Vehicles / Volvo / Xc90 / 2016

2016 Volvo Xc90

197 federal complaints (311 component records) · 8 recall campaigns on file · 1 federal investigation · 630 service bulletins · 8 Canadian recalls
See all 22 model years of the Volvo Xc90 →
Engine
2.0L 4-cyl
Fuel
Premium
Drive
AWD
EPA economy
20 city / 25 hwy
Federal complaints
197
Recall campaigns
8
Specifications show one example EPA configuration for this model year; other engines, drivetrains, and trims exist and the records below cover all of them.
How to read this file. Complaint records are unverified owner submissions to the federal safety agency. Counts are raw, not adjusted for sales volume or vehicle age. Recall campaigns apply to the model; only a VIN check shows whether this car is affected or repaired. Parts shown are named by an editorial note or listed as a search directory; none is a diagnosis. Full methodology.

Fault profile

Complaint-component records on this vehicle, grouped by family. A complaint naming two systems counts once in each.

Engine & cooling
88
Electrical system
56
Other
36
Body & structure
23
Brakes
14
Fuel system
13
Speed control
11
Driver assistance
11
Complaints are owner-reported and not verified by the agency.

When it fails

The timing of this vehicle's reported failures, from the complaint file itself. A cluster tells you what to expect and when; it is shaped by reporting behavior as well as by the vehicle.

Vehicle age when the failure occurred

0 years old: 34 complaints01 years old: 15 complaints2 years old: 5 complaints3 years old: 12 complaints4 years old: 10 complaints5 years old: 22 complaints56 years old: 24 complaints7 years old: 26 complaints8 years old: 29 complaints9 years old: 12 complaints10 years old: 8 complaints1011 years old: 0 complaints12 years old: 0 complaints13 years old: 0 complaints14 years old: 0 complaints15 years old: 0 complaints1516 years old: 0 complaints17 years old: 0 complaints18 years old: 0 complaints19 years old: 0 complaints20+ years old: 0 complaints20+
Years between the model year and the owner's reported failure date. Based on 197 of 197 complaints with a usable failure date.

Odometer when the failure occurred

0,000 - 20,000 miles: 36 complaints020,000 - 40,000 miles: 13 complaints40,000 - 60,000 miles: 8 complaints40k60,000 - 80,000 miles: 7 complaints80,000 - 100,000 miles: 8 complaints80k100,000 - 120,000 miles: 4 complaints120,000 - 140,000 miles: 1 complaints120k140,000 - 160,000 miles: 2 complaints160,000 - 180,000 miles: 2 complaints160k180,000 - 200,000 miles: 0 complaints200,000+ miles: 0 complaints200k+
Owner-reported mileage at failure, in 20,000-mile bands. Based on 81 of 197 complaints reporting a plausible odometer (500 to 500,000 miles; unverified).

Known issues

The component families with the most complaint records against this vehicle. Counts, crash and fire figures belong to the whole family, not to any single named issue. Parts listed are related system parts, not a diagnosis.

Engine & cooling

88 complaint records7 fire reports1 crash report
"RAN A ERRAND, CAME HOME. WENT TO MY CAR & A BLUEISH LIQUID WAS COMING OUT. TOOK TO A SHOP & THEN TO THE VOLVO DEALERSHIP..."- one owner's federal complaint about this system; it may not describe the issue named above
Parts
No specific part is named for this issue. Browse engine & cooling parts in the directory →

Electrical system

56 complaint records2 fire reports3 crash reports
"THE CAR TURNED OFF COMPLETELY IN THE MIDDLE OF THE ROAD; THE SPEED SLOWED DOWN (THE CAR WAS OFF) AND HAD TO PULL TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD...."- one owner's federal complaint about this system; it may not describe the issue named above
Parts
No specific part is named for this issue. Browse electrical system parts in the directory →

Body & structure

23 complaint records2 crash reports
"Door lock unable to open. Door is unlocked and the outside and inside fail to open the door. Door lock actuator is jammed..."- one owner's federal complaint about this system; it may not describe the issue named above
Parts
No specific part is named for this issue. Browse body & structure parts in the directory →

Federal defect investigations

Formal investigations opened by the federal safety agency into this vehicle. An investigation is the step between a complaint pattern and a recall; not every one results in one.

