UPDATE: 2026/09/23 20:00 EST BY SEAN MCMANUS
The Most Reliable Volvo Models Are Used
We added a section with two used Volvo SUVs that have recorded above-average reliability.
When it comes to family movers among the safest in their class, most people think of Swedish automotive brand Volvo. While it now falls under the Chinese brand Geely and its automotive umbrella, Volvo vehicles remain distinguishable among other European brands currently on the market.
The brand’s leaning towards a focus on electrified powertrains and vehicles is also defining its current range of family vehicles, from compact crossovers to midsize SUVs, and is especially stronger now since Volvo’s all-electric sub-brand, Polestar, has exited the US market.
Based on our Volvo SUV drive reviews or first-drive impressions, from the highly successful XC90 to the latest EX60. While they each bring their individual strengths and redeeming features over rivals, which ones are judged best when it comes to how easy (or stressful) they are proving to own among their first customers?
We’ve ranked all the Volvo SUV models that we’ve personally tested by JD Power Quality and Reliability score from lowest to highest, and we’ve included the latest EX60 right at the start since it has not yet been rated. All information is correct at the time of writing.
2027 Volvo EX60
JD Power Rating: Not Rated Yet
Volvo EX60 P10 AWD UltraVolvo
The EX60 is the newest addition to the Volvo SUVs lineup for the US market, serving as an all-electric variant of the automaker’s XC60 crossover. This particular all-electric Volvo SUV serves as an alternative to the discontinued Polestar 3, which occupied a similar segment in the EV crossover/SUV market. Powertrains comprise either single or dual electric motors with varying power outputs (sending power to the rear or all four wheels), with Volvo estimating 295–400 miles of range per charge depending on the battery pack and model selected.
2027 Volvo EX60Tom Murphy / CarBuzz / Valnet
As the EX60 has only recently begun sales in the US market, not a lot of information is available as of this writing regarding complaints, recalls, and reliability data reported, so it kicks off our list. But, as with the first year of any recently debuted model, it’s worth keeping an eye out for any initial quality assurance problems reported by the first batch of owners and Volvo’s responses to these, including whether any remedies are covered under their respective warranties.
The EX60 is also the brand’s first vehicle driven by continuous software updates, and whether this means bugs/issues can be resolved overnight en masse is worth keeping an eye on, to see if it’s executed without any further complaints.
“The EX60 is Volvo’s first software-defined vehicle, which means those OTA updates are simple, and the automaker is hoping to offer a meaningful new feature each quarter for the next two years.”
– Tom Murphy, Motor Journalist, CarBuzz
2026 Volvo EX30
JD Power Rating: 63/100
2025 Volvo EX30. All-electric. EV. Motion. On-road. Front, three-quartersVolvo
The smallest electric Volvo SUV currently on sale is the EX30, and while it may offer some strong points as one of the most affordable electric Volvo SUVs, it hasn’t been faring well in terms of reliability and quality control since its launch.
In previous Volvo SUV reviews, we felt the EX30 was a surprisingly capable crossover EV, especially in its off-road-inspired ‘Cross Country’ trim that should attract certain buyers preferring this type of aesthetics, along with its native Google infotainment system and performance capabilities of its single/dual electric motor powertrains. We also felt it was suited to urbanites who find a compact EV priced in this range ideal for their typical vehicle usage.
“The most important thing to note about the EX30 is that it’s legitimately small… Buyers who need more rear seat and trunk space may need to swallow their pride and step down to an EV from a lesser brand. [But] households who can live with a small car finally have an affordable option that matches their lifestyle.”
– Jared Rosenholtz, Former Editor-at-Large, CarBuzz
However, complaints from owners of the EX30 globally, including the US, are plentiful. Owing to the minimalist cabin design relying on the infotainment UI to access key functions, there have been several complaints raised over software glitches or the head unit itself being inoperable altogether.
