2016 Volvo XC60 Problems: 4 Known Issues
2016 model year · NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports · Updated October 2026
According to Au7o's research across NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports, the 2016 Volvo XC60 has 4 documented known issues, with 1 rated critical. The most serious is Front seat belt anchor cable can fatigue and break — recall 20V378. DIY maintenance guides at au7o.io.
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All 4 Known Issues
NHTSA Recalls9 recalls
SEAT BELTS:FRONT
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.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Volvo is recalling certain model year 2014 S60, S80, XC60 and XC70 vehicles equipped with keyless ignition. In the affected vehicles, the Central Electronic Module (CEM) will not perform as intended. As a result, the front windshield wipers might run continuously when the ignition is on. Also, the turn signals, high beams, and headlight switch might not work.
AIR BAGS
Volvo Car USA LLC (Volvo) is recalling certain 2017 S60, S60CC, V60, V60 Cross Country, and XC60 vehicles. The affected vehicles have driver and front passenger seat side mounted side air bags (SAB) with inflator initiators that may fail to ignite during a crash. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection" and number 214, "Side Impact Protection."
SEAT BELTS:FRONT:BUCKLE ASSEMBLY
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."
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING:FUSES AND CIRCUIT BREAKERS
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.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most common Volvo XC60 problems?
According to Au7o's research across NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports, the 2016 Volvo XC60 has 4 documented issues. The most frequently reported are: Front seat belt anchor cable can fatigue and break — recall 20V378, Rainwater leaks into the cabin from the roof (owner reports), Rough Neutral-to-Drive engagement or 5-4 downshift on the 6-speed automatic — bulletin TJ 32169. Of these, 1 is rated critical and should be addressed promptly.
Is the Volvo XC60 reliable?
The 2016 Volvo XC60 has 4 known issues compiled from NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports. 1 issue is rated critical: Front seat belt anchor cable can fatigue and break — recall 20V378. Prospective buyers should inspect for these issues and factor potential repair costs into their purchase decision. Regular maintenance following the manufacturer's schedule helps prevent many common problems.
What is the 2010-2016 Volvo XC60 Front seat belt anchor cable can fatigue and break — recall 20V378?
The steel cable on the outboard side of each front seat that connects to the front seat belt can wear and fatigue if it is repeatedly bent over the seat cushion when people get in. A fatigued cable may not be strong enough to hold the belt in a crash, giving reduced or no seat be… Severity: high.
What is the 2010-2017 Volvo XC60 Rainwater leaks into the cabin from the roof (owner reports)?
Owners report rainwater getting in from the roof area, with soaked front and rear footwells after heavy rain. Causes owners discuss include clogged or detached sunroof drain tubes and leaks at the seam between the roof and the body under the roof rails. Applies to: First-generati… Severity: medium.
What is the 2011-2016 Volvo XC60 Rough Neutral-to-Drive engagement or 5-4 downshift on the 6-speed automatic — bulletin TJ 32169?
Because of an internal tolerance deviation in the TF-80SC automatic transmission, the car may engage harshly when shifted from Neutral to Drive, give a shift shock when the brake is released after standing still, or shift roughly from 5th to 4th when coasting down. Volvo notes th… Severity: medium.
What is the 2010-2017 Volvo XC60 A/C compressor clutch bearing noise or clutch not engaging (owner reports)?
Owners report the A/C compressor clutch bearing wobbling and making noise, and A/C that stops cooling while the compressor clutch cycles slowly. In the owner discussions, the clutch coil, a sensor or a loose noise-reduction ring between the clutch plate and pulley are named as po… Severity: low.
Content on this page was compiled with AI assistance using NHTSA complaints, TSBs, owner reports, and public automotive data. While we strive for accuracy, this information may contain errors. Always verify repair procedures and specifications with your vehicle's service manual or a qualified mechanic.