Recall 15V497 affects 3,911 2016 Volvo XC90 SUVs because third-row side curtain airbags can underinflate. Repair is free at any franchised Volvo dealer.
Volvo is recalling 3,911 2016 XC90 SUVs because the third row side curtain air bags can fail to fully inflate. In a crash, underinflated air bags leave third row occupants with less protection and increase injury risk; Volvo dealers will repair the air bag issue free of charge.
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What's wrong?
The side curtain air bag on the 2016 Volvo XC90 is an inflatable curtain built into the side of the cabin. In a collision that calls for deployment, it drops down along the windows to help protect occupants' heads. On seven-seat XC90 vehicles, that protection includes passengers in the third row.
The problem is in the D-pillar area, the rear roof support beside the third-row seat. The interior trim panel there can get in the way of the inflatable curtain as it deploys. When that trim obstructs the bag, the curtain does not fully inflate for third-row passengers, leaving less head protection than Volvo designed for that seating position.
There is no warning sign before failure. The curtain stays hidden behind trim until a crash sensor commands it to deploy, so an owner will not see the obstruction during normal driving.
Who's affected?
| 2016 Volvo XC90 | side air bag |
|---|---|
| Units affected | 3,911 |
| Field incidents | NHTSA has logged no field incidents to date. |
Not every 2016 Volvo XC90 is on the list. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific SUV is included.
What's the safety risk?
Underinflated third row air bags do not give full crash protection to third row occupants, increasing the risk of injury in a crash. If your VIN is included, schedule the recall repair and use extra care when carrying passengers in the third row until the panel modification is complete. Repair is free at any franchised Volvo dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2016 Volvo XC90 is included in this recall.
- Contact your nearest franchised Volvo dealer to schedule the free D-pillar panel modification that allows the third row side curtain air bags to fully inflate.
- Bring the recall notice if Volvo mailed one. If not, reference recall number 15V497 when you call.
- Avoid using the third row until the D-pillar panel repair is complete.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Volvo technician modifies the D-pillar interior panels so the third row side curtain airbags have the clearance they need to inflate fully. The recall repair is free, including parts and labor. Because the remedy is available, schedule service with a Volvo dealer and ask the service desk to confirm that campaign 15V497 applies to your VIN before the work starts.
Timeline
| August 6, 2015 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| August 12, 2015 | Dealer notification began |
| August 12, 2015 | Dealer notification ended |
| September 14, 2015 | VIN-searchable in NHTSA's database — Check your VIN to see whether this recall applies to your specific vehicle. |
| September 14, 2015 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
| September 21, 2015 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 15V497?
Recall 15V497 covers 3,911 2016 Volvo XC90 vehicles with third-row side curtain air bags that do not fully inflate. Underinflated air bags do not fully protect third-row occupants in a crash. Volvo dealers will modify the D-pillar interior panels for free.
What should I do if my 2016 Volvo XC90 is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific XC90 is included in recall 15V497. If it is, contact a franchised Volvo dealer to schedule the D-pillar interior panel modification. Reference recall number 15V497 when you call. The repair is free.
Does the recall repair cost anything?
No. Federal recall law requires manufacturers to repair safety defects at no cost. Volvo's remedy states that dealers will modify the D-pillar interior panels to allow full third-row air bag inflation, free of charge.
What is the safety risk?
The safety risk is reduced protection for third-row occupants during a crash. The side curtain air bags do not fully inflate, so they do not fully protect passengers seated in the third row. Volvo's dealer repair restores the intended air bag clearance.
What if I bought my 2016 Volvo XC90 used?
The free recall repair still applies. Recall coverage follows the vehicle, not the first owner. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific XC90 is included, then call a franchised Volvo dealer or Volvo Customer Care at 1-800-458-1552 with recall number 15V497.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/15V497000 |
|---|---|
| Volvo customer service | 1-800-458-1552 |
| NHTSA recall # | 15V497 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 15V497000 |
Source documents
-
Download Owner Notification Letter (PDF) - Download Owner Notice (PDF)
- Download Recall Report (PDF)
- Download Quarterly Report (PDF)
- Download Recall Acknowledgement (PDF)
This article is generated from NHTSA's primary recall filings and reviewed against the source on May 31, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →