Is the 2016 Volvo XC90 reliable?

Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2016 Volvo XC90 is rated "significantly worse".

What are the most common problems with the 2016 Volvo XC90?

The most-reported component is engine, accounting for 44% of complaints on file.

How many recalls does the 2016 Volvo XC90 have?

8 recalls on file for this model year.

2016 Volvo XC90

■ Significantly worse — known issue year

2016 Volvo XC90
RENDERED 2026-10-31T18:04:04.371Z

This year had more than double the complaints of this model's typical year.

This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.

How is this computed?

Complaints: 197
Recalls: 8
Investigations: 1
Top problem: Engine

Complaints per year

2016: 197 complaints

View as data table

Year	Complaints
2003	93
2004	462
2005	223
2006	53
2007	38
2008	29
2009	7
2010	12
2011	19
2012	3
2013	11
2014	4
2015	0
2016	197
2017	81
2018	52
2019	42
2020	34
2021	38
2022	31
2023	41
2024	38
2025	28

Known problem areas

Percentages can add to more than 100% — a complaint can name more than one system.

Engine

44% · 86 reports

CRASHFIRE

Show complaint excerpts

The contact owned a 2016 Volvo XC90. The contact stated that while her daughter was driving at an unknown speed, white smoke began to emit from the vehicle as fellow motorists alerted her daughter that a fire had started underneath the vehicle.

NHTSA ODI report, 2025-01-30

Following recall service by dealership against NHTSA recall 19V308 the vehicle caught fire. The vehicle was picked up from the dealership and driven directly home, ~16 miles. At mile ~2 burning rubber was smelled while driving on the highway.

NHTSA ODI report, 2019-08-31

I discovered an engine coolant leak from a crack near the end of the Plastic Coolant Bypass Pipe (part #31368673/32382362) after noticing coolant puddling on my garage floor.

NHTSA ODI report, 2026-08-17

Electrical system

28% · 56 reports

Most commonly citing software.

CRASHFIRE

Show complaint excerpts

Tl* the contact owns a 2016 Volvo XC90. The contact stated that while attempting to park the vehicle in park assist mode, the vehicle accelerated in reverse independently and backed into a tree without warning.

NHTSA ODI report, 2020-01-27

Also filed under Power train

Structure

12% · 23 reports

Most commonly citing body and tailgate.

CRASH

Service brakes

7% · 14 reports

CRASH

Fuel/propulsion system

6% · 12 reports

FIRE

Safety timeline

8 recalls · 1 investigation · oldest first

To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →

R

2015-06-30Air bags15V342000 Volvo Cars of N.A., LLC (Volvo) is recalling certain model year 2016 Volvo XC90 vehicles manufactured January 27, 2015, to May 19, 2015.

Remedy: Volvo will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the routing of the SIPS wiring, correcting the routing and installing a protective sleeve as necessary, free of charge. The recall began on June 30, 2015.

Check if this car was fixed →
R

2015-09-21Air bags15V497000 Volvo Cars of N.A., LLC (Volvo) is recalling certain model year 2016 Volvo XC90 vehicles manufactured January 27, 2015, to July 10, 2015. The third row seating side curtain air bags may not fully inflate.

Remedy: Volvo will notify owners, and dealers will modify the D-pillar interior panels to allow full inflation of the third row airbags, free of charge. The recall began on September 21, 2015. Owners may contact Volvo Customer Care at 1-800-458-1552.

Check if this car was fixed →
▮
2016Complaint volume 197 complaints filed for this model year.
R

2016-06-24Visibility16V268000 Volvo Car USA LLC (Volvo) is recalling certain model year 2016 XC90 vehicles manufactured January 27, 2015, to April 23, 2016.

Remedy: Volvo will notify owners, and dealers will perform a software upgrade that disables the auto-close function, free of charge. The recall began June 24, 2016.

Check if this car was fixed →
R

2016-11-21Air bags, equipment16V690000 Volvo Cars of North America, LLC (Volvo) is recalling certain model year 2016-2017 Volvo XC90 and S90 vehicles manufactured April 15, 2015 through September 19, 2016.

Remedy: Volvo will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the air conditioning drain hose for proper installation, replacing the hose as necessary, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin on November the 14, 2016.

Check if this car was fixed →
R

2016-12-16Seat belts16V798000 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.

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.

Check if this car was fixed →
R

2019-06-12Engine and engine cooling19V308000 Volvo Cars of N.A., LLC (Volvo Cars) is recalling certain 2016 XC90 vehicles. Exposure to heat and humidity may cause the engine coolant bleeder hose to crack, resulting in a coolant leak.

Remedy: Volvo Cars will notify owners, and dealers will replace the engine side coolant bleeder hose, free of charge. The recall began June 12, 2019. Owners may contact Volvo customer service at 1-800-458-1552. Volvo's number for this recall is R29936.

Check if this car was fixed →
R

2021-07-14Electrical system21V273000 Volvo Car USA, LLC (Volvo Car) is recalling certain 2016-2020 XC90 Excellence vehicles. Liquid or condensation on the rear seat control display may cause the front passenger seat to move back as far as possible.

Remedy: Volvo Car will notify owners, and dealers will update the rear seat control display software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 14, 2021. Owners may contact Volvo Car customer service at 1-888-458-1552.

Check if this car was fixed →
I
2023-01-27Defect petitionClosed 2023-08-07 Pedestrian alert sounds
R

2024-01-19Seat belts23V827000 Volvo Car USA, LLC (Volvo Car) is recalling certain 2015-2024 XC90 vehicles. The second-row seat belt buckle and lower belt anchor bolts may not be tightened properly.

Remedy: Dealers will inspect and tighten the second-row seat belt buckle anchorage bolts, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 19, 2024. Owners may contact Volvo Car customer service at 1-800-458-1552.

Check if this car was fixed →

Buy-smart checklist

2016 Volvo XC90 — pre-purchase inspection

Inspect

Engine: 86 reports on file for this year.
Electrical system: 56 reports on file for this year.
Structure: 23 reports on file for this year.

Verify these recalls were completed

Recall 15V342000 · Air bags
Recall 15V497000 · Air bags
Recall 16V268000 · Visibility
Recall 16V690000 · Air bags, equipment
Recall 16V798000 · Seat belts
Recall 19V308000 · Engine and engine cooling
Recall 21V273000 · Electrical system
Recall 23V827000 · Seat belts

Other years of this model

See all years ranked →

Best years2 years

Worst years3 years

FAQ

Is the 2016 Volvo XC90 reliable?: Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2016 Volvo XC90 is rated "significantly worse".
What are the most common problems with the 2016 Volvo XC90?: The most-reported component is engine, accounting for 44% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2016 Volvo XC90 have?: 8 recalls on file for this model year.

Data updated 2026-10-31 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.