10 Most Reliable Volvo Models Over The Last Two Decades

10

2011 Volvo V50

Key Reliability Data

• J.D. Power Quality And Reliability Score: Not Rated
• Total Recalls: 1 Recall
• CarComplaints Complaints Listed: 0 Complaints

Closely linked to European Ford models of the time, the Volvo V50 was designed to be a capable and versatile family car with bags of practicality but with a cheaper entry-point than the larger, more established models, such as the V70 and S80. Under the hood sat a number of engine options, including the iconic and surprisingly potent T5 – a turbocharged 2.5-liter five-cylinder engine which kicks out 227 horsepower, a powerplant also used in the second-generation Ford Focus ST.

9

2011 Volvo V70

Key Reliability Data

• J.D. Power Quality And Reliability Score: Not Rated
• Total Recalls: 1 Recall
• CarComplaints Complaints Listed: 0 Complaints

For many, the V70 is the quintessential Volvo wagon – certainly for the 21st century. This practical wagon sums up perfectly what the Swedish brand is all about, offering endless practicality, surprising performance – in the right trim – and class-leading quality. Unfortunately, the V70 has not been rated by J.D. Power, so it appears high up in the list. However, the startling lack of recalls and complaints for this model year of the V70 should fill any prospective buyers with plenty of confidence that this is one of the most reliable Volvos out there.

8

2020 Volvo V60

Key Reliability Data

• J.D. Power Quality And Reliability Score: 77/100
• Total Recalls: 2 Recall
• CarComplaints Complaints Listed: 0 Complaints

With a J.D. Power score rated at 77 out of 100, the 2020 Volvo V60 enters our list of reliable Volvo models in eighth, as the first with a valid rating. In addition to the commendable J.D. Power rating, the 2020 V60 boasts an impressive lack of complaints on CarComplaints, and just two outstanding recalls as of present, which are as follows:

• Low-Pressure Fuel Pump Fuse Can Fail – 21V414000 – 85,550 cars potentially affected
• Automatic Emergency Brake May Not Engage – 20V144000 – 121,605 cars potentially affected

Fortunately, neither recall poses a serious safety nor reliability threat, and are easily remedied. The 2020 V60 is available with two boosted four-cylinder engines, as by this point, Volvo had abandoned its legendary five-cylinder mill. One of the V60 engines is a plug-in hybrid with a 22-mile all-electric range.

7

2018 Volvo S90

Key Reliability Data

• J.D. Power Quality And Reliability Score: 78/100
• Total Recalls: 2 Recall
• CarComplaints Complaints Listed: 2 Complaints

​​​​​​​Volvo's luxurious S90 takes battle to the hotly contested premium mid-size sedan segment, taking on the likes of BMW's 5 Series, the Audi A6, and the Mercedes-Benz E-Class. For those with a restrained taste, the regular S90 fits the bill perfectly with a soft-yet-stylish exterior, while the R-Design boasts a decidedly more aggressive exterior, comparable to that of M-Sport, S-Line and AMG-Line models. Inside, the S90 is typically luxurious, boasting an expanse of high-grade leather and electric everything, perfect for keeping all occupants comfortable and content on otherwise dull and time-consuming commutes.

6

2008 Volvo C30

Key Reliability Data

• J.D. Power Quality And Reliability Score: 78/100
• Total Recalls: 2 Recall
• CarComplaints Complaints Listed: 1 Complaints

​​​​​​​It's not often that Volvo dabbles in the more compact segments of the market, but the debut of its C30 model proved that the Swedish automaker certainly knows how to make a compelling compact. The C30 was achingly attractive, especially when adorned with the deep R-Design bumpers, and genuinely quick with the right powertrain under the hood. Much like many Volvo models of the era, much of the drivetrain is Ford-derived, so be sure to steer away from Powershift transmissions and instead opt for a slick six-speed manual or the conventional Aisin automatics.

Despite its size and price point, the C30 was built to the same high standards as Volvo's flagship models, as is evidenced by a J.D. Power Quality And Reliability score which matches that of the luxurious Volvo S90.

