Is the Lexus ES more reliable than the Volvo S60?

Based on our data, the Lexus ES is more reliable with an average score of 83/100 compared to 72/100. The difference is modest, so both are reasonable choices.

Which has more recalls, the Lexus ES or the Volvo S60?

The Volvo S60 has more recalls (23) compared to the Lexus ES (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 Lexus ES or the Volvo S60?

The Volvo S60 has fewer owner complaints (65) versus 95 for the Lexus ES. Note that models with higher sales naturally generate more complaints.

Is the Lexus ES or Volvo S60 safer?

Both the Lexus ES and Volvo S60 received the same NHTSA overall safety rating of 5/5 stars. Check the frontal, side, and rollover sub-ratings above for a more detailed comparison.

Last updated: 2026-07-17

Lexus ES vs Volvo S60: Reliability Compared

More Reliable

Lexus ES

Excellent

Volvo S60

Good

Choosing between the Lexus ES and the Volvo S60? 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 midsize sedans.

Our reliability scores are based on NHTSA recall and complaint data, independent repair cost estimates, and sales-normalized complaint rates. The Lexus ES currently leads with an average score of 83/100 compared to 72/100. Scroll down for the full year-by-year breakdown, common problem areas, and repair cost comparison.

How Do the Lexus ES and Volvo S60 Generations Compare?

As of 2026, the Volvo S60 is in its third generation, which began in 2019 and ran until 2024. This places it in the late stage of its generation cycle, often indicating a well-sorted platform with most initial issues addressed. The Lexus ES, meanwhile, is in its seventh generation, which started in 2019 and also concluded in 2023. Both models have benefited from mid-cycle updates, with the S60 receiving a significant facelift in 2014 during its second generation, and the ES having a facelift in 2021. Generally, vehicles later in their generation cycles, like these, tend to demonstrate improved reliability as manufacturers iron out early production issues.

Verdict

The Lexus ES is more reliable than the Volvo S60, scoring 83/100 vs 72/100.

The Lexus ES demonstrates superior reliability compared to the Volvo S60, evident from a higher average reliability score of 83/100 versus 72/100 for the Volvo. The S60 has a more frequent recall history with 23 recalls over six years, while the ES has 15 over eight years. Additionally, the Volvo S60 has a slightly lower owner complaint rate of 1.9 per 10,000 units sold, but its issues with the electrical system and steering contribute to its higher estimated annual repair cost of $750. Overall, the Lexus ES offers a more reliable choice with fewer recalls and a higher reliability score.

Key Differences

1Lexus ES scores 11 points higher in reliability
2Lexus ES has 8 fewer total recalls

Category Scoreboard

2Lexus ES

—

0Volvo S60

Reliability ScoreTotal RecallsSafety Rating

Lexus ES vs Volvo S60: Which Is More Reliable?

Lexus ES vs Volvo S60 at-a-glance reliability comparison
Metric	Lexus ES	Volvo S60
Reliability Score	83/100	72/100
Years Tracked	8	6
Total Recalls	15	23
Total ComplaintsRaw count — varies with sales volume	95	65
Safety RatingNHTSA overall	2025 NHTSA	2025 NHTSA
Frontal
Side
Rollover
Year Wins	6	0

What Are the Common Problems With the Lexus ES and Volvo S60?

The Volvo S60 and Lexus ES show distinct problem profiles, with the S60 experiencing more issues in the electrical system, accounting for 14 complaints, which is the highest category for this model. In contrast, the Lexus ES has a broader distribution of issues, with air bags being a significant concern, including 8 complaints, 5 of which are crash-linked, indicating a critical safety focus. Both models have service brakes issues, but the Lexus ES has a slightly higher crash-linked count (3) compared to the S60 (2). While the Volvo S60's complaints are more concentrated in fewer categories, the Lexus ES exhibits a wider range of issues, with notable concerns in both the air bags and fuel/propulsion systems.

Lexus ES vs Volvo S60 common problem areas comparison
Component	Lexus ES	Volvo S60
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM	4	14
UNKNOWN OR OTHER	6	4
SERVICE BRAKES	5	5
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM	7	2
AIR BAGS	8	—
ENGINE	6	—
TIRES	2	4
STEERING	—	6
POWER TRAIN	3	2
FUEL SYSTEM	3	—
LANE DEPARTURE	2	—
WHEELS	2	—
STRUCTURE	2	—
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL	2	—
BACK OVER PREVENTION	—	2
SEATS	—	2
EXTERIOR LIGHTING	—	2
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE	—	2

Raw complaint counts aggregated across all tracked model years from NHTSA owner reports. Counts vary with sales volume.

Which Is Cheaper to Maintain: Lexus ES or Volvo S60?

Based on independent repair cost data, the Volvo S60 incurs an annual repair cost of $750, with a frequency of 0.5 visits per year and an 8% risk of major repairs. While specific figures for the Lexus ES are unavailable, industry estimates suggest Lexus vehicles generally have lower repair costs and frequencies. Assuming the Volvo's $750 annual cost, this translates to $3,750 over five years. For cost-conscious buyers, the Volvo S60's higher repair frequency and major repair risk may suggest it is less economical compared to the Lexus ES, which is traditionally known for reliability and lower repair expenses.

How Does Lexus ES vs Volvo S60 Reliability Compare by Year?

Lexus ES vs Volvo S60 year-by-year reliability scores
Year	Lexus ES	Volvo S60	Edge
2025	83/1001R / 4C	76/1003R / 0C	Lexus ES
2024	80/1004R / 9C	72/1003R / 16C	Lexus ES
2023	80/1004R / 18C	70/1006R / 3C	Lexus ES
2022	88/1000R / 16C	70/1004R / 14C	Lexus ES
2020	83/1001R / 5C	72/1003R / 9C	Lexus ES
2019	78/1003R / 33C	72/1004R / 23C	Lexus ES

Best years to cross-shop: The 2022 Lexus ES scored 88/100 and the 2025 Volvo S60 scored 76/100 — these represent the strongest model years in our tracking range.

Who Should Buy the Lexus ES vs the Volvo S60?

If you prioritize reliability and peace of mind, the Lexus ES is your best bet. With a higher reliability score of 83/100 and fewer recalls (15), it offers a more dependable experience. Although specific repair costs and frequencies are unavailable, the lower number of total owner complaints (95) suggests fewer issues over time. It is particularly suitable if you want to minimize unexpected maintenance hassles. On the other hand, the Volvo S60, with a reliability score of 72/100, might appeal if you are comfortable with slightly more maintenance. While it has a higher recall count (23), independent repair cost estimates suggest an annual cost of $750, with a moderate repair frequency of 0.5 times per year. If you value features and design over absolute reliability, the S60 could still be a compelling choice.

Lexus ES vs Volvo S60: Common Questions

Is the Lexus ES more reliable than the Volvo S60?: Based on our data, the Lexus ES is more reliable with an average score of 83/100 compared to 72/100. The difference is modest, so both are reasonable choices.
Which has more recalls, the Lexus ES or the Volvo S60?: The Volvo S60 has more recalls (23) compared to the Lexus ES (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 Lexus ES or the Volvo S60?: The Volvo S60 has fewer owner complaints (65) versus 95 for the Lexus ES. Note that models with higher sales naturally generate more complaints.
Is the Lexus ES or Volvo S60 safer?: Both the Lexus ES and Volvo S60 received the same NHTSA overall safety rating of 5/5 stars. Check the frontal, side, and rollover sub-ratings above for a more detailed comparison.

More Lexus ES comparisons

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More Volvo S60 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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