CarBrief

NHTSA has 198 owner complaints on file for the 2016 Volvo XC90[1]. It also has 8 recalls, so check that recall work was done before you buy[2][3][4][5][6][7][8][9].

198owner complaints[1]
8recalls[10]
22–24MPG combined (EPA)[11]

Most reported problems

Owners filed 198 complaints with NHTSA[1]. Five mention a crash, 11 a fire and 8 an injury, and none report a death[1]. These are unverified reports from owners, and a single complaint can name more than one component.

We also read a small sample of complaint texts in the biggest groups. This is not a count of all owners, only what showed up in the sample.

In a sample of 12 engine complaints we read, 8 describe the car suddenly losing power and slowing to a crawl, and 6 of those mention a blank instrument display at the same time[12]. In a sample of 12 electrical complaints, 6 describe the same blank panel and a car that would not speed up[13].

In a sample of 12 brake complaints, 6 describe automatic braking that kicked in with nothing ahead of the car[16]. Owners in those texts say it happened on city streets and highways.

In a sample of 12 structure complaints, 3 describe water getting into the cabin, 3 describe rear door latch or handle trouble and 3 describe the tailgate moving when it should not[15].

Recalls

NHTSA lists 8 recalls for this model year, newest first[10]. Each one lists a free remedy at dealers[2][3][4][5][6][7][8][9].

Recalls only apply to vehicles in the stated build ranges, so ask Volvo about a specific car[5][6][7][8][9].

Fuel economy

EPA lists four ratings for the 2016 XC90[20][11][21][22]. All use a 2.0L 4-cylinder turbo with an Automatic (S8)[20][11][21][22].

The gasoline versions use premium fuel[20][11][21]. EPA's yearly cost figures use its current fuel price assumptions, not prices from when the car was new[20][11][21].

Engine and size

EPA's test list shows the 2016 XC90 with a 2.0L 4-cylinder rated from 250 to 316 hp, depending on version[23].

For size, Transport Canada specifications for the XC90 4DR SUV AWD T6 give these figures[24]. They are Canadian-market specifications[24].

How 2016 compares with other years

2003: 93 complaints, 5 recalls20032004: 462 complaints, 6 recalls2005: 223 complaints, 6 recalls20052006: 53 complaints, 3 recalls2007: 38 complaints, 2 recalls20072008: 29 complaints, 3 recalls2009: 7 complaints, 1 recalls20092010: 12 complaints, 3 recalls2011: 19 complaints, 1 recalls20112012: 3 complaints, 0 recalls2013: 11 complaints, 0 recalls20132014: 4 complaints, 0 recalls2016: 198 complaints, 8 recalls19820162017: 81 complaints, 7 recalls2018: 51 complaints, 3 recalls20182019: 42 complaints, 6 recalls2020: 34 complaints, 9 recalls20202021: 42 complaints, 7 recalls2022: 30 complaints, 5 recalls20222023: 41 complaints, 7 recalls2024: 36 complaints, 4 recalls20242025: 29 complaints, 3 recalls2026: 8 complaints, 1 recalls2026
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA for each XC90 model year. The 2016 is highlighted[10].
Show the numbers
Model yearComplaintsRecalls
2003935
20044626
20052236
2006533
2007382
2008293
200971
2010123
2011191
201230
2013110
201440
20161988
2017817
2018513
2019426
2020349
2021427
2022305
2023417
2024364
2025293
202681

NHTSA's counts for each XC90 model year show 198 complaints and 8 recalls for 2016[10]. Only 2004 (462 complaints) and 2005 (223) have more complaints[10]. Only 2020, with 9 recalls, has more recalls[10].

The next year, 2017, has 81 complaints and 7 recalls[10]. Years from 2018 to 2026 each have between 8 and 51 complaints[10]. Complaint counts are not adjusted for how many cars were sold, so read them as a rough guide only.

Should you buy a used 2016 XC90?

The 2016 XC90 has more complaints than any XC90 year from 2006 onward, and a long recall list[10]. Every recall lists a free dealer remedy, so ask for proof that the work was done, especially the coolant hose recall because of its fire risk[4]. Owners in the complaint samples we read describe sudden power loss and unexpected automatic braking, so a long test drive is worth the time[12][16]. Our data does not cover oil, towing or tires, so confirm those with a Volvo dealer or a mechanic. If the recall work is documented and the test drive is clean, If the recall work is documented and the test drive is clean, the complaint counts are one factor to weigh alongside price and condition..

