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. There are numerous comments with pictures on-line about how common this part fails on this model Volvo. What's also interesting is that the "pipe" fails in exactly the same location (on top and near the end). Seems to me if this is a known defect and the part is not performing with reasonable reliability, Volvo should provide an allowance to car owners when the part fails.
The worst 2016 Volvo XC90 problems
Ranked by number of owner complaints. Mileage and cost come from what owners wrote.
Problems by type
Tap a problem to see which part fails, at what mileage and in which other years.
- Engine88
- Electrical56
- Body23
- Brakes15
- Fuel system13
- Driver assistance12
- Acceleration11
- Transmission10
- Airbags8
- Steering7
- Locks6
- Visibility6
- Seat belts5
- Seats4
- Lights2
- Suspension1
- Tires1
Specific symptoms reported on the 2016 Volvo XC90
Oil consumption 32Door locks 22Engine failure 15Loss of power 12Check engine light 11Fire or smoke 8Overheating 8Start-stop 6Airbag light 5Backup camera 5Collision warning 5Stalling 5
Recalls 8
Seat belts: critical fasteners
- What is wrong
- 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.
- Risk
- An improperly tightened seat belt buckle may not restrain an occupant as intended, increasing their risk of injury during a crash.
- 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. Volvo Car's number for this recall is R10259.
Recall number 23V827000 · Recall details
Electrical system: software
- What is wrong
- 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.
- Risk
- The rear passenger may become trapped by the front seat without the ability to cancel the seat's movement, increasing the risk of injury.
- 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. Volvo Car's number for this recall is R10093.
Recall number 21V273000 · Recall details
Engine and engine cooling: cooling system: hoses/lines/piping/fittings
- What is wrong
- 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.
- Risk
- If the coolant leak goes unnoticed, coolant may accumulate in the catalytic converter heat shield insulation and catch fire when the vehicle is stationary, increasing the risk of injury.
- 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.
Recall number 19V308000 · Recall details
Seat belts: front: buckle assembly
- What is wrong
- 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.
- 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. Volvo's number for this recall is R89708.
Recall number 16V798000 · Recall details
Equipment: appliance: air conditioner
- What is wrong
- 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. 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.
- Risk
- Significant water drainage into the passenger compartment may adversely affect air bag deployment in the event of a crash, increasing the risk of occupant injury.
- 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. Owners may contact Volvo at 1‑800‑458‑1552. Volvo's number for this campaign is R89707.
Recall number 16V690000 · Recall details
Visibility: sun/moon roof assembly
- What is wrong
- Volvo 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."
- Risk
- If the switch is unintentionally pressed and the sunroof panel closes, there is an increased risk of occupant injury.
- 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. 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 R89702.
Recall number 16V268000 · Recall details
Air bags: side/window
- What is wrong
- 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.
- Risk
- Underinflated air bags may not fully protect third row occupants, increasing the risk of injury in the event of a crash.
- 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.
Recall number 15V497000 · Recall details
Air bags: side/window
- What is wrong
- Volvo 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.
- Risk
- If the wiring harness is routed incorrectly, the wiring may be damaged, disabling the front seat side impact air bag, and increasing the risk of injury to the seat occupant in the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the front seat side impact air bag.
- 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. Owners may contact Volvo customer service at 1‑800‑458‑1552. Volvo's number for this recall is R89571.
Recall number 15V342000 · Recall details
See all 8 recalls for the 2016 Volvo XC90
Defect investigations
Pedestrian alert sounds
the federal safety agency received a petition on or about July 18, 2022, requesting that Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) 141 be applied to all electric and hybrid vehicles operating in the United States. The petition can be reviewed at under ODI Number 11486072. FMVSS 141 establishes performance requirements for pedestrian alert sounds for motor vehicles. The standard applies to hybrid and electric vehicles that have a gross vehicle weight rating of 4,536 KG or less or are defined as low-speed vehicles. The standard became fully applicable to all such vehicles manufactured on or after March 1, 2021.On January 27, 2023, the federal safety agency opened Defect Petition (DP) 22-005 to evaluate the subject matter described in the petition. On June 24, 2023 and as supplemented on June 25, 2023, the petitioner notified the federal safety agency he was withdrawing his petition. The petitioner indicated that, based on his review of data, there is no justification for asserting potential benefits that could be derived from actions sought by my petition. Based on the petitioner's withdrawal, DP22-005 is closed. Closure of this DP does not represent a determination by the federal safety agency regarding the subject matter of the petition.
DP22005
Technical service bulletins for the 2016 Volvo XC90 723
Bulletins tell dealers how to fix known problems. A warranty extension means the manufacturer pays for that repair for longer.
- This is a Technical Journal: Text only no attachments
- This is a Technical Journal text only no attachments : Improved 12V battery test in VIDA. The 12V battery...
- This is a Technical Journal: Plus 2 attachments 1- TJI-497587-1 and 1 MP4 Speaker Grill -It may be...
