Second generation
2016 Volvo XC90
The most reported problem on the 2016 Volvo XC90 is oil consumption, with 32 complaints, usually around 50,000 miles.
- 197owner complaints
- 8recalls
- 5involved a crash
- 28,700median miles at failure
Newest report Aug 17, 2026 · checked Oct 2, 2026
What is your XC90 doing?
Each one opens a sheet built from the owner reports of that problem on the 2016 model year.
Is the 2016 Volvo XC90 reliable?
The 2016 Volvo XC90 has 197 owner complaints on file with NHTSA, below the median of 248 for 2016 SUVs on this site. Of the 10 XC90 model years since 2016, it has the most complaints. Complaint counts rise with sales as well as faults, so read what owners report below before deciding.
At a glance
- Next to the 2017
- At 18 complaints for each year on the road, the 2016 runs 2.3 times the 2017 (8). That's the only adjacent model year with enough complaints to set beside it.
- Top problem
- No problem dominates. The largest, oil consumption, covers 32 of the 197 complaints (16%), and infotainment is next with 23 (one complaint can fall under more than one problem, so these overlap). A quarter of the 15 owners who gave a mileage for oil consumption saw it by about 2,000 miles, and half by about 50,000.
- Crash, fire and injury reports
- 18 of the 197 complaints (9%) report a crash, a fire or an injury. The typical vehicle on this site sits at 6%, so this one runs well above it. Counted separately (one report can carry more than one), 5 reports mention a crash, 10 mention a fire and 8 people were hurt.
- Recalls behind the top problems
- Oil consumption, the one problem here with enough reports to check, has a recall on the same system (19V-308). A recall on the same system doesn't always cover the failure owners describe, so compare its summary with the complaints.
- When owners filed
- Filings peaked in 2024 at 33 (full calendar years only). In 2025 there were 13. So far in 2026, 13 more have come in.
When each problem shows up
Each bar covers the middle half of the mileages owners reported for that problem. A quarter saw it earlier, a quarter later. The tick is the median. Most reported: burns oil or oil level rises, 32 complaints.
middle half of reports, median tick. The heavier grey bars have 75 or more reports.
Behind you
Around your mileage
Ahead of you
How this compares
197 complaints is 1.3 times fewer than the median 2016 model on this site and 1.3 times fewer than the median 2016 SUV. Among the 1 XC90 model years here it ranks 1st for complaints. Counts follow sales volume as much as reliability, so a truck that sells 700,000 a year draws more reports than a sedan that sells 200,000.
Service bulletins for the 2016 Volvo XC90
Volvo filed 721 bulletins and other notices with NHTSA that list the 2016 Volvo XC90. 41 of them deal with a problem owners have reported on this car. Newest first.
Federal rules make a manufacturer send NHTSA a copy of any notice about a defect that goes to more than one dealer or owner. Most of these are service bulletins, the repair instructions manufacturers send to dealers. NHTSA generally leaves safety recall bulletins out of this file, and recalls are listed separately.
Burns oil or oil level rises 1 bulletin · 32 complaints
This is a Technical Journal: Customer may experience a low oil level warning in DIM and /or oil leakage from the engine.
Infotainment, screen or backup camera fails 6 bulletins · 23 complaints
This is a TJ If detected during Pre-delivery inspection or if customer complaints of chipped/cracked/distorted screen/glass within 6 months in service we request more information, follow advise under "Service".
This is a Tech Journal - If a customer complains that RTTI information is NOT visible in the navigation system when an internet connection is available (globe in the top left corner), follow the instructions under "service".
4 more on this problem
If the rear Parking Assistance System (PAS) is not working and there is a message in DIM about ?Parking Assistance System service required? displayed in DIM, then it is possible that there is water ingress into rear park assist sensors and connectors caused ...
This is a Technical Journal: Climate system, high fan speed noise. Customer may experience a high fan speed noise regardless of the fan speed selection. This may be due to accidentally touching the 2nd row display.
This is a Technical Journal: Title Graphic HUD may loose height adjustment Head Up Display HUD/Does not work Under some conditions, the height adjustment for the Head Up Display (HUD) returns to its default (full "up") setting at a vehicle restart.At this ...