InvestigationStatusComponentSubject
DP22005
opened Jan 2023
closed Aug 2023Electrical SystemPedestrian alert sounds - led to recall 22V063000
NHTSA received a petition on or about July 18, 2022, requesting that Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) 141 be applied to all electric and hybrid vehicles operating in the United States.

Recall campaigns

Safety-recall remedies are normally provided at no charge. Under US federal law the mandatory free remedy applies when the vehicle was no more than 15 years old at the time the defect was determined; manufacturers often cover older vehicles voluntarily. Canadian rules differ. Confirm eligibility with the manufacturer using the VIN. Each campaign number links to the federal record.

CampaignComponentSummaryRemedy
23V827000Seat BeltsVolvo 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.Normally free
21V273000Electrical SystemVolvo 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.Normally free
19V308000Engine And Engine CoolingVolvo 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.Normally free
16V798000Seat BeltsVolvo 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.Normally free
16V690000EquipmentVolvo 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.Normally free
16V268000VisibilityVolvo Car USA LLC (Volvo) is recalling certain model year 2016 XC90 vehicles manufactured January 27, 2015, to April 23, 2016.Normally free
15V497000Air BagsVolvo 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.Normally free
15V342000Air BagsVolvo Cars of N.A., LLC (Volvo) is recalling certain model year 2016 Volvo XC90 vehicles manufactured January 27, 2015, to May 19, 2015.Normally free

Transport Canada recalls

Recalls issued under Canadian law for this model year, from Transport Canada's Vehicle Recalls Database. Matched by model name, so a Canadian-market variant may appear here that was sold under another name in the US. Units are Canadian vehicles affected.

RecallSystemUnits (CA)Summary
2023649
2023-12-07
Seats And Restraints233Issue: On certain vehicles, the bolts that attach the second-row seat belt buckles may not have been properly tightened. As a result, the seat belts could loosen or detach in a crash.
2021238
2021-04-23
Other30Issue: On certain XC90 Excellence models, the rear seat control display may not work properly if the touch screen gets wet. This could cause the front passenger seat to move to the fully rearward position, even after you stop touching it.
2019188
2019-04-18
Engine2,721Issue: On certain vehicles, the coolant bleeder hose could crack over time. This could allow coolant to leak on to the exhaust system. This could also cause a build-up of coolant in the insulation for the catalytic converter.
2016534
2016-10-28
Seats And Restraints5,084On certain vehicles, the front passenger seatbelt buckle stud may not have been punched correctly during manufacturing.
2016469
2016-09-23
Airbag3,848On certain vehicles, the air conditioner drain hose may leak into the passenger compartment due to incorrect installation during the manufacturing process.
Show 3 more Canadian recalls
RecallSystemUnits (CA)Summary
2016197
2016-05-04
Electrical2,664Certain vehicles equipped with power-operated sunroof system may fail to conform to Canada Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (CMVSS) 118 - Power-Operated Window, Partition and Roof Panel Systems.
2015355
2015-08-05
Airbag514On certain vehicles equipped with seven seats, the Inflatable Curtain (IC) air bag may not deploy as intended for third row passengers.
2015238
2015-05-29
Airbag9On certain vehicles, the Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) wire harness in the front seats may have been incorrectly assembled. During seat assembly, the SRS harness may have been incorrectly routed, which may damage the wire insulation.

Service bulletins and warranty extensions

Manufacturer communications to dealers on file with the federal agency: repair instructions, service campaigns, and warranty extensions. A warranty extension means the manufacturer may pay for a repair the recall table does not cover.

