Is the Acura TLX more reliable than the Volvo S60?

Based on our data, the Acura TLX is more reliable with an average score of 75/100 compared to 72/100. The difference is modest, so both are reasonable choices.

Which has more recalls, the Acura TLX or the Volvo S60?

The Volvo S60 has more recalls (23) compared to the Acura TLX (22). More recalls don't always mean worse reliability — some are minor — but it's worth reviewing what each recall covers.

Which has fewer owner complaints, the Acura TLX or the Volvo S60?

Adjusted for sales volume, the Volvo S60 has a lower complaint rate at 1.9 per 10,000 vehicles sold versus 12.6 for the Acura TLX. Normalizing by sales gives a fairer comparison than raw totals.

Which is cheaper to maintain, the Acura TLX or the Volvo S60?

Based on independent repair cost estimates, the Acura TLX is cheaper to maintain at $440/year versus $750/year for the Volvo S60.

Is the Acura TLX or Volvo S60 safer?

Both the Acura TLX and Volvo S60 received the same NHTSA overall safety rating of 5/5 stars. Check the frontal, side, and rollover sub-ratings above for a more detailed comparison.

Last updated: 2026-07-17

Acura TLX vs Volvo S60: Reliability Compared

More Reliable

Acura TLX

Good

Volvo S60

Good

Choosing between the Acura TLX and the Volvo S60? This page compares their reliability scores, NHTSA recall history, owner-reported complaints, and estimated annual repair costs so you can make a confident long-term ownership decision between these two midsize sedans.

Our reliability scores are based on NHTSA recall and complaint data, independent repair cost estimates, and sales-normalized complaint rates. The Acura TLX currently leads with an average score of 75/100 compared to 72/100. Scroll down for the full year-by-year breakdown, common problem areas, and repair cost comparison.

How Do the Acura TLX and Volvo S60 Generations Compare?

As of April 2026, the Acura TLX is in its second generation, which began in 2021 and received a facelift in 2024. Being relatively late in its generation cycle, the TLX benefits from a mature platform that tends to be well-sorted, with many initial issues likely resolved by now. In contrast, the Volvo S60 is in its third generation, which started in 2019. This generation is nearing its end, suggesting that it, too, has benefited from refinements over time. Buyers considering reliability might find both models appealing due to their matured platforms, with fewer first-year issues typically present in newly launched vehicles.

Verdict

The Acura TLX is more reliable than the Volvo S60, scoring 75/100 vs 72/100.

The Acura TLX slightly edges out the Volvo S60 in reliability, with an average score of 75/100 compared to the S60's 72/100. While both models have a similar number of recalls, the TLX has a higher owner complaint rate at 12.6 per 10,000 sold versus the S60's significantly lower 1.9. However, the TLX offers a more economical ownership experience with an estimated annual repair cost of $440, notably less than the S60's $750. For buyers prioritizing lower maintenance costs and overall reliability, the Acura TLX presents a more compelling choice, although the Volvo S60 excels in maintaining lower complaint rates.

Key Differences

1Acura TLX costs $310 less per year to repair
2Volvo S60 has 10.7 fewer complaints per 10k sold
3Acura TLX scores 3 points higher in reliability

Category Scoreboard

5Acura TLX

—

1Volvo S60

Reliability ScoreTotal RecallsComplaint RateAnnual Repair CostRepair FrequencyMajor Repair RiskSafety Rating

Acura TLX vs Volvo S60: Which Is More Reliable?

Acura TLX vs Volvo S60 at-a-glance reliability comparison
Metric	Acura TLX	Volvo S60
Reliability Score	75/100	72/100
Years Tracked	8	6
Total Recalls	22	23
Complaints per 10k Sold	12.6	1.9
Annual Repair Cost	$440/yr	$750/yr
Repair Frequency	0.2/yr	0.5/yr
Major Repair Risk	6%	8%
Safety RatingNHTSA overall	2025 NHTSA	2025 NHTSA
Frontal
Side
Rollover
Year Wins	4	2

What Are the Common Problems With the Acura TLX and Volvo S60?

The Acura TLX exhibits a significantly higher total number of complaints compared to the Volvo S60, with notable issues in the power train and engine, which are tied to a few crash incidents. The TLX's power train and engine categories alone account for nearly 36% of its complaints, whereas the S60's most reported issue is the electrical system, with no crash-linked complaints in that area. Additionally, the Acura TLX has crash-linked complaints in several categories, including forward collision avoidance and service brakes, indicating potential safety concerns. In contrast, the Volvo S60 has fewer overall complaints, with only two crash-linked incidents associated with its service brakes.

Acura TLX vs Volvo S60 common problem areas comparison
Component	Acura TLX	Volvo S60
POWER TRAIN	2.7Low	0.1Very Low
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM	1.6Low	0.4Very Low
ENGINE	1.7Low	—None
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING	1Very Low	—None
UNKNOWN OR OTHER	0.7Very Low	0.1Very Low
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE	0.6Very Low	0.1Very Low
SERVICE BRAKES	0.6Very Low	0.1Very Low
STEERING	0.5Very Low	0.2Very Low
FUEL SYSTEM	0.6Very Low	—None
SUSPENSION	0.4Very Low	—None
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM	0.3Very Low	0.1Very Low
AIR BAGS	0.3Very Low	—None
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL	0.1Very Low	—None
STRUCTURE	0.1Very Low	—None
SEAT BELTS	0.1Very Low	—None
TIRES	—None	0.1Very Low
BACK OVER PREVENTION	—None	0.1Very Low
SEATS	—None	0.1Very Low
EXTERIOR LIGHTING	—None	0.1Very Low

Complaints per 10,000 units sold, aggregated across all tracked model years from NHTSA owner reports.

