The 2016 Volvo XC90 is associated with 197 official NHTSA owner defect complaints and 8 safety recall campaigns in the federal safety database. The most frequently reported component area is Engine, accounting for 53 reports (27% of total complaints). EPA testing covers 4 certified vehicle configurations spanning 2L 4-Cyl plug-in hybrid and 2l 4-cyl configurations. Gasoline and hybrid variants deliver 22 to 24 MPG combined. Plug-in hybrid variants are rated up to 53 MPGe (25 MPG on gasoline) with up to 14 miles of electric driving range. Detailed NHTSA crash-test ratings are not available in the current AutoUtility dataset for this model year.
Key Data Findings
- • NHTSA Owner Complaints: 197 reports
- • Safety Recall Campaigns: 8 campaigns
- • Top Reported Defect Area: Engine (53 / 27%)
- • Safety Incident Signals: 5 crash / 10 fire / 4 injury reports
- • NHTSA Overall Safety Rating: Not rated by NHTSA
- • EPA Efficiency: 22–24 MPG (4 variants • PHEV up to 53 MPGe)
Data Note: Compiled directly from official NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (ODI), NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings, and EPA FuelEconomy.gov databases.
| Variant | Engine | Drivetrain | Transmission | City | Highway | Combined | EV Range | Est. Annual Fuel Cost |
| XC90 AWD PHEV Plug-in Hybrid | 2L 4-Cyl | All-Wheel Drive | Automatic (S8) | 53 MPGe (24 MPG) | 54 MPGe (27 MPG) | 53 MPGe (25 MPG) | 14 mi EV (350 mi total) | $3,050 / yr |
| XC90 FWD | 2L 4-Cyl | Front-Wheel Drive | Automatic (S8) | 22 MPG | 26 MPG | 24 MPG | — | $3,150 / yr |
| XC90 AWD | 2L 4-Cyl | All-Wheel Drive | Automatic (S8) | 22 MPG | 25 MPG | 23 MPG | — | $3,300 / yr |
| XC90 AWD | 2L 4-Cyl | All-Wheel Drive | Automatic (S8) | 20 MPG | 25 MPG | 22 MPG | — | $3,450 / yr |
Data Boundary Note: EPA specifications are shown by certified vehicle configuration. NHTSA complaints and recall totals are recorded at the model-year level across all configurations.
NHTSA 5-Star NCAP laboratory crash evaluations are not currently on file for the 2016 Volvo XC90.
Active Driver Assistance Systems (NHTSA Recorded): Forward Collision Warning (FCW) is documented as Not Specified and Lane Departure Warning (LDW) is documented as Not Specified in official NHTSA records for tested 2016 Volvo XC90 models.
View complete 2016 Volvo XC90 crash test & safety breakdown →
Top Reported Problem Categories
Ranked by total consumer complaint submissions recorded by NHTSA
Data Attribution & Context: Complaints are self-reported by vehicle owners to NHTSA and represent unverified consumer submissions. Complaint volume does not equal a statistically controlled failure rate and is not adjusted for total vehicles sold or cumulative mileage driven.
View all 2016 Volvo XC90 problems & component breakdown (71 categories) →
Affected Component: SEAT BELTS:CRITICAL FASTENERS
Defect Summary: 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.
Free Manufacturer 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.
Affected Component: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE
Defect Summary: 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.
Free Manufacturer 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.
Affected Component: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:COOLING SYSTEM:HOSES/LINES/PIPING/FITTINGS
Defect Summary: 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.
Free Manufacturer 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.
View all 2016 Volvo XC90 recalls & campaign history (8 campaigns) →