Last updated: 2026-04-20
Volvo Reliability Ratings — Every Model Ranked
Volvo offers generally reliable vehicles, though reliability varies across models and years. Most Volvo models fall within the "Good" range, making them a reasonable choice for buyers who prioritize dependability.
Volvo Best Year Score Comparison
Each bar shows the best single model year score for that Volvo model. Longer bars indicate higher peak reliability.
Volvo Model Rankings
Scores below are averaged across all tracked model years. The “Best Year” column shows which year scored highest.
| # | Vehicle | Best Year | Score | Rating | Recalls | Complaints / 10k | Maint. Rating | Est. Repair Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Volvo XC60 | 2025 | 74/100 | Good | 39 | 9.4 | 4 | $746/yr |
| 2 | Volvo S60 | 2025 | 72/100 | Good | 23 | 8.7 | 3.5 | $750/yr |
| 3 | Volvo XC90 | 2025 | 72/100 | Good | 37 | 7.7 | 3.5 | $851/yr |
| 4 | Volvo S90 | 2021 | 67/100 | Good | 22 | 6.9 | 2.5 | $976/yr |
| 5 | Volvo XC40 | 2020 | 58/100 | Mixed | 15 | 320000.0 | 3 |
Volvo Models
Volvo XC60
2nd gen (2018–2023), facelifted 2021, 2025
The Volvo XC60, covering model years 2018 to 2026, shows a mixed reliability profile with an average score of 81/100 and notable fluctuations in complaint rates, peaking at 22.4 per 10,000 sold in 2026. Common issues reported by owners include electrical system malfunctions, particularly with infotainment and display systems, as well as visibility concerns with window clarity in recent models.
Volvo S60
3rd gen (2019–2024)
The Volvo S60, covering model years 2019 to 2025, holds an average reliability score of 72 out of 100, indicating a generally good performance with some variability across years. Common issues reported by owners include electrical system malfunctions and problems with service brakes, particularly in earlier years, while the 2025 model shows improved reliability with zero complaints.
Volvo XC90
2nd gen (2016–present), facelifted 2020, 2023, 2025
The Volvo XC90, with an average reliability score of 72 out of 100, falls within the "Good" category on the Auto Reliability Index. Common issues reported by owners include electrical system malfunctions and back over prevention system failures, with the 2023 model year showing a higher complaint rate of 9.8 per 10,000 vehicles sold.
Volvo S90
1st gen (2017–present), facelifted 2020, 2023
The Volvo S90, spanning model years 2018 to 2026, maintains an average reliability score of 68/100, indicating good reliability overall. Common issues reported by owners include electrical system malfunctions and service brake concerns, particularly in earlier models, while the 2026 model shows improvement with a score of 75/100 and no recalls or complaints.
Volvo XC40
2nd gen (2024–2024)
The Volvo XC40, covering model years 2019 through 2026, exhibits a reliability score averaging 61 out of 100, indicating a generally good reliability rating with some fluctuations. Data shows that earlier models, particularly 2021 and 2023, have notable issues with electrical systems and back over prevention features, leading to higher complaint rates.
Common Volvo Problems
Top complaint categories across all Volvo models, based on owner-reported issues to NHTSA.
Volvo by Category
Frequently Asked Questions
- Are Volvo cars reliable?
- Volvo vehicles have an average reliability score of 69/100 ("Good") across 5 models and 8 years in our database. Volvo offers generally reliable vehicles, though reliability varies across models and years.
- What is the most reliable Volvo?
- Based on our data, the highest-scoring Volvo model-year is the 2025 Volvo S60 at 76/100. Scores can change as new recalls and complaints are filed. See our full Volvo reliability rankings for the latest data.
- How much does it cost to maintain a Volvo?
- Annual repair costs for Volvo models range from $746 to $976 based on independent reliability data. Costs vary significantly by model and year.
- Which Volvo models should I avoid?
- Based on our data, these Volvo models are statistical outliers within their model lines: 2023 XC40 (48/100), 2021 XC40 (46/100). These have higher recall counts or complaint volumes relative to their siblings.
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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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