Photo: Makizox / CC BY-SA 4.0 / Wikimedia Commons
2016 Volvo XC90: common problems and reliability
One of the worst XC90 years.
One of the Volvo XC90 years to avoid. All XC90 years
592 owner complaints, most about engine. 8 recalls.
Should I buy a 2016 XC90?The 2016 Volvo XC90 has 592 owner-filed NHTSA complaints and 8 recalls on record. The most-reported areas are engine and electrical system.
Safety record for the 2016 model year
Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls filed for 2016 Volvo XC90 vehicles (US, public record).
The Year Score compares this year with other XC90 years only. How we score it
Is 2016 a good year for the XC90?
Across the 23 XC90 model years we track, complaint volume runs from 3 (2012) to 592 (2016). With 592 complaints, the 2016 XC90 sits above the model's median of 58.
These are raw NHTSA complaint totals, not adjusted for how many cars sold or how long each model year has been on the road. Older and higher-selling years accumulate more complaints.
Where owners report problems
Recalls affecting the 2016 XC90
engine and engine cooling:cooling system:hoses/lines/piping/fittings
Campaign 19V308000Volvo 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.
electrical system:software
Campaign 21V273000Volvo 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.
equipment:appliance:air conditioner
Campaign 16V690000Volvo 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. In the affected vehicles, the drain hose for the air conditioning may leak into the passenger compartment due to a drain hose installation error during manufacturing.
seat belts:front:buckle assembly
Campaign 16V798000Volvo 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."
Show 4 more recalls
visibility:sun/moon roof assembly
Campaign 16V268000Volvo Car USA LLC (Volvo) is recalling certain model year 2016 XC90 vehicles manufactured January 27, 2015, to April 23, 2016. The sunroofs on the affected vehicles have a switch on the overhead console that may not be adequately recessed to prevent the switch from being unintentionally pressed. When pressed, the sunroof may fully close. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 118, "Power-Operated Window, Partition, and Roof Panel Systems."
air bags:side/window
Campaign 15V497000Volvo 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.
air bags:side/window
Campaign 15V342000Volvo Cars of N.A., LLC (Volvo) is recalling certain model year 2016 Volvo XC90 vehicles manufactured January 27, 2015, to May 19, 2015. The affected vehicles have front seats whose wiring harness for the Side Impact Protection System (SIPS) may have been routed incorrectly.
seat belts:critical fasteners
Campaign 23V827000Volvo 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.
What owners say across generations
Sentiment is mixed and heavily dependent on generation and powertrain.
Owner insights cover all generations of the XC90. See the full XC90 owner picture and every model year.
Typical used price
Used XC90 listings typically run $19,496–$39,767.
Other XC90 model years
Compare every XC90 year side by side to see how 2016 ranks against the rest.
Compare the XC90 against its rivals
Looking at a specific car?
We're building a full check by VIN: the exact trim and engine, its known problems and recalls, what to inspect, a fair price, and how it compares with its rivals. Get an email when it's ready.
One email when it launches. Unsubscribe any time. Privacy