Which Is Cheaper to Maintain: Acura TLX or Volvo S60?

Based on independent repair cost data, the Acura TLX is a more economical choice for cost-conscious drivers. With an annual repair cost of $440, it offers a $310 savings per year compared to the Volvo S60. Over five years, this difference amounts to a significant $1,550. The TLX also boasts a lower repair frequency of 0.2 visits per year and a 6% risk of major repairs, compared to the S60's 0.5 visits and 8% risk. These factors make the TLX a more reliable and cost-effective option for those looking to minimize maintenance expenses.

How Does Acura TLX vs Volvo S60 Reliability Compare by Year?

Acura TLX vs Volvo S60 year-by-year reliability scores
Year	Acura TLX	Volvo S60	Edge
2025	80/1001R / 3C	76/1003R / 0C	Acura TLX
2024	80/1001R / 4C	72/1003R / 16C	Acura TLX
2023	79/1002R / 13C	70/1006R / 3C	Acura TLX
2022	75/1003R / 26C	70/1004R / 14C	Acura TLX
2020	71/1004R / 59C	72/1003R / 9C	Volvo S60
2019	69/1005R / 87C	72/1004R / 23C	Volvo S60

Best years to cross-shop: The 2025 Acura TLX scored 80/100 and the 2025 Volvo S60 scored 76/100 — these represent the strongest model years in our tracking range.

Who Should Buy the Acura TLX vs the Volvo S60?

If you prioritize low running costs and a slightly higher reliability score, the Acura TLX might be the better choice for you. With an estimated annual repair cost of $440 and a repair frequency of just 0.2 times per year, it promises more affordable maintenance. The TLX also has a reliability score of 75/100 and a lower major repair risk of 6%, making it a dependable option for those who want to minimize unexpected expenses. However, be mindful of its higher owner complaint rate of 12.6 per 10,000 sold, especially concerning the power train and electrical system. On the other hand, if you value fewer owner complaints and are willing to pay a bit more for maintenance, consider the Volvo S60. Although it has a slightly lower reliability score of 72/100 and a higher annual repair cost of $750, the S60 has significantly fewer owner complaints at 1.9 per 10,000 sold. This model could offer peace of mind if you prioritize customer satisfaction and are less concerned about the frequency of minor repairs.

Acura TLX vs Volvo S60: Common Questions

Is the Acura TLX more reliable than the Volvo S60?: Based on our data, the Acura TLX is more reliable with an average score of 75/100 compared to 72/100. The difference is modest, so both are reasonable choices.
Which has more recalls, the Acura TLX or the Volvo S60?: The Volvo S60 has more recalls (23) compared to the Acura TLX (22). More recalls don't always mean worse reliability — some are minor — but it's worth reviewing what each recall covers.
Which has fewer owner complaints, the Acura TLX or the Volvo S60?: Adjusted for sales volume, the Volvo S60 has a lower complaint rate at 1.9 per 10,000 vehicles sold versus 12.6 for the Acura TLX. Normalizing by sales gives a fairer comparison than raw totals.
Which is cheaper to maintain, the Acura TLX or the Volvo S60?: Based on independent repair cost estimates, the Acura TLX is cheaper to maintain at $440/year versus $750/year for the Volvo S60.
Is the Acura TLX or Volvo S60 safer?: Both the Acura TLX and Volvo S60 received the same NHTSA overall safety rating of 5/5 stars. Check the frontal, side, and rollover sub-ratings above for a more detailed comparison.

More Acura TLX comparisons

Acura TLX vs BMW 3-Series reliability Acura TLX vs Mercedes-Benz C-Class reliability Acura TLX vs Audi A4 reliability Acura TLX vs Lexus IS reliability Acura TLX reliability by year Acura TLX years to avoid

More Volvo S60 comparisons

Volvo S60 vs Audi A4 reliability Volvo S60 vs Mercedes-Benz C-Class reliability Volvo S60 vs BMW 3-Series reliability Volvo S60 vs Lexus IS reliability Volvo S60 reliability by year Volvo S60 years to avoid

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How We Calculate Reliability Scores

Auto Reliability Index scores are calculated on a 0–100 scale using a weighted formula that combines multiple public data sources. Each factor is weighted based on its predictive value for real-world ownership experience.

Key Ranking Factors

Complaint Severity

NHTSA owner complaints weighted by component category (e.g., powertrain, safety systems, electronics, cosmetic) — safety-critical issues carry more weight than cosmetic ones. Adjusted for sales volume so high-volume models aren't unfairly penalized.

Repair Costs

Independent reliability ratings based on repair frequency, average repair costs, and severity of typical repairs for each model.

Recall Impact

Number of NHTSA recalls weighted by severity. “Stop driving” and fire-risk recalls are penalized more heavily than minor software or labeling recalls.

Issue Diversity

Measures how many major vehicle systems (engine, transmission, electrical, braking, etc.) have recorded complaints. A vehicle with issues spread across many systems may indicate systemic quality issues.

Scores are grouped into four tiers:

80–100: Excellent— Top-tier reliability, minimal issues
60–79: Good— Reliable with some minor concerns
40–59: Mixed— Notable issues, research before buying
0–39: Risky— Significant problems, proceed with caution

Data is sourced from NHTSA recall records, owner complaint filings, and independent repair databases. Scores are recalculated as new data becomes available. While the weighting model is proprietary, all underlying data sources are public and traceable.

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