Last updated: 2026-10-10
Buick vs Volvo: Which Make Is More Reliable?
Buick
7 models tracked
Volvo
5 models tracked
Buick comes out ahead of Volvo on reliability, with a clear edge. Lower repair costs and far fewer recalls drive the gap, though both brands rate good. Volvo also draws more complaints per car sold, and electrical trouble leads for both.
Is Buick More Reliable Than Volvo?
| Metric | Buick | Volvo |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Reliability Score | 77/100 | 70/100 |
| Models Tracked | 7 | 5 |
| Avg Recalls per Model | 6 | 28 |
| Avg Complaints per Model | 129 | 136 |
| Avg Annual Repair Cost | $543/yr | $831/yr |
Buick vs Volvo: The Verdict
Reliability favors Buick by a clear edge, even though both brands hold a good standing. Buick wins on complaint severity, repair costs, recall impact and how widely problems spread across systems. Independent repair-cost data puts Buick at about $543 a year against $831 for Volvo. Federal recall records show 40 recalls for Buick and 141 for Volvo.
Raw complaint totals look closer, and Buick has more of them. Adjusted for sales, Volvo owners file more. Electrical problems make up 35% of Volvo complaints, a heavier concentration than Buick's 22%.
Where Buick and Volvo Differ Most
| Component | Weight | Buick | Volvo |
|---|---|---|---|
| Complaint Severity Owner complaints weighted by component severity | 35% | 70/100Good | 67/100Good |
| Repair Costs Annual maintenance and repair expenses | 30% | 73/100Good | 66/100Good |
| Recall Impact Safety recalls weighted by severity (park-it, park-outside) | 20% | 90/100Excellent | 73/100Good |
| Issue Diversity How many different systems have reported problems | 15% | 82/100Excellent | 80/100Excellent |
The biggest gap is in recall impact, where Buick scores 17 points higher. That single component does the most to separate these two makes.
Buick vs Volvo: Strengths and Weaknesses
Buick
Strengths
- Strong overall reliability (77/100 average)
- Minimal recall impact — fewer safety-critical recalls
- Focused issue profile — problems concentrated in fewer areas
- Reasonable maintenance costs ($543/year avg)
- Reliability trending upward in recent model years
- 7 of 7 models rated Good or Excellent
- Below-average repair frequency
Weaknesses
- Above-average repair severity when issues occur
Volvo
Strengths
- Strong overall reliability (70/100 average)
- Focused issue profile — problems concentrated in fewer areas
- 5 of 5 models rated Good or Excellent
- Below-average repair frequency
Weaknesses
- High maintenance costs ($831/year avg)
- Above-average repair severity when issues occur
How Reliable Are Buick and Volvo Lineups?
Distribution of model reliability ratings across each make's lineup:
Buick
Volvo
Which Make Is Cheaper to Maintain: Buick or Volvo?
Based on independent repair cost data, Buick is cheaper to maintain at an average of $543/year compared to $831/year for Volvo. That's a difference of $288/year, which adds up significantly over the life of the vehicle.
Buick Repair Cost Range
$466 – $573/yr
Average: $543/yr
Volvo Repair Cost Range
$746 – $976/yr
Average: $831/yr
Buick vs Volvo Reliability by Vehicle Type
How the two makes compare within each vehicle category they both compete in:
| Category | Buick | Volvo | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| SUVs(5 vs 3 models) | 77/100 | 69/100 | Buick |
| Sedans(2 vs 2 models) | 75/100 | 70/100 | Buick |
Buick wins 2 out of 2 shared categories.
Common Problems: Buick vs Volvo
| Component | Buick | Volvo |
|---|---|---|
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | 22%163 | 35%180 |
| UNKNOWN OR OTHER | 14%107 | 13%70 |
| POWER TRAIN | 18%134 | 5%26 |
| SERVICE BRAKES | 12%86 | 12%62 |
| ENGINE | 14%105 | 2%13 |
| STEERING | 4%31 | 5%28 |
| BACK OVER PREVENTION | 0%2 | 7%39 |
| AIR BAGS | 4%28 | 1%4 |
| VISIBILITY/WIPER | 0%2 | 4%21 |
| STRUCTURE | 1%4 | 3%18 |
Share of each make's complaints, with counts below.
Buick vs Volvo Complaint Severity: Crashes, Fires, and Injuries
Buick
42
Crash reports
5
Fire reports
37
Injury reports
Volvo
33
Crash reports
6
Fire reports
35
Injury reports
Every Buick and Volvo Model Ranked
Buick Models
Buick vs Volvo Reliability Trend by Year
Buick's reliability is improving — recent model years average 81/100, up from earlier years. Volvo's reliability has been stable.
| Model Year | Buick | Volvo | Edge |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 81/100(4) | 75/100(4) | Buick |
| 2025 | 80/100(4) | 74/100(4) | Buick |
| 2024 | 76/100(4) | 69/100(4) | Buick |
| 2023 | 78/100(3) | 65/100(5) | Buick |
| 2022 | 76/100(4) | 70/100(4) | Buick |
| 2021 | 76/100(4) | 66/100(4) | Buick |
| 2020 | 74/100(5) | 71/100(5) | Buick |
| 2019 | 76/100(5) | 69/100(5) | Buick |
| 2018 | 76/100(5) | 71/100(3) | Buick |
Models tracked per year in parentheses.
Who Should Buy Buick vs Volvo?
If you want the lowest running costs and the least recall baggage, lean Buick. Target the Encore, the strongest model in either lineup, and look at the 2022 model year first. Know its turbocharger risk, which shows up as a check engine light and lost power. Also check any Encore for owner reports of front air bags that did not deploy. For a sedan, the 2020 Regal is the year to favor.
Lean Volvo if you want a luxury feel and can absorb higher yearly repair bills. The XC60 is the one to chase, especially the 2021. Skip the 2022 XC60, which draws the most complaints, and ask about engine shutoffs at a stop. Be careful with the XC40. The 2021 and 2023 have electrical shutdowns and a rearview camera that drops out, so the 2020 is the safer pick.
The Bottom Line: Buick or Volvo?
For most used-car shoppers, Buick is the safer and cheaper choice. The Encore is the single strongest model across both lineups. Over five years, Volvo's higher estimated repair costs add up to about $1,440 more per car than Buick's. Choose Volvo only if you prefer the XC60 and accept the extra cost. Whichever you buy, check recall status and test for electrical faults before signing.
Buick vs Volvo: Common Questions
Is Buick more reliable than Volvo?
Which brand has more recalls, Buick or Volvo?
Which is cheaper to repair, Buick or Volvo?
What is the most common problem on Buick and Volvo cars?
Which Buick and Volvo models are the best to buy used?
Comparing Buick vs Volvo? Run a VIN check on any specific vehicle before you buy — uncover hidden accidents, title issues, and open recalls.
Related Make Comparisons
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How we score Buick and Volvo models
Scores weight complaint severity at 35%, repair costs at 30%, recall impact at 20%, and the spread of complaints across systems at 15%, with complaint counts adjusted for US sales. Read the full methodology.