BulletinTypeComponentSummary
32010.3.0
Jun 2026
Unknown Or OtherThis is a Technical Journal: Plus 2 attachments 1- TJI-497587-1 and 1 MP4 Speaker Grill -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.
33031.6.0
May 2026
Unknown Or OtherThis is a Technical Journal: Text plus 1 .jpg attachment - If remote control key is not detected by the car and shows message in DIM "Car key not found" or if functions such as lock/unlock are not working, please follow advice for detecting key
34521.11.1
May 2026
Exterior LightingThis is a Technical Journal: Headlamp condensation inside lens - information/leak test. If the result is not ok (air leak), it is ok to replace the headlamp
36496.10.0
May 2026
Power TrainThis is a Technical Journal: Intermittent knocking noise during acceleration. If the sound corresponds to attached sound file, change front drive shafts to the below part numbers.
35503.4.0
May 2026
StructureThis is a Technical Journal: Panoramic sunroof, sealing strip has a gap
Show 55 more bulletins
BulletinTypeComponentSummary
35526.1.8
Apr 2026
EngineThis is a Technical Journal: Text plus 2 PDFs and 1 .PNG Oil Consumption test. Perform the test. Follow service procedure
 Description and Service sections updated to clarify that vehicle reports are not required.
37809.1.1
Apr 2026
Unknown Or OtherThis is a TJ text only - The purpose of this TJ is to be a master reference list to easily identify any components that are on prior approval.
34521.10.0
Mar 2026
Exterior LightingThis is a Technical Journal: Headlamp condensation inside lens - information/leak test. If the result is not ok (air leak), it is ok to replace the headlamp
33183.9.1
Mar 2026
StructureThis is a Technical Journal: If a vehicle with panorama roof shows symptom of a rattling noise when opening, follow the description under Service.
35842
Jan 2026
Unknown Or OtherThis is a Technical Journal: Text plus 1 jpg and 1 mp4 file -- If there is a strange chafing or creaking noise when turning the steering wheel, follow the advice under Service.
28874
Jan 2026
Unknown Or OtherThis 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".
34521
Dec 2025
Exterior LightingThis is a Technical Journal: Headlamp condensation inside lens - information/leak test. If the result is not ok (air leak), it is ok to replace the headlamp
36902
Dec 2025
StructureThis is a TJ - Text plus 2 jpeg files and 1 mp4 file - If customer complains of the hood being hard to close or "Open Hood" DIM message, please follow advice under "service". And before replacing any parts, follow the 3 steps in the instructions.
28874
Dec 2025
Unknown Or OtherThis 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".
19245
Dec 2025
Unknown Or OtherThis is a Technical Journal. Vehicle type and platform identification.
TJ36902.1.0-2025-10-31
Nov 2025
StructureThis is a TJ - Text plus 2 jpeg files and 1 mp4 file - If customer complains of the hood being hard to close or "Open Hood" DIM message, please follow advice under "service". And before replacing any parts, follow the 3 steps in the instructions.
TJ34648.5.0-2025-10-29
Nov 2025
Unknown Or OtherThis is a Technical Journal: Prior Approval - lack of airflow combined with a poor cooling performance follow the advice under service.
AC pressure check
Nov 2025
Unknown Or OtherThis is a Technical Journal: Prior Approval - lack of airflow combined with a poor cooling performance follow the advice under service.
TJI VCC-517278-1
Nov 2025
Unknown Or OtherThis is a Technical Journal: Prior Approval - lack of airflow combined with a poor cooling performance follow the advice under service.
37428
Sep 2025
Unknown Or OtherThis 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".
 This Technical Journal handles only SENSUS...
36048
Jul 2025
Forward Collision AvoidanceThis is a Technical Journal: Alleged issues with Intellisafe functionality. Please inform the car user of Intellisafe functionality and limitations in case of alleged issues with Intellisafe.
 The owner's manual is a good source of information together with films in the...
35912
Jul 2025
Unknown Or OtherThis is a Technical Journal: AC evaporator repair, additional parts needed. Add resister in line jumper cable.
36916
Jul 2025
Electrical SystemThis is a Technical Journal: VCM Backup Battery Replacement with VCM-U105000. Replace the VCM Backup Battery and download the relevant Software.
TJ31514.1.0
May 2025
Forward Collision Avoidancethis a Technical Journal: ASDM = Active Safety Domain Master
 To prevent unnecessary replacements of ASDM and as a troubleshooting aid for the Intellisafe system, please follow the advice in Technical Journal
8501
Apr 2025
Exterior LightingThis is a Technical Journal: Remote connection, BOMGAR application. Before joining a remote session:
 •Connect a suitable battery maintainer/charger and verify that the battery voltage indicated in VIDA is between 12.5V and 14.9V.
 •Connect to the vehicle over a wired...
36961
Mar 2025
Electrical SystemThis is a Technical Journal: Improved 12V battery test in VIDA. Service:
 Don´t charge the battery before the test, jump start the vehicle if needed. Read out the vehicle with VIDA and start the test.
36048
Mar 2025
Forward Collision AvoidanceThis is a Technical Journal: Alleged issues with Intellisafe functionality. Please inform the car user of Intellisafe functionality and limitations in case of alleged issues with Intellisafe.
 The owner's manual is a good source of information together with films in the...
37235
Feb 2025
Exterior LightingThis is a Technical Journal: Changed front fog/cornering lights behavior. This logic of the cornering lights is now changed in the cars with software version 3.3.16 or later
S10303
Feb 2025
