Head-to-head reliability
Volvo XC60 vs FORD F 150
How the Volvo XC60 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 XC60 vs FORD F 150: The XC60 averages 112.8 complaints per year and 44 recalls, while the F-150 averages 1,162.1 complaints and 151 recalls. The XC60's issues often involve driver-assist systems, whereas the F-150's are mainly power train failures. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Volvo XC60 or FORD F 150 more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Volvo XC60
The Volvo XC60 is a luxury compact SUV that averages about 113 complaints per year over the past decade, with 44 recalls. The most common owner-reported trouble spots are electrical system glitches, brake issues, and driver-assist features like forward collision avoidance and lane departure that sometimes activate unexpectedly. While the overall complaint volume is lower than some rivals, the nature of the complaints—sudden braking, power loss, and unintended acceleration—can be alarming. Buyers should expect a comfortable vehicle but be prepared for potential electronic quirks.
FORD F 150
The Ford F-150 is a full-size pickup that generates roughly 1,162 complaints per year, with 151 recalls over the same period. Power train problems, especially transmission and lead frame issues, dominate owner reports, followed by electrical system faults and exterior lighting failures. Many complaints describe limp mode, harsh shifting, and even rear window shattering. The high volume of complaints and recalls suggests that while the F-150 is popular, it may require more frequent attention and repairs.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Volvo XC60 | FORD F 150 |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 1,128 Better | 11,621 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 44 Better | 151 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 80 Better | 330 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 112.8 Better | 1162.1 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 79 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 XC60
- 01ELECTRICAL SYSTEM427
- 02UNKNOWN OR OTHER206
- 03SERVICE BRAKES165
- 04FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE158
- 05LANE DEPARTURE98
Owners report issues like the start/stop support battery warning appearing, unpleasant odors from the AC/heater vents, and repeated vehicle behaviors that may indicate software glitches. These can lead to unexpected service visits and frustration.
Complaints include sudden unintended acceleration while braking, such as surging forward when turning into a parking space, and brake performance concerns. This is a serious safety issue that could lead to collisions.
Drivers describe the automatic braking system activating for no reason, sometimes bringing the car to a complete stop in intersections. