Built from official NHTSA complaint and recall data · data through 07/12/2026
High complaint levelIts most-reported problem — Engine — runs 3.4× the fleet median for that category across the 2583 model-years tracked on this site.
195Complaints
8Recalls
5Crashes
10Fires
8Injured
0Deaths
Source: U.S. NHTSA complaint & recall data. Complaints are unverified reports from vehicle owners — a complaint is not a confirmed defect.
Is this problem acknowledged?
The most-reported problem — Engine (43.1% of complaints) — is covered by 1 NHTSA recall campaign.
Engine complaints here are 3.4× the median for that category across the 2583 model-years tracked on this site.
Complaint category
Reports
Official status
Reference
Engine
84 · 43.1%
Recalled
Recall 19V308000
Electrical System
55 · 28.2%
Recalled
Recall 21V273000
Structure:body
21 · 10.8%
not available
—
Service Brakes
14 · 7.2%
not available
—
Fuel/propulsion System
12 · 6.2%
not available
—
Vehicle Speed Control
10 · 5.1%
not available
—
Recalled = an NHTSA safety recall covers this category, so a free repair exists. Under investigation = NHTSA has an open probe but no recall yet. Investigation closed = NHTSA examined it and closed the probe — this is not a defect finding; where a closed probe led to a recall we name the campaign. Not available = recall or investigation data could not be confirmed for this vehicle — it is not a “no”. Categories are matched by NHTSA's top-level component. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Percentages are the share of the 195 complaints citing each component; one complaint can cite several components. “Unspecified / other” is NHTSA’s own catch-all category — we show it rather than hide it.
Recalls — 8 campaigns
Engine And Engine Cooling:cooling System:hoses/lines/piping/fittings
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. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
PARK-IT: NO · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO · OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO
The rear passenger may become trapped by the front seat without the ability to cancel the seat's movement, increasing the risk of injury. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
PARK-IT: NO · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO · OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO
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. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
PARK-IT: NO · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO · OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO
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. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
PARK-IT: NO · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO · OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO
If the switch is unintentionally pressed and the sunroof panel closes, there is an increased risk of occupant injury. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
PARK-IT: NO · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO · OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO
Underinflated air bags may not fully protect third row occupants, increasing the risk of injury in the event of a crash. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
PARK-IT: NO · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO · OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO
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. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
PARK-IT: NO · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO · OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO
An improperly tightened seat belt buckle may not restrain an occupant as intended, increasing their risk of injury during a crash. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
PARK-IT: NO · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO · OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO
Park itPark outside Specimen badges — shown on a recall card only when NHTSA sets the flag. None of the campaigns above carries either flag. Always check your own vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What owners report
“The engine was losing almost a quart of oil every thousand miles. It did not always notify me when it was low on oil. No…”NHTSA complaint 11468244 — filed 06/08/2022 · ENGINE
“Oil consumption issue every 1500 miles engine requires top off oil 1 qt other wise piston rings can ignite damage engine result in loss of…”NHTSA complaint 11465155 — filed 05/18/2022 · ENGINE
“There is an open recall for certain 2016 XC 90s related to cracks in the coolant pipes. My vin doesnât have a recall attached but…”NHTSA complaint 11456883 — filed 03/15/2022 · ENGINE
Excerpts are shortened and scrubbed of personal details; they are individual, unverified reports.
Complaint trend by year filed
Frequently asked questions
What are the most common problems with the 2016 Volvo XC90?
Engine issues are the most-reported category, cited in 84 of 195 NHTSA complaints (43.1%), followed by electrical system (55), unspecified/other issues (35), structure:body (21). Complaints are unverified owner reports.
How many complaints does the 2016 Volvo XC90 have?
195 complaints were on file with NHTSA as of 07/12/2026. Of those, 5 involved a crash, 10 involved a fire, and 8 reported injuries. No deaths were reported.
Does the 2016 Volvo XC90 have any recalls?
Yes — 8 NHTSA safety recall campaigns, including campaign 19V308000. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers. Check your specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Has NHTSA acted on the 2016 Volvo XC90's reported problems?
Recall or investigation data is partly unavailable for this vehicle right now — check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls for the authoritative answer.
Is a complaint proof of a defect?
No. Complaints are reports submitted by consumers to NHTSA. NHTSA does not verify individual complaints, and a complaint is not proof that a defect exists.
About this data — Complaint figures on this page are consumer reports submitted to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), a U.S. government agency. NHTSA does not verify individual complaints; a complaint is not proof that a defect exists, and counts reflect what owners chose to report, not confirmed failure rates. Recall information comes from official NHTSA safety recall campaigns; recall repairs are free at authorized dealers. Always check your specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. CarModelProblems.com is an independent site and is not affiliated with NHTSA or any vehicle manufacturer. Data through 07/12/2026.
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