SERVICE CAMPAIGNUnknown Or OtherVolvo Cars USA LLC and Volvo Car Canada LTD on behalf of the Volvo Car Corporation has decided to launch Service Action S10303 on certain model year 2025 EX90 vehicles.
 Volvo Car Investigations have identified that there is a pairing issue with the key fob.
 As a...
36257
Jan 2025
Unknown Or OtherThis is a Technical Journal: Climate system heating performance (HVCH). Replace HVCH.
8501
Jan 2025
Exterior LightingThis is a Technical Journal: Remote connection, BOMGAR application. Before joining a remote session:
 •Connect a suitable battery maintainer/charger and verify that the battery voltage indicated in VIDA is between 12.5V and 14.9V.
 •Connect to the vehicle over a wired...
37175
Jan 2025
Unknown Or OtherThis is a Technical Journal: Vehicle/Connectivity report checklist. To provide timely and high-quality feedback to the appropriate department or factory
34521
Nov 2024
Exterior LightingThis is a Technical Journal: Headlamp condensation inside lens - information/leak test. If the result is not ok (air leak), it is ok to replace the headlamp
34647
Oct 2024
Unknown Or OtherThis is a Technical Journal: DIM message about parking brake. Manually order and download software part number 32429456
36277
Oct 2024
StructureThis is a Technical Journal: White patch defect in paint when removed rapgard. Expose vehicle to outside daylight for 48hrs.
TJ31543
Oct 2024
Unknown Or OtherThis is a Technical Journal: Software Upgrade / Download Guide. If one control unit is upgraded and not all, it may result in various problems.
37000
Oct 2024
Unknown Or OtherThis is a Technical Journal: Outer rear view mirror intermittently not folding. May required replacing terminals.
36048
Sep 2024
Forward Collision AvoidanceThis is a Technical Journal: Alleged issues with Intellisafe functionality. Inform the customer of the functions and limitations
TJ27536.21.1-2024-08-07
Aug 2024
Electrical SystemInformation about valid Software partnumbers to order and download Software for "PDS" Pre-Delivery Service
TJ34647.6.3-2024-08-07
Aug 2024
Unknown Or OtherThis is a Technical Journal: DIM message about parking brake. Manually order and download software part number 32429456
TJ36961.2.1-2024-08-07
Aug 2024
Electrical SystemThis is a Technical Journal: Improved 12V battery test in VIDA. Improved 12V battery test in VIDA
P10263-2024-07-29
Aug 2024
Unknown Or OtherVolvo Cars USA LLC on behalf of the Volvo Car Corporation, has voluntarily decided to extend warranty coverage on vehicles exhibiting functionality issues with Apple® CarPlay® for certain model year 2016-2021 XC90 vehicles.
P10263
Jul 2024
Unknown Or OtherVolvo Cars USA LLC on behalf of the Volvo Car Corporation, has voluntarily decided to extend warranty coverage on vehicles exhibiting functionality issues with Apple® CarPlay® for certain model year 2016-2021 XC90 vehicles.
 The corrective action is to download a Total...
36845
Jul 2024
Electrical SystemThis is a Technical Journal: SPA/CMA - 12V Battery Testing / Maintenance Guide. After capturing a NEW VIDA readout, conduct the steps in VIDA.
TJ34647.6.2-2024-06-19
Jun 2024
Unknown Or OtherThis is a Technical Journal: DIM message about parking brake. Download the available total upgrade software.
TJ36845.1.6-2024-06-19
Jun 2024
Electrical SystemThis is a Technical Journal: SPA/CMA - 12V Battery Testing / Maintenance Guide. After capturing a NEW VIDA readout, conduct the steps in VIDA.
TJ36845.1.5-2024-06-07
Jun 2024
Electrical SystemThis is a Technical Journal: SPA/CMA - 12V Battery Testing / Maintenance Guide. After capturing a NEW VIDA readout, conduct the steps in VIDA.
TJ36858.1.1-2024-06-06
Jun 2024
EngineThis is a Technical Journal: High Temperature Message in DIM after Coolant Pump Replacement. Replace coolant pump
TJ36961.1.0-2024-06-04
Jun 2024
Electrical SystemThis is a Technical Journal: Improved 12V battery test in VIDA. Improved 12V battery test in VIDA
36202.2.1
May 2024
Unknown Or OtherThis is a Technical Journal: Vibration/shudder while braking. Replace front brake pads
34123.1.7
May 2024
Engine And Engine CoolingThis is a Technical Journal: T8 P0EA773 Auxiliary Cooling System Performance. install component 32139082
36899.1.0
May 2024
Electrical SystemThis is a Technical Journal: Check Engine Light in DIM (BCM2 P25A268 / U003700). Download software.
36916.1.0
Apr 2024
Electrical SystemThis is a Technical Journal: VCM Backup Battery Replacement with VCM-U105000. Replace the VCM Backup Battery and download the relevant Software.
31698.3.3
Apr 2024
EquipmentThis is a Technical Journal. If you experience difficulty programming remote keys on Hybrid vehicles, please follow the advise in Technical Journal under service.
P10263
Mar 2024
EquipmentVolvo Cars USA LLC on behalf of the Volvo Car Corporation, has voluntarily decided to extend warranty coverage on vehicles exhibiting functionality issues with Apple CarPlay for certain model year 2016-2021 XC90 vehicles.
36665.4.1
Mar 2024
Power TrainThis is a Technical Journal: ERAD (Electric Rear Axle Drive) Bearing Noise. Bearing kit replacement.
36845.1.4
Mar 2024
Electrical SystemThis is a Technical Journal: SPA/CMA - 12V Battery Testing / Maintenance Guide. After capturing a NEW VIDA readout, conduct the steps in VIDA.
36865.1.1
Mar 2024
SuspensionThis is a Technical Journal: Squeak noise from second row outer seats over bumps. Apply PFPE Anti squeak spray, p/n 30749880 spray.
34295.7.1
Feb 2024
Electrical SystemThis is a Technical Journal: High Voltage Battery repairs. Always repair the battery according to the methods in VIDA.
36845.1.3
Feb 2024
Electrical SystemThis is a Technical Journal: SPA/CMA - 12V Battery Testing / Maintenance Guide. After capturing a NEW VIDA readout, conduct the steps in VIDA.

