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2016 Volvo XC60 problems, recalls and owner complaints
What the 2016 Volvo XC60 has been recalled for, how often it fails the UK MOT and what owners report, from official government data. Updated November 2, 2026.
- 3safety recalls
- 38owner complaints
- 2crash reports
- 1fire report
- 21%fail the UK MOT
38 complaints, against an average of 37 for the other 14 Volvo XC60 model years.
Every Volvo XC60 model year with its number of owner complaints. Pick a year to compare.
What goes wrong with the 2016 Volvo XC60?
The components named most often in the 38 owner complaints. One complaint can name several, so the shares can add up to more than 100%.
What symptoms do 2016 Volvo XC60 owners describe?
Found by reading the text of all 38 owner complaints. Tap a symptom for the answer, a real owner quote and any related recall.
Has the 2016 Volvo XC60 been recalled?
3 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.
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 XC60 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.
UK DVSAEngine may fail
Risk: Affected vehicles may have a crankshaft that has been insufficiently hardened which may fail and nay cause engine failure.
Fix: Check identity of crankshaft. If the relevant marking is not present then replace engine.
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.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 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 XC60 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 XC60 owners report?
12 of the 38 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.
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…
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. However, it has since gotten much worse and is constantly burning through oil.
appears to be significant electrical issue or internal computer issue causing a safety issue
The component that failed was the oil consumption. I noticed it seemed to be using more oil than should be normal. It didn't seem to do it overnight. It seemed gradual, but over a short period of time, bc I haven't had the car that long. It wasn't super alarming but I was keeping an eye on it and would add more in here and there, as I like to keep it full. One morning, driving my son to school, I started hearing an odd sound, I don't know how to describe it, wasn't loud but different. I tried to turn around bc was on a main road, and when I did, I heard a loud bang and pop and I had to pull…
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 leak is caused by a design failure - their design makes it easier for debris to ingress into the tracks and clog them. Cost to fix issue and replace sunroof is over $5000. This is a known problem with numerous forums and videos on the internet describing and promoting 'fixes' for, but in reality…
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.
ADAPTIVE BENDING LIGHTS GO OFF INTERMITTENTLY AND HEADLAMP MALFUNCTION WARNING ON DASH.
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 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 XC60: questions owners ask
Is the 2016 Volvo XC60 reliable?
NHTSA data alone cannot rate reliability, but it shows what owners reported. Owners filed 38 complaints with NHTSA about the 2016 Volvo XC60; the most common categories were engine (15, 39.5%), seat belts (6, 15.8%), electrical system (3, 7.9%). There are 3 safety recalls. 2 complaints mention a crash, 1 mentions a fire.
What are the most common problems with the 2016 Volvo XC60?
Across 38 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the categories mentioned most often are engine (39.5% of complaints), seat belts (15.8% of complaints), electrical system (7.9% of complaints), service brakes (7.9% of complaints), air bags (5.3% of complaints). One complaint can name several components.
Does the 2016 Volvo XC60 have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 3 recalls for the 2016 Volvo XC60; 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 XC60 burning or losing oil?
8 of the 38 owner complaints NHTSA has on file for the 2016 Volvo XC60 (21.1%) 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 XC60 stall, lose power or shut off while driving?
4 of the 38 owner complaints NHTSA has on file for the 2016 Volvo XC60 (10.5%) 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 XC60 had engine failures?
3 of the 38 owner complaints NHTSA has on file for the 2016 Volvo XC60 (7.9%) 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.
Check your own XC60
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. How these reports are made.