YV440MBM6G12458642016 VOLVO XC70SV35 Platinum
2016 VOLVO XC70 was analyzed across NHTSA recalls, owner complaints, crash test data, and public auction records. There are 2 open recalls on record — verify these have been repaired before purchase. 7 owner complaints have been filed with NHTSA — review the complaint section for the most common failure patterns.
Executive Summary
2016 VOLVO XC70
2016 VOLVO XC70 was analyzed across NHTSA recalls, owner complaints, crash test data, and public auction records. There are 2 open recalls on record — verify these have been repaired before purchase. 7 owner complaints have been filed with NHTSA — review the complaint section for the most common failure patterns.
- 2 open recalls — verify these have been repaired before purchase
7 owner complaints filed — top areas: Engine/Powertrain (43%), Safety Systems (14%), Electrical (14%).
Title Brand Check
Mined from auction damage fields and listing titles — not a DMV title history pull
No auction records available. Title brand status could not be verified — request title history from seller or state DMV.
Vehicle Specifications
Decoded from NHTSA vPIC database
- Make
- VOLVO
- Model
- XC70
- Year
- 2016
- Trim / Series
- SV35 Platinum
- Body Style
- Sport Utility Vehicle [SUV]/Multipurpose Vehicle [MPV]
- Vehicle Type
- MULTIPURPOSE PASSENGER VEHICLE (MPV)
- Drive Type
- FWD/Front-Wheel Drive
- Fuel Type
- Gasoline
- Engine
- 4-cyl 2L 240 hp
- Doors
- 4
- Manufacturer
- VOLVO CAR CORPORATION
- Assembly
- TORSLANDA, SWEDEN
- GVWR
- Class 1D: 5,001 - 6,000 lb (2,268 - 2,722 kg)
Assembly Plant Quality
Plant: TORSLANDA, SWEDEN
No specific quality data available for this plant. No documented recall or complaint concentrations on record.
Safety Intelligence
Composite analysis from NHTSA recall, complaint, and crash data
✓ No high-risk recall components found
The same components appear in both official NHTSA recalls and owner-filed complaints — a double-confirmed failure signal.
Driver Assistance Features
ADAS equipment data from NHTSA vPIC database
Deferred Failure Risk
Vehicle-specific risks from this model-year's complaint record, known defects, and service milestones
Owners of the 2016 VOLVO XC70 report engine/powertrain issues more than most other systems. Complaints concentrated in one area often signal a systemic weakness worth a targeted pre-purchase inspection.
Worn chain tensioners cause timing chain skip or snap — common on GM 5.3L/6.2L, Ford EcoBoost, VW/Audi EA888, BMW N47/N63. Listen for cold-start rattles.
Water pump failure causes rapid overheating. If the engine overheats even once, head gasket damage is likely — turning a $400 part into a $3,000+ repair.
Degraded transmission fluid destroys clutch packs and solenoids. CVT transmissions are especially sensitive — neglected fluid can result in a $4,000–$8,000 replacement.
Degraded coolant loses corrosion inhibitors and attacks aluminum engine components. Can cause head gasket failure and water pump corrosion.
Worn spark plugs cause misfires that can foul and crack catalytic converters. A $150 tune-up can prevent a $1,200 catalytic converter replacement.
Dirty or failing injectors cause rough idle, reduced fuel economy, and increased emissions. Cleaning costs $100–$200; replacement $800–$1,600.
NHTSA Safety Recalls
2 RECALLSNHTSA VIN-specific recall lookup returned no data for this VIN. The 2 recalls below are model-wide and may or may not apply to this exact vehicle depending on production date. Verify at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Average repair completion across 2 recalls is ~64%. Always ask the seller for dealer service records confirming each repair.
Statistical model based on recall age, component type, and manufacturer. Not a repair confirmation. Demand dealer service records.
VOLVO completes recalls at a good rate (90%), averaging about 16 months to remedy. Most affected vehicles are fixed.
Avg time to remedy open recall: ~16 months · Source: NHTSA Recall Completion Rate Reports
SEAT BELTS:FRONT
SummaryVolvo 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. The flexible steel cable that connects the seat belt to the front outboard seating positions may fatigue over time, causing the seat belt to not secure the occupant in the event of a crash.Read full details...
