2016 Volvo Xc90 problems

General information about Volvo-Xc90
Overview of popular issues
Recalls list
Negative car reviews
Positive car reviews

The Volvo XC90 is a mid-size luxury SUV manufactured and marketed by Volvo Cars since 2002 and now in its second generation.

The first generation was introduced at the 2002 North American International Auto Show and used the Volvo P2 platform shared with the first generation Volvo S80 and other large Volvo cars. It was manufactured at Volvo's Torslandaverken. Volvo moved production equipment of the first generation to China and ended Swedish production at the end of 2014, renaming the car as the Volvo XC Classic (or Volvo XC90 Classic).

At the end of 2014, the second generation XC90 was introduced. It is based on a new global platform, the Scalable Product Architecture (SPA). Both generations of the XC90 have won Motor Trend's SUV of the Year award in their debuts.

In late 2022, the electric-only EX90 was introduced as the successor of the XC90.

Social links

Common 2016 Volvo Xc90 problems

The 2016 Volvo XC90 has been reported to have several common problems by its owners. One of the most frequently mentioned issues is related to the sunroof, with multiple reports of leaks following storms.

Another significant issue that has been reported is related to the electrical system. Several owners have mentioned various electrical problems, including issues with the auto engine stop/start feature, which may not work properly or may cause batteries to drain.

The engine has also been a source of concern for many 2016 Volvo XC90 owners. Some have reported issues with the exhaust system, including leaks, problems with the catalytic converter, and other related concerns.

The climate system has also been a problem area for some 2016 Volvo XC90 owners. There have been reports of problems with the air conditioning and heating systems, including issues with the motors, which may not operate at full power or may not provide hot or cold air as expected.

Finally, there have been reports of problems with the brakes, with some owners reporting issues with the brake pads, rotors, and other related components. These problems may cause the brakes to wear unevenly or to make noise, which can be both inconvenient and potentially dangerous.

In summary, the 2016 Volvo XC90 has been reported to have several common problems, including issues with the sunroof, electrical system, engine, climate system, and brakes. While some of these problems may be covered under warranty, others may require significant repairs or replacements, which can be costly and time-consuming. As with any vehicle, it is important to thoroughly research and test-drive any 2016 Volvo XC90 before purchasing, to ensure that it is in good working order and to identify any potential issues that may need to be addressed.

What is the common problem of Volvo XC90?

Several owners praised the XC90 for its dependable performance, noting few issues within the first years of ownership. However, others reported recurring problems, including faulty warning lights, electronic glitches and drivetrain malfunctions. These issues sometimes led to costly repairs.

What year did Volvo XC90 have transmission problems?

2003-2005

A federal judge has approved a settlement agreement reached between Volvo and 95,000 owners of XC90 vehicles that had defective transmissions. In 2009, a class action lawsuit was filed on behalf of owners of 2003-2005 Volve XC90 T6 sports utility vehicles (SUV).

Is Volvo XC90 high maintenance?

The average annual repair cost for a Volvo is $769, which means it has above average ownership costs.

How long do Volvo XC90 engines last?

With proper care and maintenance, you can count on a new Volvo SUV to last for up to 200,000 miles or more. You can learn more about your Volvo XC90 maintenance cost here and visit our team for the professional and dedicated care you deserve.

What is the most common problem of Volvo XC90?

Is Volvo XC90 high maintenance?

The average annual repair cost for a Volvo is $769, which means it has above average ownership costs.

How long do Volvo XC90 engines last?

Is Volvo XC90 a reliable car?

Is the Volvo XC90 a reliable car? The XC90 was the most reliable seven-seat SUV in the 2023 What Car? Reliability Survey, proving more dependable than the Audi Q7 and Land Rover Discovery.

2016 Volvo Xc90 complaints

The NHTSA has received 0 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 2016 Volvo Xc90.

You can leave your car complaint via the special form below.

2016 Volvo Xc90 recalls

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 8 recalls for different components of the 2016 Volvo Xc90.

2023-12-07

Manufacturer: Volvo Car USA, LLC
Components: SEAT BELTS:CRITICAL FASTENERS
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.
Consequence: An improperly tightened seat belt buckle may not restrain an occupant as intended, increasing their risk of injury during a crash.
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.

2021-04-21

Manufacturer: Volvo Car USA, LLC
Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE
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.
Consequence: The rear passenger may become trapped by the front seat without the ability to cancel the seat's movement, increasing the risk of injury.
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.

