What are the most common problems with the 2016 Volvo S60?

Owners name the engine group most often, with 10 complaints. The electrical system comes next with 5.

Does the 2016 Volvo S60 have recalls?

Yes. The by-year fact shows 4 recalls. See the Recalls section on this page for the list.

How many complaints has the 2016 Volvo S60 had?

NHTSA has 28 owner complaints on file.

How is the gas mileage of the 2016 Volvo S60?

See the fuel economy section on this page for the EPA figures.

Is the 2016 Volvo S60 reliable?

Complaints are spread over several groups, led by the engine group. Read the problems and recalls sections, then compare with other years in the by-year section.

2016 Volvo S60 Problems, Recalls and MPG

Owners filed 28 complaints with NHTSA about this car^[1]. The engine group is named in 10 of them^[2].

28owner complaints^[1]

4recalls^[3]

21–30MPG combined (EPA)^[4]

5★NHTSA overall rating^[5]

Problems
Recalls
Fuel economy
Safety
Engine and size
By year
Verdict
FAQ

Most reported problems

Here are the complaint groups owners raised with NHTSA, biggest first.

Engine. 10 complaints^[2]. Owners describe the car shutting off while moving, oil use that worried them, and engine damage that led to costly repairs. The median mileage at failure was 79,000^[2].
Electrical System. 5 complaints^[6]. In the stories we read, owners describe sudden loss of power and lights while driving, warning lights coming on, and an audio module that stopped working and left a drained battery.
Unknown Or Other. 4 complaints^[7]. These reports do not fit a clear group.
Structure. 3 complaints^[8]. Owners describe door latch worries and waiting for parts to finish a recall repair.
Visibility/Wiper. 3 complaints^[9]. Owners describe a cracked windshield with no impact, a sunroof glass that broke on its own, and wiper motors that failed in bad weather.
Seat Belts. 3 complaints^[10].
Fuel/Propulsion System. 2 complaints^[11].
Air Bags. 2 complaints^[12].

Recalls

Newest first. Each recall covers only certain vehicles, so not every 2016 S60 is necessarily included.

Seat Belts › Front (20V378), June 2020. About 308,260 vehicles are potentially affected across every model and year the recall names. The recall names these risks: a crash, injury.^[13]
Latches/Locks/Linkages › Doors › Latch (19V849), November 2019. About 144,937 vehicles are potentially affected across every model and year the recall names. The recall names these risks: injury. Dealers do the repair free of charge.^[14]
Seat Belts › Front › Buckle Assembly (16V798), November 2016. About 74,027 vehicles are potentially affected across every model and year the recall names. The recall names these risks: a crash, injury, parts separating. Dealers do the repair free of charge.^[15]
Electrical System › Wiring › Fuses And Circuit Breakers (15V555), September 2015. About 7,855 vehicles are potentially affected across every model and year the recall names. The recall names these risks: a crash. Dealers do the repair free of charge.^[16]

Fuel economy

EPA ratings depend on the engine and drive. Annual fuel cost uses EPA's current fuel price assumptions, not prices when the car was new.

Version	City / highway / combined MPG	Annual fuel cost
S60 AWD, 3.0L 6-cyl turbo, Automatic (S6), Regular, All-Wheel Drive^[17]	18 / 27 / 21	$3,200
S60 Inscription AWD, 2.5L 5-cyl turbo, Automatic (S6), Regular, All-Wheel Drive^[18]	20 / 28 / 23	$2,900
S60 AWD, 2.5L 5-cyl turbo, Automatic (S6), Regular, All-Wheel Drive^[19]	20 / 28 / 23	$2,900
S60 FWD, 2.0L 4-cyl turbo, Automatic (S8), Regular, Front-Wheel Drive^[4]	26 / 37 / 30	$2,250
S60 FWD, 2.0L 4-cyl turbo, Automatic (S8), Premium, Front-Wheel Drive^[20]	23 / 32 / 27	$3,050
S60 PoleStar AWD, 3.0L 6-cyl turbo, Automatic (S6), Regular, All-Wheel Drive^[21]	18 / 27 / 21	$3,200
S60 CC AWD, 2.5L 5-cyl turbo, Automatic (S6), Regular, All-Wheel Drive^[22]	20 / 28 / 23	$2,900
S60 Inscription FWD, 2.0L 4-cyl turbo, Automatic (S8), Regular, Front-Wheel Drive^[23]	25 / 37 / 29	$2,300
S60 AWD, 2.0L 4-cyl turbo, Automatic (S8), Premium, All-Wheel Drive^[24]	22 / 31 / 25	$3,300