~37% chance this recall was never fixed
Moderate RiskSource: NHTSA statistical model by recall age & component type
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING:FUSES AND CIRCUIT BREAKERS
SummaryVolvo 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 when necessary.Read full details...
~36% chance this recall was never fixed
Moderate RiskSource: NHTSA statistical model by recall age & component type
Recall Intelligence
Detailed analysis of recall history and severity
⚠ One or more recalls have been open for over 5 years — may never have been repaired on this vehicle.
Complaint Intelligence
7 complaints analyzed across 5 system categories
Engine leads owner complaints (29%), most reported when the vehicle was 5–7 yrs old. Also common: Seat Belts (14%), Electrical System (14%).
Based on 7 complaints with a reported incident date. Too few owners cited mileage (0) to report a reliable failure-mileage range.
Owner Complaints
HIGH VOLUME7 safety complaints filed with NHTSA
The seatbelts on the front driver and passenger side have failed to release when trying to unbuckle. This is a hazard. If there was a moment where it's imperative to leave the car (fire, water, etc) Driver and passenger could get locked in their seatbelts without the ability to exit the vehicle. Volvo would have covered it if the factor warranty was still active. My complaint wa ignored while the vehicle was under warranty. Now that it is out of warranty I am forced to replace the failed parts out of my pocket.
VOLVO. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARD TO A DEFECTIVE ENGINE.
We have experienced three major defects with this vehicle. First and most concerning is the intermittent blackout of the driver's instrument panel (aka driver's information module, DIM). Second most conerning is the defect in the trailer lighting control module that leaves stop, running and signal lighting on our trailer unreliable. Both of these defects appear to be design or manufacturing defects that can be corrected by upgrading the relevent parts. The third defect is in the design of the traction control system that has no physical switch readily accessible to the driver for temporary use in emergency situations, but rather is buried in the MyCar software selection, labeled "Sport Mode." This design requres a driver to override the traction control during the entire driving session, leaving the car without traction control when it might be needed during the same inclement road conditions that would warrant momentary deactivation of the system. Ie, in icy conditions one would want traction control on most times, but not when starting on ice or mounting snow berms at driveway exits, etc.
Car stalled at an intersection twice. We took it to a repair shop after the first instance and they told us the battery had died, though they were able to charge it and it restarted fine. They could not find any other issues. We continued to drive it and two days later the car died at another intersection just after my wife had picked up our kids from school. We had it towed to the dealer this time. I relayed the recall information for an earlier or different model of my car that sounded like the same issue: the starter motor fuse. I believe this to be the same issue even though my car did not show up on the recall.
THE BACKUP CAMERA IS MALFUNCTIONING NOW BECAUSE THE VIEW FIELD IS PARTIALLY BLOCKED BY THE VEHICLE BODY. I WAS TOLD THAT THERE'RE SOME OTHER CARS (INCLUDING SOME NEW CARS AT DEALER) HAVE SIMILAR PROBLEMS. I VISITED THE RETAILER AND THEN CONTACTED THE CUSTOM CARE CENTER OF VOLVO. HOWEVER, THE RESPONSE IS DISAPPOINTING (HONESTLY, UNACCEPTABLE) BECAUSE I WAS TOLD THAT VOLVO CANNOT FIX IT.
WHEN COLD SOMETIMES NOT ABLE TO SHIFT FROM PARK TO ANY OTHER GEAR OR NEUTRAL. AFTER DRIVING, ABLE TO SHIFT FROM DRIVE OR REVERSE BACK TO PARK BUT GET MESSAGE SAYING "CAR IS NOT IN PARK - SHIFT TO PARK". WHEN IN NEUTRAL SOMETIMES NOT ABLE MOVE SHIFTER FROM NEUTRAL TO DRIVE OR PARK. WHEN CONTACTED DEALER FOR SERVICE THEY SEEMED TO BE FAMILIAR WITH THE PROBLEM. MY CONCERNS ARE NOT BEING ABLE TO DRIVE CAR ON DEMAND, AS WELL AS NOT KNOWING IF CAR IS TRULY IN PARK OR NOT.
