2016 Volvo XC90 power train problems
10 owner complaints filed with NHTSA name the power train on the 2016 Volvo XC90 — 5% of all complaints for this model year.
What owners report
“The eRAD (Electric Rear Axle Drive) on my 2016 Volvo XC90 T8 PHEV failed completely. The warning light appeared approximately 11/3/2025, within one week of purchasing the vehicle at 88,000 miles. The failure was confirmed by a Volvo dealership. The eRAD is the component that powers the rear…”
filed May 12, 2026
“On September 30, 2025, a 2016 Volvo XC90 T6 experienced sudden engine failure while driving westbound on I-75 (Alligator Alley) at highway speed. The vehicle abruptly went into reduced power mode (“turtle mode”) without warning. This forced the driver to stop on the roadside, creating a serious…”
filed Oct 20, 2025
Verbatim excerpts from complaints filed with NHTSA. Reports are not independently verified.
Related service bulletins
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.
36496.10.0 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued May 7, 2026
Power Train problems in other XC90 years
| Year | Reports | Share |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 XC90 | 5 | 15% |
| 2023 XC90 | 3 | 8% |
| 2022 XC90 | 1 | 3% |
| 2021 XC90 | 3 | 9% |
| 2020 XC90 | 3 | 10% |
| 2019 XC90 | 2 | 5% |
| 2018 XC90 | 3 | 6% |
| 2017 XC90 | 3 | 4% |
| 2008 XC90 | 4 | 14% |
| 2007 XC90 | 5 | 13% |
| 2006 XC90 | 3 | 6% |
| 2005 XC90 | 62 | 28% |
Other reported problem areas on the 2016 Volvo XC90
Counts are unique NHTSA complaints naming this component group. Complaints are unverified owner reports; mileage is computed only from complaints that included a usable odometer reading.