Volvo is one of the most ambitious car manufacturers, with its focus centring on safety. Back in 2008, their intention was to eliminate death and serious injuries caused by their vehicles by 2020. The company has also announced plans for 50% of its sales to be for fully-electric vehicles by 2025. In 2017 the Chinese-owned company announced its plans for all vehicles it produced from 2019 to be electric or hybrid. There is no denying that Volvo has some very high ambitions when it comes to the safety features it develops for its vehicles. When we talk about Volvo models there is one thing that rarely comes up, and that is reliability. So where exactly does Volvo stand? How reliable is Volvo?
How reliable is Volvo?
The answer is that, when it comes to reliability, Volvo is average.
In its 2019 study, ReliabilityIndex gave Volvo a score of 127, which placed the manufacturer in 23rd place on a list of 40 brands. This places the manufacturer between MINI and Vauxhall in the 2019 rankings. When it comes to other areas of reliability, Volvo fares a little better. Looking at the amount of time Volvo models spend off the road, it places 13 out of 40, with the average time spent off the road being just over 2 hours, which is rather impressive. The average repair cost of Volvo vehicles is £790 according to carwow’s 2020 study This study also gave Volvo an average reliability rating of 62%, noting the slightly higher cost faults compared to other manufacturers.
In its latest (2021) Reliability Survey, WhatCar gave Volvo a below-average score, causing the manufacturer to come in 19th place out of 30 other manufacturers.
According to the Which? reliability survey, conducted at the beginning of 2019, the newer models from Volvo (aged 0 to 4 years) perform rather well, and this earned the manufacturer 4 stars out of 5. Volvo excels when it comes to safety, but, as with many other brands reviewed in the survey, reliability took a hit once the cars passed 4 years. For those with older models (4 – 8 years), more owners reported experiencing issues that necessitated repair at the garage. This reduced the rating for older Volvos to 3 stars. Most issues that owners experienced across multiple Volvo models were related to the computer software and Sat-Nav glitches.
Less than the average number of Volvo owners, 2.3%, had issues serious enough that their vehicles experienced a complete breakdown in the survey reporting period.
How reliable is the Volvo XC60?
The XC60 is Volvo’s popular compact SUV, with sales increasing every year since its release and the second-generation model continuing to set new sales records. It’s packed with safety equipment and technology to make a long drive comfortable. But, how reliable is this master of the roads? Is it likely to give you issues when you’re headed on a long journey to visit clients or family?
The model was first launched in 2008, and since then there have been two generations; the first was produced from 2008 until 2017 when the second generation commenced production. This second-generation model also received a facelift in March 2021, gaining a new Android-powered infotainment system, with the engines remaining the same.
Though Volvo is a very safety-conscious manufacturer, this does not mean that the XC60 is without issues. Owners of the first-generation model have reported several problems that affected their driving experience.
Issues reported include:
- Problems with the engine cooling fan
- Problems with the electronic module on the fuel pump
- Fuel leaks – caused by a fuel line that isn’t properly attached
- Issues with power steering
- Problems with the gearbox – a section of the shift mechanism can work loose causing it to become jammed
Despite the average scores, The XC60 spends less time off the road than a number of its close competitors such as the Volkswagen Tiguan, requiring an average of 2 hours 15 minutes when it needs repairs. But, if something does go wrong, the repair costs are a little higher than you might expect, coming in at an average of £410.96.
In the Which? reliability survey, the first-generation XC60 has a less-than-impressive reliability score. Models less than 3 years old score an average of 3 stars, while older models between 3 and 8 years earn just 2 stars out of 5.
Almost a third (30% in total) of first-gen XC60 owners who have a vehicle less than 12 months old found themselves taking their car to a garage for repairs. With the average for cars of 0-3 years being just over 20%, this is certainly higher, which, in a young car is disappointing.
For those who are driving a first-generation XC60 the most common issues that were reported were faulty tyre-pressure sensors and problems with the built-in sat nav systems. Neither of these issues is that serious. However, the full list of problems that were reported as part of the survey does contain some that can be, including faults with the transmission.
Many of the issues that are experienced by relatively new owners of the first-gen (2008-2017) models are not commonly experienced by newer cars.
One good thing is that the breakdown rate is low, at just 1%.
As the car gets older the problems don’t go away. If anything, those owners with cars aged between 3 and 8 years made even more trips to the garage to get repairs. 44% of people who owned an XC60 that was more than 3 years old reported that it had been necessary to take their car to the garage. Many had repeat issues with the battery, or the exhaust/emission control system. Issues with the cooling system were reported by 1 in 20 XC60 owners who participated in the survey.
All these issues resulted in the older first-generation XC60 being awarded just 2 stars out of 5.
The second generation of the XC60 has performed much better than its predecessor, at least according to the participants in the Which? reliability survey for 2019. While the first-generation model was only able to achieve 3 stars, the second-generation SUV was awarded 4 stars out of the maximum 5.
Now the second-generation XC60 has been out since 2017, and its score for models between 0-4 years earns a 3 out of 5 stars reliability rating. Which is much better than the first-generation XC60’s 2-star reliability rating.
Is the Volvo XC90 reliable?
Like the XC60, the XC90 is in its second generation. The sturdy SUV was first produced in 2002 and the first generation was manufactured until 2015 when it was replaced by the updated model.