This docuement is a Technical Journal: The infotainment system in the vehicle re-starts or reboots repeatedly while driving.
Engine overheats or leaks coolant 7 bulletins · 21 complaints
Volvo Car USA LLC and Volvo Car Canada LTD (Volvo) on behalf of Volvo Car Corporation, has decided to launch Service Campaign S29846 on certain model year 2016 XC90 vehicles.
Volvo Car USA LLC and Volvo Car Canada LTD (Volvo) on behalf of Volvo Car Group has decided to launch Recall R29936 on model year 2016 XC90 vehicles.
5 more on this problem
This is a Quality Bulletin. Volvo Car USA LLC and Volvo Car Canada LTD (Volvo) on behalf of Volvo Car Corporation, has decided to launch Service Campaign S29846 on certain model year 2016 XC90 vehicles.
Volvo has identified that engine coolant may leak due to an insufficient quick connector in the coolant expansion tank bleeder hose.
T8 DTC BECM?P0CE100 Coolant Control Valve ?A? Stuck On.
VOLVO CARS SERVICE AND PARTS BUSINESS Technical Journal TITLE : Drive - E Thermostat DTCs stored in Engine Control Module ( ECM )
VOLVO CARS SERVICE AND PARTS BUSINESS TECHNICAL JOURNAL TITLE: DRIVE E THERMOSTAT DTCS STORED IN ENGINE CONTROL MODULE ( ECM ) REF NO: ISSUING DEPARTMENT : CAR MARKET : UNITED STATES AND CANADA TJ 30268 TECHNICAL SERVICE PARTNER: ISSUE DATE : STATUS DATE : 3 US 7510 VOLVO CARS NORTH AMERICA 2015 - 05 - 14 2015 - 11 - 30 FUNC ...
Check engine light or misfire 3 bulletins · 17 complaints
Volvo Chassis - Diagnostic Trouble Code ( DTC ) P05EB, Diagnostic And Repair Information - US14+OBD15 And US14+OBD16 (Commonly Model Years 2016 And 2017)
VOLVO CAR SERVICE AND PARTS BUSINESS Technical Journal TITLE : Fresh air hose loose from air filter housingPermanent Text DESCRIPTION : Note ! If using a printed copy of this Technical Journal , first check for the latest online version .
1 more on this problem
THIS IS A TECHNICAL JOURNAL : * VSTG OP NO. ADDED. * TEXT ADDED UNDER SERVICE. VSTG OP NO. SEE ATTACHMENT * ENGINE VARIANT ADDED ECM=ENGINE CONTROL MODULE VIDA= VEHICLE INFORMATION AND DIAGNOSTICS FOR AFTERSALES VSTG= VOLVO STANDARD TIME GUIDE IF THE CHECK ...
Brakes grind, pulse or wear early 11 bulletins · 14 complaints
Vibration/shudder while braking
This is a Technical Journal: D-TPMS, Service required and DTC's
9 more on this problem
This is a Technical Journal: SPA Brake noise For the purpose of correct fault tracing of the brake noise, the attached guideline has been developed, as an overview of the brake noise and indicates possible faults/solutions.
This is a Technical Journal: Squealing noise from rear brakes at low speed. If squealing noise occur from rear brakes 17" at low speed, follow advice under service.
This is a Technical Journal: * If squealing noise occurs from front brakes on cars built before chassis number 040328, then Replace front discs according to VIDA, the new brake discs have changed metal composition in order to reduce squealing noise.
XC90 Hybrid, rear brake noise 18
This is a Technical Journal: If symptom of noise occurs from the rear brakes during braking follow advice under service. New brake pads have been implemented for service and production , 2015week34.
THIS IS A TECHNICAL JOURNAL: IF THERE IS AN UNUSUAL NOISE FROM ABS SYSTEM TOGETHER DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODE BCM-C002201, THEN FOLLOW ADVICE IN SERVICE.
This document is a Technical Journal: If symptom of noise occurs from the rear brakes during braking follow advice under service. New brake pads have been implemented for service and production , 2015week34.
If symptom of noise occurs from the rear brakes during braking follow advice under service. New brake pads have been implemented for service and production , 2015week34.
