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2016 Volvo XC90

Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations

More warning signs than most XC90 years

Owner complaints for the 2016 Volvo XC90 are substantially higher than the model-year median of 34.

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When problems were reported

Mileage at the reported incident

89 reports with mileage · 108 unknown

NHTSA’s mileage field refers to the reported incident, not necessarily the filing date. This shows report counts, not the likelihood of a failure.

What to inspect

Issues worth paying extra attention to based on owner reports.

  • Engine. Review the 86 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Electrical System. Review the 56 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Structure. Review the 23 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →

NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.

5 crash reports10 fire reports4 injury reports

Visibility/wiper complaints

3 reports
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Mileage unknown · Mar 22, 2024
Electrical SystemExterior LightingVisibility/wiper

The car has a factory fault with the Windshield Wiper or Turn Signal contact switch, which is causing the inability to use the left/right signal and the wipers. The entire part is factory faulty, rendering the vehicle unable to operate safely. This affects visibility during wet conditions because the wipers cannot be activated d…

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The car has a factory fault with the Windshield Wiper or Turn Signal contact switch, which is causing the inability to use the left/right signal and the wipers. The entire part is factory faulty, rendering the vehicle unable to operate safely. This affects visibility during wet conditions because the wipers cannot be activated due to the malfunctioning switch, which can lead to serious accidents. Additionally, malfunctioning left/right turning signals can also cause serious accidents, as it is a crucial function. Yes, the vehicle is available upon request. I contacted Volvo, but they declined to fix the issue. They have published a technical bulletin regarding the problem but are not recalling the vehicles. Many other Volvo models have the same factory defect, as can be found on the internet. The technical bulletin confirms their fault. I have attached the file. No, the vehicle has not been inspected. Yes, the vehicle shows a "turn indicator malfunction" message on the main screen. This issue started around 89k miles.

NHTSA ODI #11578824

117,000 miles · Apr 24, 2021
Electrical SystemStructureVisibility/wiper

WHEN DRIVING MY VOLVO AFTER IT HAS RAINED AND I BEGIN TO BREAK, WHILE ON A ROAD WITH A MINIMAL DECLINE, RAIN WATER POURS INTO THE CABIN. I WAS TOLD BY VOLVO SERVICE TECHNICIANS THE WATER IS NOT ABLE TO CHANNEL THROUGH THE SUNROOF CHANNELS CORRECTLY DUE TO CORROSION OR CLOGGING IN THE DRAINAGE TUBES/SUNROOF TRAY ASSEMBLY. THE WAT…

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WHEN DRIVING MY VOLVO AFTER IT HAS RAINED AND I BEGIN TO BREAK, WHILE ON A ROAD WITH A MINIMAL DECLINE, RAIN WATER POURS INTO THE CABIN. I WAS TOLD BY VOLVO SERVICE TECHNICIANS THE WATER IS NOT ABLE TO CHANNEL THROUGH THE SUNROOF CHANNELS CORRECTLY DUE TO CORROSION OR CLOGGING IN THE DRAINAGE TUBES/SUNROOF TRAY ASSEMBLY. THE WATER POURS INTO THE CABIN NEAR THE INTELLISAFE/REARVIEW MIRROR AREA. THIS EVENT CREATES A DISTRACTION TO THE DRIVER ESPECIALLY IF BREAKING WHILE ON A RIGHT HAND CURVE AS THE WATER POURS OUT TOWARDS THE DRIVERS FIELD OF VISION. FOR FEAR OF WATER DAMAGING ANY ELECTRICAL SAFETY COMPONENTS, OR THE INTEGRITY OF THE INTERIOR MATERIALS I PULL OVER TO DRY THESE COMPONENTS. THIS EVENT OCCURS WHEN EVER IT RAINS.

NHTSA ODI #11413653

7,200 miles · May 12, 2016
Visibility/wiper

2016 VOLVO XC90 WINDSHIELD CRACK I FOUND MY WINDSHIELD CRACKED RIGHT AROUND THE REAR LIP-END OF THE HOOD ABOVE THE WIPER RESTING POSITION, THEN CUTTING UP AT ABOUT THE CENTER OF THE WINDSHIELD, THEREBY MAKING AN "L" SHAPED CRACK MEASURING APPRX 22 INCHES BY 8 INCHES. I'M THE ONLY DRIVER OF THE VEHICLE DURING THIS PERIOD, AND …