Marketed as a mid-sized luxury SUV, the XC90 was originally unveiled in 2001 as Volvo’s Adventure Concept Car, at the North American International Auto Show held in Detroit. Production commenced in Sweden in 2002.
Though it is only in its second generation, there have been several appearance changes, including a complete facelift in 2007.
Unfortunately, it’s not the best news when it comes to the XC90. Data for the first-generation model has proved sparse, however, information about the second generation that launched at the very beginning of 2015 is widely available.
According to the most recent reliability study from ReliabilityIndex, the XC90 received a rather disappointing score of 191, which is 79 points lower than its smaller sibling, the XC60. In 2017, the XC90 was awarded 190. Both scores are much lower than the industry average, which is disappointing for a manufacturer renowned for its safety record.
The XC90 spends a little bit more time off the road than other Volvo models, with the average working out at around 2 hours and 30 minutes. When compared to other SUVs such as the Volkswagen Touareg, the 2 and a half hours is impressive. Repair costs are, however, where it falls down a little bit. Owners of the XC90, when asked, found the cost of repairs rather high. The average, according to the 2019 ReliabilityIndex report, is £417.25.
That the average repair costs are rather high is more easily understood when looking at the most common issues that owners of the XC90 report. 24% of owners had problems with their axle and suspension, and a further 18.93% reported they had been forced to take their SUV in to get electrical issues fixed.
As with all reliability studies, it’s necessary to look at information from many sources to get a better picture. But the picture does not get better when looking at the data from 2019 Which? consumer report.
As with the ReliabilityIndex report, there is no information on the first-generation model, with data only referring to models manufactured post-2015. The XC90 second-generation earned an average of 3 stars out of 5. 24% of those who participated in the Which? survey reported that they had been unfortunate enough to need to take their new XC90 to the garage for repairs in the 12 months preceding their participation. This is 2% higher than the average, which is disappointing for owners of a car that has a luxurious look and feel. Thankfully, less than 2% of drivers suffered a total car breakdown, which is lower than the average.
According to this survey, 9% of owners experienced problems with the engine electrics and non-engine electrics, with the car’s engine management system affecting 7% of the drivers participating in the survey. While none broke down, 7% of drivers also experienced an issue with a fuel system component.
This survey also revealed that repairs were somewhat speedy, with drivers only having to wait a day for their cars to be fixed. Of course, every car has its pluses and minuses and when it comes to Volvo, the safety innovations are second to none. If you love the look of the SUV and safety is a key concern for you when considering your next vehicle, then the XC90 could be exactly what you’re looking for. It’s worth considering leasing your vehicle and getting the additional maintenance plan which will give you security, leaving you secure in the knowledge that, should anything happen to your car which requires costly repairs, you’re covered.
So, why is Volvo unreliable?
You would think that safety and reliability would go hand in hand, but this doesn’t seem to be the case when it comes to Volvo and its vehicles.
One of the reasons that they are considered unreliable is actually related to the average cost of repairs. When car repair costs are higher the dependability of the vehicle is reduced accordingly. Cars that require fewer repairs, and cost less per garage visit, are the ones considered far more reliable by drivers. Owners also look at the amount of time that their car spends off the road when they are considering reliability; if a car spends a considerable amount of time off the road for repairs, and takes longer to repair, then this is something else which goes against the model when it’s being reviewed.
Software updates are another reason why Volvos are lower down the reliability scale. Volvos are packed full of technology and the more technology there is, the more elements there are that can go wrong. As anyone who has the latest phone with the newest operating system will know, sometimes updates go wrong. It only takes one app to be incompatible for something to stop working properly. And in-car technology is no different. Not only that, but the technology can also be expensive, and difficult to repair or replace.
Volvo’s determination to adopt new technology soon after launch can also be considered a problem. Everyone wants the newest items out there, but sometimes this is their downfall. New doesn’t always mean reliable. However, the reverse can also be found to be true, and if you don’t update your software you can also discover things stop working just when you need them.
When things stop working, whether they’re the in-car technology, the suspension or engine-related this is a huge pain for the owners, upping repair costs and reducing dependability.
Given so many of the technology-focused features of most Volvo models happen to be safety-related, this forces you to ask, is it the many safety features that make the car unreliable?
It’s a reasonable question to ask. A lot of the newer safety features included in your brand-new Volvo happen to rely on in-car technology; this includes things such as emergency stop systems and lane-departure warnings. As well as improving driver safety and reassuring you that you’re keeping your family safe, the systems used to run these features are incredibly complex, expensive, and relatively new. If something happens and one of these systems goes wrong or requires an update, then it may prove necessary to take the vehicle to a garage, therefore increasing your expenditure and reducing your belief in the vehicle’s dependability.
Of course, this kind of problem is not exclusive to Volvo, with many other manufacturers including more and more technology in their vehicle ranges. And we see evidence of this when other brands drop in dependability rankings due to the increased use of technology in their cars.
Should I buy, lease or finance a Volvo?
When it comes to safety features Volvo is head and shoulders above every other manufacturer. With their focus switching from fossil fuels to producing electric vehicles over the next decade, Volvo and its parent company, Geely, are looking to the future.
Throughout 2019, Volvo announced multiple improvements to their safety systems, including a hazard warning network in which cars will share information with other Volvos in the nearby area about slippery roads and other road safety issues.
The XC family and other vehicle ranges produced by Volvo are considered to be luxury, with many features such as heated seats, roomy interiors and high-quality audio systems. High quality goes hand in hand with the luxury that Volvo vehicles offer their driver.
