2016 Volvo XC60 Problems
Owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA, grouped by component
Data refreshed
What this page shows
Everything below is an owner-reported complaint submitted to NHTSA about the 2016 Volvo XC60, grouped by the component NHTSA recorded on the report. These are not confirmed defects, and they are not recalls. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a category with more reports in it is not evidence that a part is defective.
Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.
Reports by component
Ranked by how many owner reports name each component category
- Engine1744.7%
- Seat belts615.8%
- Electrical410.5%
- Brakes37.9%
- Exterior lighting25.3%
- Airbags25.3%
- Visibility12.6%
- Fuel system12.6%
- Interior & seats12.6%
- Powertrain (other)12.6%
Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.
Each component in detail
What the reports in each category say, in the owners' own words
Engine
Reports naming the engine itself — including stalling, misfires, oil consumption, cooling and internal engine components.
From owner reports, verbatim
The contact owns a 2016 Volvo XC60. The contact stated that while driving at 30 MPH, the low oil warning light illuminated. The contact pulled into a gas station, exited the vehicle, raised the hood of the vehicle, and added engine oil to the engine. The contact stated that while buckling the seat belt, the air bag warning light illuminated. A dealer was contacted. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic to be diagnosed; however, the vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that the failure had occurred on several occasions. The contact associated the failure with Technical Service Bulletin: TJ 35526 (Engine Oil Consumption Test); however, the vehicle was not included. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was provided, and the contact was informed that the TSB had expired. The approximate failure mileage was 62,800.
Oil consumption has become a major issue and I am putting oil in every 1000 miles! I bought the vehicle certified pre owned in October 2023 and the oil light was consistently coming on early. However, it has since gotten much worse and is constantly burning through oil.
Seat belts
Reports naming seat belts, buckles, retractors and pretensioners.
From owner reports, verbatim
I just purchased 2016 VolvoXC60. Looked up ti see 3 recalls it has. I went to Volvo Dealership in Culver City where I was told recalls where taken care of years ago. No recalls exist today? This raises the question if indeed where preformed on my new vehicle and why I submitting my concern to you today. If you can provide me with any information regarding this issue, I would be very appreciated! [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
The contact owns a 2016 Volvo XC60. The contact stated that she received NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V378000 (Seat Belts). The contact stated the vehicle was taken to a dealer for routine maintenance where she requested to have the recall remedy completed. The vehicle was repaired; however, the contact said she received a follow-up letter from the manufacturer that said her vehicle had not had the recall addressed. The contact said that there were illustrations on the recall letter that shows that the work was not properly completed by the dealer. The manufacturer had not been informed of the issue.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Electrical
Reports naming the electrical system — wiring, battery, charging, control modules, infotainment and electrical accessories.
From owner reports, verbatim
appears to be significant electrical issue or internal computer issue causing a safety issue
Volvo xc60 sunroof drains clog and leak. Sunroof maintenance is not mentioned in owner's manual, and dealer does not clear drains during regular service unless specifically asked to. Leak causes damage to electronic systems including airbag system. While any sunroof has the potential to leak, this leak is caused by a design failure - their design makes it easier for debris to ingress into the tracks and clog them. Cost to fix issue and replace sunroof is over $5000. This is a known problem with numerous forums and videos on the internet describing and promoting 'fixes' for, but in reality, Volvo needs to provide a real solution.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Brakes
Reports naming service brakes, the antilock braking system, brake hoses, master cylinders or the parking brake.
From owner reports, verbatim
I DROVE MY CAR TO THE GARAGE AND WANT TO TURN OFF THE CAR. THE CAR SUDDENLY START TO ACCELERATE AND WENT THROUGH MY GARAGE DOOR. ALL SIDE AIRBAGS ARE POPPED UP, BUT NOT FRONT AIRBAG. *DT *AS AROUND A YEAR AGO, WHEN MY DROVE HER CAR SLOWLY DUE TO HEAVY TRAFFIC, THE CAR STOPPED AND NEEDED TO TURN ON THE CAR. I AM NOT THE EXPERT BUT THINK THE ELECTRIC CONTROL SYSTEM MAY HAVE PROBLEM OF MY CAR.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 VOLVO XC60. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 70 MPH, THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO SHAKE AND THE BRAKES ENGAGED WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FAILURE WAS INTERMITTENT AND OCCURRED TEMPORARILY. VOLVO CARS PRINCETON (2931 BRUNSWICK PIKE, LAWRENCE TOWNSHIP, NEW JERSEY 08648) WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. IT WAS UNKNOWN AS TO WHETHER OR NOT THE VEHICLE WAS DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 9,000.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Exterior lighting
Reports naming headlights, tail lights, turn signals and other exterior lighting.
From owner reports, verbatim
The plastic lenses that cover the headlights have fogged up in less than 4 years the lights are no longer bright enough to provide proper driving conditions at night. I spoke with volvo and they said that lenses are not covered even though the cat is still under warranty. This is very car but refuse to fix the problem. This is a major safety issue and I would hope that your department can help protect those that have this issue before someone gets hurt. I amino longe comfortable driving the car at night.