Frequently asked questions

What problems does the 2016 Volvo XC90 have?
NHTSA has 198 complaints, with the engine group the largest at 89 and the electrical system next at 57[1][12][13]. In the samples we read, owners describe sudden power loss and automatic braking with nothing ahead[12][16].
How many recalls does the 2016 Volvo XC90 have?
NHTSA lists 8 recalls for the 2016 model year, covering seat belts, air bags, a coolant hose, an A/C drain hose, the sunroof switch and a rear seat display[2][3][4][5][6][7][8][9].
What is the gas mileage of the 2016 Volvo XC90?
EPA rates the gasoline versions at 22 to 24 combined MPG across three ratings, and the plug-in hybrid at 25 MPGe combined[20][11][21][22]., and the plug-in hybrid at 25 MPGe combined[20][11][21][22].
Is the 2016 XC90 the worst year for complaints?
No. 2004 has 462 complaints and 2005 has 223, compared with 198 for 2016[10].
How much horsepower does the 2016 Volvo XC90 have?
EPA lists the 2.0L 4-cylinder at 250 to 316 hp depending on version[23].

Facts and sources

  1. NHTSA has 198 owner complaints on file for the 2016 Volvo XC90 (5 mention a crash, 11 a fire, 8 injuries, 0 deaths reported). NHTSA vehicle records
  2. Recall 23V827, filed December 7, 2023: Seat Belts › Critical Fasteners. NHTSA recall database
  3. Recall 21V273, filed April 21, 2021: Electrical System › Software. NHTSA recall database
  4. Recall 19V308, filed April 17, 2019: Engine And Engine Cooling › Cooling System › Hoses / Lines / Piping / Fittings. NHTSA recall database
  5. Recall 16V798, filed November 2, 2016: Seat Belts › Front › Buckle Assembly. NHTSA recall database
  6. Recall 16V690, filed September 26, 2016: Equipment › Appliance › Air Conditioner. NHTSA recall database
  7. Recall 16V268, filed May 4, 2016: Visibility › Sun / Moon Roof Assembly. NHTSA recall database
  8. Recall 15V497, filed August 6, 2015: Air Bags › Side / Window. NHTSA recall database
  9. Recall 15V342, filed June 3, 2015: Air Bags › Side / Window. NHTSA recall database
  10. Owner complaints and recalls for every Volvo XC90 model year (chart above). NHTSA recall database
  11. EPA rating for XC90 FWD, 2.0L 4-cyl turbo, Automatic (S8), Premium, Front-Wheel Drive: 22 city / 26 highway / 24 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,400. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  12. 89 complaints name the engine component group (1 crashes, 8 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 20,000). NHTSA vehicle records
  13. 57 complaints name the electrical system component group (3 crashes, 3 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 10,500). NHTSA vehicle records
  14. 37 complaints name the unknown or other component group (1 crashes, 5 fires, 3 injuries, median mileage at failure 30,000). NHTSA vehicle records
  15. 23 complaints name the structure component group (2 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 30,000). NHTSA vehicle records
  16. 15 complaints name the brakes component group (1 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 2,670). NHTSA vehicle records
  17. 12 complaints name the fuel/propulsion system component group (0 crashes, 1 fires, 0 injuries). NHTSA vehicle records
  18. 11 complaints name the speed control component group (0 crashes, 1 fires, 3 injuries, median mileage at failure 4,625). NHTSA vehicle records
  19. 10 complaints name the power train component group (1 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 5,000). NHTSA vehicle records
  20. EPA rating for XC90 AWD, 2.0L 4-cyl turbo, Automatic (S8), Premium, All-Wheel Drive: 20 city / 25 highway / 22 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,750. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  21. EPA rating for XC90 AWD, 2.0L 4-cyl turbo, Automatic (S8), Premium, All-Wheel Drive: 22 city / 25 highway / 23 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,550. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  22. EPA rating for XC90 AWD PHEV, 2.0L 4-cyl turbo, Automatic (S8), Premium and Electricity: 25 MPGe combined, 350 miles of range. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  23. EPA Test Car List, 2016 Volvo XC90 with 2.0L 4-cylinder: rated 250 to 316 hp depending on version. www.epa.gov
  24. Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, XC90 4DR SUV AWD T6: length 195 in, width 79 in, height 70 in, wheelbase 117 in, curb weight 6,063 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.