A lease is ideal when you’re considering a manufacturer like Volvo. A lease with a maintenance plan takes away any concerns you may have about reliability scores and possible costly repairs. You can have all the safety features a Volvo is renowned for with none of the worry. You can drive the car for 2, 3 or 4 years, safe in the knowledge that, should anything happen, you are covered and when the lease contract ends, you can upgrade to the next model.
For many drivers, Volvo is the brand they turn to when they are looking for a vehicle that is packed with safety features. So, if you’re looking at getting a Volvo, then you are looking for a car that you know has been designed with the safety of you and your loved ones in mind.
Conclusion: How reliable is Volvo?
In conclusion, Volvo isn’t the most reliable brand. They aren’t the least reliable either, they are just average. Their smaller cars appear to be more reliable than their larger cars, particularly if you compare the C30 to the XC90. One of the reasons for this could be the increased use of in-car technology, which can often go wrong and be expensive to fix. If we compare it to its rivals, it is more dependable than other luxury manufacturers such as BMW, Mercedes-Benz and Audi. But, Lexus does top it, even though their RX isn’t as dependable as one would have hoped. Ultimately, though, Volvo is an innovative brand that prides itself on its safety and more recently its green credentials. So, it depends on what is more important to you in a car. Regardless, you still wouldn’t be making a mistake going for a Volvo.
That article is a complete lie. Please take a look at Volvo dealership. Tons of cars in repair. I own a XC60 and have so many problems that they cannot fix from day 1. I have a friend with XC60 that engine died after 70000 miles.
Featured car with nice build but far away from being reliable. Dealerships denies customer problems telling stories.
Big disappointment Volvo.
I will never touch it!
Hi Avi, I am so sorry to hear that your experience with Volvo has not been great. We really appreciate you sharing this with our other readers.
I think you are confusing personal anecdotal evidence as general truth. You can contest the article but you need more prof than your own. The article quotes several third party sources.
I have been driving Volvos for more than 10 years, my last experience was not good with V40 T4 engine dying after 30000 miles !!! Now I am waiting for the dealer to call and advise with action they are taking.
My 1991 940 GLE Volvo Estate has been the most reliable car I have owned. We bought it in 1991 when it was 6 months old and we have had relatively few issues with it over the past 26 odd years. It is still going strong today!
This is very good to hear. I know that many looking into this brand will find your experience useful.
I have owned three Volvos from new and all were dependable cars with no major issues. Any problems were very minor and fixed under warranty at no cost to me. Significantly better than the two VWs I owned previously. I bought a new Toyota (Lexus is of course the luxury division of Toyota) in January as all the current Volvos are too wide to fit comfortably in my garage. So far I am very impressed with the car, particularly in terms of build quality and finish. No issues whatsoever. I would say either Volvo or Lexus is a very good choice. Both are safe (Volvo a little better possibly) and also reliable (Lexus probably ahead here). Neither brand requires you to make compromises so it comes down to budget and personal preference.
Hi Paul,
Thank you for sharing your experience with Volvo. It’s great for our readers to hear user views of the manufacturers and I am sure that they will find this information helpful.
I think it’s safe to say that there are so many factors involved in the reliability equation including the preemptive maintenance actions taken (or not taken) by the car owner plus driving habits of course. I own a 2005 S60, and only had two issues: The sunroof and the CD player. My volvo is still as solid as its been since the day I purchased it from the original owner where it had 5K miles. My owners manual doesn’t sit in the glove box collecting dust. When I notice an operational quirk with any my vehicles, I don’t ignore it. We know that mechanical devices have a fixed life and break down. They don’t self-heal like ourselves. All of us can extend the life of our vehicles just by following the recommended maintenance schedules. Will there be premature failures with some of the components? Absolutely. However, you’ll find yourself in a much better position with a dealer if you maintain your vehicle like your manual recommends, have the records to prove it, and be mindful of certain “telling signs” with your car.
Hi Rob,
Thank you for your comment, I know that it will give everyone who reads it food for thought. I hope that you continue to enjoy your Volvo.
I have used Volvos for years and had been vert satisfied with them. However, I bought a 2008 V70 with a D5 engine in 2014. Despite new timing system last year, the engine failed whilst travelling at 70mph on a motorway. Could have led to fatal accident.. I have done some research online and many people have indicated there is a design fault with D5 engine, in that it is vulnerable to foreign bodies entering and damaging the auxiliary and timing belts. As a rsult we have to have engine repaiered or write the car off!
Hi William,
I am happy to hear that you have had luck with previous models of the Volvo and sad to hear that your most recent experience has not been very positive. I hope that you are able to resolve the issue, but if you are looking for a new vehicle and are based in the UK, please don’t hesitate to contact OSV for advice or information and we will be happy to help.
I bought a brand new Volvo V40 R series in June 2014 from a Volvo dealer. I have had it serviced at Clive Brooks Volvo Dealers in Huddersfield, UK every ten thousand miles. It has done just over 38,000 miles, mainly commuting on the M 62 motorway.
