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2016 Volvo S60

Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations

Similar to other model years

Owner complaints for the 2016 Volvo S60 do not stand out strongly from the model-year median of 20.5.

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How this year compares

Owner complaints by model year

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Counts vary with age, sales and reporting. They are not failure rates.

What owners reported most

All reported categories

Tap a category to read its complaints. One report may name several components.

When problems were reported

Mileage at the reported incident

Limited mileage data: 17 of 25 reports include usable mileage. There isn’t enough coverage to show a useful chart.

NHTSA’s mileage field refers to the reported incident, not necessarily the filing date. This shows report counts, not the likelihood of a failure.

What to inspect

Issues worth paying extra attention to based on owner reports.

  • Engine. Review the 8 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Electrical System. Review the 5 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Seat Belts. Review the 3 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →

NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.

1 crash reports0 fire reports0 injury reports

What owners actually said

25 reports
Mileage unknown · Oct 3, 2024
Engine

In November of 2021, I purchased my dream car, a 2016 Volvo s60 Cross Country, proud to own a vehicle from a company known for their safe and reliable vehicles. In April of 2022, a class action case ([XXX], et al., v. Volvo Car USA, LLC, Volvo Cars of North America, LLC, and Volvo Personvagnar AB) was issued against Volvo due to…

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In November of 2021, I purchased my dream car, a 2016 Volvo s60 Cross Country, proud to own a vehicle from a company known for their safe and reliable vehicles. In April of 2022, a class action case ([XXX], et al., v. Volvo Car USA, LLC, Volvo Cars of North America, LLC, and Volvo Personvagnar AB) was issued against Volvo due to a KNOWN-TO-VOLVO DESIGN FLAW in their engines which could lead to engine failure. The case was settled out of court in early 2023 and Volvo issued an extended warranty for vehicles owners to take preventative measures against potential engine failure. Although my car is listed under the extended warranty, I was never sent any notice of it from Volvo. On [XXX], while driving on a highway, at speed limit, my 2016 Volvo s60 Cross Country's engine failed. I learned about the Extended Warranty from a National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Quality Bulletin (Extended Warranty P10183: I5T Oil Consumption Replace; Model Year 20132016 S60, 2015-2016 V60, V60CC and XC60, 2016 XC70, S60CC and S60L) while researching the issue with my car online. I contacted Volvo Customer Care to ask why I was not sent notice and what they could do. I was told that to open a case with Volvo I would need a diagnostic from a dealership. On August 5, 2024, I took my car in for a diagnostic at Patrick Volvo Cars in Schaumburg, IL, from who I also purchased the car in 2021. August 6, 2024 I received a partial diagnostic and was told that they would require 10x the original diagnostic price to find the root of the issue in the engine. On the same day, I called Volvo customer care and opened a case. After weeks of little to no communication, on September 3 Volvo denied my case. I was not provided any opportunity to communicate over the phone with my case manager at Volvo - only after she sent me the decision did I receive a call from her to learn Volvo does not care about my side of the story. Please view attached documents for more details, thank you. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT

NHTSA ODI #11617818

27,859 miles · Jun 1, 2023
Air BagsElectrical SystemSeat Belts

The contact owns a 2016 Volvo S60. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the SRS warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who repaired the vehicle under NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V378000 (Seat Belts) and 16V798000 (Seat Belts). The dealer also repaired an unstated electrical fa…

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The contact owns a 2016 Volvo S60. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the SRS warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who repaired the vehicle under NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V378000 (Seat Belts) and 16V798000 (Seat Belts). The dealer also repaired an unstated electrical failure. The contact stated that the cells in the battery were faulty. The vehicle was repaired but the failure recurred. The contact stated that after several weeks, the SRS warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken back to the local dealer who informed the contact that the vehicle had been in an accident previously and the wiring was faulty. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who informed the contact of a fault with the rear of the battery. The auxiliary battery was draining, and the battery was leaking. The mechanic informed the contact that the pretensioner needed to be replaced; however, the mechanic was unable to obtain the parts from the manufacturer. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no additional assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 27,859.

NHTSA ODI #11524899

Mileage unknown · Apr 29, 2023
Electrical SystemEngine

The alternator seized on the highway snapping the serpentine belt which got sucked into the timing and stopped the car in the left lane at highway speed. The timing guard failed allowing the belt to damage the timing. Volvo says it needs a head job I have possession of the vehicle and all maintenance records. Cars behind me do…

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The alternator seized on the highway snapping the serpentine belt which got sucked into the timing and stopped the car in the left lane at highway speed. The timing guard failed allowing the belt to damage the timing. Volvo says it needs a head job I have possession of the vehicle and all maintenance records. Cars behind me dodged onto the shoulder to avoid hitting me. There was no warning. Furthermore this is a known problem a quick search of Volvo forums turned up over a dozen cars with insufficient timing guards

NHTSA ODI #11519617

Mileage unknown · Sep 3, 2022
Unknown Or Other

Driver door latch not engaging. Door opened at low speed.

