Is the Lexus IS more reliable than the Volvo S60?

Based on our data, the Lexus IS 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 IS or the Volvo S60?

The Volvo S60 has more recalls (23) compared to the Lexus IS (6). 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 IS or the Volvo S60?

Adjusted for sales volume, the Lexus IS has a lower complaint rate at 0.7 per 10,000 vehicles sold versus 1.9 for the Volvo S60. Normalizing by sales gives a fairer comparison than raw totals.

Last updated: 2026-07-17

Lexus IS vs Volvo S60: Reliability Compared

More Reliable

Lexus IS

Excellent

Volvo S60

Good

Choosing between the Lexus IS 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 IS 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 IS and Volvo S60 Generations Compare?

As of 2026, the Lexus IS is currently in its third generation, which spanned from 2014 to 2023 and received a significant facelift in 2020. This generation is well into its lifecycle, suggesting that potential reliability issues have largely been addressed, making it a more dependable choice for buyers seeking a mature platform. In contrast, the Volvo S60 is in its third generation, which started in 2019 and is expected to continue until 2024. Being relatively early in its generation cycle, the S60 might experience some initial teething problems typically associated with newer platforms, although it should benefit from improvements made since its launch.

Verdict

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

In terms of reliability, the Lexus IS outperforms the Volvo S60 with an average reliability score of 82 out of 100 compared to Volvo's 72. The Lexus IS has fewer total recalls over nine years (6) than the Volvo S60's 23 across six years, and it also records a lower owner complaint rate of 0.7 per 10,000 sold versus Volvo's 1.9. While specific repair costs for the Lexus are unavailable, the Volvo S60's estimated annual repair cost of $750 highlights a potential cost concern. Overall, the Lexus IS offers a more reliable ownership experience with fewer complaints and recalls.

Key Differences

1Lexus IS has 17 fewer total recalls
2Lexus IS scores 11 points higher in reliability
3Lexus IS has 1.2 fewer complaints per 10k sold

Category Scoreboard

3Lexus IS

—

0Volvo S60

Reliability ScoreTotal RecallsComplaint Rate

Lexus IS vs Volvo S60: Which Is More Reliable?

Lexus IS vs Volvo S60 at-a-glance reliability comparison
Metric	Lexus IS	Volvo S60
Reliability Score	83/100	72/100
Years Tracked	9	6
Total Recalls	6	23
Complaints per 10k Sold	0.7	1.9
Year Wins	6	0

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

The Lexus IS and Volvo S60 exhibit distinct problem profiles, with the latter experiencing a broader range of issues. The Volvo S60 has a significant number of complaints related to the electrical system, steering, and service brakes, with the latter accounting for two crash-linked incidents. In contrast, the Lexus IS has fewer overall complaints, with minor issues in categories like tires and structure, and only one crash-linked tire complaint. While both models share some issues, such as tire-related complaints, the Volvo S60's diverse problem areas, particularly in safety-critical systems like brakes and steering, suggest a more complex reliability profile.

Lexus IS vs Volvo S60 common problem areas comparison
Component	Lexus IS	Volvo S60
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM	—None	0.4Very Low
STEERING	—None	0.2Very Low
UNKNOWN OR OTHER	—None	0.1Very Low
TIRES	—None	0.1Very Low
SERVICE BRAKES	—None	0.1Very Low
BACK OVER PREVENTION	—None	0.1Very Low
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM	—None	0.1Very Low
POWER TRAIN	—None	0.1Very Low
SEATS	—None	0.1Very Low
EXTERIOR LIGHTING	—None	0.1Very Low
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE	—None	0.1Very Low
STRUCTURE	—None	—None

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

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

Independent repair cost data suggests that the Volvo S60 incurs an average annual repair cost of $750, with owners typically visiting the shop about once every two years and an 8% risk of major repairs. Although specific figures for the Lexus IS are unavailable, industry estimates often show that Lexus vehicles generally have lower repair frequencies and major repair risks than their European counterparts like Volvo. For cost-conscious buyers, the Lexus IS might be a better value if it follows the brand's trend of reliability. However, without exact figures, the Volvo S60's predictable costs and repair frequency offer a tangible reference that some may prefer for budgeting purposes.

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

Lexus IS vs Volvo S60 year-by-year reliability scores
Year	Lexus IS	Volvo S60	Edge
2025	83/1000R / 1C	76/1003R / 0C	Lexus IS
2024	83/1000R / 3C	72/1003R / 16C	Lexus IS
2023	83/1000R / 9C	70/1006R / 3C	Lexus IS
2022	83/1000R / 13C	70/1004R / 14C	Lexus IS
2020	83/1000R / 3C	72/1003R / 9C	Lexus IS
2019	79/1004R / 8C	72/1004R / 23C	Lexus IS

Best years to cross-shop: The 2025 Lexus IS scored 83/100 and the 2025 Volvo S60 scored 76/100 — these represent the strongest model years in our tracking range.

Who Should Buy the Lexus IS vs the Volvo S60?

If you prioritize reliability and fewer hassles on the road, the Lexus IS is the better choice. With a reliability score of 82/100, it has fewer recalls (6) and owner complaints per 10,000 sold (0.7), indicating a more dependable vehicle with fewer issues over time. While specific repair costs and frequencies aren't listed, the overall data suggests peace of mind with the Lexus IS. On the other hand, if you are drawn to the features or design of the Volvo S60, be prepared for higher maintenance considerations. With a reliability score of 72/100, it has a higher number of recalls (23) and owner complaints (1.9 per 10,000 sold). The estimated annual repair cost is $750, with a repair frequency of 0.5 times per year, reflecting a higher major repair risk of 8%. This makes the S60 a less appealing option for those looking to minimize unexpected costs and visits to the mechanic.

Lexus IS vs Volvo S60: Common Questions

Is the Lexus IS more reliable than the Volvo S60?: Based on our data, the Lexus IS 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 IS or the Volvo S60?: The Volvo S60 has more recalls (23) compared to the Lexus IS (6). 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 IS or the Volvo S60?: Adjusted for sales volume, the Lexus IS has a lower complaint rate at 0.7 per 10,000 vehicles sold versus 1.9 for the Volvo S60. Normalizing by sales gives a fairer comparison than raw totals.

More Lexus IS 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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