- This is a Technical Journal: Text plus 1 .jpg attachment
- This is a Technical Journal: Headlamp condensation inside lens
- This is a Technical Journal: Intermittent knocking noise during acceleration
- This is a Technical Journal: Panoramic sunroof, sealing strip has a gap
- This is a Technical Journal: Text plus 2 PDFs and 1 .PNG Oil Consumption test
- This is a TJ text only
- This is a Technical Journal: If a vehicle with panorama roof shows symptom of a rattling noise when...
2016 Volvo XC90 fuel economy
Official EPA estimates in miles per gallon (MPGe for electric). Ranges cover trims that share the same engine.
| Engine | Drive | City | Highway | Combined |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2.0L 4‑cyl Plug-in hybrid | AWD | 24 | 27 | 25 |
| 2.0L 4‑cyl | FWD | 22 | 26 | 24 |
| 2.0L 4‑cyl | AWD | 20-22 | 25 | 22-23 |
What 2016 Volvo XC90 owners say
Most recent owner complaints, unedited.
Piston rings inside the engine failed due to a known oil consumption issue with this model vehicle. The engine failed while the car was driving 85 mph and consequently slowed down to 15mph on the highway, leaving the owner of the car stranded alone on the highway. Volvo has a known fix for this issue and there was a class action lawsuit for it, but since it was settled, there was no recall. This is, in fact, a dangerous issue that is preventable. Additionally, the sunroof drains also leak. Water frequently leaks down the A-pillar directly onto the Central Electronic Module (CEM) causing unsafe electrical issues and potential engine failure. This was a known issue on other models, but it is also present in this model vehicle. When I tried to fix this under a warranty contract, I was denied by the certified repair shops.
The AC evaporator has a leak. I am reporting as this is a well known issue on the Volvo's, especially the 2016 XC90 which has a large amount of issues that cause issues of safety and undue amount of financial burden on owners who operate the vehicle in normal conditions. I have been told by the dealer after they repaired a another issue of the engine (8 times this vehcile has been in for repair on engine issues that are due to a block issue) the ac evaporator is well known by Volvo to be poorly designed and manufatcurered where they last under ten years. I have asked dealers and mechainc shops who see dozens a week of these repairs needed. The avergae cost I have been quote is $4000 for repair and the volvo service dealer I could told me, these keep the shop going. There is no way that this is not a issue to the public that puts a undue burden to owners, one that Volvo HQ in USA acknowledges is a issue but is not required to do anything.
My 2016 Volvo XC90 suddenly lost power while I was driving, requiring me to pull over and have the vehicle towed. This is a documented safety issue associated with a known piston ring defect in 2013-2016 Volvo vehicles equipped with 2.0L and 2.5L engines, which was the subject of a federal class action lawsuit ([XXX] et al. v. Volvo Car USA, LLC, Case No. XXX, filed XXX. No there we NO warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure. I purchased this vehicle as a second owner from Carvana [XXX] — one month after the class action was filed. I was never notified of the defect, the litigation, or any service campaign or extended warranty coverage associated with this VIN, through Carvana nor Volvo. Since the power loss, I have spent $11,543.75 in out-of-pocket repairs (replacement engine, labor, towing). Despite a new engine being installed, the vehicle enters limp mode within one mile of driving. A Volvo-authorized dealer has quoted an additional $19,959.65 in repairs without certifying that the work will resolve the safety issue. Volvo Customer Care has declined to assist, stating their internal service campaign has concluded. I am submitting this safety complaint because sudden, unexplained power loss in a moving vehicle is a significant safety hazard, and because second owners of affected vehicles were never properly notified of the defect. I never knew nor was this disclosed to me before purchase from Carvana nor told to me by Volvo. I was in the middle of nowhere and I was not sure what to do and being a single woman, I was unsafe and scared. What ever this issue is Volvo and the dealer in South Dakota (where it is parked right now) as I had it towed on June 5th, and they don't want to help nor fix my vehicle. I need my catering business vehicle as this is a very concerning for my loss of use for over a year now for my catering part of my business. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
The eRAD (Electric Rear Axle Drive) on my 2016 Volvo XC90 T8 PHEV failed completely. The warning light appeared approximately 11/3/2025, within one week of purchasing the vehicle at 88,000 miles. The failure was confirmed by a Volvo dealership. The eRAD is the component that powers the rear electric motor and provides AWD and hybrid function — its failure results in complete loss of rear wheel drive and hybrid system operation. Safety risk includes unexpected loss of AWD traction control in adverse weather conditions. This is a known systemic defect acknowledged in Volvo’s own Technical Journals (TJ33358). I contacted Volvo Cars USA customer service to invoke the SULEV emissions warranty and they were unable to locate my claim or explain the warranty coverage. Volvo has not addressed this through a recall despite this being a widespread known failure mode affecting XC90 T8 models. The vehicle is available for inspection.