2019-04-17

Manufacturer: Volvo Car USA LLC
Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:COOLING SYSTEM:HOSES/LINES/PIPING/FITTINGS
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.
Consequence: If the coolant leak goes unnoticed, coolant may accumulate in the catalytic converter heat shield insulation and catch fire when the vehicle is stationary, increasing the risk of injury.
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.

2016-11-02

Manufacturer: Volvo Car USA LLC
Components: SEAT BELTS:FRONT:BUCKLE ASSEMBLY
Summary: 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."
Consequence: If the seat belt buckle separates from the bracket, the front seat passenger may not be adequately restrained in the event of a crash, increasing their risk of injury in the event of a crash.
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.

2016-09-26

Manufacturer: Volvo Car USA LLC
Components: EQUIPMENT:APPLIANCE:AIR CONDITIONER
Summary: 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.
Consequence: Significant water drainage into the passenger compartment may adversely affect air bag deployment in the event of a crash, increasing the risk of occupant injury.
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.

2016-05-04

Manufacturer: Volvo Car USA LLC
Components: VISIBILITY:SUN/MOON ROOF ASSEMBLY
Summary: 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."
Consequence: If the switch is unintentionally pressed and the sunroof panel closes, there is an increased risk of occupant injury.
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.

2015-08-06

Manufacturer: Volvo Cars of N.A., LLC
Components: AIR BAGS:SIDE/WINDOW
Summary: 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.
Consequence: Underinflated air bags may not fully protect third row occupants, increasing the risk of injury in the event of a crash.
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.

2015-06-03

Manufacturer: Volvo Cars of N.A., LLC
Components: AIR BAGS:SIDE/WINDOW
Summary: 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.
Consequence: If the wiring harness is routed incorrectly, the wiring may be damaged, disabling the front seat side impact air bag, and increasing the risk of injury to the seat occupant in the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the front seat side impact air bag.
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.

Negative 2016 Volvo Xc90 car reviews

Jensen West 2025-09-06

During my recent 800 mile return journey from spring break, my Volvo unfortunately experienced some overheating and AC issues, leading to the engine management system advising an immediate shutdown. Despite the inconvenience, I am pleased to report that the local dealership was able to provide a timely repair service. While the overall customer service from Volvo Corporation could have been better, I must commend the dealerships for their efforts in resolving the issues. As a proud owner of a $64,000 Volvo, I have high expectations for the brand and its value proposition, and I am confident that they will continue to deliver on their promises.
Leone Wolff 2025-08-22

I absolutely adore my new Volvo XC90! It's a stunning car both inside and out, with a plethora of fantastic safety features that make driving an absolute pleasure. However, I have experienced some software issues, and most recently, the battery has been draining for no apparent reason when the car is not in use. Unfortunately, each time I have taken it to the shop, it has taken 2-3 days to fix, as the technicians are not fully up to speed and the software can be quite complicated. They usually have to consult with Volvo engineers remotely. As I write this, I am about to jump-start the car to take it back to the shop again, just a month after the last battery episode (they did a battery reset and then installed a new battery last time, but never did find the cause). If you do a Google search, you will find that many other people have experienced the same problem. Another issue I have encountered is the quirky navigation system, which is usually reliable but occasionally messes up the destination city. Therefore, my recommendation would be to hold off on purchasing this car for now. Perhaps wait a year until Volvo has had a chance to iron out these issues.
Ervin Raynor 2025-08-14

I leased my 2016 xc90 in May and it has been in the shop 5 times. The car has had a few issues, such as needing a software update and spark plug replacements. Additionally, there have been some inconveniences such as the lack of a low gas warning and slow navigation loading times. The air conditioning can also be quite loud. While the car looks great, there is room for improvement in terms of reliability and functionality.
Deven Hammes 2025-08-07

As someone who has owned 5 Volvos before, we were loyal to the brand. While this car looks great, unfortunately, we have had a negative experience with it. We have had to take it to the shop multiple times since purchasing it in June, and have been disappointed with the false promises made by both Volvo and the dealer. We are currently in the process of starting the Lemon law process with our dealer. We understand that Volvo has had to buy back many of these cars due to issues. The Turbo on the 4 cylinder is quite loud and the tablet that controls everything can be difficult to use. We have also experienced issues with the door locks and foot activated tailgate. If you are considering this car, we recommend looking at the new Acura MDX or the Audi Q7.
Mauricio Bogisich 2025-07-20

I wasn't a Volvo guy, but the new design brought me right into the showroom. After driving all three models, I found that the inscription seats stood out the most to me. They are the most comfortable seats I have ever experienced. Although the XC90 is not the fastest off the line, it makes up for it in technology, comfort, and value. The car has 21

