2016 Volvo Xc60 Safety Report

2016 Volvo XC60: Excellent Crash Safety, but Significant Engine Oil Consumption and Recall Remedy Availability Concerns

37Complaints
3Recalls
★★★★★Safety Rating
65/100Reliability Score
2Crash Reports
1Fire Reports
Most reported components: Engine (14)Seat Belts (5)Unknown Or Other (3)Electrical System,Unknown Or Other (2)Service Brakes (2)Seat Belts,Unknown Or Other (1)Fuel System, Gasoline,Equipment (1)Air Bags (1)Engine And Engine Cooling (1)Electrical System (1)

AI Safety Analysis for the 2016 Volvo Xc60

The 2016 Volvo XC60 presents a mixed safety picture. While it boasts excellent crash test performance with 5-star overall, frontal, and side ratings, and a 4-star rollover rating from NHTSA, its complaint data reveals significant engine-related issues. Out of 37 total complaints, 14 (37.8%) are related to the ENGINE, with a recurring pattern of excessive oil consumption, engine stalling, and even catastrophic engine failure, including one reported fire. This suggests a potential long-term reliability concern despite strong initial crashworthiness. Recall history includes three campaigns. Two recalls address front seat belt issues (NHTSA Campaign Numbers 20V378000 and 16V643000), which, if not remedied, could increase injury risk in a crash. The third recall (NHTSA Campaign Number 15V526000) pertains to an electrical system wiring issue that could lead to unexpected vehicle stalling, increasing the risk of a crash. Several complaints indicate difficulties in getting these seat belt recall remedies performed due to part unavailability. Despite the high crash test scores, the prevalence of engine and electrical system complaints, including reports of engine failure and a vehicle fire, raises concerns about the vehicle's operational safety and reliability. The 2 crashes reported, along with 1 fire, underscore these potential risks. The consistent pattern of oil consumption complaints, some referencing a class-action lawsuit and extended warranty, points to a systemic issue that buyers should be aware of.

Reliability Score

The 2016 Volvo Xc60 receives a reliability score of 65 out of 100 based on analysis of NHTSA complaint data, recall history, crash reports, and safety ratings. This indicates average reliability — some notable concerns exist that prospective buyers should be aware of.

Known Issues for the 2016 Volvo Xc60

The following issues have been identified from NHTSA complaint data and owner reports for the 2016 Volvo Xc60:

IssueSeverityFrequencyTypical Mileage
Excessive Oil Consumption
Numerous complaints detail the engine burning a quart of oil every 500-1000 miles, often attributed to faulty piston rings, leading to low oil warnings and potential engine damage or failure. This issue is linked to a quality bulletin and extended warranty.
High Common variable, often post-30000 miles
Engine Stalling/Failure
Several reports of the engine unexpectedly shutting off while driving, leading to loss of motive power and heavy steering, with some instances resulting in catastrophic engine failure. One complaint describes a vehicle fire after stalling.
High Occasional variable miles
Seat Belt Recall Remedy Delays
Owners report difficulties getting the front seat belt recall (20V378000, 16V643000) remedies performed due to parts unavailability, leaving occupants at increased risk of injury in a crash.
Medium Common N/A miles
Electrical System Malfunctions
Complaints include 'SRS Airbag Service Urgent' messages, adaptive bending lights going off, and general electrical/computer issues, some potentially linked to sunroof drain clogs causing damage to electronic systems.
Medium Occasional variable 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 Xc60:

Engine 37% of complaints

Predominantly excessive oil consumption, engine stalling, and catastrophic engine failure.

Seat Belts 16% of complaints

Issues related to two recalls for front seat belts, including difficulties in obtaining recall repairs.

Electrical System 8% of complaints

Malfunctions including airbag warnings, lighting issues, and general electrical failures, some potentially linked to sunroof leaks.

Unknown Or Other 8% of complaints

General complaints not specifically categorized, some referencing significant electrical or internal computer issues.

Service Brakes 5% of complaints

Reports of the vehicle wanting to move while stopped with high RPMs, requiring firm brake pedal pressure.

Frequently Asked Questions About the 2016 Volvo Xc60

Is the 2016 Volvo XC60 safe?

Based on NHTSA data, the 2016 Volvo XC60 received excellent crash test ratings (5-star overall, frontal, side; 4-star rollover), indicating strong occupant protection in collisions. However, it has 37 complaints, including 2 crashes and 1 fire, with a significant pattern of engine-related issues (14 complaints) like excessive oil consumption and stalling, which can pose operational safety risks. There are also 3 recalls, two for seat belts and one for an electrical system issue that could cause unexpected stalling.

What are common problems with the 2016 Volvo XC60?

The most reported issues for the 2016 Volvo XC60 are related to the ENGINE, accounting for 14 out of 37 complaints (37.8%). This primarily involves excessive oil consumption, engine stalling, and in some cases, catastrophic engine failure. Other common problems include issues with SEAT BELTS (5 complaints), often related to recall remedies, and ELECTRICAL SYSTEM malfunctions (3 complaints) such as airbag warnings and unexpected power loss.

Are there any recalls for the 2016 Volvo XC60?

Yes, the 2016 Volvo XC60 has three NHTSA recalls. Two are for SEAT BELTS (NHTSA Campaign Numbers 20V378000 and 16V643000), addressing potential issues with front seat belt components. The third recall (NHTSA Campaign Number 15V526000) is for an ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING:FUSES AND CIRCUIT BREAKERS issue that could cause the vehicle to unexpectedly stall.

How does the 2016 Volvo XC60 perform in crash tests?

The 2016 Volvo XC60 performs exceptionally well in NHTSA crash tests, achieving a 5-star Overall Safety Rating. It received 5 stars for both Frontal Crash and Side Crash tests, and a 4-star rating for Rollover resistance, indicating a high level of occupant protection in various collision scenarios.

Is the oil consumption issue a serious problem for the 2016 Volvo XC60?

Yes, the oil consumption issue appears to be a serious and common problem for the 2016 Volvo XC60, with multiple complaints describing the engine burning a quart of oil every 500-1000 miles. This can lead to low oil warnings, potential engine damage, and even catastrophic engine failure, as reported by several owners. Volvo has reportedly issued a quality bulletin and extended warranty for this specific issue.

Buyer Advice

Our recommendation: While the 2016 Volvo XC60 offers excellent crash safety, potential buyers should be aware of the prevalent engine oil consumption issues and ensure all recalls, especially for seat belts, have been properly remedied before purchase.

NHTSA Data Summary for 2016 Volvo Xc60

This safety report is based on a comprehensive analysis of data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for the 2016 Volvo Xc60. The data includes 37 consumer complaints filed by vehicle owners, 3 manufacturer-initiated safety recalls, 2 reported crashes, 1 fire incidents, and safety rating assessments associated with this vehicle.

The NHTSA has assigned the 2016 Volvo Xc60 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 4 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.