Last updated: 2026-10-10
Subaru vs Volvo: Reliability Compared
Subaru
8 models tracked
Volvo
5 models tracked
Subaru edges out Volvo on used-car reliability, mainly through lower repair bills and lighter recall impact. Volvo draws fewer serious complaints. Both brands rate good, so the gap is slim, and the right pick depends on which problems you can live with.
Is Subaru More Reliable Than Volvo?
| Metric | Subaru | Volvo |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Reliability Score | 73/100 | 70/100 |
| Models Tracked | 8 | 5 |
| Avg Recalls per Model | 15 | 28 |
| Avg Complaints per Model | 1084 | 136 |
| Avg Annual Repair Cost | $605/yr | $831/yr |
Subaru vs Volvo: The Verdict
A slight edge goes to Subaru. Both brands stand good, but Subaru is cheaper to keep on the road, at about $605 a year in estimated repairs against $831 for Volvo. Subaru also comes out better on recall impact, even though Volvo has more recalls on file (141 against 121).
Volvo wins on complaint severity. Owners report 33 crash complaints and 35 injuries for Volvo, against 289 and 154 for Subaru. Problems spread across systems about evenly for both brands. Subaru's lead is real but small, so a clean example of either brand beats a troubled example of the other.
Where Subaru and Volvo Differ Most
| Component | Weight | Subaru | Volvo |
|---|---|---|---|
| Complaint Severity Owner complaints weighted by component severity | 35% | 62/100Good | 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% | 84/100Excellent | 73/100Good |
| Issue Diversity How many different systems have reported problems | 15% | 79/100Good | 80/100Excellent |
Dig into the components and recall impact stands out — Subaru outscores by 11 points there, which carries significant weight in the final number.
Subaru vs Volvo: Strengths and Weaknesses
Subaru
Strengths
- Strong overall reliability (73/100 average)
- Minimal recall impact — fewer safety-critical recalls
- Focused issue profile — problems concentrated in fewer areas
- Reasonable maintenance costs ($605/year avg)
- Reliability trending upward in recent model years
- 8 of 8 models rated Good or Excellent
- Below-average repair frequency
Weaknesses
- 74 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 Subaru and Volvo Lineups?
Distribution of model reliability ratings across each make's lineup:
Subaru
Volvo
Which Make Is Cheaper to Maintain: Subaru or Volvo?
Based on independent repair cost data, Subaru is cheaper to maintain at an average of $605/year compared to $831/year for Volvo. That's a difference of $226/year, which adds up significantly over the life of the vehicle.
Subaru Repair Cost Range
$492 – $682/yr
Average: $605/yr
Volvo Repair Cost Range
$746 – $976/yr
Average: $831/yr
Subaru vs Volvo Reliability by Vehicle Type
How the two makes compare within each vehicle category they both compete in:
| Category | Subaru | Volvo | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| SUVs(5 vs 3 models) | 72/100 | 69/100 | Subaru |
| Sedans(3 vs 2 models) | 74/100 | 70/100 | Subaru |
Subaru wins 2 out of 2 shared categories.
Common Problems: Subaru vs Volvo
| Component | Subaru | Volvo |
|---|---|---|
| VISIBILITY/WIPER | 33%2,612 | 4%21 |
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | 23%1,805 | 35%180 |
| UNKNOWN OR OTHER | 16%1,248 | 13%70 |
| VISIBILITY | 6%461 | — |
| POWER TRAIN | 5%405 | 5%26 |
| ENGINE | 3%272 | 2%13 |
| AIR BAGS | 3%223 | 1%4 |
| STEERING | 2%191 | 5%28 |
| SERVICE BRAKES | 2%132 | 12%62 |
| STRUCTURE | 2%124 | 3%18 |
Share of each make's complaints, with counts below.
Subaru vs Volvo Complaint Severity: Crashes, Fires, and Injuries
Subaru
289
Crash reports
74
Fire reports
154
Injury reports
Volvo
33
Crash reports
6
Fire reports
35
Injury reports
Every Subaru and Volvo Model Ranked
Subaru Models
Subaru vs Volvo Reliability Trend by Year
Subaru's reliability is improving — recent model years average 81/100, up from earlier years. Volvo's reliability has been stable.
| Model Year | Subaru | Volvo | Edge |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 82/100(6) | 75/100(4) | Subaru |
| 2025 | 79/100(8) | 74/100(4) | Subaru |
| 2024 | 77/100(8) | 69/100(4) | Subaru |
| 2023 | 75/100(8) | 65/100(5) | Subaru |
| 2022 | 74/100(7) | 70/100(4) | Subaru |
| 2021 | 72/100(6) | 66/100(4) | Subaru |
| 2020 | 68/100(7) | 71/100(5) | Volvo |
| 2019 | 63/100(7) | 69/100(5) | Volvo |
| 2018 | 67/100(6) | 71/100(3) | Volvo |
Models tracked per year in parentheses.
Who Should Buy Subaru vs Volvo?
If low running costs matter most, lean Subaru. The Legacy is the top pick in its lineup, but skip the 2019 and 2020 model years, which draw the most trouble. Cracking windshields and touchscreens that register phantom touches are the usual complaints. The Ascent is a fair family option in 2024, while the 2019 is the one to avoid. Watch for a battery that drains while parked and a CVT that shudders or slips.
If you want fewer serious incidents on record and can absorb higher repair bills, look at Volvo. The XC60 is the better buy, and the 2021 is the year to target. Avoid the 2022, where engines can shut off at a stop and refuse to restart. Be careful with the XC40. It trails most compact SUVs on the site. The 2020 is the year to favor, while the 2021 and 2023 suffer electrical shutdowns and a rearview camera that drops out.
The Bottom Line: Subaru or Volvo?
For most used-car shoppers, Subaru is the safer value pick, and the Legacy is the strongest single model across both lineups. Choose Volvo if serious-incident history matters more to you than price, and the XC60 is the one to buy. Expect Volvo to cost about $226 more per year to repair, which comes to roughly $1,130 over five years. Pick the model year carefully in either brand.
Subaru vs Volvo: Common Questions
Is Subaru more reliable than Volvo?
Which brand has more recalls, Subaru or Volvo?
Which is cheaper to repair, Subaru or Volvo?
What problems do Subaru and Volvo owners report most?
Which used Volvo and Subaru model years should I avoid?
Comparing Subaru 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 Subaru 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.