2016 Volvo XC90 body & structure problems

Updated from NHTSA data · How we count

21 owners have reported body & structure problems with the 2016 Volvo XC90, 15% of all complaints about this model year. The typical problem appeared around 80,000 mi.

Body & Structure complaints
21
Crashes
0
Fires
0
Injuries
0
Related recalls
0
Median mileage
80,000 mi

Specific components reported

Body & Structure covers: Frame, body panels, doors, latches, locks, hood and trailer hitches.

ComponentComplaints
Structure:body14
Latches/locks/linkages:doors:latch4
Latches/locks/linkages1
Latches/locks/linkages:doors:lock1
Structure1

Body & Structure complaints across Volvo XC90 years

120062120168201762018420195202012021120224202322024
Body & Structure complaints by model year. The 2016 is highlighted.

Mileage when the problem appeared

Under 10k10k–30k130k–60k260k–100k1100k–150k1150k+
Complaints that list mileage, grouped by odometer reading.

Related recalls

No recalls on file.

What owners say

  1. Filed Aug 12, 2025SCBody & Structure
    I am filing a safety complaint regarding a failed rear door latch actuator in my 2016 Volvo XC90. This is a known issue among Volvo owners, yet there appears to be no recall or corrective action. The defect causes the door latch actuator to seize, rendering the affected rear door completely inoperable from both the inside and outside. This means passengers seated in the rear are unable to open the door to exit the vehicle. This is an extremely dangerous and potentially…
    NHTSA complaint #11680108 · source
  2. Filed Apr 11, 2025168,000 miMOBody & StructureElectrical System
    The contact owns a 2016 Volvo XC90. The contact stated that water had been leaking into the vehicle on rainy days. The contact stated that the water intrusion was causing several warning lights to illuminate and unknown vehicle safety equipment failures. The contact stated that the front and rear carpets and the spare tire were saturated with water. The contact had taken the vehicle to a local dealer, where it was determined that water was leaking into the vehicle, but the…
    NHTSA complaint #11654041 · source
  3. Filed Feb 3, 2025SDBody & Structure
    Loaded children into second row of vehicle, confirmed all doors closed. Began driving, passenger rear door swung open. Child DID NOT engage door handle. Pulled over to attempt to close door. Door latch would not engage, could not close or lock door. Still unable to close and lock door.
    NHTSA complaint #11640401 · source
  4. Filed Dec 27, 202480,000 miCABody & StructureVisibility & Wipers
    The contact owns a 2016 Volvo XC90. The contact stated that water was entering the vehicle through the sunroof. There was an abnormal odor of mold inside the vehicle. The carpet was not wet. There was an abnormal swishing sound detected inside the vehicle. After it rained, the contact noticed that the passenger side front floorboard had an accumulation of water a quarter inch deep. The contact noticed the water was leaking on the airbag from the exterior A-pillar. The…
    NHTSA complaint #11632722 · source
  5. Filed Dec 4, 2024ORBody & Structure
    The rear doors get stuck closed. No unlocking or releasing child lock solves this issue. Had the passenger rear door unavailable for over 6 months and then it opened again only for the other side to quit working now. Volvo does not cover this issue despite clear danger to riders in accident or emergency in need to exit vehicle.
    NHTSA complaint #11628794 · source
  6. Filed Jul 18, 2024VABody & StructureDriver Assistance & Safety Tech
    Same issue as complaint #11416043. Leak in sunroof has caused several electrical issues with the car. I had noticed occasional drips from the rear view mirror but had no idea that water was pooling under the spare tire in the trunk where several electrical components are located. When I originally brought it to the dealer (when I noticed the occasional drips) they said I needed to replace a major part of the sunroof which would have cost around $2,000. They did not mention…
    NHTSA complaint #11603169 · source
  7. Filed Apr 29, 2024NYBody & StructureOther / Unknown
    The left rear door of my vehicle flew open while we were moving with my 10-year-old daughter sitting adjacent to the door. Fortunately, she had her seat belt on otherwise the result would have been tragic. On [XXX] my daughter got into the back of my vehicle, suddenly, her door flew open, I immediately stopped the vehicle. My daughter was unable to shut the door and after many attempts I got the door to shut. When we arrived at home both rear doors would not open and my now…
    NHTSA complaint #11585941 · source
  8. Filed Feb 12, 2024ORBody & Structure
    Rear driver's side door has the door lock motor fail and the door is unable to be opened from either the inside or outside. I was not in an accident, but had I been this would have been incredibly dangerous for passengers in the back seat of the car. Per discussions with my repair shop, this component should not fail and they have done numerous repairs on this problem on other cars of the same model.
    NHTSA complaint #11571464 · source
  9. Filed Feb 3, 2024MDBody & StructureOther / Unknown
    My rear door, driver-side, will not unlock. I cannot open it from inside nor outside. I have cycled door and child-lock actuators and no change to the condition. This is definitely a safety concern as whatever happened to the driver-side mechanism can happen to the passenger side also then how would passengers exit quickly?
    NHTSA complaint #11569724 · source
  10. Filed Jan 11, 2024VABody & Structure
    In cold weather, doors will not close back once opened. It just bounces back at you. Thought door was closed a few times and it flew open on highway when exiting. My niece was in the back seat. How is this not recalled with multiple complaints on the Volvo forum?
    NHTSA complaint #11564989 · source
  11. Filed Dec 12, 202380,000 miUTBody & Structure
    The contact owns a 2016 Volvo XC90. The contact stated that the rear door latches and locks were frozen and no longer opened or closed as designed. The contact stated he no longer attempts to open the door out of concern that the door will no longer be able to be closed properly. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The contact had taken the vehicle to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that water had entered the rear door locking…
    NHTSA complaint #11559646 · source
  12. Filed Mar 23, 2023WIBody & StructureElectrical System
    The door locks FREEZE SHUT in the winter. You CANNOT open the affected door(s). This is a widespread, serious safety issue and Volvo has done nothing about it. A passenger could die if unable to exit the vehicle. Note that both of my rear passenger door LOCKS - not just the door seals, the LOCKS - have done this repeatedly during my ownership. The vehicle is kept out of the elements in a garage.
    NHTSA complaint #11513336 · source

Other 2016 Volvo XC90 problem areas

  • Engine (64)
  • Other / Unknown (31)
  • Electrical System (26)
  • Fuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion (9)
  • Airbags (7)
  • Driver Assistance & Safety Tech (7)
  • Transmission & Drivetrain (6)
  • Seats & Seat Belts (5)
  • Visibility & Wipers (5)
  • Steering (5)
  • Brakes (3)
  • Wheels & Tires (1)
  • Acceleration & Cruise Control (1)
  • Suspension (1)
  • Lighting (1)

Back to all 2016 Volvo XC90 problems →

Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Office of Defects Investigation public data. Complaints are submitted by owners and are not verified by NHTSA or by us; a complaint does not prove a defect exists. View this vehicle on NHTSA.gov Methodology