On Friday 18 January I was driving home and the car stopped dead. It was as if the ABS had kicked in. It would not start, so I called the AA. They realised it was a serious problem and towed me to Clive Brooks in Huddersfield. The garage discovered ( after 3 days of investigation) that the oil seal was damaged and oil had leaked onto a belt, softening it. It had then wrapped itself round the Cam Belt and caused oil to leak into the cylinder head, which required major work. The cost is slightly over £5,500. This happened because of a parts failure, which should not have happened after such a low mileage. Clive Brooks thought Volvo would cover the cost of this repair as a goodwill gesture because the car had been serviced by the main dealer, no warning lights showed to alert me to the problem, the first I knew of it was a dead stop in heavy traffic. Volvo scored this incident a Zero. So much for a company that promotes it’s vehicles as “reliable”. I certainly would never buy another Volvo and nor will my husband who has an XC 60. I will be advising all my friends and acquaintances not to touch Volvo cars.
Hi Sue,
I am really sorry to hear that you had such a negative experience with both your car and the after-sales service provided by Volvo. Hopefully you have now found a more reliable vehicle that suits your needs. I am sure that our readers will find your views and experience helpful.
I have owned Audi’s and Infiniti’s for most of my adult life and never had a problem. Two months ago I leased an S-90 from Smythe Volvo, Summit New Jersey. The experience has been a nightmare for the outset. In the first week the tire pressure gauge came on , the front and back windshields clouded over because the rain protector was smeared over dirty windows, the center dash computer screen crashed leaving me without any control over the heat, radio, etc., for several hours, on pulling out of my garage and stopping to close the door the engine revved to over 4000 rpm on its own (had to shut off car to stop) and the side impact warning has come on twice without any intersecting streets or driveways. All of these issues are minor, however, when compared to the fact that the steering pulls hard to the left, especially on the highway where is drifts into adjoining lanes when I am in the right or center lane and off the road when I am in the left lane. It has been in service 6 days to date, each time telling me on return “it’s perfect”. Today I was told I would have to “live with it”. The customer service rep called 3 weeks ago and was surprised to learn it was in service on that date. He vowed to “call back within 24 hours”…he has still not called back. I can only imagine what surprises the next 34 months of my lease will bring!
Hi Bob,
I am sorry to hear that your experience with the new Volvo has not been more positive. I hope that you are able to come to some kind of resolution with your leasing company. I am sure that some of our readers based in the USA will find this informative if they are looking for a new car.
I have had 4 volvos. Three of them new. Love the car. . My used 760 was a slug. But ran good. It Started having electrical issues at 90k miles. Fixed them and sold it. My 2005 v50 never had an issue. But I sold it at 32k miles. My 2007 xc70 had a few electrical issues when new. Warranty covered. Then, the electrical problems showed up with a venom at 130k miles and 10-years of age. Ecm, key antenna, antiskid, temp sensor, etc. My 2016 xc70 has been trouble free @45k miles. So has my daughters 2009 c30 @ 130k miles.
I would buy another Volvo, but I will sell it at the 6-year mark.
Hi,
Thank you for the comments about the reliability of the Volvo. It sounds as though you’ve had a great deal of good luck with the ones you’ve owned in the past and have a routine that fits your needs when it comes down to replacing them at a time that’s right for you.
I am buying a 2008 xc70 for my mom. My husband and I know nothing about volvos and we are a little afraid to purchase something that age. It runs amazing and i looks like it just left off of the show room. One owner with 92,000 miles.
Hi Teri,
Thank you for your message. As we do not know the history of the vehicle in question we would be unable to advise you as to whether you should purchase. Volvos are good vehicles, however, we would recommend you get a full history from the current owner before making a decision.
I have a 2019 Volvo XC60 T5 AWD, with 5500 kms and 9 months, bought in Belgium. 5 weeks ago, a fuel injector broke while driving. No warning. The car stopped in the middle of the road and 2 cars almost hit my car with my family onboard.
Since I bought it I have been suffering several problems on transmission, start and stop system and air suspension, software problems and very high fuel consumption. Volvo has exchanged the gearshift, start and stop system, batteries and air compressor. However, problems continue. And the car is still under repair after 5 weeks. Really disappointed with the car and really bad support from Volvo Belgium and Volvo Global.
Hi Pablo,
Thank you for sharing your experiences with this model with our readers. I am sure that they will find this informative and helpful. I hope that you get a more positive response from Volvo Belgium going forward, and that they resolve the problems you have been having with your vehicle.
“IS THE NEW XC40 A SAFE CAR TO DRIVE ?”
I recently had an accident in my VOLVO xc40 T5 AWD rendering it a total loss claim on my insurance.
Whilst negotiating a small roundabout in a narrow street the car suddenly speeded up and was totally unresponsive to braking.
My insurance company has already offered to pay the market value or as the car was only six months old (Oct 2018) with less than 3000 miles on the clock a replacement car.
I was concerned that the accident occurred as a result of a fault in the car and requested VOLVO UK get involved.
They reported that the car had accelerated due to the accelerator pedal being 100% depressed by the driver and that there had been no braking activity.
This is totally untrue as one instinctively brakes as speed increases and who would want to crash a £40K+ car into a wall.
I do not accept this as VOLVO have been aware of this problem for some time as was reported by Volvo cars co-operative spokesman Per-Ake Froberg from Gothenburg, Sweden in an article titled :-
“VOLVO WARNS OF UNINTENDED ACCELERATION IN SOME MODELS”
who reported that at the time there had been 55 incidents of unintended acceleration and that Volvo did not have a fix to permanently take care of the problem.
I have been a keen Volvo owner since 1981 having 17/18 volvos but feel people need to be made aware of this failure which could result in serious injury or fatality.
