2016 Volvo S60 Safety Report
2016 Volvo S60 Safety Report
Safety Decision Cockpit for the 2016 Volvo S60
This page is the hub for deciding what to inspect next on the 2016 Volvo S60. It connects recall campaigns, owner complaint patterns, service bulletins, sibling model years, component issue hubs, and the model buying guide so a shopper or owner can move from a single report into the wider safety graph.
| Signal | Value | What to inspect next |
|---|---|---|
| Recall burden | High (4) | Review campaign numbers, affected components, and dealer remedies below. |
| Owner complaints | Moderate (26) | Scan complaint narratives for recurring symptoms, mileage, crashes, fires, injuries, and dates. |
| Crash and fire reports | 1 | Treat any crash, fire, injury, or fatality-linked pattern as a priority pre-purchase inspection item. |
| Primary component hub | Engine | Compare engine issues across vehicles. |
| Cleaner nearby model year | 2018 | Compare against the 2018 Volvo S60 with 4 complaints and 1 recalls. |
| Riskier nearby model year | 2015 | Check the 2015 Volvo S60 before buying across this generation. |
Volvo S60 Year-by-Year Comparison
The safest purchase decision usually comes from comparing neighboring model years, not reading a single page in isolation. The table below uses only validated Volvo S60 years already present in the cleaned NHTSA dataset, so each comparison links to a real vehicle safety report rather than a generated combination.
| Model Year | Complaints | Recalls | Use case |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2017 Volvo S60 | 15 | 5 | Compare as a potentially cleaner alternative. |
| 2015 Volvo S60 | 55 | 2 | Inspect as a potentially higher-complaint year. |
| 2018 Volvo S60 | 4 | 1 | Compare as a potentially cleaner alternative. |
2016 Volvo S60 Complaint Theme Map
Complaint counts become more useful when they are grouped into inspection themes. For the 2016 Volvo S60, these are the component areas with the clearest NHTSA complaint signals. Use each link to jump from this single vehicle into broader component hubs and make-specific issue pages.
Engine
5 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Engine issues Volvo onlyVisibility/Wiper
3 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Visibility/Wiper issues Volvo onlyStructure
3 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Structure issues Volvo onlySeat Belts
2 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Seat Belts issues Volvo onlyElectrical System,Seat Belts,Air Bags
1 owner complaint mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Electrical System,Seat Belts,Air Bags issues Volvo onlyElectrical System,Engine
1 owner complaint mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Electrical System,Engine issues Volvo onlyAI Safety Analysis for the 2016 Volvo S60
Reliability Score
The 2016 Volvo S60 receives a reliability score of 5 out of 100 based on analysis of NHTSA complaint data, recall history, crash reports, and safety ratings. This indicates below-average reliability. Significant issues have been reported by owners and should be carefully evaluated before purchase.
NHTSA Safety Ratings for the 2016 Volvo S60
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) evaluates vehicles through controlled crash tests and assigns star ratings from 1 to 5, with 5 being the safest.
Known Issues for the 2016 Volvo S60
The following issues have been identified from NHTSA complaint data and owner reports for the 2016 Volvo S60:
| Issue | Severity | Frequency | Typical Mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Seat Belts Recalls for front seat belt buckle assemblies and latches have been issued. |
Medium | Rare | 30k-60k miles |
| Electrical System Recalls for wiring and fuses have been issued, affecting the engine and electrical system. |
Medium | Rare | 30k-60k miles |
| Windshield A semi-circular stress fracture occurred in the windshield without any impact. |
Low | Common | 86k-100k miles |
| Structural Integrity Driver door latch issues and alternator problems have been reported. |
Medium | Common | 86k-100k miles |
Common Problems Reported by Owners
Based on NHTSA complaint data, the following components account for the majority of reported issues with the 2016 Volvo S60:
Issues with seat belts, including front seat belt buckle assemblies and latches.
Recalls for wiring and fuses have been issued, affecting the engine and electrical system.