ADAPTIVE BENDING LIGHTS GO OFF INTERMITTENTLY AND HEADLAMP MALFUNCTION WARNING ON DASH.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Airbags
Reports naming the air-bag system — deployment behaviour, inflators, sensors and warning lights.
From owner reports, verbatim
2016 volvo xc60 t5 has “srs airbag service urgent”. The message came without having any kind of an accident. The dealer says it’s due to electrical wiring or front seat movement.
I DROVE MY CAR TO THE GARAGE AND WANT TO TURN OFF THE CAR. THE CAR SUDDENLY START TO ACCELERATE AND WENT THROUGH MY GARAGE DOOR. ALL SIDE AIRBAGS ARE POPPED UP, BUT NOT FRONT AIRBAG. *DT *AS AROUND A YEAR AGO, WHEN MY DROVE HER CAR SLOWLY DUE TO HEAVY TRAFFIC, THE CAR STOPPED AND NEEDED TO TURN ON THE CAR. I AM NOT THE EXPERT BUT THINK THE ELECTRIC CONTROL SYSTEM MAY HAVE PROBLEM OF MY CAR.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Visibility
Reports naming windshields, glass, wipers, defrosters and mirrors.
From owner reports, verbatim
THE WINDSHIELD IS LEAKING HEAVILY FROM THE TOP AND CONDENSATION IMPAIRS VISIBILITY. THIS IS EFFECTING SOME OF THE SAFETY AND ELECTRICAL SYSTEMS, SUCH AS THE PASSENGER AIRBAG AND DOOR CONTROLS.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Fuel system
Reports naming fuel storage or delivery — tanks, pumps, lines, injectors and fuel leaks.
From owner reports, verbatim
See attached document for complaint.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Interior & seats
Reports naming seats, latches, locks, linkages and interior fittings.
From owner reports, verbatim
ADAPTIVE BENDING LIGHTS GO OFF INTERMITTENTLY AND HEADLAMP MALFUNCTION WARNING ON DASH.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Powertrain (other)
Powertrain reports that are not specifically the engine or transmission — driveshafts, axles, transfer cases and differentials.
From owner reports, verbatim
ON WEDNESDAY, JUNE 8, 2016, AT 10:00 A.M., I PUT MY CAR IN PARK ON MY DRIVEWAY. MY CAR WAS STATIONARY ON MY DRIVEWAY WHEN I EXITED IT AND WENT INTO MY GARAGE. WHEN I TURNED AROUND, MY UNOCCUPIED CAR WAS COMING TOWARD ME FROM THE DRIVEWAY INTO THE GARAGE. I WAS UNABLE TO GET OUT OF THE WAY OF THE CAR AND ENDED UP PINNED BETWEEN THE LEFT WALL OF MY GARAGE, A RECYCLE CAN, AND THE CAR. FORTUNATELY, THE CAR WAS ROLLING INTO THE GARAGE IN A STRAIGHT LINE, WHICH LEFT JUST ENOUGH SPACE BETWEEN MY BODY, THE CAR, AND THE WALL; OTHERWISE, I WOULD HAVE BEEN CRUSHED AND KILLED. A LARGE RECYCLE TRASH CAN AND A LADDER STOPPED THE CAR BEFORE IT CONTINUED STRAIGHT THROUGH THE REAR GARAGE WALL AND INTO MY FAMILY ROOM WHERE MY DISABLED HUSBAND WAS SITTING. A WORKMAN ON MY PROPERTY, WHO WITNESSED THE ENTIRE EVENT, HELPED ME GET OUT OF THE SPACE BETWEEN THE WALL AND CAR AND REMOVED THE CAR FROM THE GARAGE. I MUST HAVE BEEN IN A STATE OF SHOCK FROM THE ACCIDENT BECAUSE I CANNOT REMEMBER SOME DETAILS AND MUST HAVE BEEN HIT BY THE CAR BECAUSE I STILL HAVE DAMAGE TO MY LEFT LEG AND PAIN IN MY LOWER BODY; ALSO, THE CAR HAD DAMAGE TO ITS LEFT FENDER. I VISITED MY DOCTOR REGARDING THE INJURY TO MY LEFT LEG AND THE PAIN TO THE LOWER PART OF MY BODY. MY HUSBAND NOTIFIED VOLVO ABOUT THE INCIDENT. THE COMPANY HAD THE CAR TOWED TO ITS FACILITY WHERE IT WAS RUN THROUGH A BATTERY OF TESTS. EVEN THOUGH THE COMPANY CLAIMS THAT IT FOUND NOTHING WRONG WITH THE CAR AND TOOK NO RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE INCIDENT, I THINK THAT IT IS STILL IMPORTANT TO REPORT THIS INCIDENT IN CASE IT HAPPENS TO SOMEONE ELSE IN THE FUTURE. MY UNOCCUPIED CAR MOVED FORWARD FROM A STATIONARY, PARKED POSITION. I WOULD NOT HAVE BEEN ABLE TO EXIT MY CAR IF IT WERE PLACED IN ANY OTHER GEAR THAN PARK.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers.
Elsewhere on this vehicle
Data sources
- NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation — owner-reported complaints and the components recorded on them
Data on this page last refreshed .