Volvo XC60 problems
Light NHTSA footprint — 37 owner complaints. Either a clean record or thin data; we'll show what's there.
Solid reliability overall. Common issues are concentrated in a few systems.
Buyable on the data — keep up the usual maintenance and inspect normally.
- No systemic severe-failure pattern in the complaint record
- Reliability score 8.2/10 — above the segment average
Our read of the federal NHTSA complaint and recall record for this exact year and model — not a substitute for a pre-purchase inspection. How we score.
Buying a used 2016 Volvo XC60? Check these first
Here's what this model is known to do — so you can inspect for it, price it in, or make the seller fix it before you sign.
What to inspect on this specific car
- engine — 15 owner reports · tends to show around 53,397 mi · ~$3,100 to fix
- seatbelts — 6 owner reports · tends to show around 49,000 mi · ~$500 to fix
- electrical — 3 owner reports · ~$850 to fix
Recalls to confirm are done
Run the VIN from the listing — no active recalls on this model right now, but confirm none were opened after this car was built.
Verdict for buyers: 8.2/10 model. The priciest documented failure is engine (~$3,100) — get the seller's service records for it or inspect closely. Otherwise an average-risk used buy at a fair price.
We tell you what this model is known for and what to inspect — a vehicle-history report tells you what this exact car has been through. Smart buyers get both.
See the full pre-purchase inspection checklist →Ask anything about your 2016 Volvo XC60
A noise, a warning light, a repair quote, "should I buy this?" — get an answer grounded in this vehicle's actual NHTSA record, not generic advice.
Answers use this vehicle's NHTSA complaint & recall record — owner-reported and unverified, not a diagnosis. Verify anything safety-critical with a mechanic.
Top trouble spots 3 categories with 3+ complaints
What owners are saying recent NHTSA-filed complaints · verbatim
Oil consumption has become a major issue and I am putting oil in every 1000 miles! I bought the vehicle certified pre owned in October 2023 and the oil light was consistently coming on early. However, it has since gotten much worse and is constantly burning through oil.
A letter was sent from Volvo corp about a safety recall on seatbelts in august 2020 stating that parts would be available after nov 2020. I called the local dealer last week and apparently they do not have the parts to make the necessary repairs. I am very concerned for my…
City safety brakes for no reason. When applying the brakes, brakes grab and car lunges forward, sometime the city safety message appears and other times it does not. I was breaking for a stop when this happened. Thought I was going to rear ended because of the sudden stop. This…
appears to be significant electrical issue or internal computer issue causing a safety issue
Estimate your repair exposure
Drag to your current mileage. Numbers are derived from this vehicle's complaint history.
Common questions
Is the 2016 Volvo XC60 reliable?
Mostly yes. With a reliability score of 8.2 out of 10 based on 37 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2016 Volvo XC60 is generally a sound vehicle. The areas to watch are listed in the top problem section above — most are budget items, not deal-breakers.
Should you avoid the 2016 Volvo XC60?
On the NHTSA data, the 2016 Volvo XC60 does not need avoiding. Buyable on the data — keep up the usual maintenance and inspect normally. The record behind that call: No systemic severe-failure pattern in the complaint record; Reliability score 8.2/10 — above the segment average. This is our read of the federal complaint and recall data — not a substitute for a pre-purchase inspection.
What should I check before buying a used 2016 Volvo XC60?
Inspect the engine first — it's the most-reported issue on this model, with 15 owner complaints filed. Typical failure occurs around 53,397 miles. Average repair cost runs about $3,100 at an independent shop. Also confirm any open recalls have been completed by running the VIN, and ask for service records covering the problem areas listed above.
Is the 2016 Volvo XC60 a good used car to buy?
It scores 8.2 out of 10 on our NHTSA-based read of 37 owner complaints. The main thing to watch is engine. Typical failure occurs around 53,397 miles. Priced fairly and clean on inspection, it's a reasonable used buy. Our data covers what this model is known for — pair it with a vehicle-history report on the VIN to see what that specific car has been through.
What's the most common problem on the 2016 Volvo XC60?
Based on NHTSA records, the most-reported issue is engine, with 15 complaints filed. Typical failure occurs around 53,397 miles. Average repair cost runs about $3,100 at an independent shop.
What's the most expensive thing that goes wrong?
The engine is one of the costlier repair items. Average repair cost runs about $3,100 at an independent shop. Typical failure occurs around 53,397 miles. Catching early warning signs can sometimes extend life by 20–30,000 miles.
How do I check if my Volvo XC60 has open recalls?
Paste your VIN into the decoder at the top of this page. We pull live from NHTSA, so you'll see exactly which campaigns apply to your vehicle and whether the dealer has logged the fix. Recall repairs are always free regardless of mileage or warranty status.
Is an extended warranty worth it on a 2016 Volvo XC60?
Math is straightforward: a quality service contract runs $1,800–3,500 over 3 years. With 37 complaints on file and the costliest repair averaging $3,100, one major failure more than pays for it. The catch is reading the contract — many providers exclude wear items and require pre-authorization, so cheaper plans are not always better value.