Hi Richard,
Thank you for sharing your experience. We’re sorry it wasn’t a positive one. We can’t confirm or deny your statement, however, the article that you have cited is 9 years old and specifically mentions several models, though none is the XC40. We hope that you have some luck in your dealings with Volvo UK and resolve the issues you have had.
MY FRIEND IS CONSIDERING THE VOLVO XC60 D4 AWD AUTO 2018 MODEL WITH 2 LTR DEISEL BASED ON MY RESEARCH OVER RECENT MONTHS, HOWEVER, THE ABOVE COMMENTS ARE QUESTIONING MY ADVICE BUT AN ALTERNATIVE IS DIFFICULT TO FIND; MY PRESENT CHOICE BASED ON ECONOMY EMMISSIONS AWD AND BOOT SPACE IS; LAND ROVER DISCOVERY SPORT AND A HYUNDAI SANTE FE, ALL AT ABOUT £24,000. ANY COMMENTS WOULD BE WELCOME.
Hi Trevor,
Thank you for your comment. If you would like further advice on the best car then please get in touch with Amanda on 01903 223391 as she will be able to pass you to one of our vehicle experts who will definitely be able to find your friend the ideal car for their lifestyle, they would consider everything that is required and look out our extensive list to find the car which best suits.
If you require any advice, please get in touch.
A car manufacturer that is not considered “very reliable” should not have the permission to be in the process of produce autonomous vehicles. First fix your track record on reliability to show that you can make a trustworthy vehicle before I am giving it my trust to operate it without me controlling the wheel and the accelerator. Sorry Volvo.
Hi,
Thank you for your comment. You make a good point, however, the results on reliability aren’t only about the safety of the vehicle, it’s about multiple factors and though Volvo reliability isn’t as high as, for example Toyota, they have a strong safety record and have, for a long time, been considered incredibly safe vehicles. The company works on a great number of safety features, the technology for which is shared in multiple others. #
I hope that this puts some of your doubts at rest.
I am now on my seventh Volvo. I have a 2013 XC90. What has happenned to Volvo? My previous Volo
vos were very safe and reliable. I hear about nothing but problems with Volvos. Mine just has 36,000 miles on it and I am already looking at replacing a faulty designed air conditioning system with new faulty designed Volvo ac components. I hear nothing from Volvo on all of these quality issues posted all over the internet. I can’t believe after seven Volvos I will have to buy a Toyota to get the quality I used to expect from every Volvo. Jim
Hi Jim,
Thank you for your comment on Volvo. It appears that you’ve had a long history with the manufacturer. Volvo has changed a lot over the years, but if recent reports are anything to go by they are back to their best, with reliability increasing and their safety features among the best in the world. I hope that you find a new vehicle that you are happy with. If you are based in the UK then please get in touch with Amanda on 01903 223391 and she will be able to help you on the journey to a new car.
Hi i’am trying to purchase a Volvo XC60 about a 16 reg seems a lot of negative comments on this model is it just tho I thought Volvo’s had a good name.going from a hilux need a automatic is there people that speaks well of Volvo’s surely there must be.
Hi Geoff,
Thank you for your question. Having done a little research, the XC60 is not the favoured vehicle in the Volvo family. However, the newer models (from 2017 onwards) have a better reliability rating.
If you are looking for a new vehicle to lease, please contact Amanda on 01903 223391 and she will be able to help you find your perfect vehicle.
Hii I have been using Volvo xc60 for six years. Presently I have new variant and clocked 50k in 15 months. Earlier model clocked1.5lkhs km in 48months. I am extremely happy with car. This is my 27th car and after all experience I have stayed Volvo.
Hi Abhay,
Thank you for sharing your experience with this manufacturer. It’s always great to hear from people who have experience in driving a specific manufacturer or model long term.
I just purchased a used V60 Cross Country t5 model. It was less than a year old when it was purchased. I have not seen any numbers for reliability for this model. I was told that I have the balance of the factory warranty. Is this true???? Thank you for reply.
Hi Terry,
Thank you for your comment. I have checked with one of our vehicle experts and you are correct, you have the balance of the factory warranty for your V60 CC.
We had the V70 estate for 7-8 years for our family for cross-country rides. Loved it. Then had the Volvo XC60 for 5 and a half years..very sad to part with it . We have just booked a Volvo V90 which is due to us next month….back to an estate again. All these years..our family find the Volvo cars beauriful, enjoyable, comfortable and very responsive to be in. Have not even thought of others…just Volvo!
Hello Tyrone,
Thank you for your comment on the reliability of the Volvo. When it comes to cars loyalty is a thing and it seems that you have found your ideal vehicle partner in Volvo. We are sure that our readers will find your experiences helpful when they come to making a decision about their new car.
hi, i have volvo v40 cc . engin and transmission are ford development and manufacturing. powershift transmission needs good care, changing oil and filter . i maintane the care by myself. the car passed 90k km with no problem at all. hope to pass 300k km. i exepet it from volvo. but, does the foren transmission and engine of ford will survive? hope so.
the engine and transmission is a ford design but is still built by volvo they use there own materials in the engine and different pistons and internals. my grandfather as a ford Mondeo 2.0Tdci which is the design that volvo copied that died at 150,000 miles and my volvo v50 2.0d is still going at 378,000 so yes it is a true volvo.
