Last updated: 2026-10-10
Infiniti vs Volvo: Which Make Is More Reliable?
Infiniti
1 models tracked
Volvo
5 models tracked
Infiniti comes out ahead of Volvo on reliability, with a clear edge from lower repair costs and far fewer recalls. Both brands stand good, but Infiniti is represented only by the QX60, while Volvo spans five models, so this is one SUV against a wider lineup.
Is Infiniti More Reliable Than Volvo?
| Metric | Infiniti | Volvo |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Reliability Score | 75/100 | 70/100 |
| Models Tracked | 1 | 5 |
| Avg Recalls per Model | 13 | 28 |
| Avg Complaints per Model | 182 | 136 |
| Avg Annual Repair Cost | $639/yr | $831/yr |
Infiniti vs Volvo: The Verdict
A clear edge goes to Infiniti. Its estimated repair bill runs about $639 a year against $831 for Volvo, and federal recall records show 13 recalls against 141. Volvo's owner complaints pile up in the electrical system, while Infiniti's spread across power train, electrical and engine. Complaint severity is even, so neither brand wins on how bad the failures get.
Context matters here. Infiniti is a single model, the QX60, and its CVT can shudder or hesitate and does not always respond to repair. Volvo's larger recall count also covers five models, not one.
Where Infiniti and Volvo Differ Most
| Component | Weight | Infiniti | Volvo |
|---|---|---|---|
| Complaint Severity Owner complaints weighted by component severity | 35% | 68/100Good | 67/100Good |
| Repair Costs Annual maintenance and repair expenses | 30% | 70/100Good | 66/100Good |
| Recall Impact Safety recalls weighted by severity (park-it, park-outside) | 20% | 84/100Excellent | 73/100Good |
| Issue Diversity How many different systems have reported problems | 15% | 84/100Excellent | 80/100Excellent |
Dig into the components and recall impact stands out — Infiniti outscores by 11 points there, which carries significant weight in the final number.
Infiniti vs Volvo: Strengths and Weaknesses
Infiniti
Strengths
- Strong overall reliability (75/100 average)
- Minimal recall impact — fewer safety-critical recalls
- Focused issue profile — problems concentrated in fewer areas
- Reasonable maintenance costs ($639/year avg)
- Reliability trending upward in recent model years
- 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
Which Make Is Cheaper to Maintain: Infiniti or Volvo?
Based on independent repair cost data, Infiniti is cheaper to maintain at an average of $639/year compared to $831/year for Volvo. That's a difference of $192/year, which adds up significantly over the life of the vehicle.
Volvo Repair Cost Range
$746 – $976/yr
Average: $831/yr
Infiniti vs Volvo Reliability by Vehicle Type
How the two makes compare within each vehicle category they both compete in:
| Category | Infiniti | Volvo | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| SUVs(1 vs 3 models) | 75/100 | 69/100 | Infiniti |
Infiniti wins 1 out of 1 shared categories.
Common Problems: Infiniti vs Volvo
| Component | Infiniti | Volvo |
|---|---|---|
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | 20%27 | 35%180 |
| UNKNOWN OR OTHER | 18%24 | 13%70 |
| SERVICE BRAKES | 8%11 | 12%62 |
| POWER TRAIN | 23%32 | 5%26 |
| BACK OVER PREVENTION | 3%4 | 7%39 |
| ENGINE | 13%18 | 2%13 |
| STEERING | 1%2 | 5%28 |
| VISIBILITY/WIPER | 2%3 | 4%21 |
| STRUCTURE | — | 3%18 |
| FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM | 3%4 | 2%10 |
Share of each make's complaints, with counts below.
Infiniti vs Volvo Complaint Severity: Crashes, Fires, and Injuries
Infiniti
5
Crash reports
1
Fire reports
8
Injury reports
Volvo
33
Crash reports
6
Fire reports
35
Injury reports
Every Infiniti and Volvo Model Ranked
Infiniti vs Volvo Reliability Trend by Year
Infiniti's reliability is improving — recent model years average 79/100, up from earlier years. Volvo's reliability has been stable.
| Model Year | Infiniti | Volvo | Edge |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 82/100(1) | 75/100(4) | Infiniti |
| 2025 | 76/100(1) | 74/100(4) | Infiniti |
| 2024 | 73/100(1) | 69/100(4) | Infiniti |
| 2023 | 72/100(1) | 65/100(5) | Infiniti |
| 2022 | 73/100(1) | 70/100(4) | Infiniti |
| 2021 | 81/100(1) | 66/100(4) | Infiniti |
| 2020 | 74/100(1) | 71/100(5) | Infiniti |
| 2019 | 71/100(1) | 69/100(5) | Infiniti |
| 2018 | 72/100(1) | 71/100(3) | Infiniti |
Models tracked per year in parentheses.
Who Should Buy Infiniti vs Volvo?
If you want a midsize SUV and a low running bill, lean toward the Infiniti QX60. Target the 2021 model year. Look hard at the 2019 and 2023, the two lowest rated. Test drive for CVT shudder or hesitation, and walk away if you feel it, since that problem does not always respond to repair.
If you need a sedan or a smaller SUV, Volvo is the only choice of the two. The XC60 is the strongest Volvo, and the 2021 is the pick. Avoid the 2022, which draws the most complaints, and ask about engine shutoffs at a stop. The S60 is the sedan to start with. Skip the XC40 unless it is a 2020, since the 2021 and 2023 have electrical shutdowns and a rearview camera that drops out in reverse. Expect to pay more to keep any Volvo running.
The Bottom Line: Infiniti or Volvo?
Buy the Infiniti QX60 if a midsize SUV fits your needs. It is the strongest single model across both lineups and costs about $192 less a year to repair than the average Volvo, roughly $960 over five years. Choose a 2021 and check the CVT closely. Go to Volvo only for a sedan or compact SUV, and make it an XC60 or S60.
Infiniti vs Volvo: Common Questions
Is Infiniti more reliable than Volvo?
Which has more recalls, Infiniti or Volvo?
Which is cheaper to repair, Infiniti or Volvo?
What is the most common problem on a used Volvo?
What is the main weakness of the Infiniti QX60?
Comparing Infiniti 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 score Infiniti 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.