Positive 2016 Volvo Xc90 car reviews

Walton Kozey 2025-09-04

I feel a bit spoilt for having a Tesla, which makes the infotainment system of this car seem slow and buggy in comparison. However, the interior is really nice, and the lane follow and adaptive cruise features are great for long journeys, making them very relaxing. In May 2017, we received a software update to 'pilot assist 2', which was a huge improvement over the v1 system, making long journeys even more bearable. Unfortunately, we had some issues with the electric parking brake locking on, which stranded my wife in the school parking lot. After some research, we found a discussion thread where someone suggested pulling the parking brake fuse to reset the system, which fixed the issue for us. We plan to get the dealer to check for a firmware update for that component at the next service. In May 2018, we still had issues with the touchscreen being slow and buggy, and the connectivity being slow even when showing full signal. The hybrid system also failed last week, but the car remains fully drivable on gas. We are waiting for a service slot to diagnose the issue. Lastly, we have had a few occasions where the car won't start, which is frustrating. However, we found that getting out of the car, locking it, waiting a couple of minutes, and trying again usually gets it to start. Hopefully, the dealer will be able to fix this issue soon.After many service trips, the issue with the car not starting was finally found and addressed earlier this year. The car powers up both on hydraulic pressure (from pushing the pedal) and also from a switch on the brake pedal. It turns out that the switch input to the ECU was not clicked into place, which was fixed by the dealership. Since then, we have not experienced the issue again. It's been a while since May 2018 and we are still very happy with the comfort and performance of the car. However, the touchscreen is still not great. Hopefully, the next generation XC90 will address this. Recently, we have been experiencing issues with the key fob batteries mysteriously running out. We have found that keeping the spare in a metal tin helps preserve its battery. The sunroof no longer slides back and the sun shade doesn't totally close, but these are minor issues.
Caleb Pfannerstill 2025-07-18

This is a fantastic automobile! As a Jeep Grand Cherokee family for 20 years, we needed a 3rd row and this car fits the bill perfectly. The base suspension is smooth and firm, which means it doesn't feel like a boat. When you first get the car, make sure to check your tire pressure. Ours had 45 psi, which we found out is quite common as they overfill in Sweden so the tires don't flat spot in shipping. They should check it before delivery, but ours was missed. I think some of the rough ride comments are caused by this. After correcting this, the ride is amazing! The seats are the best I have ever sat in with great lumbar adjustment. The power is also impressive, with 316 horsepower from a 4 cylinder engine.
Stone Kunze 2025-05-15

If you're in the market for a 7 passenger SUV, I highly recommend test driving the Inscription trim with the air suspension option. It's comparable to BMW, Audi, and Mercedes and the ride quality is outstanding. I was pleasantly surprised by the XC90 First Edition and ended up purchasing it. The interior is amazing, the safety tech is unparalleled, and the infotainment system is great. Although the navigation system could be improved and there's only one USB port, the car's safety features and functionality make up for it. The Bowers and Wilkens stereo is a standout feature and the seats are heated and ventilated. The XC90 truly feels like a smaller vehicle than it is while driving and is perfect for long road trips. Overall, I'm very happy with my purchase and hope that the long term reliability is above average.
Kobe Smith 2025-03-01

I give the car a five-star rating, but I do have a few suggestions for improvement. Firstly, it's hard to see the heads-up display (displayed on the windshield) while wearing sunglasses. Secondly, the car needs captain's chairs as there's no comfortable rest for either elbow for either front seat. Thirdly, I would like the front pockets in the front seats like my 2005 XC 904. Fourthly, the moonroof just has a mesh interior covering. I suggest a plastic cover to keep the sunlight off of your head. Fifthly, factory SPF protection on the windows would be a great addition. Lastly, I ran out of gas while the fuel indicator said that there were still
Rod Harvey 2024-11-20