About 1 year ago I bought an XC40. Zero issues whatsoever. Granted, it has been just 1 year, but my previous car, Hyundai Santa Fe, had a few issues during its first year in my hands. They Hyundai turned out to be an excellent reliable car after 7 years of ownership. But going back to my Volvo, I gotta say I am impressed. Everything looks and feels top notch, and I love it. My concern would be the transmission as I can hear it and feel it too much when I go from P to any gear. I wish it was quite and smooth. Nonetheless, I am very happy and I wouldn’t have any other car at the moment.
Hi Javier,
The XC40 is a handsome car and is rated quite well when it comes to reliability. It is currently the smallest of Volvo’s SUV-type vehicles and is also very popular with those who want something a little rugged but don’t need something as big as the XC60 or XC90.
We hope you continue to enjoy your XC40.
My 2012 XC60 T5 R Design has faulty gearbox / transmission for the second time after driving 82k first failure and now at 200k km another failure. Is this a normal lifespan of the gearbox? It has been service by the Volvo OEM
Hello Keith,
Many thanks for your comment regarding your 2012 XC60. We would recommend that you visit owner forums where people will be discussing the issues they are having with the same model. We hope that you are able to find some answers.
If you are based in the UK and would like some help to source a new vehicle to lease, hire or purchase, please get in touch with Amanda on 01903 223391 and she will be able to pass you to one of our experienced vehicle specialists to get you a car which fits your lifestyle and needs.
Hello, I had the same thing. The cure is quite simple. Flushing the gearbox 5 times with fresh ATF until what comes out is bright red is the cure. There is a brilliant youtube video showing it. You need big drum of Volvo spec ATF, a lot of empty 2litre coke bottles and a few bits of pipe, plus axle stands (4) and a few hand tools. Do this every 60 – 80k miles and you will not get the trouble of a chocked up box. Its not a straight flush;- get the car on the level with it raised onto the stands. Run the engine and for 1 minute in each gear, selected manually. Do this up and down the box twice between each flush. The pipe that goes to the oil cooler is where I interrupted the flow (you can do from the gearbox itself), drain the sump after each flush, and in the final flush, use the self leveling plug. The ATF is quite toxic so dispose of the oil responsibly. Wear gloves as this also is bad for the skin.Do not rev the engine. After dropping the car back onto the ground, check the oil levels before driving off.
Twice I got the garage to do it – #400+, but last time myself and it was just the expense of the oil, clean up rags and pipe end clips (I used new ones every time).
My daughter has a 1987 Volvo 240 with 300,000 miles and I have a 96 Volvo 850 T5 with close to 200,000 miles. They are the most solid cars. No rust, same engine and transmissions. Less technology than the newer models may explain better reliability. Just regular maintenance and seems like it will run forever. I love the newer Volvo’s, but I am afraid of the techno failures!!
Hi Paul,
Thank you for your comment on the reliability of Volvos. This article is currently being rewritten using more up to date information, however the message remains the same. It’s always very helpful to hear from people who have experience of particular models. I am sure that many of our readers will find your experiences helpful.
I agree with your review. Stupidly I sold my mk1 V70, a Torslander 10v petrol engine, and it ran well into 300k miles, I sold it for diesel mk2 version, which was good but not without issues. I sold that for a diesel S60, and later a newer facelift mk2 V70 diesel. All the diesels gave problems that the petrol version didn’t experience at all. For instance a computer failure on the S60, and an engine fire on the last V70, caused by fanbelts breaking and taking out the cambelt and oil supply lines to the intrecooler and radiator. The 850/v70 mk1 were definitely the best p2 platform car by a long way in my experience. Between manual and automatic versions I owned, the manual was by far the best. Auto boxes are great upto the point when the software needs ‘refreshing’ – thats the signal to sell the vehicle. Going back to the 80’s with my 940/960 models, the 960 2.5 straight 6 was by far the best car I ever owned (comparing with my other marques like Jaguar and Saab), it was simply mugged by more modern gimmicky technology and performance. The 940 was sold at 20 years old and the 960 at 18, both young cars by the feel of driving them. The V70 was a great car but something got injected into the modle that simply didn’t work out. The turning circle was worse than a 3ton van.
My 01 Volvo v70 has over 300000 miles on the original trans and motor. By far one of the most reliable Volvos than my old 740 and 760. Definitely it’s expensive to maintain. But u can’t put price on safety
Hi Volvo Fan,
We are guessing, by your name, that you are a loyal Volvo driver. Thank you for your comment on your experience with Volvo models.
Hi I am planing to buy Volvo v40 d2 cross country 2014 1.6 diesel. Is it right choice ? how is this car ?
I have a 2016 V40 D2 cross country but it has the 2.0 diesel engine. What I would consider is the cramped back seats if they are likely to be used often. I’m 6’2″ and need to have the driving seat well back which makes the seat behind me almost unusable for an adult. Also boot space is limited with a high sill. None of this affects me much and I find the car a joy to drive but I wouldn’t call it a family car.
Hi Mihir,
If you are looking for advice or information on this Volvo – or any other vehicle – please get in touch with Amanda in our office on 01903 223391 and she will be able to help you purchase or hire a new vehicle.
I have a 2009 Volvo C30. It has a standard transmission and about 250,000 km and seems to be running well. I bought it in January 2010 and was thinking since I have had it for 10 years, I should be thinking about replacing it, but Volvo has not come out with a similar model. I love this car, but would really like some of the newer features and technologies. Is there anything comparable, or do I just keep driving this until it no longer works? Can I add things like satellite radio and Bluetooth?
