Last updated: 2026-05-15
Ram vs Volvo: Which Make Is More Reliable?
Ram
3 models tracked
Volvo
5 models tracked
Comparing Ram 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 57/100. Scroll down for the full breakdown.
Is Ram More Reliable Than Volvo?
| Metric | Ram | Volvo |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Reliability Score | 57/100 | 69/100 |
| Models Tracked | 3 | 5 |
| Avg Recalls per Model | 53 | 27 |
| Avg Complaints per Model | 1442 | 135 |
| Avg Annual Repair Cost | $691/yr | $831/yr |
Ram Models
3 models ranked by reliability
Ram vs Volvo: The Verdict
The data is decisive here — Volvo pulls well ahead of Ram on reliability. Across 3 Ram and 5 Volvo models, Volvo averages 69/100 to 57/100 — a 12-point gap built from NHTSA recalls, owner complaints, and independent repair cost data.
On the cost front, Ram is cheaper to maintain at $691/year versus $831/year. Over 5 years, that's roughly $700 in savings. That maintenance gap adds up — budget-conscious buyers should factor in that Ram advantage.
Where Ram and Volvo Differ Most
Our reliability score is built from four weighted components. Here's how each make performs in each area:
| Component | Weight | Ram | Volvo |
|---|---|---|---|
| Complaint Severity Owner complaints weighted by component severity | 35% | 67/100Good | 66/100Good |
| Repair Costs Annual maintenance and repair expenses | 30% | 55/100Mixed | 66/100Good |
| Recall Impact Safety recalls weighted by severity (park-it, park-outside) | 20% | 61/100Good | 72/100Good |
| Issue Diversity How many different systems have reported problems | 15% | 81/100Excellent | 80/100Excellent |
The biggest gap is in repair costs, where Volvo scores 11 points higher. That single component does the most to separate these two makes.
Ram vs Volvo: Strengths and Weaknesses
Ram
Strengths
- Above-average reliability (57/100 average)
- Focused issue profile — problems concentrated in fewer areas
- Below-average repair frequency
Weaknesses
- Reliability trending downward in recent model years
- 37 fire-related complaints across lineup
- 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 Ram and Volvo Lineups?
Distribution of model reliability ratings across each make's lineup:
Ram
Volvo
Which Make Is Cheaper to Maintain: Ram or Volvo?
Based on independent repair cost data, Ram is cheaper to maintain at an average of $691/year compared to $831/year for Volvo. That's a difference of $140/year, which adds up significantly over the life of the vehicle.
Volvo Repair Cost Range
$746 – $976/yr
Average: $831/yr
Common Problems: Ram vs Volvo
Top complaint categories from NHTSA owner reports, showing what drivers report most frequently for each make:
| Component | Ram | Volvo |
|---|---|---|
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | 25%912 | 35%180 |
| STEERING | 15%563 | 5%28 |
| POWER TRAIN | 14%530 | 5%26 |
| UNKNOWN OR OTHER | 11%398 | 13%70 |
| ENGINE | 11%407 | 2%13 |
| SERVICE BRAKES | 6%213 | 12%62 |
| AIR BAGS | 4%132 | 1%4 |
| FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM | 3%125 | 2%10 |
| STRUCTURE | 2%84 | 3%18 |
| VISIBILITY/WIPER | 1%36 | 4%21 |
Percentage of total complaints. Raw complaint count shown below. Based on NHTSA owner reports across all tracked model years.
Ram vs Volvo Complaint Severity: Crashes, Fires, and Injuries
Across all tracked models, Ram owners reported 171 crash-related, 37 fire-related, and 125 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.
Ram
171
Crash reports
37
Fire reports
125
Injury reports
Volvo
33
Crash reports
6
Fire reports
35
Injury reports
Every Ram and Volvo Model Ranked
All tracked models ranked by average reliability score. Click any model for detailed year-by-year data.
Ram Models
Ram vs Volvo Reliability Trend by Year
Average reliability score for each model year, showing how quality has trended over time:
Ram'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 | Ram | Volvo | Edge |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 45/100(3) | 74/100(4) | Volvo |
| 2024 | 46/100(3) | 69/100(4) | Volvo |
| 2023 | 68/100(2) | 65/100(5) | Ram |
| 2022 | 63/100(2) | 70/100(4) | Volvo |
| 2021 | 61/100(2) | 66/100(4) | Volvo |
| 2020 | 64/100(2) | 71/100(5) | Volvo |
| 2019 | 58/100(2) | 69/100(5) | Volvo |
| 2018 | 66/100(2) | 71/100(3) | Volvo |
Number in parentheses = models tracked for that year. Scores are averages across all tracked models.
The Bottom Line: Ram or Volvo?
The numbers make a strong case for Volvo — this is one of the larger make-level gaps in our database.
If you want the single most reliable option: the Volvo XC60 leads both lineups with a score of 74/100.
Budget-conscious buyers should note that Ram costs less to maintain — $691/year vs $831/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.
Ram vs Volvo: Common Questions
Is Ram more reliable than Volvo?
Which is cheaper to maintain, Ram or Volvo?
Which make has more recalls, Ram or Volvo?
What are the most reliable models from Ram and Volvo?
What are the least reliable models from Ram and Volvo?
What are the most common problems with Ram and Volvo vehicles?
Which make has more reliable models overall, Ram or Volvo?
How many Ram and Volvo models does Auto Reliability Index track?
Which make has fewer owner complaints, Ram or Volvo?
Are Ram and Volvo getting more or less reliable?
Which is better for a first-time car buyer, Ram or Volvo?
Which make has fewer safety-related complaints, Ram or Volvo?
Comparing Ram 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.