XC90 Front brake noise
Doors, latches or locks fail 4 bulletins · 14 complaints
This is a Technical Journal: Inner door handle, clicking noise. Apply grease P/N 31437986
It may be possible for the rear door lock switch to get stuck in the speaker grille. This can lead to a drained battery. Applies only for cars with Premium or High Performance stereo.
2 more on this problem
Door handle, does not fully retract
Door handle, does not fully retract. Doors/Exterior door handle problems If the side door handle does not fully retract follow advice under Service.
Battery dies or the car will not start 4 bulletins · 9 complaints
This is a Technical Journal: 12V battery message and DTC CEM-B129F96
This document is a Technical Journal: Battery Control Switch module BCSM. Component failure. Internal fault": This DTC is most likely set due to that at one or more occasions the main battery terminal(s) has been disconnected/reconnected and a voltage spike ...
2 more on this problem
If Alarm Service Required message is shown in the DIM and DTC CEM-U132A96 is present, follow advice under Service. Perform Total Upgrade XC90 (Software Product 31483292). If the DTC returns with the latest SW, replace the BBS (Battery Backed Sounder).
THIS IS A TECHNICAL JOURNAL : FOR A NO CRANK, NO START CONDITION WHERE THE OBC (ON BOARD CHARGER) IS NOT RESPONDING IN VIDA (OBC_NOT_RESPONDING.JPG), AND THERE ARE NO RELATED DTCS, FOLLOW PROCEDURE UNDER SERVICE.
Seat belt or seat problems 5 bulletins · 9 complaints
This is a Technical Journal: Front seat heater, function control. If not working check the heating grid wiring.
This is a Technical Journal: If the front seat belt catch makes noise when moving against the seat upholstery, follow instruction under Service. Add adhesive tape.
3 more on this problem
VOLVO CARS SERVICE AND PARTS BUSINESS Technical Journal TITLE : Front seat back uneven , lumbar support loose REF NO : ISSUING DEPARTMENT : CAR MARKET : United States and Canada TJ 30962 Technical Service PARTNER : ISSUE DATE : STATUS DATE : 3 US 7510 Volvo Cars North America 2015 - 12 - 07 2015 ...
When driving on rough roads, a creaking/squeaking noise can be heard from the second row seats. Add felt tape on the top half of the striker pins, according to attached files. * Use new tape, (Service kit) p/n 31447976.
THIS IS A TECHNICAL JOURNAL: CUSTOMER MAY EXPERIENCE A NOISE IN SECOND ROW SEAT WHILE DRIVING. THIS APPLIES ONLY FOR 7-SEATED CARS. SERVICE: REMOVE ALL 6 END CAPS AS DESCRIBED IN ATTACHED PICTURE.
Complaints filed by year
33 complaints came in 2024. Owners file in waves when a problem gets press or an investigation, so a spike measures attention as much as failures.
NHTSA investigations
Pedestrian alert sounds. Closed aug 7, 2023, led to recall 22V-063.
NHTSA summary
Recalls that include the 2016 Volvo XC90
Whether your car is included depends on its VIN. Check yours at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
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 and remedy
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.
Risk and remedy
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.
Risk and remedy
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."
Risk and remedy
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.
Risk and remedy
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."
Risk and remedy
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.
Risk and remedy
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.
Risk and remedy
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.
All 8 recalls on the 2016 Volvo XC90, with the owner complaints on each recalled system
Guide Buying one used? How to research one car’s history before you pay
Questions
What is the most common problem on the 2016 Volvo XC90?
Oil consumption, with 32 of the 197 complaints. Owners who gave a mileage for it put the median at about 50,000 miles.
At what mileage do 2016 Volvo XC90 problems start?
Of the 98 complaints that give a mileage, a quarter came by about 6,000 miles and half by about 29,000.
Is the 2016 Volvo XC90 better or worse than the 2017?
Counted per year on the road, the 2016 has more complaints than the 2017: 18 a year against 8.
How many 2016 Volvo XC90 complaints involve a crash, fire or injury?
18 of them (9%). The typical vehicle on this site is at 6%.
Is there a recall for oil consumption on the 2016 Volvo XC90?
Yes, NHTSA lists a recall on the same system: 19V-308. Its summary says which failure it covers, and that isn't always the one owners describe.