A semi-circular stress fracture occurred in the windshield without any impact.
Driver door latch issues and alternator problems have been reported.
Recall Details for the 2016 Volvo S60
The following 4 recalls have been issued for the 2016 Volvo S60 by NHTSA:
Summary: 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.
Consequence: An unsecured occupant has an increased risk of injury in the event of a crash.
Remedy: Volvo will notify owners, and dealers will replace the seat belt anchor cable for both front seats. The recall began December 10, 2020. Owners may contact Volvo customer service at 1-800-458-1552. Volvo's number for this recall is R10029.
Summary: Volvo Car of USA LLC (Volvo) is recalling certain 2011-2017 S60, S60I, V60, S60CC and V60CC vehicles. A component within the door latches may break, making the doors difficult to latch and/or leading the driver or a passenger to believe a door is securely closed when, in fact, it is not.
Consequence: A door that is not securely latched could open while the vehicle is in motion, increasing the risk of injury to a vehicle occupant.
Remedy: Volvo will notify owners, and dealers will replace all four door latches, free of charge. The recall began April 9, 2020. Owners may contact Volvo customer service at 1-800-458-1552. Volvo's number for this recall is R89978.
Summary: 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 A...
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.
Summary: 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.
Consequence: If the vehicle is unexpectedly unable to be started in the middle of traffic, such as when stopped at an intersection, there is an increased risk of a crash.
Remedy: Volvo will notify owners, and dealers will replace the existing starter motor fuse with a higher amperage fuse, free of charge. The recall began on October 26, 2015. 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 R39574.
NHTSA Complaint Summaries for the 2016 Volvo S60
Below are complaint narratives filed by owners of the 2016 Volvo S60 with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. 1 complaint involved crashes.
In November of 2021, I purchased my dream car, a 2016 Volvo s60 Cross Country, proud to own a vehicle from a company known for their safe and reliable vehicles. In April of 2022, a class action case ([XXX], et al., v. Volvo Car USA, LLC, Volvo Cars of North America, LLC, and Volvo Personvagnar AB) was issued against Volvo due to a KNOWN-TO-VOLVO DESIGN FLAW in their engines which could lead to eng...
The contact owns a 2016 Volvo S60. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the SRS warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who repaired the vehicle under NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V378000 (Seat Belts) and 16V798000 (Seat Belts). The dealer also repaired an unstated electrical failure. The contact stated that the cells in the battery were faulty. T...
The alternator seized on the highway snapping the serpentine belt which got sucked into the timing and stopped the car in the left lane at highway speed. The timing guard failed allowing the belt to damage the timing. Volvo says it needs a head job I have possession of the vehicle and all maintenance records. Cars behind me dodged onto the shoulder to avoid hitting me. There was no warning. Fu...
Driver door latch not engaging. Door opened at low speed.
At 86K miles can smell oil burning and add 1 quart light comes on. It's said Volvo is aware of a defect with the piston rings causing oil to consume and burn away. They aren't willing to address the issue outside warranty expiration. They did recently indicate how Volvo changed the requirement for using 5W30 oil to claim now Volvo changed there minds. How now only 0W20 full synthetic oil must be u...
Windscreen wiper motors failed during inclement weather making visibility impossible. The vehicle was only approximately 2 years old at the time of failure. This created a serious safety issue and may have led to a crash and injury. The dealer diagnosed the issue as failed wiper motors and replaced the motors under manufacturer's warranty.
2016 VOLVO S60. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARD TO NHTSA SAFETY RECALL 20V-378. *LD THE CONSUMER STATED THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME COMPLETING THE RECALL REPAIR. *JS
THE SUNROOF SPONTANEOUSLY EXPLODED OUTWARD ON THE HIGHWAY, NO POSSIBILITY OF ROAD DEBRIS HITTING IT AS NO OTHER CARS WERE NEARBY, AND I WAS NOT CLOSE TO AN OVERPASS. I BELIEVE TEMPERATURE FLUCTUATION CAUSES IT, AS I WAS RECENTLY IN BELOW-FREEZING WEATHER (15*F). ON THE DAY OF THE EXPLOSION I DROVE SOUTH STARTING AT 40*F DRIVING TO 86*F.
