Last updated: 2026-05-15
Cadillac vs Volvo: Reliability Compared
Cadillac
4 models tracked
Volvo
5 models tracked
Comparing Cadillac and Volvo on reliability? This page compares their scores, NHTSA recall history, owner-reported complaints, and estimated annual repair costs across every model we track.
Volvo currently leads with an average score of 69/100 compared to 68/100. Scroll down for the full breakdown.
Is Cadillac More Reliable Than Volvo?
| Metric | Cadillac | Volvo |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Reliability Score | 68/100 | 69/100 |
| Models Tracked | 4 | 5 |
| Avg Recalls per Model | 17 | 27 |
| Avg Complaints per Model | 198 | 135 |
| Avg Annual Repair Cost | $907/yr | $831/yr |
Cadillac vs Volvo: The Verdict
The numbers favor Volvo here, but Cadillac isn't far behind. We scored 9 models between the two makes: Cadillac at 68/100 and Volvo at 69/100, based on recalls, complaint severity, repair costs, and issue diversity.
On the cost front, Volvo is cheaper to maintain at $831/year versus $907/year. For buyers watching long-term costs, Volvo's lower maintenance bill is a real differentiator.
Where Cadillac and Volvo Differ Most
Our reliability score is built from four weighted components. Here's how each make performs in each area:
| Component | Weight | Cadillac | Volvo |
|---|---|---|---|
| Complaint Severity Owner complaints weighted by component severity | 35% | 62/100Good | 66/100Good |
| Repair Costs Annual maintenance and repair expenses | 30% | 62/100Good | 66/100Good |
| Recall Impact Safety recalls weighted by severity (park-it, park-outside) | 20% | 78/100Good | 72/100Good |
| Issue Diversity How many different systems have reported problems | 15% | 82/100Excellent | 80/100Excellent |
Cadillac's advantage in recall impact (+6 points) is the main driver of the overall score difference between these makes.
Cadillac vs Volvo: Strengths and Weaknesses
Cadillac
Strengths
- Above-average reliability (68/100 average)
- Minimal recall impact — fewer safety-critical recalls
- Focused issue profile — problems concentrated in fewer areas
- 3 of 4 models rated Good or Excellent
- Below-average repair frequency
Weaknesses
- High maintenance costs ($907/year avg)
- Reliability trending downward in recent model years
- Above-average repair severity when issues occur
Volvo
Strengths
- Above-average reliability (69/100 average)
- Focused issue profile — problems concentrated in fewer areas
- 4 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 Cadillac and Volvo Lineups?
Distribution of model reliability ratings across each make's lineup:
Cadillac
Volvo
Which Make Is Cheaper to Maintain: Cadillac or Volvo?
Based on independent repair cost data, Volvo is cheaper to maintain at an average of $831/year compared to $907/year for Cadillac. The difference is relatively small, so maintenance costs shouldn't be a major deciding factor between these makes.
Cadillac Repair Cost Range
$807 – $1007/yr
Average: $907/yr
Volvo Repair Cost Range
$746 – $976/yr
Average: $831/yr
Cadillac vs Volvo Reliability by Vehicle Type
How the two makes compare within each vehicle category they both compete in:
| Category | Cadillac | Volvo | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| SUVs(3 vs 3 models) | 68/100 | 68/100 | Tie |
Common Problems: Cadillac vs Volvo
Top complaint categories from NHTSA owner reports, showing what drivers report most frequently for each make:
| Component | Cadillac | Volvo |
|---|---|---|
| ENGINE | 36%282 | 2%13 |
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | 14%113 | 35%180 |
| POWER TRAIN | 15%114 | 5%26 |
| UNKNOWN OR OTHER | 6%46 | 13%70 |
| SERVICE BRAKES | 4%35 | 12%62 |
| STEERING | 5%36 | 5%28 |
| BACK OVER PREVENTION | 2%18 | 7%39 |
| ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING | 6%49 | — |
| EXTERIOR LIGHTING | 4%33 | 0%2 |
| VISIBILITY/WIPER | 0%2 | 4%21 |
Percentage of total complaints. Raw complaint count shown below. Based on NHTSA owner reports across all tracked model years.
Cadillac vs Volvo Complaint Severity: Crashes, Fires, and Injuries
Across all tracked models, Cadillac owners reported 39 crash-related, 10 fire-related, and 26 injury-related complaints to NHTSA. Volvo owners reported 33 crash-related, 6 fire-related, and 35 injury-related complaints. Volvo has fewer severe incident reports overall. These counts reflect owner-reported incidents and don't establish causation — but they're a useful signal for comparing safety profiles.
Cadillac
39
Crash reports
10
Fire reports
26
Injury reports
Volvo
33
Crash reports
6
Fire reports
35
Injury reports
Every Cadillac and Volvo Model Ranked
All tracked models ranked by average reliability score. Click any model for detailed year-by-year data.
Cadillac Models
Cadillac vs Volvo Reliability Trend by Year
Average reliability score for each model year, showing how quality has trended over time:
Cadillac's reliability is declining in recent model years, which is worth noting if you're shopping for a newer vehicle. Volvo's reliability has been stable.
| Model Year | Cadillac | Volvo | Edge |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 73/100(3) | 74/100(4) | Volvo |
| 2024 | 67/100(3) | 69/100(4) | Volvo |
| 2023 | 65/100(3) | 65/100(5) | Tie |
| 2022 | 59/100(1) | 70/100(4) | Volvo |
| 2021 | 64/100(2) | 66/100(4) | Volvo |
| 2020 | 69/100(2) | 71/100(5) | Volvo |
| 2019 | 72/100(2) | 69/100(5) | Cadillac |
| 2018 | 77/100(1) | 71/100(3) | Cadillac |
Number in parentheses = models tracked for that year. Scores are averages across all tracked models.
Cadillac vs Volvo: Head-to-Head Model Matchups
These are direct competitor models between Cadillac and Volvo. Click any matchup for a detailed model-vs-model reliability comparison:
The Bottom Line: Cadillac or Volvo?
Volvo has the edge, but don't let a modest score gap override other factors like price, features, and dealer experience.
If you want the single most reliable option: the Cadillac XT5 leads both lineups with a score of 74/100.
Budget-conscious buyers should note that Volvo costs less to maintain — $831/year vs $907/year.
All scores are based on NHTSA recall and complaint data combined with independent repair cost databases. Check individual model pages for year-specific reliability data before making a final decision.
Cadillac vs Volvo: Common Questions
Is Cadillac more reliable than Volvo?
Which is cheaper to maintain, Cadillac or Volvo?
Which make has more recalls, Cadillac or Volvo?
What are the most reliable models from Cadillac and Volvo?
What are the least reliable models from Cadillac and Volvo?
What are the most common problems with Cadillac and Volvo vehicles?
Which make has more reliable models overall, Cadillac or Volvo?
How many Cadillac and Volvo models does Auto Reliability Index track?
Which make has fewer owner complaints, Cadillac or Volvo?
Are Cadillac and Volvo getting more or less reliable?
Which is better for a first-time car buyer, Cadillac or Volvo?
Which make has fewer safety-related complaints, Cadillac or Volvo?
Comparing Cadillac vs Volvo? Run a VIN check on any specific vehicle before you buy — uncover hidden accidents, title issues, and open recalls.
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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.