Is the BMW 5-Series more reliable than the Volvo S60?

Based on our data, the Volvo S60 is more reliable with an average score of 72/100 compared to 67/100. The difference is modest, so both are reasonable choices.

Which has more recalls, the BMW 5-Series or the Volvo S60?

The BMW 5-Series has more recalls (54) compared to the Volvo S60 (23). 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 BMW 5-Series 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 3.9 for the BMW 5-Series. Normalizing by sales gives a fairer comparison than raw totals.

Last updated: 2026-07-17

BMW 5-Series vs Volvo S60: Reliability Compared

BMW 5-Series

Good

More Reliable

Volvo S60

Good

Choosing between the BMW 5-Series 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 Volvo S60 currently leads with an average score of 72/100 compared to 67/100. Scroll down for the full year-by-year breakdown, common problem areas, and repair cost comparison.

How Do the BMW 5-Series and Volvo S60 Generations Compare?

As of 2026, the BMW 5-Series is in its eighth generation (G60), launched in 2024. Being early in its generation cycle, potential first-year issues could impact its reliability. The previous seventh generation (G30), lasting from 2017 to 2023, received a facelift in 2020, typically improving upon initial model teething problems. In contrast, the Volvo S60 is in its third generation, introduced in 2019, with no major redesign since. This mature platform suggests a well-sorted reliability profile, as later years in a generation often see fewer issues. Buyers valuing reliability might prefer the S60 for its proven platform.

Verdict

The Volvo S60 is more reliable than the BMW 5-Series, scoring 72/100 vs 67/100.

The Volvo S60 demonstrates superior reliability compared to the BMW 5-Series, with an average reliability score of 72/100 versus 66/100 for the BMW. The S60 also has a significantly lower recall count, with 23 recalls over six years compared to the 5-Series' 54 recalls over eight years. Additionally, owner complaints per 10,000 vehicles sold are lower for the S60 at 1.9 compared to 3.9 for the 5-Series. Although the estimated annual repair cost for the S60 is $750, the overall lower complaint and recall rates make it a more reliable choice in the midsize sedan segment.

Key Differences

1Volvo S60 has 31 fewer total recalls
2Volvo S60 scores 5 points higher in reliability
3Volvo S60 has 2.0 fewer complaints per 10k sold

Category Scoreboard

0BMW 5-Series

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3Volvo S60

Reliability ScoreTotal RecallsComplaint Rate

BMW 5-Series vs Volvo S60: Which Is More Reliable?

BMW 5-Series vs Volvo S60 at-a-glance reliability comparison
Metric	BMW 5-Series	Volvo S60
Reliability Score	67/100	72/100
Years Tracked	8	6
Total Recalls	54	23
Complaints per 10k Sold	3.9	1.9
Year Wins	0 (1 tied)	4 (1 tied)

What Are the Common Problems With the BMW 5-Series and Volvo S60?

The BMW 5-Series exhibits a broader range of issues with a significant focus on safety-related components, particularly the air bags, which account for 45 complaints, including 5 crash-linked incidents. Additionally, the BMW has notable concerns in the electrical system and service brakes, with several crash-linked complaints in these areas, underscoring potential safety risks. In contrast, the Volvo S60 has a considerably lower total complaint count, with its primary issues centered around the electrical system and steering, yet it does not show significant crash-linked problems outside of the service brakes. This suggests that while the BMW 5-Series faces more diverse and severe safety challenges, the Volvo S60's issues are less extensive and not as frequently associated with crash incidents.

BMW 5-Series vs Volvo S60 common problem areas comparison
Component	BMW 5-Series	Volvo S60
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM	0.4Very Low	0.4Very Low
AIR BAGS	0.5Very Low	—None
UNKNOWN OR OTHER	0.4Very Low	0.1Very Low
POWER TRAIN	0.2Very Low	0.1Very Low
STEERING	0.1Very Low	0.2Very Low
ENGINE	0.3Very Low	—None
SERVICE BRAKES	0.1Very Low	0.1Very Low
EXTERIOR LIGHTING	0.1Very Low	0.1Very Low
SEAT BELTS	0.1Very Low	—None
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL	0.1Very Low	—None
BACK OVER PREVENTION	—None	0.1Very Low
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM	—None	0.1Very Low
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE	—None	0.1Very Low
TIRES	—None	0.1Very Low
SEATS	—None	0.1Very Low
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING	—None	—None
STRUCTURE	—None	—None

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

Which Is Cheaper to Maintain: BMW 5-Series or Volvo S60?

Industry estimates suggest that the Volvo S60 incurs an annual repair cost of $750, with an average of one repair visit every two years and an 8% chance of major repairs. Unfortunately, specific comparative data for the BMW 5-Series is unavailable, but BMWs are generally known for higher repair costs and frequencies. For cost-conscious buyers, the Volvo S60 likely represents a better value, given its lower repair frequency and manageable risk of major repairs. Over five years, the Volvo's predictable maintenance expenses translate to approximately $3,750, offering a potentially more budget-friendly option compared to the typical premium associated with BMW maintenance.

How Does BMW 5-Series vs Volvo S60 Reliability Compare by Year?

BMW 5-Series vs Volvo S60 year-by-year reliability scores
Year	BMW 5-Series	Volvo S60	Edge
2025	71/1005R / 0C	76/1003R / 0C	Volvo S60
2023	70/1002R / 7C	70/1006R / 3C	Tie
2022	68/1003R / 13C	70/1004R / 14C	Volvo S60
2020	67/1007R / 10C	72/1003R / 9C	Volvo S60
2019	62/10011R / 67C	72/1004R / 23C	Volvo S60

Best years to cross-shop: The 2025 BMW 5-Series scored 71/100 and the 2025 Volvo S60 scored 76/100 — these represent the strongest model years in our tracking range.

Who Should Buy the BMW 5-Series vs the Volvo S60?

If you prioritize reliability and lower ongoing maintenance costs, the Volvo S60 is a strong choice. With a higher reliability score of 72/100 and fewer recalls at 23, it offers peace of mind. The S60 also boasts fewer owner complaints, with just 1.9 per 10,000 sold, and an estimated annual repair cost of $750. Its repair frequency is manageable at 0.5 times per year, with an 8% major repair risk, making it a solid option for those who value long-term dependability. On the other hand, if you are drawn to the performance and prestige of the BMW brand, the 5-Series might appeal to you despite its lower reliability score of 66/100. However, be mindful of its higher recall count at 54 and the 3.9 owner complaints per 10,000 sold. This model has reported issues with the air bags, electrical system, and engine, which could imply higher maintenance demands. Choose the BMW 5-Series if brand prestige and driving dynamics are your primary concerns and you are willing to accommodate potential maintenance challenges.

BMW 5-Series vs Volvo S60: Common Questions

Is the BMW 5-Series more reliable than the Volvo S60?: Based on our data, the Volvo S60 is more reliable with an average score of 72/100 compared to 67/100. The difference is modest, so both are reasonable choices.
Which has more recalls, the BMW 5-Series or the Volvo S60?: The BMW 5-Series has more recalls (54) compared to the Volvo S60 (23). 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 BMW 5-Series 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 3.9 for the BMW 5-Series. Normalizing by sales gives a fairer comparison than raw totals.

More BMW 5-Series comparisons

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More Volvo S60 comparisons

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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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