Safety ratings

Version	Overall	Frontal	Side	Rollover	Rollover risk
4 DR AWD^[5]	5	5	5	5	10.0%
4 DR FWD^[25]	5	5	5	5	10.0%
4 DR AWD^[26]	5	5	5	5	10.1%
4 DR FWD^[27]	5	5	5	5	10.1%

NHTSA lists these versions as not rated: 4 DR AWD^[28].

Engine and size

These are Canadian-market specifications from Transport Canada, so US models can differ slightly.

Version	Length	Width	Height	Wheelbase	Curb weight
S60 4DR SEDAN T5/T6 AWD^[29]	183 in	74 in	58 in	109 in	3,856 lb
S60 4DR SEDAN T5/T6 FWD^[30]	183 in	74 in	58 in	109 in	3,655 lb
S60 CROSS COUNTRY 4DR SEDAN^[31]	183 in	74 in	61 in	109 in	3,874 lb

How 2016 compares with other years

Owner complaints filed with NHTSA for each S60 model year. The 2016 is highlighted^[3].

Show the numbers

Model year	Complaints	Recalls
2001	223	8
2002	186	8
2003	120	6
2004	198	5
2005	44	3
2006	31	3
2007	21	2
2008	10	2
2009	7	3
2011	5	6
2012	121	8
2013	87	4
2014	25	3
2015	59	2
2016	28	4
2017	18	6
2018	4	1
2019	25	5
2020	12	6
2021	8	3
2022	15	4
2023	3	7
2024	22	4

NHTSA's counts for the S60 show 28 complaints and 4 recalls for 2016^[3]. Among the 24 model years listed, 14 have fewer complaints than 2016 and 9 have more^[3]. The fewest complaints are for 2025 (0) and the most are for 2001 (223)^[3]. These counts are not adjusted for sales, so treat them as a rough guide. The chart above shows every year.

Should you buy a used 2016 S60?

These are unverified reports from owners, so they show patterns and not proof. The engine group stands out with 10 complaints^[2]. The electrical group follows with 5^[6]. The total of 28 is not adjusted for sales^[1]. The model also has recalls on record, listed in the Recalls section^[3].

Frequently asked questions

What are the most common problems with the 2016 Volvo S60?: Owners name the engine group most often, with 10 complaints^[2]. The electrical system comes next with 5^[6].
Does the 2016 Volvo S60 have recalls?: Yes. The by-year fact shows 4 recalls^[3]. See the Recalls section on this page for the list.
How many complaints has the 2016 Volvo S60 had?: NHTSA has 28 owner complaints on file^[1].
How is the gas mileage of the 2016 Volvo S60?: See the fuel economy section on this page for the EPA figures.
Is the 2016 Volvo S60 reliable?: Complaints are spread over several groups, led by the engine group^[2]. Read the problems and recalls sections, then compare with other years in the by-year section.

Keep exploring

Other model years of the Volvo S60

2006 31 complaints, 3 recalls
2012 121 complaints, 8 recalls
2013 87 complaints, 4 recalls
2014 25 complaints, 3 recalls
2015 59 complaints, 2 recalls
2016 this page

Compare all model years of the Volvo S60

Other Volvo models from 2016

2016 Volvo XC60 38 complaints, 3 recalls
2016 Volvo XC90 198 complaints, 8 recalls

All Volvo models

Similar cars from 2016: compact cars

2016 Honda Civic 1,083 complaints, 5 recalls
2016 Hyundai Accent 102 complaints, 0 recalls
2016 Kia Forte 138 complaints, 1 recall
2016 Lexus GS 10 complaints, 2 recalls
2016 Mazda 3 104 complaints, 6 recalls
2016 Nissan Versa 110 complaints, 0 recalls

