Is the Audi E-Tron more reliable than the Volvo XC60?

Based on our data, the Volvo XC60 is more reliable with an average score of 74/100 compared to 51/100. That's a significant difference worth considering.

Which has more recalls, the Audi E-Tron or the Volvo XC60?

The Audi E-Tron has more recalls (106) compared to the Volvo XC60 (42). 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 Audi E-Tron or the Volvo XC60?

Adjusted for sales volume, the Volvo XC60 has a lower complaint rate at 5.3 per 10,000 sold versus 80.3 for the Audi E-Tron. This per-sales normalization gives a fairer comparison than raw totals.

Is the Audi E-Tron or Volvo XC60 safer?

Both the Audi E-Tron and Volvo XC60 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: 2026-03-28

Audi E-Tron vs Volvo XC60: Reliability Compared

Audi E-Tron

Mixed

More Reliable

Volvo XC60

Good

Choosing between the Audi E-Tron and the Volvo XC60? 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 Volvo XC60 currently leads with an average score of 74/100 compared to 51/100. Scroll down for the full year-by-year breakdown, common problem areas, and repair cost comparison.

How Do the Audi E-Tron and Volvo XC60 Generations Compare?

As of 2026, the Volvo XC60 is in its second generation, introduced in 2017 and last redesigned with a facelift in 2025. This generation has matured over nearly a decade, suggesting that many initial issues have likely been resolved, enhancing its reliability. In contrast, the Audi E-Tron, initially launched in 2019, underwent a significant facelift in 2023 when it was renamed the Q8 e-tron. Being earlier in its updated cycle, the E-Tron may still experience some of the teething problems typical of newer platforms. Generally, vehicles later in their generation cycle, like the XC60, tend to be more reliable as manufacturers have had time to address early issues.

Verdict

The Volvo XC60 is more reliable than the Audi E-Tron, scoring 74/100 vs 51/100.

The Volvo XC60 outperforms the Audi E-Tron in terms of reliability, with a higher average reliability score of 74/100 compared to the E-Tron's 51/100. The XC60 also has a significantly lower complaint rate, with 5.3 complaints per 10,000 units sold versus the E-Tron's 80.3. Additionally, the Volvo has fewer recalls over eight years, totaling 42 compared to Audi's 106. While the XC60's estimated annual repair cost is $746, the E-Tron's repair costs remain unspecified, further highlighting the XC60's more predictable reliability profile.

Key Differences

1Volvo XC60 has 75.0 fewer complaints per 10k sold
2Volvo XC60 has 64 fewer total recalls
3Volvo XC60 scores 23 points higher in reliability

Category Scoreboard

0Audi E-Tron

—

3Volvo XC60

Reliability ScoreTotal RecallsComplaint RateSafety Rating

Audi E-Tron vs Volvo XC60: Which Is More Reliable?

Audi E-Tron vs Volvo XC60 at-a-glance reliability comparison
Metric	Audi E-Tron	Volvo XC60
Reliability Score	51/100	74/100
Years Tracked	8	8
Total Recalls	106	42
Complaints per 10k Sold	80.3	5.3
Safety RatingNHTSA overall	2025 NHTSA	2026 NHTSA
Frontal
Side
Rollover
Year Wins	0	7

What Are the Common Problems With the Audi E-Tron and Volvo XC60?

The Volvo XC60 and Audi E-Tron exhibit similar overall complaint numbers, with 242 and 240 complaints respectively, but differ in problem distribution. The XC60 reports a higher concentration of issues in the electrical system, accounting for 81 complaints, including 5 crash-linked incidents, while the E-Tron has 92 electrical system complaints, with 6 linked to crashes, indicating a significant concern for both models. The Audi E-Tron shows a notable number of complaints in the power train category with 30 reports, including one crash-linked, a category not prominently featured for the XC60. Additionally, the E-Tron faces challenges with vehicle speed control, having 6 complaints, 3 of which are crash-linked, highlighting a potential safety risk absent from the XC60's profile.