Hi Diane,
We aren’t based in Canada (if we were we would recommend you call one of our vehicle specialists who could talk you through your options). However, we have done some research and if you are looking to replace your hatchback/coupe there are quite a few options on the market, including: Honda Civic, Mazda3, Toyota Yaris, Kia Cee’d, VW Golf and Ford Fiesta.
We love our 2005 XC 90 Volvo! It has 138,000 miles and has had only regular maintenance since the transmission was replaced under warranty.
The interior is in perfect condition as well as the body. This has been the most fabulous car ever we’ve ever owned!
I have an 04 XC70. A bit stiff on city streets but great and comfy in the hiway. I do most of my maintenance. Brakes, wheel.bearings, oil change. All i’ve worked on so far. I like the wagon. Very utilitarian.
I also drive a 2001 V 70 estate, had it 7 years and doesn’t burn any oil or miss a beat, fantastic machine !
I recently purchased a new Volvo S60 R-Design, soon after leaving the dealership I am facing safety issues in the car, starting from cabin vibrations at highway speeds to squeaking brakes. I regret the decision I made 3 weeks back. I can’t drive this car, as its a hazard.
Hi Sidd,
Thank you for your comment. Unfortunately, as you are based in the US we are unable to offer you any advice. We would recommend you contact your dealership to find out what your consumer rights are.
I have a Volvo S80 1999, and it is extremely reliable, the most trouble free of cars that I have owned. I have owned this car since 2010, when it had 43,000 miles on the clock, since then I have done another 61,000 miles. Previous cars were Nissan, VW, Audi, Rover, Honda, and Austin Princess.
It’s a fantastic car, extremely comfortable, better on long drives, and strong feeling of safety. A VW Golf recently drove into the back of my car and dented the bumper, however their front completely caved in damaging their engine and body.
The longest it has been off the road was this year when it had it biggest service, because parts had to be ordered from Switzerland, it was off the road for 3 days. Other than that I just had normal Volvo garage services annually. I used to take it to other garages non-Volvo, and they didn’t service it correctly, and would break parts or not refit body parts correctly.
We love our 2009 XC 90 Volvo! It has 50000 miles and has had only regular maintenance since the transmission was replaced under warranty.
The interior is in perfect condition as well as the body. This has been the most fabulous car ever we’ve ever owned!
I also drive a 1998 V 70 estate, had it for 10 years, and doesn’t burn any oil or miss a beat, a fantastic machine!
I own a 1996 Volvo 960. It is by far, one of the best cars I’ve ever owned. I have it serviced regularly and it never loses oil or other fluids. It performs very well and I have no intention of ever buying another vehicle in my lifetime. In my opinion, it is one of the most reliable cars Volvo has ever produced. Service is the answer to reliable performance and reliability i intend to pass this car on to my son as a “collector” car. It is in pristine condition with the exception of the leather on the door panels which were a poor fit from the factory, with many wrinkles on the top edge where it meets the window. Would love to get that corrected.
I am considering a 2018 XC 60 one owner 30 k.. lease vehicle of the state of PA, please advise on what to expect, the price and trade in of my 2006 ML350 was reasonable, who does the 2018 Mercedes SUV compare to the 2018 XC 60 ? thanks for your time and comments..
We would recommend having a look at the reviews for these vehicles on our YouTube channel as this may help to give you an idea of how they compare.
Volvo XC60: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kgZMTNuiOZo&t=1s
Mercedes AMG GLC 2018: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cE3RnXdgl1g&t=595s
I have a 2013 V70 with the D3 engine. EGR valve and cooler had to be replaced in 2021 at 65,000 miles. Volvo UK weren’t interested- just hid behind it being out of warranty so I guess they know it is an issue. Electric tail gate isn’t good either- can’t open fully and , to make access difficult, always drops back after opening. Volvo dealership says it is to be expected on a used car.Two serious faults in my opinion so a little disappointed with this one- my previous V40 never had these faults and I owned that for 11 years. Other than that, the V70 is a nice car but Volvo UK seem to have abandoned customer care which is important to me when considering a change.
We recently bought an XC40 R Design T5 second hand with just 10,000 on the clock. We loved it from the start, that is until things started to go wrong. On a recent 400 mile round trip to N. Wales the SRS air bag warning came saying we needed urgent service. We contacted the local Volvo Dealers in N. Wales but neither could see us until after we were due to return home. On the way home further warnings were flagged up including ESC, transmission problems that resulted in reduced performance and the amber engine light came on. We booked the car into our nearest Volvo dealer in Yeovil who said they had managed to remove all the fault codes and updated the software. After we drove away from the dealer the amber engine light returned and although they got it off again it has returned again as has the SRS airbag warning and various other warnings. The car is booked in for further diagnosis this coming Thursday for a 2 day review but we wonder if they have a handle on the problem given they offer water ingress in the passenger footwell as a possible reason for all these problems and otherwise seem to just scratch their heads. This is our first venture into Volvo ownership and my be our last if the problems cannot be resolved without further ado. I will try and update this post once the dealership have had another go at resolving these problems.
Willhelm Tell.
Fahre einen Xc 90 mit dem 5 Zylinder Dieselmotor, 183 Ps, Jg. 2005. Ein tolles Auto, Robust und ohne Probleme. Für mich ist Volvo der beste Autohersteller in Europa.
