Is the Tesla Model 3 more reliable than the Volvo S60?

Based on our data, the Volvo S60 is more reliable with an average score of 72/100 compared to 54/100. That's a significant difference worth considering.

Which has more recalls, the Tesla Model 3 or the Volvo S60?

The Tesla Model 3 has more recalls (113) compared to the Volvo S60 (23). 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 Tesla Model 3 or the Volvo S60?

Adjusted for sales volume, the Volvo S60 has a lower complaint rate at 1.9 per 10,000 vehicles sold versus 28.7 for the Tesla Model 3. Normalizing by sales gives a fairer comparison than raw totals.

Last updated: 2026-05-15

Tesla Model 3 vs Volvo S60: Reliability Compared

Tesla Model 3

Mixed

More Reliable

Volvo S60

Good

Choosing between the Tesla Model 3 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 Volvo S60 currently leads with an average score of 72/100 compared to 54/100. Scroll down for the full year-by-year breakdown, common problem areas, and repair cost comparison.

How Do the Tesla Model 3 and Volvo S60 Generations Compare?

As of 2026, the Tesla Model 3 is in its second generation, which began in 2024 with a refresh that same year. Being early in its generation cycle, the Model 3 may still be working through initial teething issues typical of newer platforms. In contrast, the Volvo S60 is in its third generation, introduced in 2019. This generation has matured over several years, suggesting that many reliability issues have likely been resolved. The Model 3's first generation lasted from 2017 to 2023, with a notable facelift in 2021, while the S60's previous generations have a history of mid-cycle updates that have historically improved reliability.

Verdict

The Volvo S60 is more reliable than the Tesla Model 3, scoring 72/100 vs 54/100.

The Volvo S60 demonstrates superior reliability compared to the Tesla Model 3, with a higher average reliability score of 72/100 versus 54/100. The S60 also has a significantly lower owner complaint rate at 1.9 per 10,000 sold, compared to the Model 3's 28.7 per 10,000. Furthermore, the Volvo S60 has experienced fewer recalls, with just 23 over six years, while the Model 3 has had 113 across nine years. Key differentiators include the S60's lower recall and complaint rates, alongside an estimated annual repair cost of $750, which provides a more predictable ownership experience.

Key Differences

1Volvo S60 has 90 fewer total recalls
2Volvo S60 has 26.8 fewer complaints per 10k sold
3Volvo S60 scores 18 points higher in reliability

Category Scoreboard

0Tesla Model 3

—

3Volvo S60

Reliability ScoreTotal RecallsComplaint Rate

Tesla Model 3 vs Volvo S60: Which Is More Reliable?

Tesla Model 3 vs Volvo S60 at-a-glance reliability comparison
Metric	Tesla Model 3	Volvo S60
Reliability Score	54/100	72/100
Years Tracked	9	6
Total Recalls	113	23
Complaints per 10k Sold	28.7	1.9
Year Wins	0	6

What Are the Common Problems With the Tesla Model 3 and Volvo S60?

The Tesla Model 3 exhibits a higher volume of complaints, particularly in forward collision avoidance, vehicle speed control, and the electrical system, with a significant number linked to crashes, highlighting potential safety concerns. In contrast, the Volvo S60 has far fewer complaints overall, with no category exceeding 14 complaints and only a minor presence of crash-linked issues in service brakes. Notably, the Model 3's steering and airbag systems have a higher incidence of crash-related complaints, indicating areas of concern not mirrored in the S60. Both models show some issues with their electrical systems, but the disparity in complaint volume suggests a more pronounced reliability challenge for the Model 3.

Tesla Model 3 vs Volvo S60 common problem areas comparison
Component	Tesla Model 3	Volvo S60
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE	6.1Average	0.1Very Low
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL	3.7Average	—None
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM	3Low	0.4Very Low
UNKNOWN OR OTHER	2.8Low	0.1Very Low
STEERING	2.6Low	0.2Very Low
SERVICE BRAKES	2.1Low	0.1Very Low
AIR BAGS	1.7Low	—None
SUSPENSION	1.6Low	—None
POWER TRAIN	0.6Very Low	0.1Very Low
STRUCTURE	0.5Very Low	—None
EXTERIOR LIGHTING	0.2Very Low	0.1Very Low
LANE DEPARTURE	0.3Very Low	—None
SEAT BELTS	0.1Very Low	—None
BACK OVER PREVENTION	—None	0.1Very Low
TIRES	—None	0.1Very Low
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM	—None	0.1Very Low
SEATS	—None	0.1Very Low
ENGINE	—None	—None

Complaints per 10,000 units sold, aggregated across all tracked model years from NHTSA owner reports.

Which Is Cheaper to Maintain: Tesla Model 3 or Volvo S60?

The Tesla Model 3 lacks specific independent repair cost data, but electric vehicles like Tesla generally incur lower routine maintenance costs due to fewer moving parts and no need for oil changes. In contrast, the Volvo S60 has an annual repair cost of $750, with an average of one repair visit every two years and an 8% risk of major repairs. Over five years, this amounts to $3,750 in repair expenses for the Volvo. While Tesla's maintenance specifics are less clear, its electric design typically translates to less frequent repairs and lower major repair risks, making it a potentially better value for cost-conscious buyers focused on long-term savings.

How Does Tesla Model 3 vs Volvo S60 Reliability Compare by Year?

Tesla Model 3 vs Volvo S60 year-by-year reliability scores
Year	Tesla Model 3	Volvo S60	Edge
2025	67/1003R / 87C	76/1003R / 0C	Volvo S60
2024	62/1004R / 183C	72/1003R / 16C	Volvo S60
2023	57/10010R / 386C	70/1006R / 3C	Volvo S60
2022	50/10016R / 729C	70/1004R / 14C	Volvo S60
2020	54/10020R / 416C	72/1003R / 9C	Volvo S60
2019	49/10021R / 569C	72/1004R / 23C	Volvo S60

Best years to cross-shop: The 2025 Tesla Model 3 scored 67/100 and the 2025 Volvo S60 scored 76/100 — these represent the strongest model years in our tracking range.

Who Should Buy the Tesla Model 3 vs the Volvo S60?

If you prioritize reliability and peace of mind, the Volvo S60 is a strong choice. With a reliability score of 72/100 and only 23 recalls, it stands out as a dependable option. The owner complaints are remarkably low at 1.9 per 10,000 sold, and the estimated annual repair cost is $750, which is reasonable for its class. The repair frequency is also low, and with an 8% risk of major repairs, the S60 offers a reliable and predictable ownership experience. On the other hand, if you're drawn to cutting-edge technology and are willing to accept potential reliability trade-offs, the Tesla Model 3 might appeal to you. Despite its lower reliability score of 54/100 and higher recall count of 113, it offers an innovative driving experience. However, be prepared for more frequent issues, particularly with forward collision avoidance and the electrical system, and consider the lack of specific repair cost estimates when planning your budget.

Tesla Model 3 vs Volvo S60: Common Questions

Is the Tesla Model 3 more reliable than the Volvo S60?: Based on our data, the Volvo S60 is more reliable with an average score of 72/100 compared to 54/100. That's a significant difference worth considering.
Which has more recalls, the Tesla Model 3 or the Volvo S60?: The Tesla Model 3 has more recalls (113) compared to the Volvo S60 (23). 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 Tesla Model 3 or the Volvo S60?: Adjusted for sales volume, the Volvo S60 has a lower complaint rate at 1.9 per 10,000 vehicles sold versus 28.7 for the Tesla Model 3. Normalizing by sales gives a fairer comparison than raw totals.

More Tesla Model 3 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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