NHTSA ODI #11482723

Mileage unknown · Aug 29, 2022
Engine

At 86K miles can smell oil burning and add 1 quart light comes on. It's said Volvo is aware of a defect with the piston rings causing oil to consume and burn away. They aren't willing to address the issue outside warranty expiration. They did recently indicate how Volvo changed the requirement for using 5W30 oil to claim now Vol…

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At 86K miles can smell oil burning and add 1 quart light comes on. It's said Volvo is aware of a defect with the piston rings causing oil to consume and burn away. They aren't willing to address the issue outside warranty expiration. They did recently indicate how Volvo changed the requirement for using 5W30 oil to claim now Volvo changed there minds. How now only 0W20 full synthetic oil must be used. The label under the hood says use 5W30 only. It appears that Volvo is changing oil types because they know there's an issue with the piston rings and is trying to cover up a defect by doing so.

NHTSA ODI #11481894

Mileage unknown · Nov 19, 2021
Visibility/wiper

Windscreen wiper motors failed during inclement weather making visibility impossible. The vehicle was only approximately 2 years old at the time of failure. This created a serious safety issue and may have led to a crash and injury. The dealer diagnosed the issue as failed wiper motors and replaced the motors under manufacturer'…

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Windscreen wiper motors failed during inclement weather making visibility impossible. The vehicle was only approximately 2 years old at the time of failure. This created a serious safety issue and may have led to a crash and injury. The dealer diagnosed the issue as failed wiper motors and replaced the motors under manufacturer's warranty.

NHTSA ODI #11440996

Mileage unknown · May 4, 2021
Seat Belts

2016 VOLVO S60. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARD TO NHTSA SAFETY RECALL 20V-378. *LD THE CONSUMER STATED THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME COMPLETING THE RECALL REPAIR. *JS

NHTSA ODI #11414832

60,500 miles · Jan 1, 2021
Visibility/wiper

THE SUNROOF SPONTANEOUSLY EXPLODED OUTWARD ON THE HIGHWAY, NO POSSIBILITY OF ROAD DEBRIS HITTING IT AS NO OTHER CARS WERE NEARBY, AND I WAS NOT CLOSE TO AN OVERPASS. I BELIEVE TEMPERATURE FLUCTUATION CAUSES IT, AS I WAS RECENTLY IN BELOW-FREEZING WEATHER (15*F). ON THE DAY OF THE EXPLOSION I DROVE SOUTH STARTING AT 40*F DRIVING …

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THE SUNROOF SPONTANEOUSLY EXPLODED OUTWARD ON THE HIGHWAY, NO POSSIBILITY OF ROAD DEBRIS HITTING IT AS NO OTHER CARS WERE NEARBY, AND I WAS NOT CLOSE TO AN OVERPASS. I BELIEVE TEMPERATURE FLUCTUATION CAUSES IT, AS I WAS RECENTLY IN BELOW-FREEZING WEATHER (15*F). ON THE DAY OF THE EXPLOSION I DROVE SOUTH STARTING AT 40*F DRIVING TO 86*F.

NHTSA ODI #11386035

51,000 miles · Nov 12, 2020
Wheels

WE BOUGHT THIS CAR USED FROM A VOLVO DEALERSHIP IN AUGUST OF 2019 WHILE STILL UNDER FACTORY WARRANTY. IT HAS 19-INCH VOLVO ALLOY WHEELS WITH 235/40/R19 TIRES. IN A LITTLE OVER A YEAR, TWO OF THE WHEELS HAVE CRACKED PRESUMABLY AFTER HITTING POTHOLES. WE HAD BOTH WHEELS REPAIRED AT A PROFESSIONAL WHEEL REPAIR FACILITY. THE REP…

