NHTSA (USA)High Risk
At a glance
What can fail
This page covers 14 recalls, 193 owner complaints and EPA fuel economy for the 2016 Volvo Xc90.
22–25 mpg combined
9.4–10.7 L/100km
Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD
Fuel economy data from fueleconomy.gov (EPA / U.S. Dept. of Energy). Annual cost based on 15,000 mi/yr at 55% city driving and current fuel prices. MPG is U.S. gallons; L/100km converted. Ranges reflect the 4 tested variants for this model year.
Engine-related complaints dominate the 2016 XC90 owner reports, with the most common themes centering on oil consumption and internal engine problems. Owners frequently describe needing to add oil between changes, sometimes within a few hundred miles of a fresh service, pointing to what many experience as excessive consumption. Several reports mention engine shaking or rough running traced to piston ring wear. Coolant system issues also appear across multiple engine complaints, with owners describing low coolant warnings followed by overheating. The electrical system draws the second-highest complaint volume, with owners reporting various warning lights and system faults, including issues on T8 plug-in hybrid models involving the rear electric drive unit. Structure complaints, the third-largest group, include reports of airbags not deploying during low-speed front-end collisions.
193
Total Complaints
5
Crash-Related
10
Fire-Related
4
With Injuries
By System
The 2016 Volvo XC90 has 14 recalls, the most serious being a coolant hose that can crack and leak fluid onto the exhaust or into catalytic converter insulation, creating a fire risk even when the vehicle is parked.
Several recalls involve airbags and occupant restraint. On seven-seat models, the curtain airbag for third-row passengers can be blocked by a trim panel on the D-pillar and fail to fully inflate in a crash. Front seat side airbags on certain early-production vehicles may also be disabled if the seat wiring harness was routed incorrectly and the insulation wears through. Two seatbelt concerns round out this cluster: second-row belt buckle and anchor bolts may not be fully tightened, and on some vehicles the front passenger belt buckle stud can loosen and separate from its bracket, leaving that occupant unrestrained in a crash.
A leaking air conditioning drain hose can allow water to pool inside the cabin, potentially damaging airbag electronics and other systems over time. On XC90 Excellence models, a wet rear seat touchscreen can send the front passenger seat sliding fully rearward and prevent it from being moved back, which can trap a rear passenger. The sunroof close switch sits proud enough on the overhead console that it can be pressed accidentally, causing the panel to shut unexpectedly on an occupant.
At a glance
What can fail
We may earn a commission for purchases made through these links.
Complaints are owner-reported and reflect individual experiences, not confirmed defects. They are distinct from recalls. Data sourced from the national vehicle safety complaint database. See trending complaints →
The bolts securing the second-row seat belt buckle and lower belt anchor may not be properly tightened, affecting their stability.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect and tighten the second-row seat belt buckle anchorage bolts as needed, at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
Moisture on the rear seat control touch screen can prevent it from working properly. The front passenger seat may move all the way back on its own and get stuck there if the screen stays wet.
What the fix does
Volvo will mail you instructions to visit a dealership, where technicians will update the rear seat control display software.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
Liquid or condensation on the rear seat control display can cause the front passenger seat to move fully backward.
What the fix does
Dealers will update the rear seat control display software at no cost to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The coolant bleeder hose can crack over time, allowing coolant to leak onto the exhaust system and accumulate in the catalytic converter insulation. This may trigger low coolant or high temperature warnings.
What the fix does
Volvo will mail you instructions to visit a dealer, who will replace the coolant bleeder hose with an improved version.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
Heat and humidity can crack the engine coolant bleeder hose, causing coolant to leak.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the engine side coolant bleeder hose at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The front passenger seat belt buckle attaching stud may loosen, causing the buckle to separate from the seat belt bracket.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect the front passenger seat belt buckle stud and replace the seat belt buckle as needed at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The air conditioning drain hose may be incorrectly installed, causing it to leak water into the passenger compartment.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect the drain hose installation and replace it if needed, at no cost to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The air conditioner drain hose may leak water into the passenger cabin due to incorrect installation. Moisture accumulation can damage airbags, engine controls, and other systems, increasing crash injury risk.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect the air conditioning drain hose for correct installation and replace it if needed.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The sunroof switch on the overhead console is not recessed deeply enough, allowing it to be pressed unintentionally and causing the sunroof to fully close automatically.
What the fix does
Dealers will install a software update that turns off the sunroof's auto-close function at no cost to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The sunroof switch may be too easily triggered, causing the roof panel to close automatically without the driver intending it, which violates safety standards and could injure someone.
What the fix does
Dealers will update the vehicle's software to turn off the auto-close function when the sunroof switch is pressed.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The third row side curtain airbags may not fully inflate due to interference from the D-pillar interior panels.
What the fix does
Dealers will modify the D-pillar interior panels to allow the third row airbags to fully inflate.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
On seven-seat vehicles, the inflatable curtain air bag for third row passengers may not inflate fully during a crash because the D-pillar interior trim panel can block it, increasing injury risk.
What the fix does
Dealers will modify the D-pillar interior panels to allow the inflatable curtain air bag to inflate completely.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The wiring harness for the front seat side impact protection system may be routed incorrectly, potentially affecting its function.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect and correct the wiring routing, installing a protective sleeve if needed, at no charge.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The airbag system wiring in the front seats may be routed incorrectly during assembly, damaging the wire insulation. This disables the side airbags and triggers warning lights.
What the fix does
Dealer inspects the wiring insulation and adds a protective sleeve if needed.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
