Last updated: 2026-10-10
GMC vs Volvo: Reliability Compared
GMC
5 models tracked
Volvo
5 models tracked
GMC and Volvo are effectively tied on reliability, with GMC slightly ahead on recall impact. Volvo has the edge on complaint severity. Both brands hold a good standing, so the choice comes down to body style and the problems you can live with.
Is GMC More Reliable Than Volvo?
| Metric | GMC | Volvo |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Reliability Score | 71/100 | 70/100 |
| Models Tracked | 5 | 5 |
| Avg Recalls per Model | 29 | 28 |
| Avg Complaints per Model | 1164 | 136 |
| Avg Annual Repair Cost | $647/yr | $831/yr |
GMC Models
5 models ranked by reliability
GMC vs Volvo: The Verdict
A slight edge goes to GMC, close enough to call a tie. Both brands hold a good standing across five models each. GMC is stronger on recall impact and on how evenly problems spread across systems. Volvo is stronger on complaint severity, with far fewer crash, fire, and injury reports on file. Repair costs are rated even. GMC's recent trend is improving, while Volvo's is stable. The real split is where trouble shows up. GMC complaints cluster in the engine and power train. Volvo complaints cluster in the electrical system.
Where GMC and Volvo Differ Most
| Component | Weight | GMC | Volvo |
|---|---|---|---|
| Complaint Severity Owner complaints weighted by component severity | 35% | 61/100Good | 67/100Good |
| Repair Costs Annual maintenance and repair expenses | 30% | 66/100Good | 66/100Good |
| Recall Impact Safety recalls weighted by severity (park-it, park-outside) | 20% | 81/100Excellent | 73/100Good |
| Issue Diversity How many different systems have reported problems | 15% | 82/100Excellent | 80/100Excellent |
GMC's advantage in recall impact (+8 points) is the main driver of the overall score difference between these makes.
GMC vs Volvo: Strengths and Weaknesses
GMC
Strengths
- Strong overall reliability (71/100 average)
- Minimal recall impact — fewer safety-critical recalls
- Focused issue profile — problems concentrated in fewer areas
- Reasonable maintenance costs ($647/year avg)
- Reliability trending upward in recent model years
- 5 of 5 models rated Good or Excellent
- Below-average repair frequency
Weaknesses
- 34 fire-related complaints across lineup
- 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 GMC and Volvo Lineups?
Distribution of model reliability ratings across each make's lineup:
GMC
Volvo
Which Make Is Cheaper to Maintain: GMC or Volvo?
Based on independent repair cost data, GMC is cheaper to maintain at an average of $647/year compared to $831/year for Volvo. That's a difference of $184/year, which adds up significantly over the life of the vehicle.
GMC Repair Cost Range
$548 – $747/yr
Average: $647/yr
Volvo Repair Cost Range
$746 – $976/yr
Average: $831/yr
GMC vs Volvo Reliability by Vehicle Type
How the two makes compare within each vehicle category they both compete in:
| Category | GMC | Volvo | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| SUVs(3 vs 3 models) | 70/100 | 69/100 | GMC |
GMC wins 1 out of 1 shared categories.
Common Problems: GMC vs Volvo
| Component | GMC | Volvo |
|---|---|---|
| ENGINE | 27%1,443 | 2%13 |
| POWER TRAIN | 22%1,163 | 5%26 |
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | 14%742 | 35%180 |
| SERVICE BRAKES | 8%408 | 12%62 |
| UNKNOWN OR OTHER | 7%388 | 13%70 |
| STEERING | 5%280 | 5%28 |
| ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING | 4%241 | — |
| EXTERIOR LIGHTING | 3%174 | 0%2 |
| STRUCTURE | 3%155 | 3%18 |
| VISIBILITY/WIPER | 1%30 | 4%21 |
Share of each make's complaints, with counts below.
GMC vs Volvo Complaint Severity: Crashes, Fires, and Injuries
GMC
129
Crash reports
34
Fire reports
144
Injury reports
Volvo
33
Crash reports
6
Fire reports
35
Injury reports
Every GMC and Volvo Model Ranked
GMC Models
GMC vs Volvo Reliability Trend by Year
GMC's reliability is improving — recent model years average 78/100, up from earlier years. Volvo's reliability has been stable.
| Model Year | GMC | Volvo | Edge |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 80/100(5) | 75/100(4) | GMC |
| 2025 | 76/100(5) | 74/100(4) | GMC |
| 2024 | 75/100(5) | 69/100(4) | GMC |
| 2023 | 67/100(5) | 65/100(5) | GMC |
| 2022 | 67/100(5) | 70/100(4) | Volvo |
| 2021 | 66/100(5) | 66/100(4) | Tie |
| 2020 | 68/100(5) | 71/100(5) | Volvo |
| 2019 | 69/100(4) | 69/100(5) | Tie |
| 2018 | 68/100(5) | 71/100(3) | Volvo |
Models tracked per year in parentheses.
Who Should Buy GMC vs Volvo?
If you want a truck or a big SUV, lean toward GMC. The Canyon is the one to target, and the 2024 is the pick, though its headlights can flicker. Skip the 2023 Canyon, where the forward collision system brakes hard with nothing ahead. On the Yukon, look for a 2020 and avoid the 2021, because engine lifter and camshaft failure can strike with no warning light.
If you want a compact luxury SUV or a sedan, Volvo makes more sense, since none of the tracked GMC models is a sedan. The XC60 is the better Volvo bet, with the 2021 as the pick and the 2022 drawing the most complaints. Ask about engine stalls at stops before you buy one. Be careful with the XC40. The 2020 is the year to favor, while the 2021 and 2023 bring electrical shutdowns and a rearview camera that drops out in reverse.
The Bottom Line: GMC or Volvo?
Pick GMC if you want the slightly stronger record and lower running costs. Pick Volvo if you want a sedan or compact luxury SUV and can tolerate electrical quirks. The Canyon is the strongest single model across both lineups. GMC averages $647 a year in estimated repairs against $831 for Volvo, so five years of upkeep on a Volvo runs roughly $920 higher.
GMC vs Volvo: Common Questions
Is GMC more reliable than Volvo?
Which is cheaper to repair, GMC or Volvo?
Which brand has more recalls, GMC or Volvo?
What goes wrong most often on a used Volvo?
What goes wrong most often on a used GMC?
Comparing GMC vs Volvo? Run a VIN check on any specific vehicle before you buy — uncover hidden accidents, title issues, and open recalls.
Related Make Comparisons
More GMC comparisons
How we score GMC 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.