We've only had our 2016 XC90 for a week, but we already love it! The wife primarily drives it, and we take it on family trips. At first, we weren't even considering a Volvo. We had a 2004 XC90 before, which was okay, but we never really loved it. The size was good, but the handling and MPG were not up to our standards. We downsized to a new 2012 XC60, which was also nice (much better handling and MPG), but it didn't have the same luxury as our previous Mercedes. With two kids, it quickly became too small. We were looking to upsize and considered several 2015/16 vehicles, including the Acura MDX, Range Rover, Porsche Cayenne (too small), Audi Q7, and Mercedes GL. We've always been partial to Mercedes and loved all our prior MB's, so it was looking like that would be our next choice. However, when we took the XC60 to the Volvo dealer for an offer, we saw the new XC90. This vehicle is nothing like the prior XC90. It's easy to see what Volvo has been doing with the $11 billion from Geely. We're not concerned with a Chinese company being the parent owner of Volvo, as the Swedes still design and build the car. These days, many high-end items in the world are owned by someone else. The luxury from the new XC90 is completely on par with the Germans. The Europeans have mastered the art of luxury for years, but they always seem to lag in the technology arena. Even when they do offer technology, it's not on the same level as what high-end Japanese autos offer. Not to mention, you'll easily add $10k to the European vehicles with options and still envy what the Japanese models have. The XC90 is a vehicle that excels in both areas. Ours is a fully loaded model (spec'd same as a First Edition), and it doesn't lack in any category. The luxury from the 18-way adjustable (Inscription model) front seats to the perfect balance of Nappa leather, birch wood, and metal accents leaves no doubt that every detail has been thought of.If you happen to come across a glove box that can cool down to 40 degrees in a European car, it will definitely be an expensive option. However, if you need additional USB ports, you can easily solve the problem by using an adapter that gives you two USB ports per outlet. Based on other reviews we read before purchasing, the lack of multiple USB ports seemed to be one of the few complaints people had. If that's the biggest issue with the XC90, then Volvo has definitely succeeded in creating a new iconic flagship for their brand. The all-glass instrument cluster and center stack are both functional and aesthetically pleasing. The tablet-like interface is extremely user-friendly and responds instantly, which was a big concern of ours. If you want to test the responsiveness, simply adjust the temperature slide up and down, and it responds as fast as you can move your finger! We're looking forward to the upcoming update that will include Apple Carplay and Android Auto integration. The heads-up display is another great feature that allows you to keep your eyes on the road. The enormous panorama sunroof is something that even backseat and third-row passengers will enjoy. The doors shut with a solid thud that we haven't heard since our last Mercedes. We love every aspect of this vehicle. The drive is outstanding for a 2-liter 4-cylinder engine, especially for a capable 7-passenger SUV. It has better handling and performance than our previous XC60 with an engine twice the size. Although it can't tow as much as the Q7 (the XC90 is rated to tow 5000 lbs) and is not as sporty as the Porsche or BMW, it is certainly a well-balanced mix of comfort, performance, and capability. The cargo space seems endless, especially when compared to more sporty brands. It offers four different driving modes that further enhance your driving experience.Driving this SUV feels like driving a luxury sedan, not a heavy truck or large SUV. As someone who primarily drives a Porsche, I was pleasantly surprised by how much I enjoy driving this SUV. Safety is my top priority when purchasing a vehicle for my family, which is why I was originally considering a Mercedes. However, Volvo has proven to be just as capable of building an extremely safe car, as evidenced by the advanced safety features in this vehicle. I won't go over all of them, but I will say that they are impressive and non-intrusive. The lane keeping aid is particularly helpful, gently reminding you when you are veering out of your lane. This feature has made me a more attentive driver overall. If you're in the market for a luxury SUV, I highly recommend checking out the new XC90. It's nothing like any Volvo of years past, and that's a good thing.

Additional sources

More sources of information about 2016 Volvo Xc90 problems:

Reliability of 2016 XC90 : r/VolvoXC90

https://www.reddit.com/r/VolvoXC90/comments/15k5nq1/reliability_of_2016_xc90/

Aug 7, 2023 ... After extensive research when I bought earlier this year the 2016 model was unequivocally off limits. Mostly due to some motor oil compression ...

Considering XC90 T6, common issues / failures? | SwedeSpeed ...

https://www.swedespeed.com/threads/considering-xc90-t6-common-issues-failures.642496/

May 6, 2021 ... Rear tailgate electric struts have failed at 34k miles. $1000+ dollar at the dealer. Trying to source the parts myself and replace for $455 for ...

Volvo XC90 - What Common Issues Are There? : r/Volvo

https://www.reddit.com/r/Volvo/comments/n9hc6q/volvo_xc90_what_common_issues_are_there/

May 10, 2021 ... 2016 has the most headaches. T5/T6>T8 unless you gotta have the hybrid. It adds a ton more possible issues to deal with. Avoid air suspension, ...

2016 Volvo XC90 Problems | Kelley Blue Book

https://www.kbb.com/volvo/xc90/2016/common-problems/

How reliable is the 2016 Volvo XC90? See the most common repairs performed and learn if your vehicle is at risk for major repairs in the next 12 months.