2016 Volvo XC70 Problems & Complaints

Average36% fewer complaints than a typical year of the XC70 at the same age

Owners have filed 7 complaints about the 2016 Volvo XC70 with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. That is about average for the XC70 at the same age. The most reported problem area is the engine & cooling (2 complaints). 2 recalls cover this model year.

7complaints
2recalls
0crashes
0fires
0injuries
0deaths

Most common 2016 Volvo XC70 problems

  • Engine & cooling
    229%
  • Other / not specified~17,000 miles
    114%
  • Transmission & drivetrain~38,000 miles
    114%
  • Windows, wipers & sunroof
    114%
  • Electrical system
    114%
  • Seat belts
    114%

Share of the 7 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.

Volvo XC70 complaints by model year

’01’02’03’04’05’06’07’08’09’10’11’12’13’14’15’1666352410127182539151515148267
Owner complaints per model year, Volvo XC70. Colour = our verdict for that year (red: avoid, orange: caution, green: better than average, blue: too new).

Best XC70 years: 2014, 2015, 2013. Years to avoid: 2004, 2001, 2002, 2008. Compare all years →

2016 Volvo XC70 recalls (2)

Seat belts › Front

NHTSA recall 20V-378 · Jun 30, 2020 · 308,260 vehicles

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.

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.

Electrical system › Wiring › Fuses and circuit breakers

NHTSA recall 15V-555 · Sep 2, 2015 · 7,855 vehicles

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…

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.

2016 Volvo XC70 engines & fuel economy

EngineTransmissionDriveMPG city / hwy / combined
2.0L 4-cyl turbo8-speed automaticFWD23 / 30 / 26
2.5L 5-cyl turbo6-speed automaticAWD19 / 26 / 21

EPA ratings. Class: Small SUV.

Frequently asked questions

Is the 2016 Volvo XC70 a good car?

Based on 7 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2016 XC70 rates average: 36% fewer complaints than a typical year of the XC70 at the same age. Complaint counts don't account for sales volume or individual maintenance, so have any used car inspected before buying.

What is the most common problem with the 2016 Volvo XC70?

The engine & cooling — 2 complaints, 29% of all complaints for this model year. Next are the transmission & drivetrain (1) and windows, wipers & sunroof (1).

How many recalls does the 2016 Volvo XC70 have?

There are 2 recalls for the 2016 Volvo XC70, the most recent from June 30, 2020 (front). Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer — check whether yours has been done with the VIN recall check.

What are the best and worst years of the Volvo XC70?

The best years by complaints, compared at the same age, are 2014, 2015 and 2013. Years to avoid or approach with caution: 2004, 2001, 2002 and 2008. See the full Volvo XC70 years comparison.

At what mileage do 2016 Volvo XC70 problems happen?

The median mileage reported in complaints is about 38,000 miles; 100% of problems with a recorded mileage started before 50,000 miles.

Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.