Head-to-head reliability
Volvo S60 vs FORD F 150
How the Volvo S60 and FORD F 150 compare on NHTSA complaints, recalls and crash reports — and which is the lower-risk used buy.
Based on NHTSA owner-complaint & recall records
Volvo S60 vs FORD F 150: The S60 averages about 30 complaints per year with 36 recalls, while the F-150 averages over 1,100 complaints per year with 151 recalls. The F-150 also has 330 crash-related complaints versus 13 for the S60. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Volvo S60 or FORD F 150 more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Volvo S60
The Volvo S60 is a compact luxury sedan with a relatively low complaint volume: 298 complaints over 10 years, averaging about 30 per year. Owners most often report electrical glitches, brake problems, and steering noises, with some complaints describing sudden power loss or brake failure. There are 36 recalls and 13 crash-related complaints, but no deaths reported. For a used buyer, this suggests a car that can be reliable but may need attention to electrical and brake systems.
FORD F 150
The Ford F-150 is a full-size pickup with a very high complaint volume: 11,621 complaints over 10 years, averaging over 1,100 per year. The most common issues involve the power train, electrical system, and exterior lighting, with many owners reporting transmission limp mode and lead frame failures. There are 151 recalls and 330 crash-related complaints, plus 297 injuries and 1 death. This indicates a truck that may require frequent repairs and careful inspection before purchase.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Volvo S60 | FORD F 150 |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 298 Better | 11,621 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 36 Better | 151 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 13 Better | 330 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 29.8 Better | 1162.1 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 7 Better | 297 |
| Reported deathsTied to owner complaints | 0 Better | 1 |
Source: NHTSA owner complaints & recall records.
What actually goes wrong
The problems owners report
The most-complained-about systems on each vehicle — what fails, and what owners say in their own words.
Volvo S60
- 01ELECTRICAL SYSTEM77
- 02UNKNOWN OR OTHER61
- 03SERVICE BRAKES46
- 04STEERING32
- 05FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE32
Owners report warning lights like the SRS light coming on, and in one case a brand-new 2016 S60 lost all power, steering, and lights while driving. These electrical faults can be dangerous and may require dealer visits to diagnose.
Complaints describe sudden loss of braking power, with a hissing sound behind the pedal, and brakes failing without warning on the highway. This is a critical safety concern that should be checked immediately.
Some owners hear squeaks and creaks from the steering wheel when cold, linked to the airbag spring or trim. While not always a failure, it can be annoying and may need repeated repairs.
This system appears among top components, though specific complaint text is not provided. Buyers should verify that any advanced safety features are functioning properly.
“The contact owns a 2016 Volvo S60. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the SRS warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who repaired the vehicle under NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V378000 (Seat Belts) and 16V…”
“PURCHASED A BRAND NEW 2016 VOLVO S60 - THE CAR AT INCIDENT DATE HAD 200 MILES ON IT. WHILE DRIVING IN TRAFFIC ON A CALIFORNIA FREEWAY - THE CAR LOST ALL POWER, STEERING, LIGHTS, ETC WHILE IN THE NUMBER 4 OF 7 LANE FREEWAY AT NIGHT. THE CAR WAS BLACKED OUT, NO…”
FORD F 150
- 01POWER TRAIN3,648
- 02ELECTRICAL SYSTEM2,100
- 03UNKNOWN OR OTHER1,431
- 04EXTERIOR LIGHTING1,224
- 05ENGINE880
Owners frequently report transmission problems, including limp mode, getting stuck in 5th gear, and lead frame issues that can cause sudden loss of power. These can lead to dangerous situations and expensive repairs.
Many complaints involve the lead frame again, as well as output speed sensor failures that trigger limp mode. Electrical gremlins can leave the truck undrivable and require dealer software updates or part replacements.
This is a top complaint area, though specific text is not provided. Faulty lights can reduce visibility and may fail inspections, so check all lighting functions.
Engine issues are among the top components, but no sample text is given. Buyers should listen for unusual noises and check for recalls related to the engine.