Audi E-Tron vs Volvo XC60 common problem areas comparison
Component	Audi E-Tron	Volvo XC60
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM	30.8High	1.8Low
POWER TRAIN	10Above Avg	0.1Very Low
UNKNOWN OR OTHER	5.7Average	0.5Very Low
SERVICE BRAKES	4Average	0.4Very Low
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM	2.7Low	—None
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL	2Low	—None
ENGINE	1.7Low	—None
STEERING	1.3Low	0.3Very Low
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE	1.3Low	0.1Very Low
VISIBILITY/WIPER	0.7Very Low	0.2Very Low
VISIBILITY	0.7Very Low	—None
SUSPENSION	0.7Very Low	—None
TIRES	—None	0.2Very Low
BACK OVER PREVENTION	—None	0.2Very Low
STRUCTURE	—None	0.2Very Low
LANE DEPARTURE	—None	0.1Very Low
SEAT BELTS	—None	—None
WHEELS	—None	—None

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

Which Is Cheaper to Maintain: Audi E-Tron or Volvo XC60?

The Volvo XC60 has an annual repair cost of $746, with an average of 0.5 repair visits per year and a 7% risk of major repairs. In contrast, the Audi E-Tron's specific repair costs and frequencies aren't available, but industry estimates suggest that electric vehicles like the E-Tron typically have fewer moving parts, potentially resulting in lower maintenance needs. For cost-conscious buyers, the Volvo XC60 offers clear, predictable repair costs and a moderate frequency of repairs. However, if the E-Tron's maintenance aligns with typical electric vehicle trends, it may offer a longer-term value due to potentially lower overall maintenance needs and repair frequency. Evaluating these factors, the XC60 provides a quantifiable cost expectation, while the E-Tron presents potential savings through reduced visits and major repair risks.

How Does Audi E-Tron vs Volvo XC60 Reliability Compare by Year?

Audi E-Tron vs Volvo XC60 year-by-year reliability scores
Year	Audi E-Tron	Volvo XC60	Edge
2025	50/10012R / 19C	76/1004R / 22C	Volvo XC60
2023	46/10022R / 30C	74/1005R / 40C	Volvo XC60
2022	49/10032R / 52C	72/1006R / 60C	Volvo XC60
2021	55/1009R / 32C	75/1005R / 31C	Volvo XC60
2020	62/1004R / 1C	75/1006R / 17C	Volvo XC60
2019	48/1005R / 71C	72/1008R / 33C	Volvo XC60
2018	50/1006R / 12C	74/1005R / 35C	Volvo XC60

Best years to cross-shop: The 2020 Audi E-Tron scored 62/100 and the 2025 Volvo XC60 scored 76/100 — these represent the strongest model years in our tracking range.

Who Should Buy the Audi E-Tron vs the Volvo XC60?

If you prioritize reliability and lower maintenance concerns, the Volvo XC60 is the better choice for you. With a reliability score of 74 out of 100, it stands significantly above the Audi E-Tron's score of 51. The XC60’s estimated annual repair cost of $746, coupled with a low repair frequency of 0.5 times per year, makes it an attractive option if you aim to minimize unexpected expenses. Additionally, the Volvo has fewer owner complaints and a lower major repair risk, which suggests a more dependable driving experience. On the other hand, if you are more focused on having a luxury electric vehicle and are willing to navigate potential reliability challenges, the Audi E-Tron could be worth considering. However, be prepared for higher recall occurrences (106 total) and a substantial number of owner complaints, at 80.3 per 10,000 sold. For those who can manage the potential for more frequent service visits and are attracted to the Audi’s features, it may still hold appeal despite its lower reliability indicators.

Audi E-Tron vs Volvo XC60: Common Questions

Is the Audi E-Tron more reliable than the Volvo XC60?: Based on our data, the Volvo XC60 is more reliable with an average score of 74/100 compared to 51/100. That's a significant difference worth considering.
Which has more recalls, the Audi E-Tron or the Volvo XC60?: The Audi E-Tron has more recalls (106) compared to the Volvo XC60 (42). 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 Audi E-Tron or the Volvo XC60?: Adjusted for sales volume, the Volvo XC60 has a lower complaint rate at 5.3 per 10,000 sold versus 80.3 for the Audi E-Tron. This per-sales normalization gives a fairer comparison than raw totals.
Is the Audi E-Tron or Volvo XC60 safer?: Both the Audi E-Tron and Volvo XC60 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 Audi E-Tron comparisons

Audi E-Tron vs Tesla Model Y reliability Audi E-Tron vs Tesla Model X reliability Audi E-Tron vs Mercedes-Benz EQE reliability Audi E-Tron vs BMW X5 reliability Audi E-Tron reliability by year Audi E-Tron years to avoid

More Volvo XC60 comparisons

Volvo XC60 vs Audi Q3 reliability Volvo XC60 vs BMW X1 reliability Volvo XC60 reliability by year Volvo XC60 years to avoid

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