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2016 VOLVO XC90 WINDSHIELD CRACK I FOUND MY WINDSHIELD CRACKED RIGHT AROUND THE REAR LIP-END OF THE HOOD ABOVE THE WIPER RESTING POSITION, THEN CUTTING UP AT ABOUT THE CENTER OF THE WINDSHIELD, THEREBY MAKING AN "L" SHAPED CRACK MEASURING APPRX 22 INCHES BY 8 INCHES. I'M THE ONLY DRIVER OF THE VEHICLE DURING THIS PERIOD, AND I THINK I SHOULD KNOW IF A DEBRIS OR ROCK HIT MY CAR, CAUSING SUCH A MAJOR DAMAGE TO THE WINDSHIELD. I DROVE IT TO THE DEALERSHIP TO LODGE A COMPLAINT, AND THEY RESPONDED BY SAYING THEY THINK IT MAY HAVE BEEN A DEBRIS OR ROCK. WELL, IF IT'S A ROCK OR DEBRIS, I'LL EXPECT THERE SHOULD BE SOME SORT OF A CONSPICUOUS OR VERY GLARING POINT OF ORIGIN/IMPACT, CONSIDERING THIS IS 22 INCHES BY 8 INCHES CRACK ON A WINDSHIELD CLOSE THE BASE SEAL JOINT. I'LL ALSO EXPECT A POINT OF ORIGIN/IMPACT TO HAVE SOME SORT OF SURFACE ROUGHNESS TO THE FINGER FEEL, THIS CRACK IS SMOOTH ALL THROUGH BEGINNING TO END. MOREOVER THE UNIQUE "L" SHAPE DOESN'T SEEM TO FOLLOW ANY LOGICAL ACCIDENTAL ROCK OR DEBRIS PROFILE. HOWEVER, THE BOTTOM PART DOES FOLLOW THE "CURVED" BASE PROFILE OF THE CAR/WINDSHIELD AREA. I DON'T UNDERSTAND WHY AT SUCH LOW MILES THE WINDSHIELD WILL HAVE AN APPROX 30 INCH CRACK. IN MY OPINION I'LL THINK THAT GROSSLY COMPROMISES SAFETY CONSIDERING THE AMOUNT OF FORCE OR PRESSURE EXACTED ON THE WINDSHIELD AT ANY POINT IN TIME DURING OPERATIONS. PERHAPS, TIME WILL TELL WHAT IT IS, HOWEVER, HOPEFULLY NO FATALITIES BEFORE THEN.

NHTSA ODI #10864698

Official recalls

8

23V827000 · Seat Belts:critical Fasteners

Dec 7, 2023

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 & remedy

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.

21V273000 · Electrical System:software

Apr 21, 2021

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 & remedy

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.

19V308000 · Engine And Engine Cooling:cooling System:hoses/lines/piping/fittings

Apr 17, 2019

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 & remedy

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.

16V798000 · Seat Belts:front:buckle Assembly

Nov 2, 2016

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 & remedy

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.

16V690000 · Air Bags; Equipment:appliance:air Conditioner

Sep 26, 2016

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 & remedy

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.

Additional source detail variants (2)

Equipment:appliance:air Conditioner

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.

Air Bags

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.

16V268000 · Visibility:sun/moon Roof Assembly

May 4, 2016

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 & remedy

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.

15V497000 · Air Bags:side/window

Aug 6, 2015

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 & remedy

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.

15V342000 · Air Bags:side/window

Jun 3, 2015

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 & remedy

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.

Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗

NHTSA investigations

1

DP22005 · Pedestrian Alert Sounds

Opened Jan 27, 2023 · Closed Aug 7, 2023

Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Electrical System:propulsion System

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. The petition can be reviewed at NHTSA.gov under ODI Number 11486072. FMVSS 141 establishes performance requirements for pedestrian alert sounds for motor vehicles. The standard applies to hybrid and electric vehicles that have a gross vehicle weight rating of 4,536 KG or less or are defined as low-speed vehicles. The standard became fully applicable to all such vehicles manufactured on or after March 1, 2021.On January 27, 2023, NHTSA opened Defect Petition (DP) 22-005 to evaluate the subject matter described in the petition. On June 24, 2023 and as supplemented on June 25, 2023, the petitioner notified NHTSA he was withdrawing his petition. The petitioner indicated that, based on his review of data, there is no justification for asserting potential benefits that could be derived from actions sought by my petition. Based on the petitioner's withdrawal, DP22-005 is closed. Closure of this DP does not represent a determination by NHTSA regarding the subject matter of the petition.