Is the Acura ZDX more reliable than the Volvo XC90?

Based on our data, the Acura ZDX is more reliable with an average score of 82/100 compared to 72/100. The difference is modest, so both are reasonable choices.

Which has more recalls, the Acura ZDX or the Volvo XC90?

The Volvo XC90 has more recalls (39) compared to the Acura ZDX (4). 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 ZDX or the Volvo XC90?

Adjusted for sales volume, the Volvo XC90 has a lower complaint rate at 4.2 per 10,000 vehicles sold versus 73.6 for the Acura ZDX. Normalizing by sales gives a fairer comparison than raw totals.

Is the Acura ZDX or Volvo XC90 safer?

Both the Acura ZDX and Volvo XC90 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 ZDX vs Volvo XC90: Reliability Compared

More Reliable

Acura ZDX

Excellent

Volvo XC90

Good

Choosing between the Acura ZDX and the Volvo XC90? 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 suvs.

Our reliability scores are based on NHTSA recall and complaint data, independent repair cost estimates, and sales-normalized complaint rates. The Acura ZDX currently leads with an average score of 82/100 compared to 72/100. Scroll down for the full year-by-year breakdown, common problem areas, and repair cost comparison.

How Do the Acura ZDX and Volvo XC90 Generations Compare?

As of 2026, the Volvo XC90 is in its second generation, which began in 2015 and was last redesigned for the 2025 model year. This generation has undergone several facelifts, notably in 2020 and 2023, indicating a mature platform that is likely well-sorted in terms of reliability, having addressed any early issues over its decade-long cycle. In contrast, the Acura ZDX, now in its second generation, was redesigned in 2024. Being early in its generation cycle, the ZDX may still experience first-year issues typical of newer platforms. Buyers prioritizing reliability might favor the established XC90 over the recently reintroduced ZDX.

Verdict

The Acura ZDX is more reliable than the Volvo XC90, scoring 82/100 vs 72/100.

In terms of reliability, the Acura ZDX outperforms the Volvo XC90, boasting a higher average reliability score of 82/100 compared to the XC90's 72/100. Despite the ZDX having a higher owner complaints rate of 73.6 per 10,000 sold, its recall history is significantly better, with only 4 recalls over 2 years versus the XC90's 39 recalls across 9 years. The XC90's estimated annual repair cost of $851 further highlights its relatively higher maintenance burden. Overall, the ZDX offers a more reliable choice with fewer recalls, although potential buyers should consider the higher complaint rate per unit.

Key Differences

1Volvo XC90 has 69.4 fewer complaints per 10k sold
2Acura ZDX has 35 fewer total recalls
3Acura ZDX scores 10 points higher in reliability

Category Scoreboard

2Acura ZDX

—

1Volvo XC90

Reliability ScoreTotal RecallsComplaint RateSafety Rating

Acura ZDX vs Volvo XC90: Which Is More Reliable?

Acura ZDX vs Volvo XC90 at-a-glance reliability comparison
Metric	Acura ZDX	Volvo XC90
Reliability Score	82/100	72/100
Years Tracked	2	9
Total Recalls	4	39
Complaints per 10k Sold	73.6	4.2
Safety RatingNHTSA overall	2025 NHTSA	2026 NHTSA
Frontal
Side
Rollover
Year Wins	2	0

What Are the Common Problems With the Acura ZDX and Volvo XC90?

The Volvo XC90 exhibits a higher number of complaints overall, with significant issues in the electrical system and service brakes, both having multiple crash-linked incidents. Notably, the XC90's service brakes and back over prevention systems each have crash-linked complaints, suggesting potential safety concerns in these areas. In contrast, the Acura ZDX, with fewer total complaints, shows its highest concentration in service brakes, though none are crash-linked, indicating a less severe profile in terms of safety-related issues. The ZDX also has fewer complaints related to the electrical system compared to the XC90, suggesting relatively fewer problems in this category.

