Are Volvos Reliable?

While no singular test exists to measure reliability, consumers can often combine evaluations from several resources to gain a more complete picture of a particular vehicle. Individuals may turn to the following sources to understand the various aspects that factor into vehicle reliability: 

• Kelley Blue Book’s (KBB) 5-Year Cost to Own
• Safety ratings from The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) 
• Fuel efficiency ratings from The U.S. Department of Energy’s FuelEconomy.gov
• Reliability ratings and reported problems from RepairPal
• Dependability awards from J.D. Power

For example, potential buyers wondering, “Are Audis reliable?” can review the cost of ownership for a particular model, safety ratings from the NHTSA and IIHS, confirm fuel-efficiency ratings from the manufacturer with FuelEconomy.gov, and form an opinion on reliability with average repair costs from RepairPal and awards from J.D. Power.  

With the established resources in place, it’s time to consider how Volvo stacks up in terms of cost of ownership, safety, fuel efficiency, repair costs, and dependability. Where do you think Volvo will shine brightest, and where will it fall short of more capable competitors?

1. Cost of ownership 

According to KBB, the 2022 Volvo S90, 2022 XC90, and 2023 XC40 rank at the top of their respective classes for five-year cost of ownership. Beginning with the 2022 S90, the five-year cost of ownership totaled $64,230, which is higher than a 2023 Tesla Model 3 but lower than the 2023 Jaguar XF. The cost of owning a 2022 XC90 is just slightly lower, at $63,511. This price is close to the same five-year cost of ownership for the 2023 Lincoln Nautilus but lower than the 2024 Cadillac XT5 and the 2024 Acura MDX. 

Owning the smaller 2023 Volvo XC40 for five years will cost you $51,103. This cost of ownership makes the Volvo more expensive than a 2022 Buick Encore or Lexus UX but ranks the XC40 cheaper than the 2023 Audi Q3. Volvo also offers a 12-year, unlimited-mile corrosion warranty on all models. 

2. Safety 

Did you know Volvo was the first company to introduce three-point safety belts in 1959? The Swedish auto manufacturer earns top ratings from the NHTSA and IIHS, with 5 out of 5 stars for the 2023 S60 and the IIHS’ Top Safety Pick+ for the 2023 Volvo XC90. Volvo also won awards from the IIHS, with a Top Safety Pick rating for the 2023-2024 XC60 and Recharge models and a Top Safety Pick+ rating for the 2023 XC90 and Recharge models. 

3. Fuel efficiency 

Volvo vehicles put up some impressive numbers across hybrid and electric powertrains, as evidenced by FuelEconomy.gov’s ratings:

• Volvo’s 2023 C40 Recharge earns 87 combined MPGe, with 94 city and 80 highway MPGe 
• 2023 S60 and V60 models make 74 MPGe from an electric and gas motor pairing
• The 2023 XC40 earns 92 city and 79 highway MPGe, for a total of 85 MPGe combined
• Driving the larger 2023 XC60 puts you at 63 MPGe combined, but the XC90 only drops to 58 MPGe

Gas-powered Volvos may not lead the luxury segment with fuel-efficiency ratings, but they’re comparable across many segments.  

4. Average repair costs

RepairPal rates Volvo 3.5 out of 5, or 17th out of 32 car brands. The average annual repair cost for a Volvo model is $769, just over $100 more than the average of $652 across all segments. Volvos visit the shop 0.5 times annually, with a 9% chance of severe repair. While that’s more visits per shop than the average car, the chance of severe repair concerns is lower. 

Some of the best cars that perform well regarding repairs include brands that prioritize dependability, such as Honda, Toyota, Subaru, and Hyundai. Manufacturers such as BMW, Mercedes-Benz, and Alfa Romeo often charge more for repairs. Automaker Volvo finds itself somewhere in the middle, with labor and parts costs equal to many of the European brands listed.

5. Dependability 

As a brand, Volvo tends to prioritize safety and capability over style. Refined Volvos take a subtle approach to stylistic elements, opting for more lavish creature comforts than bold lines or color schemes. The focus on mechanical and electrical problems is reflected in a recent recognition by J.D. Power, where Volvo (in addition to Ram and Nissan) showed the most improvement in reducing customer complaints. KBB also supported these findings by ranking the 2023 Volvo XC40 as one of the Best Luxury Electric SUVs of 2023 and 2024, with the C40 Recharge taking third place to represent the brand further. 

Researching common problems among Volvos can help you save time and money. It’s the same reason you look to see if car dealerships are open on Sundays. Remember, the frequent issues Volvo car owners run into exist in addition to regular maintenance and care, which is essential for your Volvo’s longevity. 

1. Excessive oil usage

Motor oil remains a critical component of any engine. Volvos are notorious for burning oil and reducing the volume of this crucial liquid within the engine, leading to damage and catastrophic failure if left unattended. It’s always a good idea to check your Volvo’s oil level frequently and top it off if it's low. 

2. Transmission failure

While newer Volvos encounter fewer transmission failures, the 2001 V70 and 2005 XC90 suffered greatly from this issue. Drivers would experience problems with the transmission failing to shift or shifting erratically. Transmission concerns often stem from internal mechanical components failing, software bugs, or premature failure. 

3. Cooling fan issues

Volvo XC60s have experienced the most problems with malfunctioning radiator cooling fans. In each case, the culprit is often a faulty sensor, electrical issues, or due to dirt. Cooling fans are essential to proper engine operation, as they keep engine operating temperatures low to avoid overheating. 

4. Electrical issues

Luxury vehicles often house several cutting-edge technological components, from audio speakers and lighting to sensors. Volvo models experience their fair share of electrical problems that run the gambit from simple to complicated. A simple sensor replacement can assist in repairing electrical issues, or more drastic action may be necessary. 

Some of the least reliable Volvo models include: 

• 2004 XC90
• 2012 S60
• 2016 XC90
• 2017 XC90 
• 2018 V90 
• 2018 S90

Owning one of these Volvo models doesn’t mean you’ve lost your investment. Instead, trading in your Volvo is one of many acceptable forms of down payment for a car. Depending on your circumstances, you should weigh the pros and cons of ownership versus liquidating your investment. For example, if your Volvo S60 costs more to repair than you’d get for it by trading it in, it’s a no-brainer.   

Volvos represent a unique blend of luxury, capability, and safety that often elevates them among competitors in the segment. You’d be hard-pressed to find a safer vehicle than a Volvo, from the standard safety features of most trims to the wealth of additional optional safety features available. As with many automotive brands, current and forthcoming models often improve upon common complaints from years past, which is evident in Volvo’s continued dedication to superior excellence in craftsmanship. Despite the ever-developing EV market, eco-friendly Volvos still deliver impressive real-world fuel-efficiency numbers and simplify the ownership process to reduce barriers to alternative fuel sources.