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WE BOUGHT THIS CAR USED FROM A VOLVO DEALERSHIP IN AUGUST OF 2019 WHILE STILL UNDER FACTORY WARRANTY. IT HAS 19-INCH VOLVO ALLOY WHEELS WITH 235/40/R19 TIRES. IN A LITTLE OVER A YEAR, TWO OF THE WHEELS HAVE CRACKED PRESUMABLY AFTER HITTING POTHOLES. WE HAD BOTH WHEELS REPAIRED AT A PROFESSIONAL WHEEL REPAIR FACILITY. THE REPAIR WORKED (SO FAR) ON THE FIRST WHEEL BUT THE PROBLEM HAS RECURRED TWICE ON THE SECOND WHEEL REPAIR. THE VOLVO DEALERSHIP'S ONLY OFFER IS TO SELL US A NEW WHEEL AT OVER $700 EACH. WE HAVE NEVER CRACKED A WHEEL PREVIOUSLY IN OVER 40 YEARS OF DRIVING. THIS WHEEL/TIRE COMBINATION SHOULD NEVER HAVE BEEN ALLOWED ON THE ROAD BEING SO PRONE TO CRACKING. WE ARE AT A MUCH-INCREASED RISK OF A FLAT TIRE/BLOWOUT AND POSSIBLE ACCIDENT. THE CAR ALSO CAME FROM THE FACTORY WITHOUT A SPARE TIRE WHICH IS ALSO NOT GOOD SINCE WE ARE MORE LIKELY TO BE STRANDED IN THE EVENT OF A FLAT TIRE. WE NO LONGER CONSIDER THIS CAR ROADWORTHY AND ARE FACED WITH THE EXPENSIVE OPTIONS OF EITHER REPLACING THE DAMAGED WHEEL WITH A NEW VOLVO WHEEL (AND EXPECT THE SAME RESULT), REPLACING ALL FOUR WHEELS WITH AFTERMARKET WHEELS THAT MAY OR MAY NOT BE BETTER, OR SELLING THE CAR. WE SHOULD NEVER HAVE BEEN PUT IN THIS POSITION FROM A SAFETY AND FINANCIAL PERSPECTIVE BY THIS WHEEL OR WHEEL/TIRE COMBINATION BEING ALLOWED ON THE ROAD.

NHTSA ODI #11374391

54,000 miles · Sep 28, 2020
Service Brakes

THE BRAKE SUDDENLY LOST BRAKING POWER AFTER THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED AT A RED LIGHT ON A LOCAL STREET. EVERY TIME I PRESS THE BRAKE PEDAL AFTER THE INCIDENT, I COULD HEAR A SOUND OF AIR LEAKING SOMEWHERE BEHIND THE PEDAL. OTHER SYSTEMS SEEM FINE AND I MANAGED TO ROLL THE CAR BACK TO OUR PARKING LOT ABOUT HALF A MILE AWA…

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THE BRAKE SUDDENLY LOST BRAKING POWER AFTER THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED AT A RED LIGHT ON A LOCAL STREET. EVERY TIME I PRESS THE BRAKE PEDAL AFTER THE INCIDENT, I COULD HEAR A SOUND OF AIR LEAKING SOMEWHERE BEHIND THE PEDAL. OTHER SYSTEMS SEEM FINE AND I MANAGED TO ROLL THE CAR BACK TO OUR PARKING LOT ABOUT HALF A MILE AWAY, AND HAD THE CAR TOLLED TO A LOCAL DEALER THE NEXT DAY. I WAS TOLD LATER BY THE DEALER THAT IT'S CAUSED BY MALFUNCTION OF BRAKE "BOOSTER" OR VACUUM PUMP(?) AND REPAIRED IT AT A COST OF ~$2500.00

NHTSA ODI #11361642

Official recalls

4

20V378000 · Seat Belts:front

Jun 30, 2020

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.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: An unsecured occupant has an increased risk of injury in the event of a crash.

Remedy: 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.

19V849000 · Latches/locks/linkages:doors:latch

Nov 26, 2019

Volvo Car of USA LLC (Volvo) is recalling certain 2011-2017 S60, S60I, V60, S60CC and V60CC vehicles. A component within the door latches may break, making the doors difficult to latch and/or leading the driver or a passenger to believe a door is securely closed when, in fact, it is not.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: A door that is not securely latched could open while the vehicle is in motion, increasing the risk of injury to a vehicle occupant.

Remedy: Volvo will notify owners, and dealers will replace all four door latches, free of charge. The recall began April 9, 2020. Owners may contact Volvo customer service at 1-800-458-1552. Volvo's number for this recall is R89978.

16V798000 · Seat Belts:front:buckle Assembly

Nov 2, 2016

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."

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: 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.

15V555000 · Electrical System:wiring:fuses And Circuit Breakers

Sep 2, 2015

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.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: 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.

Remedy: 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.

Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗

NHTSA investigations

0

No exact-year investigations in this snapshot.