Acura ZDX vs Volvo XC90 common problem areas comparison
Component	Acura ZDX	Volvo XC90
SERVICE BRAKES	21.3High	0.4Very Low
UNKNOWN OR OTHER	13.1Above Avg	0.5Very Low
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM	11.5Above Avg	1.1Low
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE	11.5Above Avg	—None
BACK OVER PREVENTION	4.9Average	0.3Very Low
POWER TRAIN	3.3Average	0.2Very Low
ENGINE	—None	0.2Very Low
VISIBILITY/WIPER	—None	0.1Very Low
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES	—None	0.1Very Low
STEERING	—None	0.1Very Low
STRUCTURE	—None	0.1Very Low
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM	—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 ZDX or Volvo XC90?

According to independent repair cost data, the Volvo XC90 incurs an annual repair cost of $851, with an average of 0.6 repair visits per year and an 11% risk of major repairs. While specific figures for the Acura ZDX are unavailable, the XC90's maintenance costs and repair frequency provide a benchmark for comparison. For cost-conscious buyers, the XC90's known metrics offer clarity in budgeting. Over five years, its repair costs could reach approximately $4,255, with three expected visits to the shop. Without data for the ZDX, potential buyers might view the XC90 as a more transparent option for anticipating maintenance expenses and risks.

How Does Acura ZDX vs Volvo XC90 Reliability Compare by Year?

Acura ZDX vs Volvo XC90 year-by-year reliability scores
Year	Acura ZDX	Volvo XC90	Edge
2025	88/1000R / 0C	74/1003R / 23C	Acura ZDX
2024	76/1004R / 45C	73/1003R / 26C	Acura ZDX

Best years to cross-shop: The 2025 Acura ZDX scored 88/100 and the 2025 Volvo XC90 scored 74/100 — these represent the strongest model years in our tracking range.

Who Should Buy the Acura ZDX vs the Volvo XC90?

If you prioritize reliability and peace of mind, the Acura ZDX is your best bet. With a higher reliability score of 82 and only four recalls, it promises fewer unexpected headaches. However, be aware that it has a higher rate of owner complaints at 73.6 per 10,000 sold, which suggests that while major issues are less likely, minor annoyances could be more frequent. On the other hand, if keeping repair costs predictable is crucial for you, consider the Volvo XC90. Although it has a lower reliability score of 72 and a higher number of recalls at 39, it has a lower owner complaint rate of 4.2 per 10,000 sold. With an estimated annual repair cost of $851 and a repair frequency of 0.6 times per year, it offers clearer expectations for maintenance budgeting, despite a slightly higher major repair risk at 11%.

Acura ZDX vs Volvo XC90: Common Questions

Is the Acura ZDX more reliable than the Volvo XC90?: Based on our data, the Acura ZDX is more reliable with an average score of 82/100 compared to 72/100. The difference is modest, so both are reasonable choices.
Which has more recalls, the Acura ZDX or the Volvo XC90?: The Volvo XC90 has more recalls (39) compared to the Acura ZDX (4). 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 ZDX or the Volvo XC90?: Adjusted for sales volume, the Volvo XC90 has a lower complaint rate at 4.2 per 10,000 vehicles sold versus 73.6 for the Acura ZDX. Normalizing by sales gives a fairer comparison than raw totals.
Is the Acura ZDX or Volvo XC90 safer?: Both the Acura ZDX and Volvo XC90 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 ZDX comparisons

Acura ZDX vs Lexus RX reliability Acura ZDX vs BMW X5 reliability Acura ZDX vs Mercedes-Benz GLE reliability Acura ZDX vs Audi Q5 reliability Acura ZDX reliability by year Acura ZDX years to avoid

More Volvo XC90 comparisons

Volvo XC90 vs Mercedes-Benz GLE reliability Volvo XC90 vs Audi Q7 reliability Volvo XC90 vs BMW X5 reliability Volvo XC90 vs Lexus RX reliability Volvo XC90 reliability by year Volvo XC90 years to avoid

Decided between Acura ZDX and Volvo XC90? Run a VIN check before you buy — uncover hidden accidents, title issues, and open recalls.

Affiliate link — we may earn a commission at no cost to you.

Look Up a VIN →

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.

See incorrect data? Report an issue