“This lead frame issue is never ending. Well over a decade without a proper remedy. I’m very familiar with it. but this one nearly ended my life. After the near collision I called my mechanic and bought a new ford lead frame from a dealership. It’s doing fine…”
“My 2017 Ford F-150 V8 with the 6-speed automatic transmission has been experiencing a serious and recurring transmission malfunction. The truck has consistently, almost on a daily basis, gone into limp mode and become stuck in 5th gear. It also frequently fai…”
Official recalls
Safety recalls on record
Federal recall campaigns — the defect, the risk, and the fix. Confirm any open recall was completed before you buy.
Volvo S60 — 36 recalls
The defect: Volvo Cars of N.A., LLC (Volvo) is recalling certain 2008-2016 V70 and XC70, 2007-2016 S80, 2011-2018 S60 and V60, 2016-2018 S60 Cross Country, 2014-2020 S60L, 2009-2015 S80L, 2009-2016 XC60 and 2015-2018 V60 Cross Country vehicles. The flexible steel cable that connects the seat belt to the front…
The risk: An unsecured occupant has an increased risk of injury in the event of a crash.
The fix: Volvo will notify owners, and dealers will replace the seat belt anchor cable for both front seats. The recall began December 10, 2020. Owners may contact Volvo customer service at 1-800-458-1552. Volvo's number for this recall is R10029.
The defect: Volvo Cars of N.A., LLC (Volvo) is recalling certain 2008-2016 V70 and XC70, 2007-2016 S80, 2011-2018 S60 and V60, 2016-2018 S60 Cross Country, 2014-2020 S60L, 2009-2015 S80L, 2009-2016 XC60 and 2015-2018 V60 Cross Country vehicles. The flexible steel cable that connects the seat belt to the front…
The risk: An unsecured occupant has an increased risk of injury in the event of a crash.
The fix: Volvo will notify owners, and dealers will replace the seat belt anchor cable for both front seats. The recall began December 10, 2020. Owners may contact Volvo customer service at 1-800-458-1552. Volvo's number for this recall is R10029.
The defect: Volvo Car of USA LLC (Volvo) is recalling certain 2011-2017 S60, S60I, V60, S60CC and V60CC vehicles. A component within the door latches may break, making the doors difficult to latch and/or leading the driver or a passenger to believe a door is securely closed when, in fact, it is not.
The risk: A door that is not securely latched could open while the vehicle is in motion, increasing the risk of injury to a vehicle occupant.
The fix: Volvo will notify owners, and dealers will replace all four door latches, free of charge. The recall began April 9, 2020. Owners may contact Volvo customer service at 1-800-458-1552. Volvo's number for this recall is R89978.
The defect: Volvo Car USA LLC (Volvo) is recalling certain model year 2017 S60 and S60 Cross Country, V60 and V60 Cross Country, and XC60 vehicles manufactured August 16, 2016, through October 21, 2016. The affected vehicles have driver and front passenger seat side mounted side air bags (SAB) with inflator in…
The risk: If the air bag inflator initiator fails to ignite, the air bag will not deploy, increasing the risk of injury.
The fix: Volvo will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and, if necessary, replace the front seat side air bags, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin on February 13, 2017. Owners may contact Volvo customer service at 1-800-458-1552.…
FORD F 150 — 151 recalls
The defect: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2015-2019 Ford F-150 and 2017-2019 Ford F-250 Super Duty, F-350 Super Duty, F-450 Super Duty, and F-550 Super Duty pick-up trucks equipped with an engine block heater. Water and contaminants may get into the block heater cable's splice connector causin…
The risk: When the heater is plugged in, prolonged corrosion could cause a resistive short, increasing the risk of overheated or melted wiring which can increase the risk of a fire.
The fix: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will disable the block heater cable, free of charge. Once parts are available, Dealers will replace the engine block heater cable, free of charge. The recall began June 3, 2019. Owners may contact Ford…
The defect: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2015-2019 Ford F-150 and 2017-2019 Ford F-250 Super Duty, F-350 Super Duty, F-450 Super Duty, and F-550 Super Duty pick-up trucks equipped with an engine block heater and previously remedied under recall 18V894. During the previous repair, the block he…
The risk: A damaged cable could cause a resistive short, increasing the risk of overheated or melted wiring, increasing the risk of a fire.