Showing 60 of 630 distinct bulletins on file for this vehicle.

Before you buy this vehicle

A test-drive checklist generated from this vehicle's own complaint and recall record.

  1. Cold-start it yourself and listen for the first thirty seconds.Knocking, ticking that fades as it warms, or blue or white smoke on startup are the sounds of this vehicle's engine cluster. Check the oil level and the coolant color, and ask whether the engine or its head gaskets have ever been out.
  2. Sit in it with the engine off and test everything that has a switch.Windows, locks, lights, the cluster, the radio. Electrical faults are this vehicle's story and the hardest to see on a drive: an intermittent no-start waits for the second week of ownership. Ask for the battery's age and whether any control module has been replaced.
  3. Walk the body slowly in daylight.Panel gaps, rust at the rockers and wheel arches, and cracked trim are this vehicle's structure complaints. Open and close the liftgate or trunk and look at the latch area.
  4. Run the VIN against open recalls before you negotiate.This vehicle has 8 recall campaigns on file. An open recall needs VIN-specific confirmation. Many are quick, no-charge fixes and worth negotiating over; an unresolved do-not-drive advisory, or a remedy the manufacturer has not yet made available, should stop the purchase until it is resolved.
  5. Ask for the service history in writing, then read it against this page.The complaint families above are where owners of this vehicle report trouble. Repairs in exactly those systems are evidence the car had the problem; no such repairs could mean it never developed it, or that it was never fixed. The test-drive items above are how you tell those apart.

Parts search directory

The generic parts list for this vehicle has its own page: a search launcher for every system, filtered by fuel type and era but not by engine, trim, or brake type. It is not a diagnosis and not a fitment guarantee.

Open the parts directory for this Volvo Xc90 →