OWNER ON INTERSTATE AT POSTED SPEED (65) HEARD EXPLOSIVE SOUND OF THE SUNROOF EXPLODING. NO OTHER CARS WERE AHEAD OR ALONGSIDE, AND NO EVIDENCE OF A THROWN OR DROPPED OBJECT WAS APPARENT AT THAT TIME OR AFTERWARD. FORTUNATELY THE SUNSHADE SHIELDED HER FROM MOST OF THE BROKEN GLASS. DEALER CALLED IT AN 'ACT OF GOD' AND WOULD NOT HONOR A WARRANTY CLAIM FOR THE DAMAGE ' ESTIMATED AT OVER $1,100. INSURANCE COMPANY IS COVERING ALL COSTS, INCLUDING RENTAL CAR, UNTIL REPAIRS ARE COMPLETED.
Complaint & Reliability Timeline
Annual complaints (blue) vs. composite reliability score (amber) — recall years marked in red
The blue line shows 7 NHTSA complaints on file for the VOLVO XC70 — a relatively low volume that spans from 2018 to 2024.
The amber reliability line averaged 99/100 across the vehicle's life — relatively stable, with the lowest point of 98/100 in 2018.
Legal & Regulatory Actions
Known class action lawsuits, settlements, and manufacturer extended warranty programs
5-Year Total Cost of Ownership
Estimated based on EPA fuel data, risk-adjusted maintenance, and depreciation
Estimated 5-year cost of ownership: $30,114 (~$502/mo). Repair risk buffer is standard due to vehicle risk profile.
Negotiation Ammunition
Use these data-backed findings to negotiate the price down
Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist
Tailored for the 2016 VOLVO XC70 — specific failure modes your mechanic must check, not a generic list
Recall Probability Forecast
Estimated likelihood of a new recall in the next 18 months based on NHTSA signals
5% baseline recall probability — no strong indicators of an imminent recall.
Maintenance Schedule
OEM-specified service intervals for this vehicle
Maintenance intervals vary significantly by make, model, year, engine, and driving conditions. Always follow the manufacturer's official schedule — not generic industry estimates.
Tip: Request the seller's service records and compare against the manufacturer schedule. Missing intervals are a negotiation point.
Insurance Cost Estimate
Estimated annual premiums based on vehicle profile, theft data, and NHTSA safety ratings
Based on 2024 national avg ($2,011/yr full coverage). Individual rates vary by driver, location & insurer. Always compare 3+ quotes.
State-Specific Legal Protections
What consumer laws apply to this vehicle purchase in your state
Select your state to see what consumer protection laws, lemon law coverage, and title disclosure requirements apply to this vehicle purchase.
Complete Data Table
All decoded fields in a single flattened view
Vehicle Identity
| VIN | YV440MBM6G1245864 |
| Model Year | 2016 |
| Make | VOLVO |
| Model | XC70 |
| Trim | SV35 Platinum |
| Series | Wagon body |
| Vehicle Type | MULTIPURPOSE PASSENGER VEHICLE (MPV) |
Body & Configuration
| Body Style | Sport Utility Vehicle [SUV]/Multipurpose Vehicle [MPV] |
| Doors | 4 |
| Drive Type | FWD/Front-Wheel Drive |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline |
Engine
| Engine Cylinders | 4 |
| Displacement (L) | 2 |
| Horsepower | 240 |
Manufacturer
| Manufacturer | VOLVO CAR CORPORATION |
| Assembly City | TORSLANDA |
| Assembly Country | SWEDEN |
VIN Structure
| WMI (Chars 1–3) | YV4 |
| Check Digit (Char 9) | 6 |
| Model Year Code (Char 10) | G |
| Plant Code (Char 11) | 1 |
| Sequence (Chars 12–17) | 245864 |
Safety Data
| NHTSA Recall Count | 2 |
| NHTSA Complaint Count | 7 |
VIN Structure Decode
ISO 3779 character-by-character breakdown of this Vehicle Identification Number
Disclaimer: Data sourced from NHTSA public APIs and scraped auction listings. For informational purposes only. Not a substitute for a paid vehicle history report. Retrieved: 10/1/2026, 12:10:04 AM.