2016 Volvo S60: True Cost, Problems & Verdict
26 NHTSA owner complaints · 4 recalls · data-computed verdict. No opinions — public data only.
Reviewed by the MotorJury data desk · 2 sources · Last updated 2026-08-20
26 NHTSA owner complaints · 4 recalls · data-computed verdict. No opinions — public data only.
Complaints per year on the road: 2.6
Verbatim reports filed with the United States safety regulator (NHTSA) by owners of this exact model year. Public record.
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 behind me dodged onto the shoulder to avoid hitting me. There was no warning. Furthermore this is a …
At 86K miles can smell oil burning and add 1 quart light comes on. It's said Volvo is aware of a defect with the piston rings causing oil to consume and burn away. They aren't willing to address the issue outside warranty expiration. They did recently indicate how Volvo changed the requirement for using 5W30 oil to claim now Volvo changed there minds. How now only 0W20 full synthetic oil must be used. The label under…
Windscreen wiper motors failed during inclement weather making visibility impossible. The vehicle was only approximately 2 years old at the time of failure. This created a serious safety issue and may have led to a crash and injury. The dealer diagnosed the issue as failed wiper motors and replaced the motors under manufacturer's warranty.
What the community is saying right now.
| Campaign | Component | Summary |
|---|---|---|
| 15V555000 | Electrical System:Wiring:Fuses And Circu | Volvo Cars of North America, LLC. (Volvo) is recalling certain model year 2016 Volvo S60, V60, V60CC, XC60, XC70, and S80 vehicles manufactu… |
| 16V798000 | 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… |
| 19V849000 | Latches/Locks/Linkages:Doors:Latch | Volvo Car of USA LLC (Volvo) is recalling certain 2011-2017 S60, S60I, V60, S60CC and V60CC vehicles. A component within the door latches m… |
| 20V378000 | 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 Count… |
Re-priced automatically from your country's retail fuel, electricity and parts indices — change country in the bar at the top. Estimates; see methodology.
The most-reported issue in NHTSA complaint data is Engine (8 complaints in our indexed sample).
Our data verdict is BUY with a reliability score of 76/100, computed from 26 NHTSA complaints and 4 recall campaigns. See the verdict card for the top reasons.
Yes — NHTSA lists 4 recall campaign(s) for the 2016 Volvo S60, 3 of them touching fire, crash or stall risk, the most recent recorded 02/09/2015. Check this car's VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls before you buy.
Fuel, maintenance band and depreciation — computed from public data in 10 seconds.
Open the true-cost calculatorComplaints & recalls: NHTSA ·
Fuel economy: EPA fueleconomy.gov ·
Scoring: our published methodology.
Maintenance bands are industry-average estimates (AAA Your Driving Costs, CarMD index) — labeled estimates, not measurements.
Last updated: 2026-08-20.