The fix: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will disable the engine block heater from being used. When replacement cables become available, a second notice will be mailed and dealers will replace the engine block heater cord, free of charge. The…
The defect: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2015-2018 Ford F-150 Regular Cab and SuperCrew Cab vehicles. If a front seat belt pretensioner deploys as the result of a crash, the sparks may ignite materials such as carpeting or insulation within the B-pillar area.
The risk: A vehicle fire could result if materials ignite inside the vehicle.
The fix: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will remove the B-pillar insulation material and wiring harness tape, and install heat resistant tape, free of charge. The recall began September 28, 2018. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-…
The defect: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2015-2017 Ford F-150, and 2017 F-250, F-350, F-450, and F-550 Super Duty trucks. The doors on these vehicles may have a bent or kinked actuation cable or the door latches may freeze after water gets into the latch. Either condition can result in the do…
The risk: A door that opens while driving can increase the risk of injury.
The fix: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the door latch actuation cables and repair if necessary, and install water shields over the door latches, free of charge. The recall began October 12, 2018. Owners may contact Ford customer…
Buyer analysis
Volvo S60 or FORD F 150: which should you buy?
The Volvo S60 has far fewer complaints per year (about 30) compared to the Ford F-150 (over 1,100), meaning the Volvo is likely to need less frequent repair visits. However, the F-150's higher volume may reflect its popularity and heavier use as a truck. In practice, a used S60 may be easier to live with for a commuter, while the F-150 demands more diligence and budget for potential power train fixes.
Key differences
- The Ford F-150 has over 11,000 complaints in 10 years, while the Volvo S60 has under 300, indicating a much higher rate of owner-reported issues for the truck.
- Power train problems dominate F-150 complaints, with reports of limp mode and lead frame failures, whereas the S60's top issues are electrical and brake-related.
- The F-150 has 330 crash-related complaints and 297 injuries, compared to 13 crash-related and 7 injuries for the S60, suggesting different safety risk profiles.
- Both have recalls, but the F-150 has 151 versus 36 for the S60, meaning more potential recall visits for the truck.
- Check for any signs of electrical issues: warning lights (especially SRS), flickering lights, or reports of power loss. Have a mechanic scan for stored codes.
- Test the brakes thoroughly for any softness, hissing, or loss of power assist. Listen for steering squeaks when cold.
- Test drive the truck extensively, especially at highway speeds, to check for transmission shudder, limp mode, or getting stuck in gear. Ask if the lead frame has been replaced.
- Inspect all exterior lights and the rear window defroster for shorts or cracks. Check for any signs of electrical faults like random warning lights.
Before you buy
- Obtain a full vehicle history report and check for open recalls using the VIN.
- Have a pre-purchase inspection by a mechanic familiar with the model, focusing on the top complaint areas.
- For the Volvo S60, specifically test the brakes and electrical system, including all warning lights.
- For the Ford F-150, test the transmission thoroughly and ask about lead frame or output speed sensor repairs.
- Budget for potential repairs based on the complaint patterns, and consider an extended warranty.
Year by year
Which model years to avoid
Complaints per model year for both vehicles — lower is better. The spikes are the years to scrutinize.
| Year | Volvo S60 | FORD F 150 |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 0 | 345 |
| 2024 | 40 | 638 |
| 2023 | 3 | 1527 |
| 2022 | 75 | 3493 |
| 2021 | 32 | 5349 |
| 2020 | 32 | 44 |
| 2019 | 69 | 52 |
| 2018 | 4 | 79 |
| 2017 | 17 | 59 |
Check the actual car
Comparing models is smart. Checking the VIN is essential.
Brand averages tell you the trend. A VIN check tells you what's wrong with the specific Volvo S60 or FORD F 150 in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Volvo S60 vs FORD F 150
- Volvo S60 total complaints
- 298
- FORD F 150 total complaints
- 11,621
- Volvo S60 total recalls
- 36
- FORD F 150 total recalls
- 151
- Volvo S60 avg complaints/year
- 29.8
- FORD F 150 avg complaints/year
- 1162.1
- More reliable overall
- Volvo S60
- Volvo S60 top complaint area
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- FORD F 150 top complaint area
- POWER TRAIN