2016 Volvo S60 problems & reliability
25 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2016 Volvo S60, alongside 4 safety recall campaigns. Last verified Aug 8, 2026. Complaints are unverified reports submitted by owners to the federal Office of Defects Investigation.
Each complaint is counted once (by NHTSA case number), even when it names several vehicles.
Federal crash records (FARS 2020–2023): 2016 Volvo S60 vehicles were involved in 8 fatal crashes with 3 occupant deaths. Involvement counts are not adjusted for how many are on the road and do not imply fault or a vehicle defect.
Most reported problems
| Component | Complaints | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Engine | 8 | 32% |
| Electrical System | 5 | 20% |
| Unknown OR Other | 4 | 16% |
| Seat Belts | 3 | 12% |
| Structure | 3 | 12% |
| Visibility/wiper | 3 | 12% |
| Wheels | 2 | 8% |
| Air Bags | 1 | 4% |
| Electronic Stability Control (esc) | 1 | 4% |
| Fuel/propulsion System | 1 | 4% |
Component groups as classified by NHTSA. A complaint can name more than one component, so shares may sum to more than 100%.
All 13 reported components →Complaints by incident year
What owners report
“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…”
Engine · filed Oct 3, 2024
“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 System · filed Jun 1, 2023
“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…”
Engine · filed Apr 29, 2023
Verbatim excerpts from complaints filed with NHTSA. Reports are not independently verified.
Technical service bulletins
350 manufacturer communications (TSBs, service campaigns, warranty extensions) are on file with NHTSA for the 2016 Volvo S60. The 10 most recent:
This is a Technical Journal: Text plus 2 PDFs and 1 .PNG Oil Consumption test. Perform the test. Follow service procedure Description and Service sections updated to clarify that vehicle reports are not…
35526.1.8 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Apr 23, 2026
This is a TJ text only - The purpose of this TJ is to be a master reference list to easily identify any components that are on prior approval. This TJ will be regularily updated as items are added or removed from prior…
37809.1.1 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Apr 7, 2026
This is a TJ text, only no attachments - If the Real Time Traffic Information (RTTI) does not work in Sensus Connect vehicle, follow advice under "Service". This Technical Journal is only valid for vehicles with…
37536 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Dec 11, 2025
This is a Technical Journal. Vehicle type and platform identification.
19245 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Dec 6, 2025
This is a Technical Journal: Remote connection, BOMGAR application. Before joining a remote session: •Connect a suitable battery maintainer/charger and verify that the battery voltage indicated in VIDA is between…
8501 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Apr 10, 2025
Volvo Cars USA LLC and Volvo Car Canada LTD on behalf of the Volvo Car Corporation has decided to launch Service Action S10303 on certain model year 2025 EX90 vehicles. Volvo Car Investigations have identified that…
S10303 · Service Campaign · issued Feb 21, 2025
Volvo Cars USA LLC and Volvo Car Canada LTD on behalf of the Volvo Car Corporation has decided to launch Service Action S10303 on certain model year 2025 EX90 vehicles. Volvo Car Investigations have identified that…
S10303 · Service Campaign · issued Feb 13, 2025
This is a Technical Journal: Vehicle/Connectivity report checklist. To provide timely and high-quality feedback to the appropriate department or factory
37175 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Jan 16, 2025
This is a Technical Journal: Remote connection, BOMGAR application. Before joining a remote session: •Connect a suitable battery maintainer/charger and verify that the battery voltage indicated in VIDA is between…
8501 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Jan 16, 2025
Information about valid Software partnumbers to order and download Software for "PDS" Pre-Delivery Service
TJ27536.21.1-2024-08-07 · Other · issued Aug 14, 2024
TSBs are repair guidance manufacturers send to dealers — they are not recalls and repairs are not automatically free. Full documents are available on NHTSA’s site.
Safety recalls
The 2016 Volvo S60 has 4 NHTSA recall campaigns — recall repairs are free at franchised dealers regardless of the vehicle’s age.
Check whether your specific vehicle is affected
Recall campaigns often cover only certain VIN ranges. Enter your VIN on the official NHTSA site to confirm whether your vehicle is included and whether the repair is still open.
Check VIN on NHTSA →Buying a used 2016 Volvo S60?
- · Decode the seller’s VIN with our free VIN decoder to confirm the exact year, engine and trim.
- · Check for unrepaired recalls by VIN on NHTSA’s official lookup — recall repairs are free.