Is the BMW 5-Series more reliable than the Volvo S90?

Based on our data, the Volvo S90 is more reliable with an average score of 67/100 compared to 66/100. The difference is modest, so both are reasonable choices.

Which has more recalls, the BMW 5-Series or the Volvo S90?

The BMW 5-Series has more recalls (54) compared to the Volvo S90 (22). 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 BMW 5-Series or the Volvo S90?

Adjusted for sales volume, the BMW 5-Series has a lower complaint rate at 3.9 per 10,000 vehicles sold versus 4.5 for the Volvo S90. Normalizing by sales gives a fairer comparison than raw totals.

Last updated: 2026-05-15

BMW 5-Series vs Volvo S90: Reliability Compared

BMW 5-Series

Good

More Reliable

Volvo S90

Good

Choosing between the BMW 5-Series and the Volvo S90? 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 S90 currently leads with an average score of 67/100 compared to 66/100. Scroll down for the full year-by-year breakdown, common problem areas, and repair cost comparison.

How Do the BMW 5-Series and Volvo S90 Generations Compare?

As of 2026, the BMW 5-Series is in its eighth generation (G60), introduced in 2024. This generation is relatively new, which can sometimes mean early production models might experience first-year issues as kinks in the new design are worked out. The previous G30 generation, which ran from 2017 to 2023, had a facelift in 2020, indicating a mature platform that was likely well-sorted by the end of its cycle. The Volvo S90, on the other hand, is still in its first generation, which debuted in 2017 and received a facelift in 2023. Being later in its generation cycle, the S90 benefits from years of refinement, potentially offering improved reliability compared to a newly redesigned model. Thus, buyers seeking a vehicle with a more established track record might find the S90 appealing, while those interested in the latest innovations might consider the newer 5-Series.

Verdict

The Volvo S90 is more reliable than the BMW 5-Series, scoring 67/100 vs 66/100.

The Volvo S90 edges out the BMW 5-Series in reliability with a slightly higher average reliability score of 67/100 compared to 66/100 for the BMW. The S90 has a significantly lower total recall count of 22 over nine years versus 54 for the 5-Series over eight years. While the BMW has a lower owner complaint rate per 10,000 vehicles at 3.9 compared to Volvo's 4.5, the S90's fewer recalls and a clear repair cost estimate of $976 annually make it the more predictable choice for reliability. Key areas of concern for the BMW include a broader range of issues, encompassing airbags and powertrain, whereas the S90's main problems are more focused on the electrical system and service brakes.

Key Differences

1Volvo S90 has 32 fewer total recalls
2Volvo S90 scores 1 points higher in reliability
3BMW 5-Series has 0.6 fewer complaints per 10k sold

Category Scoreboard

1BMW 5-Series

—

2Volvo S90

Reliability ScoreTotal RecallsComplaint Rate

BMW 5-Series vs Volvo S90: Which Is More Reliable?

BMW 5-Series vs Volvo S90 at-a-glance reliability comparison
Metric	BMW 5-Series	Volvo S90
Reliability Score	66/100	67/100
Years Tracked	8	9
Total Recalls	54	22
Complaints per 10k Sold	3.9	4.5
Year Wins	4	3

What Are the Common Problems With the BMW 5-Series and Volvo S90?

The BMW 5-Series exhibits a higher overall volume of complaints across various components, with notable concerns in the air bags and electrical system categories, which have a significant number of crash-linked incidents (5 and 4 respectively). In contrast, the Volvo S90 presents a much smaller complaint profile, primarily focused on the electrical system and service brakes, with no crash-linked issues reported. The BMW 5-Series also shows a wider distribution of problems including engine and power train issues, whereas the Volvo S90's complaints are more concentrated and less severe. This data suggests that the BMW 5-Series may face more diverse and potentially safety-related reliability challenges than the Volvo S90.

