Tap a category to read its complaints. One report may name several components.
When problems were reported
Mileage at the reported incident
480–25K
1325–50K
950–75K
1075–100K
7100–150K
2150K+
89 reports with mileage · 108 unknown
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 86 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
Electrical System. Review the 56 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
Structure. Review the 23 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
5 crash reports10 fire reports4 injury reports
What owners actually said
197 reports
Mileage unknown · Apr 22, 2022
Structure
Rear Door lock failed with the first symptom of not being able to open the door. Once door was opened the door failed to close/latch. I think this is a safety concern because it would be impossible to get at the rear seat occupant in the event of a crash/heath issue. Then once the door finally opened it failed to latch which …
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Rear Door lock failed with the first symptom of not being able to open the door. Once door was opened the door failed to close/latch. I think this is a safety concern because it would be impossible to get at the rear seat occupant in the event of a crash/heath issue. Then once the door finally opened it failed to latch which made it dangerous to drive the car at all because the door would fling open.
NHTSA ODI #11461846
Mileage unknown · Mar 15, 2022
EngineUnknown Or Other
There is an open recall for certain 2016 XC 90s related to cracks in the coolant pipes. My vin doesn’t have a recall attached but in the last 2.5 years I have owned the vehicle I have had to change this part 2 times. I feel my vin/vehicle should be part of the recall. My local dealer is not willing to assist nor Volvo Customer …
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There is an open recall for certain 2016 XC 90s related to cracks in the coolant pipes. My vin doesn’t have a recall attached but in the last 2.5 years I have owned the vehicle I have had to change this part 2 times. I feel my vin/vehicle should be part of the recall. My local dealer is not willing to assist nor Volvo Customer Service.
NHTSA ODI #11456883
Mileage unknown · Mar 11, 2022
Engine
Engine oil Level decreases rapidly, this can cause the engine to burn up and possibly catch file or lock the engine. Dealer has started oil consumption test.
NHTSA ODI #11456338
128,000 miles · Mar 9, 2022
Parking Brake
The contact owns a 2016 Volvo XC90. The contact stated that upon start of her vehicle, the parking brake message and a yellow flashing brake light appeared on the instrument panel. The contact took the vehicle to the dealer where they informed her that a wire connected to the parking brake was detached and need to be replaced. T…
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The contact owns a 2016 Volvo XC90. The contact stated that upon start of her vehicle, the parking brake message and a yellow flashing brake light appeared on the instrument panel. The contact took the vehicle to the dealer where they informed her that a wire connected to the parking brake was detached and need to be replaced. The contact was given an estimate for the repair and the wire was replaced. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and offered no assistance; the manufacturer referred her to NHTSA to file a complaint. The vehicle had been repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 128,000.
NHTSA ODI #11455801
Mileage unknown · Mar 3, 2022
Air BagsElectrical SystemSeats
While driving the vehicle the "SRS Airbag" warning light comes on, I took the vehicle to the dealership which indicated the "seat harness" would need to be replaced. The seat harness has a integrated chip to alert the airbags to work properly. Volvo has had previously recalls for this issue on 2016 XC 90 vehicles but my VIN isn'…
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While driving the vehicle the "SRS Airbag" warning light comes on, I took the vehicle to the dealership which indicated the "seat harness" would need to be replaced. The seat harness has a integrated chip to alert the airbags to work properly. Volvo has had previously recalls for this issue on 2016 XC 90 vehicles but my VIN isn't included in the recall, I feel they need to expand the recall knowing their are several vehicles having this exact issue. Air bags are federally regulated and this is a safety related issue.
