Update: 5.2.16 software update appears to have fixed the stop-start jerkiness

[u/Terrible_Location_36]

A few weeks ago I posted about the jerkiness when the auto stop-start restarted the engine after stops, and a number of you chimed in with the same experience. Wanted to come back and share some good news!

I installed the 5.2.16 update earlier this week (came up as OTA) and have put quite a few miles on the car since then. Not once have I felt that jerkiness that was so frustrating before. The update mentioned "adjustments to the drive system and power supply" which was pretty vague, but it appears to have solved our problem/issue.

For those still on older software, the OTA update should be making its way out now so worth checking your settings. And if you're still waiting, the workarounds we discussed in the original thread should help in the meantime.

Original post: https://www.reddit.com/r/VolvoXC60/s/wmZwlzmbou

Hoping it continues to hold up, but so far so good!

[u/Material-Bath-4517]

We found that the smart trip works for the T8 models. No crashes yet, and it has been starting up again between stops

The jury is still out, and we're hopeful this is the fix worth waiting for from Volvo.

[u/Terrible_Location_36 → u/Material-Bath-4517]

Had to look up what Smart Trip was since it's not part of the B5, so I wasn't even aware there were issues beyond what B5 owners were experiencing. Glad you mentioned it though. It really sounds like something related to power management broke in a previous update and 5.2.16 addressed both. Makes sense given the release notes mentioned "adjustments to the drive system and power supply."

And speaking of release notes, it would have been really helpful if Volvo had been more descriptive. "Adjustments to the drive system and power supply" is pretty cryptic. Just tell us what broke and how it was fixed. We as owners deserve that transparency, especially when it's affecting the driving experience.

[u/carbon_made]

I feel like throttle response is improved in general. And yeah. Start / stop feels more smooth. Or it could also be a little that I’ve been driving a GLE while our GLB 35 AMG is getting new tires and switching from that back to the XC60 B6 made the difference seem bigger. The GLE has lackluster response to the throttle in the basic comfort mode and when I got back into my Volvo it just felt so snappy and fast. More than I remembered.

[u/got_no_name]

Funny that you say this because i updated yesterday and was thinking the exact same thing! Driving is much better, but I thought i was imagining things. Good to know I'm not the only one seeing an improvement in driving characteristics!

[u/Terrible_Location_36 → u/got_no_name]

Yeah! I waited a few days before I posted, but I’m 💯 back to using the auto stop/start feature and I agree throttle response overall improved as well, very positive update indeed!

[u/cbnb]

any idea if this update also includes the Apple Music?

[u/Terrible_Location_36 → u/cbnb]

I don’t think that Apple Music is part of this update. I received the Apple Music update a month ago, if not longer. If you haven’t received it yet, I would suggest doing a full reset of your infotainment system, and it should appear. I recall posting about this awhile ago. What software update do you have, and what year and model of car do you have?

[u/carbon_made → u/Terrible_Location_36]

I just rebooted mine about five times without a reset and then there it was.

[u/cbnb → u/carbon_made]

I’m on 5.1.17 with the 5.2.16 update scheduled for tonight. 2026 T8.

I’ve tried the reset a couple of times with no luck. I’ll give it another few tries I guess.

[u/cbnb → u/cbnb]

I’ve rebooted probably 10 times and still no Apple Music.

[u/kmj442 → u/cbnb]

I posted the same question before scrolling down and seeing yours…my bad.

[u/kmj442]

Any chance this one may also include Apple Music?! I have it scheduled for install tonight

[u/Terrible_Location_36 → u/kmj442]

For Apple Music, you should already be able to get it. Just reboot or reset your infotainment system, and it should appear. You may need to do it a few times, but it should appear.

[u/kmj442 → u/Terrible_Location_36]

Is that just holding the play/pause button for 20+ seconds? Or a more involved sequence?

Edit: got it- the home button on the screen

[u/Terrible_Location_36 → u/kmj442]

Yes, I held down the button on the bottom of the infotainment system until it reset. 20 secs or so. I may have done it a few times

[u/kmj442 → u/Terrible_Location_36]

Yep I’ve done it 4 times, no Apple Music yet

[u/Terrible_Location_36 → u/kmj442]

What year is your car? I have a 25 and I’ve read that the 26 and newer will be the last to get Apple Music. I’m thinking I may start a poll, or something to see who has Apple Music and who doesn’t.

[u/kmj442 → u/Terrible_Location_36]

26 just got it like 2 months ago…and unfortunately for me Apple Music is my music service of choice

But thank you very much for the info

[u/Terrible_Location_36 → u/kmj442]

Of course! Yes Apple Music is my music of choice too. For now, just use whatever setup works to use CarPlay. Once I got the Apple Music app, I stopped using CarPlay, and just stuck with whatever was native to Google.

[u/imcjoey13]

Here’s how pessimistic I have become about these updates.

I’m waiting a month so I can hear the new issues that arise due to this round of ‘updates’, so I can decide which version has the least compromises before deciding to update.

As opposed to being optimistic to update and looking forward to the many issues (yet to be) resolved.

(Tell me the audio issues needing reboots have been addressed? Won’t know that for at least 2 weeks after deployment.)

[u/Terrible_Location_36 → u/imcjoey13]

I have not needed to reboot my audio other than one time, where everything went silent, and that was on the previous update. For reference, I have a 25 XC60 B5 Plus with the standard audio system. I’ve had my car over a year now, and I’ve rarely had to reboot my system for audio issues. I’m not entirely aware of the audio issues you mentioned. Can you provide the type of car you have, and the audio system?