,125 miles per year under meticulous maintenance). The internal hardware breakdown disabled vital active safety networks, triggering persistent dashboard…
The contact owns a 2016 Volvo XC60. The contact stated that while driving at 30 MPH, the low oil warning light illuminated. The contact pulled into a gas station, exited the vehicle, raised the hood of the vehicle, and added engine oil to the engine. The contact stated that while buckling the seat belt, the air bag warning light illuminated. A dealer was contacted. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic to be diagnosed; however, the vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that the failure had occurred on several occasions. The contact associated the failure with Technical…
Hello, I currently drive a 2016 Volvo V60 Cross Country which falls under the year of recalled vehicles related to the piston ring issue outlined in the Buchanan, et al. v. Volvo Car USA, LLC, et al., Case No. 2:22-cv-02227. According to the suit Volvo is supposed to replace my oil piston rings if it falls under warranty which is under 100k miles. For Volvo to confirm if my vehicle was impacted they performed an oil consumption test back in March of 2023 in which my vehicle failed meaning the rings still needed to be replaced. Three years later and Volvo Cars Tacoma has still refused to…
appears to be significant electrical issue or internal computer issue causing a safety issue
I just purchased 2016 VolvoXC60. Looked up ti see 3 recalls it has. I went to Volvo Dealership in Culver City where I was told recalls where taken care of years ago. No recalls exist today? This raises the question if indeed where preformed on my new vehicle and why I submitting my concern to you today. If you can provide me with any information regarding this issue, I would be very appreciated! [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
2016 volvo xc60 t5 has “srs airbag service urgent”. The message came without having any kind of an accident. The dealer says it’s due to electrical wiring or front seat movement.
The contact owns a 2016 Volvo XC60. The contact stated that she received NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V378000 (Seat Belts). The contact stated the vehicle was taken to a dealer for routine maintenance where she requested to have the recall remedy completed. The vehicle was repaired; however, the contact said she received a follow-up letter from the manufacturer that said her vehicle had not had the recall addressed. The contact said that there were illustrations on the recall letter that shows that the work was not properly completed by the dealer. The manufacturer had not been informed of the…
The plastic lenses that cover the headlights have fogged up in less than 4 years the lights are no longer bright enough to provide proper driving conditions at night. I spoke with volvo and they said that lenses are not covered even though the cat is still under warranty. This is very car but refuse to fix the problem. This is a major safety issue and I would hope that your department can help protect those that have this issue before someone gets hurt. I amino longe comfortable driving the car at night.
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 THE CAR. I AM NOT THE EXPERT BUT THINK THE ELECTRIC CONTROL SYSTEM MAY HAVE PROBLEM OF MY CAR.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 VOLVO V60. WHILE DRIVING AT ANY SPEED, THE VEHICLE FAILED TO ACCELERATE WITHOUT WARNING. WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED, THE LOW BATTERY INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO STATED THAT THERE WAS NOTHING WRONG WITH THE BATTERY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE VOLVO OF SAN ANTONIO DEALER (1326 NE INTERSTATE 410 LOOP, SAN ANTONIO, TX 78209, 210-591-0863) WHERE THE BATTERY AND SPARK PLUGS WERE REPLACED. WHILE DRIVING BACK HOME AT AN UNKNOWN SPEED, A GRINDING NOISE WAS HEARD ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO…
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 VOLVO XC60. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 70 MPH, THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO SHAKE AND THE BRAKES ENGAGED WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FAILURE WAS INTERMITTENT AND OCCURRED TEMPORARILY. VOLVO CARS PRINCETON (2931 BRUNSWICK PIKE, LAWRENCE TOWNSHIP, NEW JERSEY 08648) WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. IT WAS UNKNOWN AS TO WHETHER OR NOT THE VEHICLE WAS DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 9,000.
2016 Volvo V60: questions owners ask
Is the 2016 Volvo V60 reliable?
NHTSA data alone cannot rate reliability, but it shows what owners reported. Owners filed 62 complaints with NHTSA about the 2016 Volvo V60; the most common categories were engine (27, 43.5%), electrical system (7, 11.3%), seat belts (7, 11.3%). There are 4 safety recalls. 2 complaints mention a crash, 1 mentions a fire.
What are the most common problems with the 2016 Volvo V60?
Across 62 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the categories mentioned most often are engine (43.5% of complaints), electrical system (11.3% of complaints), seat belts (11.3% of complaints), service brakes (8.1% of complaints), engine and engine cooling (4.8% of complaints). One complaint can name several components.
Does the 2016 Volvo V60 have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 4 recalls for the 2016 Volvo V60; 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 V60 burning or losing oil?
16 of the 62 owner complaints NHTSA has on file for the 2016 Volvo V60 (25.8%) describe excessive oil consumption or oil leaks. One owner wrote: "Oil consumption has become a major issue and I am putting oil in every 1000 miles! I bought the vehicle certified pre owned in October 2023 and the oil light was consistently coming on early." (NHTSA complaint 11706759, December 2025). 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 V60 stall, lose power or shut off while driving?
7 of the 62 owner complaints NHTSA has on file for the 2016 Volvo V60 (11.3%) 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: "Engin shut off while driving and would not start again. Fortunately, this happened in a parking lot. If this happened on a highway, there could have been a bad outcome. When the car shut off the steering became very heavy." (NHTSA complaint 11637046, January 2025). Recall repairs are free at a dealer; check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Has the 2016 Volvo V60 had engine failures?
5 of the 62 owner complaints NHTSA has on file for the 2016 Volvo V60 (8.1%) describe complete engine failure or a replaced engine. One owner wrote: "My vehicle sustained catastrophic, permanent engine failure while I was driving, in two-way city traffic. Cars backed up behind me, I had difficulty opening my door because of oncoming traffic, and eventually was able to push it (and get help pushing) to the…" (NHTSA complaint 11533429, July 2023). 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 V60 smell of burning or smoke?
3 of the 62 owner complaints NHTSA has on file for the 2016 Volvo V60 (4.8%) describe a burning smell or smoke. One owner wrote: "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." (NHTSA complaint 11512809, March 2023). 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 V60
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 9, 2026. Model year 2016 only; combines NHTSA's entries for V60 and V60 CC. How these reports are made.
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