NHTSA ODI #11454986
Mileage unknown · Feb 21, 2022
Unknown Or Other
The door lock actuators were poorly designed, allowing water intrusion. This causes the actuator to rust and freeze up making it impossible to unlock the door and open it from the inside or outside. There was no warning about this, it just stopped working one day. If someone had been in the backseat when it stopped working they…
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The door lock actuators were poorly designed, allowing water intrusion. This causes the actuator to rust and freeze up making it impossible to unlock the door and open it from the inside or outside. There was no warning about this, it just stopped working one day. If someone had been in the backseat when it stopped working they would have had to crawl across to the other side to get out. What if there had been an accident and you could not get your child or baby out the nearest door quickly. We have been waiting nearly three weeks now for the replacement part, a part we were told by Volvo has been redesigned so this should not happen again. A part we (our insurance) has to cover. What about the other locks on the car, are they going to fail and lock us in the car? Why is Volvo not replacing these actuators.
NHTSA ODI #11453307
Mileage unknown · Feb 10, 2022
Engine
Leaking Coolant @44,804 miles: I was told it's not covered by the warranty and I had to pay out of pocket for the repair at the dealership. Now I just learned Volvo recalled 34,600 of the 2016 Volvo XC90 with the same problem in Year 2019, and my car's VIN is not on the list even though it's the same model, year and the same pro…
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Leaking Coolant @44,804 miles: I was told it's not covered by the warranty and I had to pay out of pocket for the repair at the dealership. Now I just learned Volvo recalled 34,600 of the 2016 Volvo XC90 with the same problem in Year 2019, and my car's VIN is not on the list even though it's the same model, year and the same problem. Burning Excessive Engine Oil started @ 48,000 miles. I want to know if the problem is covered under the extended warranty I bought. There are a lot of similar complaints online. Refer to https://www.swedespeed.com/threads/2016-xc90-burning-massive-amounts-of-oil.639838/ Leaking Coolant @ 50,000 miles again.
NHTSA ODI #11451404
Mileage unknown · Feb 1, 2022
Engine
My car has begun to burn excessive oil. I am having to use 1 quart of oil every 1,000 miles. This is in addition to getting a routine oil change. Took vehicle to Volvo dealership for an oil consumption test, cost around $550, and had to drive 1245 miles and then bring car back. Brought car back and dealership confirmed car i…
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My car has begun to burn excessive oil. I am having to use 1 quart of oil every 1,000 miles. This is in addition to getting a routine oil change. Took vehicle to Volvo dealership for an oil consumption test, cost around $550, and had to drive 1245 miles and then bring car back. Brought car back and dealership confirmed car is using/burning excessive oil. Issue is with the o rings and gaskets needing to be replaced. Employee at dealership said this is known issue with the 2016 model burning excessive oil. Many threads online relating/reporting the same issue about oil consumption and believe a recall is warranted to fix this know issue with Volvo. Mileage is around 89k.
NHTSA ODI #11449685
Mileage unknown · Jan 14, 2022
Unknown Or Other
Rear doors stop opening from outside and interior
NHTSA ODI #11447529
Mileage unknown · Jan 10, 2022
Structure
In freezing weather conditions the rear door latches become inoperable. They close fully, but do not latch. My wife was backing out of the driveway this morning an a door opened next to my son. This is UNACCEPTABLE and Volvo has not responded in an acceptable manner. I was told to bring it in for service.... it has only 3 fu…
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In freezing weather conditions the rear door latches become inoperable. They close fully, but do not latch. My wife was backing out of the driveway this morning an a door opened next to my son. This is UNACCEPTABLE and Volvo has not responded in an acceptable manner. I was told to bring it in for service.... it has only 3 functioning doors at the moment!
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.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: 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.
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.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: 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.
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.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: 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.
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.
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.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: 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.
Additional source detail variants (2)
Equipment:appliance:air Conditioner
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.
Consequence: 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.
Air Bags
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.
Consequence: 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.
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."
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: 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.
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.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: 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.
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.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: 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.
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
1
DP22005 · Pedestrian Alert Sounds
Opened Jan 27, 2023 · Closed Aug 7, 2023
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Electrical System:propulsion System
NHTSA 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 NHTSA.gov 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, NHTSA 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 NHTSA 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 NHTSA regarding the subject matter of the petition.
2016 Volvo XC90 Problems, Complaints & Recalls | Skip That Year