WE BOUGHT THIS CAR USED FROM A VOLVO DEALERSHIP IN AUGUST OF 2019 WHILE STILL UNDER FACTORY WARRANTY. IT HAS 19-INCH VOLVO ALLOY WHEELS WITH 235/40/R19 TIRES. IN A LITTLE OVER A YEAR, TWO OF THE WHEELS HAVE CRACKED PRESUMABLY AFTER HITTING POTHOLES. WE HAD BOTH WHEELS REPAIRED AT A PROFESSIONAL WHEEL REPAIR FACILITY. THE REPAIR WORKED (SO FAR) ON THE FIRST WHEEL BUT THE PROBLEM HAS RECURRED TW...
THE BRAKE SUDDENLY LOST BRAKING POWER AFTER THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED AT A RED LIGHT ON A LOCAL STREET. EVERY TIME I PRESS THE BRAKE PEDAL AFTER THE INCIDENT, I COULD HEAR A SOUND OF AIR LEAKING SOMEWHERE BEHIND THE PEDAL. OTHER SYSTEMS SEEM FINE AND I MANAGED TO ROLL THE CAR BACK TO OUR PARKING LOT ABOUT HALF A MILE AWAY, AND HAD THE CAR TOLLED TO A LOCAL DEALER THE NEXT DAY. I WAS TOL...
THE MANUFACTURER HAS NOT CORRECTED A KNOWN RECALL. NOR HAVE I RECEIVED AN UPDATE. THIS IS THE SECOND NOTICE IN THE ATTACHED DOCUMENT. THEY STATE THERE IS NOT YET PARTS AVAILABLE TO CORRECT IT. BUT ACCORDING TO THE NHTSA WEB SITE VIN LOOK-UP, THE RECALL IS LISTED AS RECALL INCOMPLETE. WHEN IF THERE IS NO FIX AVAILABLE IT SHOULD BE LISTED AS RECALL INCOMPLETE. REMEDY NOT YET AVAILABLE. WE HAVE ...
THE MANUFACTURER HAS NOT CORRECTED A KNOWN RECALL. NOR HAVE I RECEIVED AN UPDATE. THE RECALL NOTICES STATE THERE IS NOT YET PARTS AVAILABLE TO CORRECT IT. BUT ACCORDING TO THE NHTSA WEB SITE VIN LOOK-UP, THE RECALL IS LISTED AS RECALL INCOMPLETE . WHEN IF THERE IS NO FIX AVAILABLE IT SHOULD BE LISTED AS RECALL INCOMPLETE. REMEDY NOT YET AVAILABLE . WE HAVE RECEIVED RECALL NOTIFICATIONS, THE FIR...
I HAVE 86,585 MILES ON THE CAR AND HAVE FOLLOWED OR EXCEEDED THE MANUFACTURES RECOMMENDATION ON OIL CHANGES. NOW I AM TOLD AFTER MY LAST OIL CHANGE THAT THE ENGINE IS CONSUMING A LOT OF OIL. AT 80,000 MILES MY VOLVO DEALERSHIP CHANGED THE TYPE OF OIL THEY WERE PUTTING IN THE CAR FROM 5W-30 FULL SYN. TO 0W20 FULL SYN. I BELIEVE THERE IS A PROBLEM WITH THE ENGINE AND VOLVO KNOWS IT BY TRYING TO STOP...
