Is the Tesla Model S 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 41/100. That's a significant difference worth considering.

Which has more recalls, the Tesla Model S or the Volvo S90?

The Tesla Model S has more recalls (227) 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 Tesla Model S or the Volvo S90?

Adjusted for sales volume, the Volvo S90 has a lower complaint rate at 4.5 per 10,000 vehicles sold versus 160 for the Tesla Model S. Normalizing by sales gives a fairer comparison than raw totals.

Last updated: 2026-05-15

Tesla Model S vs Volvo S90: Reliability Compared

Tesla Model S

Mixed

More Reliable

Volvo S90

Good

Choosing between the Tesla Model S 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 full-size 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 41/100. Scroll down for the full year-by-year breakdown, common problem areas, and repair cost comparison.

How Do the Tesla Model S and Volvo S90 Generations Compare?

As of 2026, the Tesla Model S remains in its first generation, which began in 2013. It underwent significant facelifts in 2017 and 2021. Being late in its generation cycle, the Model S benefits from a mature platform, often translating to well-sorted reliability as initial issues have typically been addressed over time. The Volvo S90, also in its first generation, launched in 2017 on the SPA platform and received facelifts in 2020 and 2023. The S90 is nearing the end of its generation cycle, which generally suggests improved reliability compared to earlier years. Both models, having been refined over several years, likely offer more dependable performance compared to newer platforms that may still be ironing out early production issues.

Verdict

The Volvo S90 is more reliable than the Tesla Model S, scoring 67/100 vs 41/100.

The Volvo S90 surpasses the Tesla Model S in reliability, as evidenced by its higher average reliability score of 67/100 compared to Tesla's 41/100. The S90 also has significantly fewer recalls, with only 22 over nine years versus the Model S's 227 over eight years, and a much lower owner complaint rate of 4.5 per 10,000 sold, compared to Tesla's 160. While the Model S has no published repair cost data, the S90's estimated annual repair cost is $976, suggesting a predictable maintenance budget. Overall, the Volvo S90 offers a more dependable ownership experience, with fewer common issues and a better track record in recall and complaint metrics.

Key Differences

1Volvo S90 has 205 fewer total recalls
2Volvo S90 has 155.5 fewer complaints per 10k sold
3Volvo S90 scores 26 points higher in reliability

Category Scoreboard

0Tesla Model S

—

3Volvo S90

Reliability ScoreTotal RecallsComplaint Rate

Tesla Model S vs Volvo S90: Which Is More Reliable?

Tesla Model S vs Volvo S90 at-a-glance reliability comparison
Metric	Tesla Model S	Volvo S90
Reliability Score	41/100	67/100
Years Tracked	8	9
Total Recalls	227	22
Complaints per 10k Sold	160	4.5
Year Wins	0	8

What Are the Common Problems With the Tesla Model S and Volvo S90?

The Tesla Model S exhibits a significantly higher total of complaints across several categories, with forward collision avoidance leading at 979 complaints, including 57 crash-linked incidents. Other notable areas include vehicle speed control and steering, both with over 500 complaints and substantial crash-linkages. In contrast, the Volvo S90 shows a remarkably low number of complaints, with only 18 total, primarily in the electrical system and service brakes categories, and no crash-linked incidents reported. The Tesla Model S's problem profile suggests heightened concerns in collision avoidance and speed control systems, areas where the Volvo S90 does not report significant issues.

Tesla Model S vs Volvo S90 common problem areas comparison
Component	Tesla Model S	Volvo S90
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE	34High	—None
UNKNOWN OR OTHER	19.8High	—None
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL	18.1High	—None
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM	17.1High	0.8Very Low
STEERING	17.8High	—None
SERVICE BRAKES	11.1Above Avg	0.5Very Low
SUSPENSION	9.5Above Avg	—None
AIR BAGS	3.6Average	—None
POWER TRAIN	3.2Average	—None
STRUCTURE	2.4Low	—None
BACK OVER PREVENTION	0.9Very Low	—None
LANE DEPARTURE	0.8Very Low	—None
SEAT BELTS	0.7Very Low	—None
VISIBILITY/WIPER	0.1Very Low	—None
ENGINE	0.1Very Low	—None

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

Which Is Cheaper to Maintain: Tesla Model S or Volvo S90?

The Tesla Model S lacks specific annual repair cost data, making direct comparisons challenging, but it is generally known for lower maintenance needs due to its electric drivetrain. In contrast, the Volvo S90 has an average annual repair cost of $976, with an expected repair frequency of 0.8 visits per year. Over five years, this equates to approximately $4,880 in repair costs. While the Model S might incur fewer routine maintenance costs, the absence of clear data on major repair risks means potential expenses are less predictable. For cost-conscious buyers, the Volvo S90 offers a more transparent understanding of expected maintenance expenses, despite the potentially higher frequency of minor repairs. However, if lower routine costs and repair visits are a priority, the Tesla Model S might be the better long-term investment, assuming no significant unexpected repair needs arise.

How Does Tesla Model S vs Volvo S90 Reliability Compare by Year?

Tesla Model S vs Volvo S90 year-by-year reliability scores
Year	Tesla Model S	Volvo S90	Edge
2025	50/1007R / 94C	69/1004R / 0C	Volvo S90
2024	42/10019R / 316C	66/1002R / 1C	Volvo S90
2023	32/10043R / 1307C	65/1003R / 2C	Volvo S90
2022	44/10018R / 796C	65/1003R / 1C	Volvo S90
2021	26/10067R / 1211C	71/1002R / 0C	Volvo S90
2020	37/10043R / 465C	66/1002R / 2C	Volvo S90
2019	48/10014R / 120C	69/1004R / 0C	Volvo S90
2018	46/10016R / 297C	67/1002R / 12C	Volvo S90

Best years to cross-shop: The 2025 Tesla Model S scored 50/100 and the 2021 Volvo S90 scored 71/100 — these represent the strongest model years in our tracking range.

Who Should Buy the Tesla Model S vs the Volvo S90?

If you prioritize reliability and peace of mind, the Volvo S90 is the better choice. With a reliability score of 67/100, only 22 recalls, and just 4.5 owner complaints per 10,000 sold, the S90 offers a more dependable ownership experience. You can expect an estimated annual repair cost of $976 and a repair frequency of 0.8 times per year, making it a practical option for those who want to minimize unexpected expenses and time spent in the shop. On the other hand, if you're drawn to cutting-edge technology and are willing to accept some reliability trade-offs, the Tesla Model S might appeal to you. However, with a low reliability score of 41/100, 227 recalls, and 160 owner complaints per 10,000 sold, be prepared for potential issues related to forward collision avoidance, speed control, and the electrical system. Choose the Model S if you prioritize innovation and are comfortable managing its higher risk of maintenance challenges.

Tesla Model S vs Volvo S90: Common Questions

Is the Tesla Model S 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 41/100. That's a significant difference worth considering.
Which has more recalls, the Tesla Model S or the Volvo S90?: The Tesla Model S has more recalls (227) 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 Tesla Model S or the Volvo S90?: Adjusted for sales volume, the Volvo S90 has a lower complaint rate at 4.5 per 10,000 vehicles sold versus 160 for the Tesla Model S. Normalizing by sales gives a fairer comparison than raw totals.

More Tesla Model S comparisons

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More Volvo S90 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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