The Scandinavian automaker has decided to give its flagship SUV model, the XC90 a complete makeover for the year 2016 and manages to put out a strong product in terms of features, comfort, and practicality. The 7 recalls and 97 complaints are numbers one can expect from a new generation and its a number we are willing to overlook since the 2016 Volvo XC90 feels like a much more modern and updated product compared to the competitors like the BMW X5, the Lexus GX 460, and the Audi Q7. Volvo has always been associated with making safe and luxurious cars and they’ve stuck to their roots with the 2016 iteration of the XC90. Let’s go through the complaints and recall to analyze if the Volvo is worth buying.
User complaints and problems
Electrical Problems
- Media screen – Multiple users reported the screen going blank while the navigation system was in use and the odometer screen was also claimed to stop working.
- Forward collision avoidance – The sensors get engaged even when there weren’t other cars ahead resulting in slamming brakes hard by itself.
- Battery – The low charge warning was displayed very often and failed to lock the doors at times. This was due to a fault cattery sensor that was later replaced at the dealership.
Mechanical Problems
- Engine –The car lost power randomly and also wouldn’t respond when applying the accelerator after a stop at the traffic light. Certain users also reported engine stalls without any warning and that it would make a loud noise when idling in traffic.
- Harness wires – The engine harness wires snapped as they were chewed on by rodents due to the soy-based coating on them.
Safety Problems
- Sensus system – Due to poor Volvo servers Sensus system reboots itself multiple times and users reported that when this happens, they were unable to use the turn signals.
- Airbags – The warning light was seen flashing randomly which was later found to be caused by a faulty seat harness sensor.
- Seatbelt – The rear left passenger seatbelt was reported to unbuckle itself without even touching the lock.
Exterior Problems
- Fuel door – The fuel door failed to open after multiple efforts at a gas station and the dealers claimed that it was a common issue.
- Roof leaks – Water would seep through the roof entering the rear right quarter panel that holds a few computers. Water damage to such components can stop certain functions needed to operate the car safely.
- Doors – The door locks don’t work at times making it impossible to open the door and the latch was claimed to lock up during cold weather.
- Windshield – The windshield was found to crack at random times and the reason for it is unknown.
Recalls
|
S. No. |
Date |
NHTSA ID |
Issues Noticed |
Additional Remarks |
Remedy |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
1 |
21st April 2021 |
21V273000 |
Front seat movement may trap rear passenger. |
Liquid or condensation on the rear seat control panel may cause the front seat to back up as far as possible, trapping the rear passenger. |
The rear seat control software will be updated. |
|
2 |
17th April 2019 |
19V308000 |
Fire risk from leaking coolant hose. |
Accumulation of the coolant in the catalytic converter heat shield insulation due to leakage may cause fire when the vehicle is stationary. |
Engine side coolant bleeder hose will be replaced. |
|
3 |
2nd November 2016 |
16V798000 |
Seatbelt buckle may separate. |
This results in the front seat passenger not being adequately restrained in the event of a crash. |
The seatbelt buckle will be replaced after inspection. |
|
4 |
26th September 2016 |
16V690000 |
A/C water drain may affect airbag deployment. |
Water drainage into the passenger compartment may affect airbag deployment, increasing the risk of injury. |
Dealers will inspect the drain hose and replace it if necessary. |
|
5 |
4th May 2016 |
16V268000 |
Sunroof may close unintentionally. |
A poorly placed switch causes unintentional clicks that close the sunroof completely leading to a possible occupant injury. |
Dealers will upgrade the software to disable the auto-close function. |
|
6 |
6th August 2015 |
15V497000 |
Inflatable curtain airbags may improperly deploy. |
Underinflated airbags may not protect third-row occupants during a crash. |
The D-pillar interior panels will be modified to allow full inflation of the airbags. |
|
7 |
3rd June 2015 |
15V342000 |
Seat airbag wiring harness was routed incorrectly. |
Damaged wiring can disable the front side impact airbag, increasing the risk of injury. |
Routing will be corrected and protective sleeves will be installed. |
Should you buy the 2016 Volvo XC90?
The simple answer to this question would be “Yes” as the 2016 Volvo XC90 manages to offer a better equipment list and better power compared to the competition. Regarding the issues this car faces, Volvo has managed to solve the majority of them through recalls. Even though the main focus has been on safety and comfort, the XC90 manages to push out enough power to keep the drive fun and engaging even though it’s powered by a tiny 2.0L 4 cylinder engine. If performance is your only priority, we suggest checking the Lexus and the BMW out as they offer better handling and off-road capability but if a well-rounded package with great comfort, reliability, and fuel efficiency is what you’re looking for, pick the Volvo.