2026 Volvo EX30Ian Wright/CarBuzz/Valnet
A more serious issue affecting EX30s globally also affects some US-market examples, related to overheating battery packs used by single-motor extended range and dual-motor performance EX30 models. The root cause has been identified in an issue with the supplier of the battery cells, with Volvo advising owners of EX30s with these faulty batteries not to charge them beyond 70% or to park outdoors to avoid risks of them catching on fire.
“Investigations have identified a potential hardware issue within the High Voltage Battery, which in very rare cases could cause the battery to overheat when charged above 70%. If your car is affected, please do not charge your battery above 70%.”
The EX30’s latest JD Power reliability rating of 63/100, being ranked among the lower end of new Volvo SUVs currently on sale, further reflects the level of customer dissatisfaction with this particular model.
2026 Volvo XC90 Plug-In Hybrid
JD Power Rating: 68/100
2026 Volvo XC90 Plug-In Hybrid overhead shot while parkedVolvo
The latest refresh to the current Volvo XC90 also saw updates applied to its PHEV variant. While no major changes have been made to the PHEV XC90’s powertrain, which is based on a 2.0L turbocharged four-cylinder, the plug-in hybrid models did receive a refreshed exterior appearance, along with better sound-deadening measures to improve cabin refinement onboard, and the inclusion of air suspension on the PHEV models.
“Volvo claims the chassis is where the XC90 has been enhanced the most, thanks to revised suspension tuning and greater noise insulation. The T8 PHEV’s got plenty of power, but I’m not a fan of the way it transitions from EV to ICE under even moderate-to-high throttle loads, forcing you to drive around it.”
– Roger Biermann, Managing Editor, CarBuzz
Though no JD Power rating has been issued for the latest XC90 Plug-In Hybrid and accurate reliability information is not available yet, reviewing previous model years that still use this powertrain shows a few recalls over software issues affecting the rearview camera, certain safety equipment (i.e. seatbelt brackets not being tightened properly), and a more serious issue affecting the brake diagnostic module.
“Volvo Car USA is recalling certain 2023 XC90s. A diagnostic error in the Brake Control Module 2 (BCM2) may cause a loss of Antilock Brake System (ABS), Electronic Stability Control (ESC), and traction control.”
– NHTSA Campaign No. 23V012000
Considering the revised XC90 plug-in hybrid uses more complex equipment onboard, how it will fare in the long term over use and age will be worth monitoring to see if it isn’t as problematic or doesn’t experience the same degree of software issues other PHEV Volvo models have also reported.
2026 Volvo XC90
JD Power Rating: 68/100
2026 Volvo XC90 Black Edition front 3/4 angle in whiteVolvo
The latest XC90 (post-MY2025 update) is one of the Volvo luxury SUVs we have previously driven, and one of the better options in terms of reliability. Powertrains remains unchanged in its latest revision, with the non-hybrid models using either a turbocharged or twin-charged four-cylinder engine with mild-hybrid assistance, depending on the model chosen.
“With EV demand not growing as rapidly as it seemed to be when Volvo announced its plans to go all-electric, this second facelift of the XC90 is now the torchbearer for Volvo’s combustion carryover, which means a lot is riding on its shoulders.”
– Roger Biermann, Managing Editor, CarBuzz
2026 Volvo XC90 Black EditionVolvo
Its JD Power rating, as of 2026, sits at 68/100 (Fair), and is somewhat concerning, but compared to older iterations of the XC90, Volvo’s flagship SUV does record fewer complaints and is currently not considered as (mechanically) troublesome. However, with electronic issues and bugs well known to be this generation’s weakest points, it’s worth monitoring to see how Volvo responds as a company, especially any that affect the first units of post-facelift models still covered under warranty.
2026 Volvo XC60 Recharge
JD Power Rating: 74/100
2024 Volvo XC60 RechargeVolvo
We have also previously driven the plug-in hybrid version of the XC60 (previously known as the XC60 Recharge), and praised this Volvo luxury SUV aimed at similar models offered by Lexus, Genesis, and Audi for offering decent performance figures for a family SUV, combined with Scandinavian levels of cabin refinement and design features expected of Volvo’s current products.
