Last updated: 2026-03-28
Jeep Compass vs Volvo XC60: Reliability Compared
Jeep Compass
Volvo XC60
Choosing between the Jeep Compass and the Volvo XC60? This page compares their reliability scores, NHTSA recall history, owner-reported complaints, and estimated annual repair costs so you can make a confident long-term ownership decision between these two compact suvs.
Our reliability scores are based on NHTSA recall and complaint data, independent repair cost estimates, and sales-normalized complaint rates. The Jeep Compass currently leads with an average score of 75/100 compared to 74/100. Scroll down for the full year-by-year breakdown, common problem areas, and repair cost comparison.
How Do the Jeep Compass and Volvo XC60 Generations Compare?
Verdict
The Jeep Compass is more reliable than the Volvo XC60, scoring 75/100 vs 74/100.
The Jeep Compass slightly edges out the Volvo XC60 in terms of reliability with a marginally higher average reliability score of 75 compared to the XC60's 74. The Compass also boasts significantly fewer recalls, with 15 compared to the XC60's 42 over the same period. However, the Volvo XC60 has a lower complaint rate per 10,000 units sold, suggesting better owner satisfaction in terms of issues encountered. Additionally, the Compass offers lower estimated annual repair costs at $526, making it a more economical choice for maintenance. Overall, the Compass presents a more reliable option with fewer recalls and lower repair expenses, though the XC60 shows better performance in owner complaints.
Key Differences
- 1Jeep Compass costs $220 less per year to repair
- 2Jeep Compass has 27 fewer total recalls
- 3Volvo XC60 has 6.5 fewer complaints per 10k sold
Category Scoreboard
Jeep Compass vs Volvo XC60: Which Is More Reliable?
| Metric | Jeep Compass | Volvo XC60 |
|---|---|---|
| Reliability Score | 75/100 | 74/100 |
| Years Tracked | 8 | 8 |
| Total Recalls | 15 | 42 |
| Complaints per 10k Sold | 11.8 | 5.3 |
| Annual Repair Cost | $526/yr | $746/yr |
| Repair Frequency | 0.2/yr | 0.5/yr |
| Major Repair Risk | 11% | 7% |
| Safety RatingNHTSA overall | 2025 NHTSA | 2026 NHTSA |
| Frontal | ||
| Side | ||
| Rollover | ||
| Year Wins | 4 | 3 |
What Are the Common Problems With the Jeep Compass and Volvo XC60?
The Volvo XC60 primarily faces issues with its electrical system, accounting for 81 complaints, including 5 that are crash-linked, highlighting a significant area of concern. In contrast, the Jeep Compass has a broader range of problems with a notably higher number of complaints, including 593 related to the electrical system and 270 to the engine, with crash-linked incidents in both areas. Additionally, the Jeep Compass encounters a substantial number of complaints regarding the power train, with 9 crash-linked, and air bags, with 18 crash-linked, marking these as severe problem areas. While both models experience electrical system issues, the Jeep Compass shows a more diverse and severe problem profile, particularly in engine and safety-related components.
| Component | Jeep Compass | Volvo XC60 |
|---|---|---|
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | 4.1Average | 1.8Low |
| ENGINE | 1.9Low | —None |
| POWER TRAIN | 1.6Low | 0.1Very Low |
| UNKNOWN OR OTHER | 1.2Low | 0.5Very Low |
| STEERING | 0.5Very Low | 0.3Very Low |
| SERVICE BRAKES | 0.3Very Low | 0.4Very Low |
| EXTERIOR LIGHTING | 0.2Very Low | —None |
| AIR BAGS | 0.2Very Low | —None |
| SUSPENSION | 0.2Very Low | —None |
| VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL | 0.2Very Low | —None |
| FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE | 0.1Very Low | 0.1Very Low |
| VISIBILITY/WIPER | —None | 0.2Very Low |
| TIRES | —None | 0.2Very Low |
| BACK OVER PREVENTION | —None | 0.2Very Low |
| STRUCTURE | —None | 0.2Very Low |
| ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING | 0.1Very Low | —None |
| LANE DEPARTURE | —None | 0.1Very Low |
| SEAT BELTS | —None | —None |
| WHEELS | —None | —None |
Complaints per 10,000 units sold, aggregated across all tracked model years from NHTSA owner reports.
Which Is Cheaper to Maintain: Jeep Compass or Volvo XC60?
How Does Jeep Compass vs Volvo XC60 Reliability Compare by Year?
| Year | Jeep Compass | Volvo XC60 | Edge |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 83/1000R / 13C | 76/1004R / 22C | Jeep Compass |
| 2023 | 78/1002R / 43C | 74/1005R / 40C | Jeep Compass |
| 2022 | 70/1004R / 204C | 72/1006R / 60C | Volvo XC60 |
| 2021 | 80/1000R / 70C | 75/1005R / 31C | Jeep Compass |
| 2020 | 76/1001R / 129C | 75/1006R / 17C | Jeep Compass |
| 2019 | 70/1002R / 305C | 72/1008R / 33C | Volvo XC60 |
| 2018 | 61/1006R / 912C | 74/1005R / 35C | Volvo XC60 |
Best years to cross-shop: The 2025 Jeep Compass scored 83/100 and the 2025 Volvo XC60 scored 76/100 — these represent the strongest model years in our tracking range.
Who Should Buy the Jeep Compass vs the Volvo XC60?
Jeep Compass vs Volvo XC60: Common Questions
- Is the Jeep Compass more reliable than the Volvo XC60?
- Based on our data, the Jeep Compass is more reliable with an average score of 75/100 compared to 74/100. The difference is modest, so both are reasonable choices.
- Which has more recalls, the Jeep Compass or the Volvo XC60?
- The Volvo XC60 has more recalls (42) compared to the Jeep Compass (15). More recalls don't always mean worse reliability — some are minor — but it's worth reviewing what each recall covers.
- Which has fewer owner complaints, the Jeep Compass or the Volvo XC60?
- Adjusted for sales volume, the Volvo XC60 has a lower complaint rate at 5.3 per 10,000 sold versus 11.8 for the Jeep Compass. This per-sales normalization gives a fairer comparison than raw totals.
- Which is cheaper to maintain, the Jeep Compass or the Volvo XC60?
- Based on independent repair cost estimates, the Jeep Compass is cheaper to maintain at $526/year versus $746/year for the Volvo XC60.
- Is the Jeep Compass or Volvo XC60 safer?
- Based on NHTSA crash test ratings, the Volvo XC60 has a higher overall safety rating of 5/5 stars compared to 4/5 for the Jeep Compass. Check sub-ratings (frontal, side, rollover) above for a more detailed safety comparison.
Related Reliability Comparisons
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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.
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