Vehicle start shaking Violently out of control. AAA picked up the vehicle and took it to their European shop and discovered it’s the piston rings . I asked Volvo to do a goodwill repair and they rejected my claim on a well know issue that I was not brought aware while having the vehicle serviced at their facility Findley Volvo dealership. I’ve been taking this vehicle there for two years, with an oil problem. They never did an oil consumption test or correct the piston issue. I am appalled at this action and behavior by the dealership.A well documented issue with this vehicle. They told the program has expired, I’d have to pay for service . I have photos as well of the issue.
The contact owns a 2016 VOLVO XC90. The contact stated that while coming off a red light at 10 MPH, the contact was involved in a vehicle accident. The front end of the vehicle impacted the vehicle on the passenger side, which impacted more of the contact's front side on the passenger side. The vehicle came to a full stop in the middle of an intersection. No air bags were deployed in the vehicle. The vehicle was towed back to the residence. A police report was filed. The contact stated there were 2 subjects injured. The passenger in the contact vehicle was injured, and the driver of the vehicle that was impacted was also injured. The passenger injuries had been medically treated. The passenger was hurt in the knees, back, neck, and head; no severe injuries were reported. The contact referenced the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 15V342000 (AIR BAGS) as the cause of the failure; the VIN was never included in the recall repair. The dealer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 90,000.
Since moving here to Nevada in 2023, I’ve had several oil changes. After about 1200 I have to add mother oil to the car. I’ve gone back three times to 5 min oil change to get free refills since they offer free top offs after your initial oil change. I than took a deep dive on the internet and discovered that the Volvo XC90, 2016 had issues with oil consumption, but never informed me of this issue. I’ve been to the dealership several times and not once did the inform me either. I mentioned to Bailey Anderson at Findlay Volvo in Las Vegas that this car consumes a lot of oil. He said no it didn’t without even checking for facts. I read that Volvo knew about this issue and we’re fixing the issue, however when I inquired they wanted me to pay for their mistake. How is that so when they knew there is and was an oil consumption matter and did not inform me of the matter. I’m furious with Volvo for hiding or concealing this issue. How can I get them to correct the matter, at this point?
About a month ago I received an Engine Coolant Low warning from the vehicle so the fluid was topped off. This past Friday, April 17th as I was driving home around midnight, I received an Engine Temperature is High, please pull over notice so I stopped the vehicle and had it towed home. Saturday evening, as the car was sitting in my driveway, the vehicle caught fire. The entire engine bay ignited and basically melted.
Hey I purchased a Volvo xc90 2016 seven months ago and I currently still have this car. Also others with the same model, are having problems with oil consumption who is the problem that I’m sadly dealing with, My car burns so much oil and I’m only 19 I got this hoping for a reliable car but in stead in burns oil just has much as I burn fuel every 500 miles, if that probably less miles. it tells me to had a liter of oil because it says I’m out of oil. I just need some one to help me it hasn’t had anything done to it it’s all original with only 127,000 miles on it and this probably has been happening since I purchased it with only 118,000 miles.
Compare the 2016 Volvo XC90
XC90 vs Acura MDXXC90 vs BMW X5XC90 vs Audi Q7XC90 vs Lexus RXXC90 vs Mercedes-Benz GLE 350XC90 vs Cadillac XT5
Other model years
2003200420052006200720082009201020112012201320142016201720182019202020212022202320242025
Questions about the 2016 Volvo XC90
Is the 2016 Volvo XC90 reliable?
Owners have filed 197 complaints about the 2016 Volvo XC90, 4.8 times a typical XC90 model year. It is one of the years we flag to avoid.
What is the 2016 Volvo XC90 year score?
The 2016 Volvo XC90 scores 11 out of 100 (poor). The score compares it with the other model years of the Volvo XC90: 75 is a typical year, 50 means twice the usual complaints, and serious complaints and recalls lower it.
What is the most common problem with the 2016 Volvo XC90?
Engine and cooling, with 88 complaints, typically around 20,000 miles. Next is electrical (56).
How many recalls does the 2016 Volvo XC90 have?
8 recalls, covering seat belts, electrical system and engine and engine cooling.
Was there a recall on the 2016 Volvo XC90 engine?
Yes, 1 recall: 19V308000. Check your VIN to see if your car still needs the free repair.
What year does the Volvo XC90 have bad engine?
The Volvo XC90 model years with the most engine complaints are 2016 (88 complaints), 2005 (69 complaints) and 2004 (52 complaints).
Is there a class action lawsuit over the Volvo XC90?
Yes. New class action says Volvo's Google-based infotainment screens freeze and take climate and rearview camera with them (November 9, 2026).
What gas mileage does the 2016 Volvo XC90 get?
Official estimates for the 2016 Volvo XC90 range from 22 to 25 mpg combined. The most efficient version (2.0L 4-cyl plug-in hybrid, AWD) gets 24 city and 27 highway.
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