All compact cars we cover

Facts and sources

NHTSA has 28 owner complaints on file for the 2016 Volvo S60 (1 mention a crash, 0 a fire, 0 injuries, 0 deaths reported). NHTSA vehicle records
10 complaints name the engine component group (1 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 79,000). NHTSA vehicle records
Owner complaints and recalls for every Volvo S60 model year (chart above). NHTSA recall database
EPA rating for S60 FWD, 2.0L 4-cyl turbo, Automatic (S8), Regular, Front-Wheel Drive: 26 city / 37 highway / 30 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $2,250. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings, 4 DR AWD: overall 5 stars, frontal 5 stars, side 5 stars, rollover 5 stars; rollover risk 10.0%. NHTSA vehicle records
5 complaints name the electrical system component group (1 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries). NHTSA vehicle records
4 complaints name the unknown or other component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries). NHTSA vehicle records
3 complaints name the structure component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries). NHTSA vehicle records
3 complaints name the visibility/wiper component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries). NHTSA vehicle records
3 complaints name the seat belts component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries). NHTSA vehicle records
2 complaints name the fuel/propulsion system component group (1 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries). NHTSA vehicle records
2 complaints name the air bags component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries). NHTSA vehicle records
Recall 20V378, filed June 30, 2020: Seat Belts › Front. NHTSA recall database
Recall 19V849, filed November 26, 2019: Latches / Locks / Linkages › Doors › Latch. NHTSA recall database
Recall 16V798, filed November 2, 2016: Seat Belts › Front › Buckle Assembly. NHTSA recall database
Recall 15V555, filed September 2, 2015: Electrical System › Wiring › Fuses And Circuit Breakers. NHTSA recall database
EPA rating for S60 AWD, 3.0L 6-cyl turbo, Automatic (S6), Regular, All-Wheel Drive: 18 city / 27 highway / 21 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,200. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
EPA rating for S60 Inscription AWD, 2.5L 5-cyl turbo, Automatic (S6), Regular, All-Wheel Drive: 20 city / 28 highway / 23 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $2,900. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
EPA rating for S60 AWD, 2.5L 5-cyl turbo, Automatic (S6), Regular, All-Wheel Drive: 20 city / 28 highway / 23 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $2,900. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
EPA rating for S60 FWD, 2.0L 4-cyl turbo, Automatic (S8), Premium, Front-Wheel Drive: 23 city / 32 highway / 27 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,050. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
EPA rating for S60 PoleStar AWD, 3.0L 6-cyl turbo, Automatic (S6), Regular, All-Wheel Drive: 18 city / 27 highway / 21 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,200. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
EPA rating for S60 CC AWD, 2.5L 5-cyl turbo, Automatic (S6), Regular, All-Wheel Drive: 20 city / 28 highway / 23 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $2,900. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
EPA rating for S60 Inscription FWD, 2.0L 4-cyl turbo, Automatic (S8), Regular, Front-Wheel Drive: 25 city / 37 highway / 29 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $2,300. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
EPA rating for S60 AWD, 2.0L 4-cyl turbo, Automatic (S8), Premium, All-Wheel Drive: 22 city / 31 highway / 25 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,300. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings, 4 DR FWD: overall 5 stars, frontal 5 stars, side 5 stars, rollover 5 stars; rollover risk 10.0%. NHTSA vehicle records
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings, 4 DR AWD: overall 5 stars, frontal 5 stars, side 5 stars, rollover 5 stars; rollover risk 10.1%. NHTSA vehicle records
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings, 4 DR FWD: overall 5 stars, frontal 5 stars, side 5 stars, rollover 5 stars; rollover risk 10.1%. NHTSA vehicle records
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings, 4 DR AWD: not rated. NHTSA vehicle records
Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, S60 4DR SEDAN T5/T6 AWD: length 183 in, width 74 in, height 58 in, wheelbase 109 in, curb weight 3,856 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov
Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, S60 4DR SEDAN T5/T6 FWD: length 183 in, width 74 in, height 58 in, wheelbase 109 in, curb weight 3,655 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov
Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, S60 CROSS COUNTRY 4DR SEDAN: length 183 in, width 74 in, height 61 in, wheelbase 109 in, curb weight 3,874 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov

Complaints submitted to NHTSA by owners; unverified reports, one complaint can name several components. Complaint counts are not normalized by sales; compare years of the same model, not different models. EPA annual fuel cost uses EPA's current fuel price assumptions, not the price when the car was new. Horsepower is the rating listed for EPA test vehicles. Dimensions are Canadian-market specifications and can differ slightly from US models.

2016 Volvo S60: problems, recalls and fuel economy