It’s worth noting this generation of the PHEV-XC60s initially used a twin-charged (turbo and supercharged) four-cylinder plug-in hybrid powertrain, before transitioning to a setup omitting the supercharger altogether.
“We sit on the fence with the Recharge version of the XC60. While the drivetrain delivers plenty… With a supercharger and a turbo as well as battery-delivered power, there’s a lot to go wrong down the road – although reliability is not a noted issue for Volvo’s hybrids.”
– Ian Wright, Motor Journalist, CarBuzz
While we previously commented that reliability concerns over the complex hybrid systems used by the Recharge variants shouldn’t be an issue to consider, there are multiple cases reported to NHTSA over some powertrain faults, including inconsistent charge levels between the powertrain and main 12V battery, and miscellaneous electrical equipment issues, which also extend to hardware issues affecting the charging port.
The XC60 Recharge was also subject to the mass recall issued by Volvo over potentially inoperable brake systems on their plug-in hybrid and all-electric models, which includes US-market XC60 Recharge models. Software bugs and issues affecting the Google infotainment system and various electrical equipment are also known within owners’ communities and sources like CarComplaints.
“The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration urges owners of select model year 2020-2026 Volvo plug-in hybrid or battery electric vehicles to immediately complete an important over-the-air safety recall. The affected models include 2022-2026 XC60 PHEVs. Without this recall remedy, an affected vehicle could completely lose its ability to brake while going downhill. “
While over-the-air updates can easily resolve these in the current state of the automotive industry, they still illustrate a more problematic ownership experience with this specific Volvo model. Fortunately, an exciting new update is coming with the 2028 XC60.
2026 Volvo XC40
JD Power Rating: 74/100
2023 – 2026 Volvo XC40 1st Gen Facelift SUVVolvo
The standard ICE-powered Volvo XC40 has its own share of issues, but is only slightly less problematic when compared to its all-electric counterpart.
The inclusion of a traditional gasoline turbocharged four-cylinder engine does mean it’s free of issues affecting more complex EV powertrains. Still, as commented in a previous review, the XC40’s general quality as a competitive subcompact SUV feels a bit let down by the features it has on offer, especially compared to other similarly sized luxury SUVs from Lexus.
“The XC40 still uses Volvo’s older Sensus Connect infotainment system, which is fine but not class-leading with regard to features. Oddly, the XC40’s electric counterparts (including the Polestar 2) all offer the newer Google UI, which offers a more future-proof experience with app integration.”
– Jared Rosenholtz, Former Editor-at-Large, CarBuzz
Similar to other full gasoline-powered Volvo SUVs, the most frequent complaints raised by owners include miscellaneous software/electrical equipment bugs, along with inconsistent safety tech – affecting equipment like the main brakes and the adaptive cruise control. The XC40, as of 2026, does carry a JD Power rating of 74/100, but while it is judged ‘above average’ when it comes to build quality and ownership experience, not all owners would agree with this consensus.
The Most Reliable Volvo Models Are Used
Front quarter view of a 2014 Volvo XC60Volvo
New Volvo models aren’t all that bad — our consensus is that they’re fairly average in terms of reliability. However, some used models offer great reliability that hold up a decade after they first hit the road. While we go more in-depth into the most reliable Volvo models in this article, here are a couple of highlights.
Firstly, the 2014 XC60, pictured above, is still holding steady as a solidly reliable SUV. It earned an 83/100 from JD Power’s quality and reliability score, and the NHTSA only records 2 recalls. One has to do with the seatbelts, which doesn’t directly affect reliability, but the other affects 7,767 units’ headlights and turn signals. It also only has 16 owner complaints that vary in reasoning with few overlapping or repeated concerns.
For a slightly newer model, try the 2021 XC40. It earned a lower JD Power quality and reliability score at 79/100, but it’s still fairly reliable overall. There are 3 recalls recorded with the NHTSA, including one that affects 2,278 hybrid variants’ battery energy control module, and another that pertains to the seatbelt retractor. The third recall only affects 4 units, but has to do with a missing bolt. There are 40 owner complaints at the time of writing.
Sources: Volvo, NHTSA, CarComplaints, JD Power
