AI Damage2016 Volvo XC90: common problems
The maker issued 361 service bulletins for this year. We found 2 repair videos on YouTube. Details by component below, with sources.
Key figures
- Technical service bulletins (TSB)
- 361
- YouTube repair videos
- 2
Engines and transmissions
US-market versions per EPA. On the right: how many NHTSA complaints name this engine or transmission type.
- 2 L · petrol · turbo · 4 cyl
- 2 L · plug-in hybrid · turbo · 4 cyl
- automatic, 8-speed
Drive: AWD, FWD
Components owners complain about
| Component | Owner complaints | involving a crash | Technical service bulletins (TSB) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Equipment | 0 | 0 | 115 |
| Electrical system | 0 | 0 | 107 |
| Visibility | 0 | 0 | 23 |
| Engine | 0 | 0 | 22 |
| Engine and cooling | 0 | 0 | 16 |
| Exterior lighting | 0 | 0 | 16 |
| Structure | 0 | 0 | 16 |
| Service brakes | 0 | 0 | 15 |
| Suspension | 0 | 0 | 13 |
| Powertrain | 0 | 0 | 10 |
| Seats | 0 | 0 | 9 |
| Tires | 0 | 0 | 9 |
| Backover prevention | 0 | 0 | 7 |
| Steering | 0 | 0 | 7 |
Comparison
What to check before buying
- Electrical system. Scan all modules, test the battery and alternator, inspect connectors near the impact zone.
- Visibility. Wipers, mirrors, defrosters, cracked glass.
- Engine. Cold start, unusual noises, oil leaks and engine codes.
- Engine and cooling. Radiator and fan after a frontal hit, coolant level and condition, overheating.
Manufacturer service bulletins
Bulletin titles as filed with NHTSA.
- This is a Technical Journal
Plus 2 attachments 1- TJI-497587-1 and 1 MP4 Speaker Grill -It may be possible for the rear door lock switch to get stuck in the speaker grille. This can lead to a drained battery. Applies only for cars with Premium or…
- This is a Technical Journal
Text plus 1 .jpg attachment - If remote control key is not detected by the car and shows message in DIM "Car key not found" or if functions such as lock/unlock are not working, please follow advice for detecting key
- This is a Technical Journal
Intermittent knocking noise during acceleration. If the sound corresponds to attached sound file, change front drive shafts to the below part numbers.
- This is a Technical Journal
Headlamp condensation inside lens - information/leak test. If the result is not ok (air leak), it is ok to replace the headlamp
- This is a Technical Journal
Panoramic sunroof, sealing strip has a gap
- 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 required.
- This is a TJ text only - The purpose of this TJ is to be a master reference list to easily identify any…
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…
- This is a Technical Journal
If a vehicle with panorama roof shows symptom of a rattling noise when opening, follow the description under Service. If the analysis shows that the rattling noise comes from the roller blind, similar to the noise in…
- This is a Technical Journal
Text plus 1 jpg and 1 mp4 file -- If there is a strange chafing or creaking noise when turning the steering wheel, follow the advice under Service.
- This is a TJ If detected during Pre-delivery inspection or if customer complaints of…
This is a TJ If detected during Pre-delivery inspection or if customer complaints of chipped/cracked/distorted screen/glass within 6 months in service we request more information, follow advise under "Service".
- This is a TJ - Text plus 2 jpeg files and 1 mp4 file - If customer complains of the hood being hard to…
This is a TJ - Text plus 2 jpeg files and 1 mp4 file - If customer complains of the hood being hard to close or "Open Hood" DIM message, please follow advice under "service". And before replacing any parts, follow the…
- This is a Technical Journal
Vehicle type and platform identification.
NHTSA lists 361 bulletins for this year; the 12 newest are shown here.
Repair videos
We do not copy videos: these are YouTube links credited to their authors. Amounts are as stated by the author and not verified by us.
Other years of this model
Questions and answers
What are the most common problems with the 2016 Volvo XC90?
There are no owner complaints in the NHTSA data for this year; the data comes from 361 manufacturer service bulletins.
How many service bulletins (TSB) were issued for the 2016 Volvo XC90?
NHTSA lists 361 manufacturer service bulletins for this year. A bulletin tells dealers how to diagnose or fix a known issue; it is not a recall.
Should I buy a 2016 Volvo XC90 from a US auction?
Owner complaints describe defects, not crash damage. Before bidding, check the components listed above and review the lot photos: VinWind builds a report of visible and hidden damage by VIN.
Other 2016 models
Read also
Sources: public NHTSA data (USA): service bulletins and owner complaints; YouTube: links to videos credited to their authors. Complaints are owner statements not verified by NHTSA, and describe defects rather than crash damage. Data updated 2026-11-04.