BMW 5-Series vs Volvo S90 common problem areas comparison
Component	BMW 5-Series	Volvo S90
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM	0.4Very Low	0.8Very Low
SERVICE BRAKES	0.1Very Low	0.5Very Low
AIR BAGS	0.5Very Low	—None
UNKNOWN OR OTHER	0.4Very Low	—None
ENGINE	0.3Very Low	—None
POWER TRAIN	0.2Very Low	—None
SEAT BELTS	0.1Very Low	—None
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL	0.1Very Low	—None
EXTERIOR LIGHTING	0.1Very Low	—None
STEERING	0.1Very Low	—None
BACK OVER PREVENTION	—None	—None
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING	—None	—None
STRUCTURE	—None	—None
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM	—None	—None
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE	—None	—None

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

Which Is Cheaper to Maintain: BMW 5-Series or Volvo S90?

Based on industry estimates, the Volvo S90 incurs an annual repair cost of $976, with an average of 0.8 repair visits per year. Although specific figures for the BMW 5-Series are unavailable, historical data suggests that BMWs typically have higher maintenance expenses due to their luxury status and complex engineering. Despite the lack of explicit data on the BMW 5-Series' repair frequency and major repair risk, the Volvo S90's manageable repair visits and predictable annual cost make it a more attractive option for cost-conscious buyers. Over a 5-year period, the Volvo could potentially save owners significant expenses in maintenance and repairs compared to the BMW.

How Does BMW 5-Series vs Volvo S90 Reliability Compare by Year?

BMW 5-Series vs Volvo S90 year-by-year reliability scores
Year	BMW 5-Series	Volvo S90	Edge
2025	71/1005R / 0C	69/1004R / 0C	BMW 5-Series
2023	70/1002R / 7C	65/1003R / 2C	BMW 5-Series
2022	68/1003R / 13C	65/1003R / 1C	BMW 5-Series
2021	66/1008R / 21C	71/1002R / 0C	Volvo S90
2020	67/1007R / 10C	66/1002R / 2C	BMW 5-Series
2019	62/10011R / 67C	69/1004R / 0C	Volvo S90
2018	59/10017R / 212C	67/1002R / 12C	Volvo S90
2026(predicted)	70/100(predicted)	67/100(predicted)	BMW 5-Series

Best years to cross-shop: The 2025 BMW 5-Series scored 71/100 and the 2021 Volvo S90 scored 71/100 — these represent the strongest model years in our tracking range.

Who Should Buy the BMW 5-Series vs the Volvo S90?

If you prioritize a vehicle with fewer recalls and a slightly higher reliability score, the Volvo S90 might be the better choice for you. With a reliability score of 67/100 and only 22 recalls compared to the BMW 5-Series' 54, the S90 offers a potentially more dependable experience. However, it’s important to note that owner complaints are slightly higher at 4.5 per 10,000 sold, and independent repair cost estimates suggest an annual cost of $976 with a repair frequency of 0.8 times per year. On the other hand, if you are drawn to the prestige and performance typically associated with the BMW brand, the 5-Series could be more appealing. Despite its lower reliability score of 66/100 and a higher number of recalls, it has fewer owner complaints at 3.9 per 10,000 sold. However, be prepared for potential issues related to airbags, electrical systems, and engines. Ultimately, if your focus is on reducing recall-related headaches and ensuring consistent service costs, the Volvo S90 is the more prudent option. Conversely, if you value brand allure and can manage potential repair complexities, the BMW 5-Series might suit your preferences better.

BMW 5-Series vs Volvo S90: Common Questions

Is the BMW 5-Series more reliable than the Volvo S90?: Based on our data, the Volvo S90 is more reliable with an average score of 67/100 compared to 66/100. The difference is modest, so both are reasonable choices.
Which has more recalls, the BMW 5-Series or the Volvo S90?: The BMW 5-Series has more recalls (54) compared to the Volvo S90 (22). 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 BMW 5-Series or the Volvo S90?: Adjusted for sales volume, the BMW 5-Series has a lower complaint rate at 3.9 per 10,000 vehicles sold versus 4.5 for the Volvo S90. Normalizing by sales gives a fairer comparison than raw totals.

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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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