Problems · by component

2016 Volvo XC90 engine problems

86 owner complaints to NHTSA about the 2016 Volvo XC90 cite engine, 44% of all 197 complaints for this model year.

Complaints
86
44% of all complaints
Crashes
1
Reported by owners
Fires
7
Reported by owners
Injuries
0
Reported by owners
01 —Owner reports

What owners say about the engine

Verbatim from NHTSA complaints, newest first
“I discovered an engine coolant leak from a crack near the end of the Plastic Coolant Bypass Pipe (part #31368673/32382362) after noticing coolant puddling on my garage floor. There are numerous comments with pictures on-line about how common this part fails on this model Volvo. What's also interesting is that the "pipe" fails in exactly the same location (on top and near the end). Seems to me if this is a known defect and the part is not performing with reasonable reliability, Volvo should provide an allowance to car owners when the part fails.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Aug 17, 2026EngineODI 11757537
“Piston rings inside the engine failed due to a known oil consumption issue with this model vehicle. The engine failed while the car was driving 85 mph and consequently slowed down to 15mph on the highway, leaving the owner of the car stranded alone on the highway. Volvo has a known fix for this issue and there was a class action lawsuit for it, but since it was settled, there was no recall. This is, in fact, a dangerous issue that is preventable. Additionally, the sunroof drains also leak. Water frequently leaks down the A-pillar directly onto the Central Electronic Module (CEM) causing unsafe electrical issues and potential engine failure. This was a known issue on other models, but it is also present in this model vehicle. When I tried to fix this under a warranty contract, I was denied by the certified repair shops.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Jul 17, 2026Unknown or other, EngineODI 11751100
“My 2016 Volvo XC90 suddenly lost power while I was driving, requiring me to pull over and have the vehicle towed. This is a documented safety issue associated with a known piston ring defect in 2013-2016 Volvo vehicles equipped with 2.0L and 2.5L engines, which was the subject of a federal class action lawsuit ([XXX] et al. v. Volvo Car USA, LLC, Case No. XXX, filed XXX. No there we NO warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure. I purchased this vehicle as a second owner from Carvana [XXX] — one month after the class action was filed. I was never notified of the defect, the litigation, or any service campaign or extended warranty coverage associated with this VIN, through Carvana nor Volvo. Since the power loss, I have spent $11,543.75 in out-of-pocket repairs (replacement engine, labor, towing). Despite a new engine being installed, the vehicle enters limp mode within one mile of driving. A Volvo-authorized dealer has quoted an additional $19,959.65 in repairs without certifying that the work will resolve the safety issue. Volvo Customer Care has declined to assist, stating their internal service campaign has concluded. I am…”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Jun 26, 2026Unknown or other, Engine, Fuel/propulsion systemODI 11746768
“Vehicle start shaking Violently out of control. AAA picked up the vehicle and took it to their European shop and discovered it’s the piston rings . I asked Volvo to do a goodwill repair and they rejected my claim on a well know issue that I was not brought aware while having the vehicle serviced at their facility Findley Volvo dealership. I’ve been taking this vehicle there for two years, with an oil problem. They never did an oil consumption test or correct the piston issue. I am appalled at this action and behavior by the dealership.A well documented issue with this vehicle. They told the program has expired, I’d have to pay for service . I have photos as well of the issue.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Apr 29, 2026EngineODI 11734718
“Since moving here to Nevada in 2023, I’ve had several oil changes. After about 1200 I have to add mother oil to the car. I’ve gone back three times to 5 min oil change to get free refills since they offer free top offs after your initial oil change. I than took a deep dive on the internet and discovered that the Volvo XC90, 2016 had issues with oil consumption, but never informed me of this issue. I’ve been to the dealership several times and not once did the inform me either. I mentioned to Bailey Anderson at Findlay Volvo in Las Vegas that this car consumes a lot of oil. He said no it didn’t without even checking for facts. I read that Volvo knew about this issue and we’re fixing the issue, however when I inquired they wanted me to pay for their mistake. How is that so when they knew there is and was an oil consumption matter and did not inform me of the matter. I’m furious with Volvo for hiding or concealing this issue. How can I get them to correct the matter, at this point?”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Apr 21, 2026Engine, Fuel/propulsion systemODI 11732842
“About a month ago I received an Engine Coolant Low warning from the vehicle so the fluid was topped off. This past Friday, April 17th as I was driving home around midnight, I received an Engine Temperature is High, please pull over notice so I stopped the vehicle and had it towed home. Saturday evening, as the car was sitting in my driveway, the vehicle caught fire. The entire engine bay ignited and basically melted.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Apr 20, 2026EngineFire reportedODI 11732429

Showing 6 of 86 reports. Read every report on NHTSA.gov.

Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Oct 29, 2026NHTSA vehicle page

Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.

Other 2016 XC90 problem areas