2016 VOLVO S60 AUDIO MODULE HAD TO BE REPLACED BECAUSE IT COMPLETELY STOPPED WORKING. THIS CONTROLS THE NAVIGATION SYSTEM, TELEPHONE, RADIO, CAR OPTIONS, AUDIO FOR SAFETY ALERTS, ETC. STOP WORKING AS I WAS DRIVING ON A CITY STREET. ALSO DRAINED BATTERY AND I HAD TO REPLACE THE BATTERY TOO. *TR
SEMI-CIRCULAR STRESS FRACTURE IN WINDSHIELD OCCURRED ON ITS OWN AT SOME POINT AFTER DRIVING IT. NO IMPACT AT ALL. FRACTURE STARTS FROM DRIVER'S SIDE UPPER CORNER DOWN TOWARDS DRIVER'S VIEWING AREA AND THEN CURVES UPWARD.
RECEIVED A RECALL LETTER IN JANUARY 2020 BUT NO FOLLOWUP FROM VOLVO YET. IT IS A SAFETY CONCERN REGARDING FAULTY DOOR LATCHES AND I AM CONCERNED WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 VOLVO S60. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 19V849000 (LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES) HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE RECALL REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE CONTACT CONTACTED AN UNKNOWN DEALER AND WAS INFORMED THE PART WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS ...
WHEN THE CAR'S ECO START/STOP IS ON, THE CAR WILL SHUT OFF FOR NO REASON FORCING ME TO TURN OFF THE CAR TO RESTART IT. SOMETIME IT HAPPENS WHEN THE CAR IS STOPPED BUT A FEW TIMES THE CAR WAS IN MOTION WHEN THE CAR JUST TURNS OFF. THIS HAS HAPPEN AT LEAST 10 TIMES SINCE I OWNED THE CAR. THE LAST TIME WAS 1/27/20. I WAS ALMOST HIT FROM BEHIND BY ANOTHER CAR.
VOLVO DEALERS FAILED TO FIX A WHEEL NOISE ISSUE IN MY CAR AFTER SIX VISITS IN THE PAST THREE MONTHS. AXLE, TIRE, SHOCK, AND WHEEL ARE ALL CHANGED AND IT IS STILL THERE. WITHOUT A REAL TEST ON THE REMAINING THREE TIRES ON THE ROAD, NOW VOLVO DEALER STARTS TO BLAME THE REMAINING THREE TIRES WHICH WERE CLAIMED AS "GOOD" BY THEIR DEALER TECHNICIANS AT THE VERY BEGINNING. VOLVO REFUSED TO SEND CORPORAT...
VOLVO FAILED TO NOTIFY CONSUMER OF A MANUFACTURER'S DEFECT WITH THE VOLVO SPARK PLUGS BEING UNSTABLE IN ITS ORIGINAL HOUSING, WHICH RESULTED IN 'RECALLED SPARK PLUGS'. AS A RESULT THE SPARK PLUG ENDS BROKE OFF AND CAUSED PERMANENT DAMAGED TO THE ENGINE (CYLINDER #4 HAS LITTLE TO NO COMPRESSION, MISFIRE). THE CAR SMOKES AND EXTREMELY DANGEROUS TO DRIVE; IT IS SUBJECT TO CATCH ON FIRE. THE CAR W...
Showing 20 of 26 complaints. Additional complaints are available via the NHTSA database.
Frequently Asked Questions About the 2016 Volvo S60
Has the 2016 VOLVO S60 been recalled?
Yes, the 2016 VOLVO S60 has 4 recalls on record with NHTSA. Each recall addresses a specific safety defect identified by the manufacturer or NHTSA.
How many complaints does the 2016 VOLVO S60 have?
The 2016 VOLVO S60 has 26 complaints filed with NHTSA. Of these, 1 involved crashes. No injuries or deaths have been reported.
What is the safety rating for the 2016 VOLVO S60?
The 2016 VOLVO S60 received an overall NHTSA safety rating of excellent (5/5). Frontal crash: 5/5. Side crash: 5/5. Rollover: 5/5.
What are the most common problems with the 2016 VOLVO S60?
The most commonly reported problems with the 2016 VOLVO S60 involve engine (5 complaints), visibility/wiper (3 complaints), structure (3 complaints). Other affected components include seat belts, electrical system,seat belts,air bags, electrical system,engine.
