NHTSA lists 3 safety recalls and 39 owner complaints for the 2016 Volvo XC60. Most complaints involve engine (16) and seat belts (6). The EPA rates it 20–26 mpg combined, and NHTSA gives it 5 stars overall.
Volvo Cars of N.A., LLC (Volvo) is recalling certain 2008-2016 V70 and XC70, 2007-2016 S80, 2011-2018 S60 and V60, 2016-2018 S60 Cross Country, 2014-2020 S60L, 2009-2015 S80L, 2009-2016 XC60 and 2015-2018 V60 Cross Country vehicles. The flexible steel cable that connects the seat belt to the front outboard seating positions may fatigue over time, causing the seat belt to not secure the occupant in the event of a crash.
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."
Volvo Cars of North America, LLC. (Volvo) is recalling certain model year 2016 Volvo S60, V60, V60CC, XC60, XC70, and S80 vehicles manufactured April 8, 2015 to August 19, 2015. In certain driving conditions when using the automatic engine stop/start function, the starter motor fuse may blow, preventing the car from restarting when necessary.
Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.
“Engine suffered severe mechanical damage/failure due to excessive oil consumption caused by defective factory piston rings (Volvo Quality Bulletin P10207). Vehicle exhibited heavy engine knocking and flashing warning lights during operation, creating a risk of sudden stall or complete power loss. Annapolis Volvo confirmed severe internal engine failure via dealer diagnostic invoice. Purchased vehicle only 10 months ago under 100k miles (currently 98k), long after Bulletin P10207's quiet expiration. Volvo never notified subsequent purchasers of this known defect, and front-line Consumer Care repeatedly issued automated denials without reviewing dealer diagnostic uploads or appeals. Annapolis Volvo quoted $14k–$17k for a used engine and ~$26k for a new engine—repair costs that exceed the entire purchase price and value of the vehicle, rendering an acknowledged, severe safety defect financially unresolvable. The video of the dealer diagnostic test that shows the catastrophic engine failure is directly related to this Quality Bulletin: [XXX]”
“I just purchased 2016 VolvoXC60. Looked up ti see 3 recalls it has. I went to Volvo Dealership in Culver City where I was told recalls where taken care of years ago. No recalls exist today? This raises the question if indeed where preformed on my new vehicle and why I submitting my concern to you today. If you can provide me with any information regarding this issue, I would be very appreciated! [XXX]”
“appears to be significant electrical issue or internal computer issue causing a safety issue”
Towing, payload and dimensions aren’t in the EPA or NHTSA data, so we don’t list them.
| Version | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| XC60 FWD Auto (S8), 4 cyl, 2.0 L, Turbo · Front-Wheel Drive | 23 | 30 | 26 | $2,400 | 346 |
| XC60 FWD Auto (S8), 4 cyl, 2.0 L, Turbo, Sup Charg · Front-Wheel Drive | 22 | 29 | 24 | $3,200 | 364 |
| XC60 AWD Auto (S8), 4 cyl, 2.0 L, Turbo, Sup Charg · All-Wheel Drive | 19 | 27 | 22 | $3,500 | 400 |
| XC60 AWD Auto (S6), 5 cyl, 2.5 L, Turbo · All-Wheel Drive | 19 | 26 | 21 | $2,950 | 409 |
| XC60 AWD Auto (S6), 6 cyl, 3.0 L, Turbo · All-Wheel Drive | 17 | 23 | 20 | $3,100 | 445 |
| Item | Miles | Time | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine oil & filter | 5,000–10,000 mi | 6–12 months | Follow the oil-life monitor if fitted |
| Tire rotation | 5,000–7,500 mi | Every oil change | Check pressure monthly |
| Engine air filter | 15,000–30,000 mi | 1–2 years | Sooner in dusty areas |
| Cabin air filter | 15,000–25,000 mi | 1–2 years | |
| Brake fluid | — | 2–3 years | Absorbs moisture over time |
| Coolant | 60,000–100,000 mi | 5–10 years | Long-life coolants last longer |
| Spark plugs | 60,000–100,000 mi | — | Iridium/platinum plugs at the long end |
| 12V battery | — | 3–5 years | Heat shortens battery life |
3 safety recalls as of Nov 10, 2026, according to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at a dealer. Check your VIN to see whether your car is included and whether the repair was done.
Owners filed 39 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are engine (16), seat belts (6), electrical system (3). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.
The EPA rates the 2016 Volvo XC60 at 20–26 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (5 versions rated).
NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program gives the 2016 Volvo XC60 5 out of 5 stars overall.