5

2013 Volvo XC90

Key Reliability Data

• J.D. Power Quality And Reliability Score: 78/100
• Total Recalls: 0 Recall
• CarComplaints Complaints Listed: 3 Complaints

​​​​​​​Boasting a respectable J.D. Power Quality And Reliability rating, alongside zero recalls and just three complaints, it's easily demonstrated just how reliable the old Volvo XC90 is – but did you know it's also one of the safest choices you could make for you and your family?

​​​​​​According to an independent laboratory, Thatcham Researchers, which conducted a study by comparing and cross-referencing police-provided crash statistics with insurance data, not a single person has been killed in an XC90 as either driver or passenger, between the years 2004 and 2017 in the UK (which was the entirety of data available at the time in which the study was conducted, in 2018).

​​​​​​The clever use of autonomous braking and blind-spot monitoring systems is hailed as one of the reasons this impressive SUV can boast such a remarkable and unique achievement.

4

2021 Volvo XC40

Key Reliability Data

• J.D. Power Quality And Reliability Score: 79/100
• Total Recalls: 3 Recall
• CarComplaints Complaints Listed: 0 Complaints

Small and stylish, the XC40 joins Volvo's comprehensive SUV lineup as the cheapest and entry-level choice, fighting in the now heavily saturated subcompact crossover segment. Power is provided by a turbocharged 2.0-liter inline-four in base models, although more potent electrified Recharge models are also available.

The highest rated year as decided by J.D. Power is the 2021 Volvo XC40, which suffers from just three recalls – the most concerning of which relates to a high voltage disconnect issue, which may lead to a total loss of drive. However, Volvo has clearly addressed the problem by issuing the recall, and by now, hopefully, most of the affected models will be rectified.

3

2014 Volvo XC60

Key Reliability Data

• J.D. Power Quality And Reliability Score: 83/100
• Total Recalls: 2 Recall
• CarComplaints Complaints Listed: 3 Complaints

​​​​​​​The XC40's bigger brother, the XC60, is the first featured Volvo to score higher than 80 out of 100 on J.D. Power's Quality And Reliability test, and the score jumps noticeably here, to a very respectable 83/100. Interestingly, the highest score for the XC60 is awarded to the 2014 model year, which is the first model year of the facelifted first-generation model, with the redesigned second-gen model arriving some years later.

Two complaints logged on CarComplaints relate to engine issues, with the first being in relation to total engine failure at 130,000 miles – at such mileage, is this likely to be a fault with the car, or a maintenance-related issue? It's impossible to say, but with the complaints being so few, it's easy to deduce that engine faults are at least not commonplace for XC60 owners to experience.

2

2016 Volvo S60

Key Reliability Data

• J.D. Power Quality And Reliability Score: 85/100
• Total Recalls: 4 Recall
• CarComplaints Complaints Listed: 4 Complaints

​​​​​​​For decades, Volvo has sought to craft durable, sensible and practical sedans, perfecting the formula as they go. As times change, though, so must Volvo's approach, and sadly, the time-tested and universally admired S60 bit the dust last year, while SUV models continue to thrive in the Swedish automaker's showrooms. It's particularly regrettable as the S60 was by all accounts an admirably dependable model, boasting high third-party reliability ratings in addition to commendable owner reviews.

A good solid car and a pleasure to drive. Overtaking is a breeze and more than enough power. Still turns heads wherever I go.
– 2015 Volvo S60 Owner, CarSurvey

1

2008 Volvo XC70

Key Reliability Data

• J.D. Power Quality And Reliability Score: 87/100
• Total Recalls: 8 Recalls (later models had fewer, but a similar number of complaints and lower JD Power scores)
• CarComplaints Complaints Listed: 3 Complaints

Taking the top spot is the effortlessly cool 2008 Volvo XC70, complete with off-road exterior plastic cladding, an increased ride height, and all the usual luxurious trimming Volvo customers have now come to expect. It's worth addressing the higher number of recalls for this model year, which does seem out of place for a Volvo, but later model years of the XC70 did see this number reduce dramatically, while the number of complaints stays steady from year-to-year, although the J.D. Power scores do drop slightly on newer models. Furthermore, three of these recalls had to do with improper vehicle labels, such as tire labels; these recalls have no bearing on the car's reliability.

The XC70 is a true Volvo, showcasing everything the Swedish brand has become iconic for – immense practicality, impressive capability, and, of course, legendary dependability, as the most reliable Volvo model of the last 20 years.