How many crash reports does the 2016 VOLVO S60 have?
There are 1 crash reports associated with the 2016 VOLVO S60 out of 26 total complaints (3.8% of complaints involved crashes).
How many fire reports does the 2016 VOLVO S60 have?
There are no fire reports for the 2016 VOLVO S60 in the NHTSA database.
Are there any deaths reported for the 2016 VOLVO S60?
No deaths have been reported in NHTSA complaints for the 2016 VOLVO S60.
How many injuries are reported for the 2016 VOLVO S60?
No injuries have been reported in NHTSA complaints for the 2016 VOLVO S60.
Should I buy a 2016 VOLVO S60?
Based on NHTSA data, the 2016 VOLVO S60 is acceptable with caveats. It has 26 complaints, 4 recalls, and a excellent (5/5) safety rating. Always have a pre-purchase inspection done by a qualified mechanic.
What components fail most on the 2016 VOLVO S60?
The components with the most failures on the 2016 VOLVO S60 are: 1. ENGINE (5 complaints), 2. VISIBILITY/WIPER (3 complaints), 3. STRUCTURE (3 complaints), 4. SEAT BELTS (2 complaints), 5. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,SEAT BELTS,AIR BAGS (1 complaints). ENGINE is the single most-reported problem area with 5 complaints.
What should I know before buying a 2016 VOLVO S60?
Be aware of potential recalls and check for any outstanding issues before purchasing a 2016 Volvo S60. The 2016 VOLVO S60 has 26 NHTSA complaints and 4 recalls on record. NHTSA rates it excellent (5/5).
How reliable is the 2016 VOLVO S60?
The 2016 VOLVO S60 receives a reliability score of 5/100, indicating below-average reliability. This is based on 26 owner complaints, 4 recalls, and 1 crash/fire reports in the NHTSA database. Key known issues include Seat Belts and Electrical System.
What are the known issues with the 2016 VOLVO S60?
Known issues with the 2016 VOLVO S60 include: Seat Belts, Electrical System, Windshield, Structural Integrity. These are based on patterns found across 26 NHTSA complaints. 4 of these patterns resulted in formal recalls.
Are there any recalls for the 2016 Volvo S60?
Yes, there are recalls for seat belts, electrical system issues, and windshield stress fractures.
What are the most common issues with the 2016 Volvo S60?
Common issues include seat belt problems, electrical system failures, and windshield stress fractures.
Is the 2016 Volvo S60 safe to drive?
While generally safe, it's important to check for recalls and address any reported issues.
Buyer Advice
Our recommendation: Be aware of potential recalls and check for any outstanding issues before purchasing a 2016 Volvo S60.
NHTSA Data Summary for 2016 Volvo S60
This safety report is based on a comprehensive analysis of data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for the 2016 Volvo S60. The data includes 26 consumer complaints filed by vehicle owners, 4 manufacturer-initiated safety recalls, 1 reported crashes, and safety rating assessments associated with this vehicle.
The NHTSA has assigned the 2016 Volvo S60 an overall safety rating of 5 out of 5 stars, with a frontal crash rating of 5 stars, a side crash rating of 5 stars, and a rollover rating of 5 stars. These ratings are determined through controlled crash testing conducted by the NHTSA.
All data presented in this report is sourced from public NHTSA databases. Our AI analysis identifies patterns across complaint narratives, correlates them with recall history, and produces the safety assessment above. This analysis is updated as new complaints and recalls are filed with the NHTSA.
Consumers are encouraged to report vehicle safety problems to the NHTSA at nhtsa.gov. If your vehicle is subject to a recall, contact your dealer to schedule the free repair.
Disclaimer: This analysis is AI-generated from NHTSA public data and does not constitute professional automotive or safety advice. Always verify recall status at NHTSA.gov and consult a qualified mechanic.
Analysis last updated: 2026-05-17