500000 Km Fahrleistung sind keine Seltenheit bei Volvo Fahrzeugen. Bleibe bei dieser Marke bis es keine Verbrennermotoren mehr gibt.
I’m in my 2nd Volvo; a 2004 xc70. It has 466,000 plus miles on it, and has required NO major drivetrain repairs. I maintain it myself It’s easy to work on, and parts are plentiful and inexpensive on line. It still looks great inside and out, and is easily the most favorite car I’ve owned…. The Haldex awd system on it has no equal. I’ve owned numerous vehicles equipped with 4 wheel drive, all wheel drive, but I have never driven a vehicle in snow, mud, off road, that handles those conditions better than this car.
Hi there Dean, thank you for sharing your thoughts on Volvo’s reliability. It’s great to hear you had a positive experience with your XC70. This will be valuable for our readers and those considering a Volvo as their next vehicle.
record holder of miles on a car belongs to a volvo
Hi there Mark, thanks for sharing your thoughts on Volvo. Is it a brand you’re considering for your next vehicle?
Swedish? lol. Volvo is Chinese.
Hi there Brand, thank you for your comment. Despite being owned by Geely Automobile, a prominent Chinese automotive brand headquartered in Shanghai, Volvo Cars retains its Swedish roots. Its main headquarters remain in Torslanda, Gothenburg, Sweden. While Volvo Cars operates manufacturing facilities in various countries, including Sweden, Belgium, and China, they’ve expanded their production to the United States as well, with their first manufacturing plant located in South Carolina.
I purchased a Volvo XC 60 in Oct. 2021 after being hit by a drunk driver and having to have my Audi Q5 totaled. It was during the time frame where it was hard to get many cars and my dealership sold Audi, Volvo and Volkswagen. They had just sold their last Audi Q5 and I decided rather than wait to try the 2022=Volvo XC 60. I was impressed with the styling and safety features. Overall, I have had mixed feelings about it, although mostly happy with it. I love the gas mileage, and many safety features and overall appearance. I have had issues with the infotainment system and I had that go out on occasions. I have also had problems with the engine light coming on and having some minor repairs. However, I was looking at 2024 models and was considering the XC 40. However, when checking reliability ratings, etc. it isn’t near the top at all and not CR recommended. I’m very disappointed in how this brand has fallen recently and not sure if I will buy another one.
I purchased a Volvo XC 60 in Oct. 2021 after being hit by a drunk driver and having to have my Audi Q5 totaled. It was during the time frame where it was hard to get many cars and my dealership sold Audi, Volvo and Volkswagen. They had just sold their last Audi Q5 and I decided rather than wait to try the 2022=Volvo XC 60. I was impressed with the styling and safety features. Overall, I have had mixed feelings about it, although mostly happy with it. I love the gas mileage, and many safety features and overall appearance. I have had issues with the infotainment system and I had that go out on occasions. I have also had problems with the engine light coming on and having some minor repairs. However, I was looking at 2024 models and was considering the XC 40. However, when checking reliability ratings, etc. it isn’t near the top at all and not CR recommended. I’m very disappointed in how this brand has fallen recently and not sure if I will buy another one.
Purchased my car at Graham Auto in Sioux Falls, S. D.
Hi there Linda, thank you for sharing your experience with the Volvo XC60, and we’re truly sorry to hear about your previous accident with a drunk driver.
We appreciate your detailed feedback on both the positive aspects and the issues you’ve encountered with your Volvo. It’s great to hear that you are pleased with the gas mileage, safety features, and overall appearance of your XC60. However, we understand your concerns regarding the infotainment system and engine light issues.
If you’re considering a change, it might be worth comparing other models to see if it suits your needs. When you’re ready, please reach out to our team of Vehicle Specialists to discover your next ideal vehicle on 01903 255000.
I am wanting to lease a volvo xc60 recharge with the ultimate trim in silver/blonde…Impossible to find The Plus model is everywhere
Hi there Judy, thank you for your comment. That’s great you’re looking to lease a Volvo XC60, to secure your Volvo we recommend getting in touch with our team of Vehicle Specialists on 01903 255000.
I’ve had my Volvo XC40 for five years now in which I’ve done 120000 kilometers or 75000 miles and apart from having to replace two noisy tailgate struts (no big deal) I’ve had zero, yes zero, you read that right, issues of a mechanical or any other nature. I’ve owned multiple car brands including so-called luxury brands costing several times more and none have come close to such perfection. Not to mention the faultless build, the comfort, the economy (with eight speeds the engine rarely spins above 2000 revs). I could go on but life’s too short.
Thanks for sharing your experience, Malcolm! It’s great to hear how reliable your Volvo XC40 has been over the years. Have you considered sticking with Volvo for your next car, or are you thinking of exploring other brands?
I bought my XC40 B3 (mild hybrid) at the beginning of March this year and so far I find the car very comfortable to drive. It is not the sportiest car, then you better look at the X1 BMW. Just a very pleasant cruiser, nice and high entry with an excellent view of the road.
By the way, this is my very first Volvo!
Hi there Neils, it’s great to hear that you’re enjoying your first Volvo! The XC40 B3 is indeed known for its comfort and smooth driving experience. While it may not be the sportiest option out there, its strengths as a reliable and pleasant cruiser make it a popular choice for many. Welcome to the Volvo family, and here’s to many more comfortable miles ahead! If you have any questions or need more insights, feel free to reach out.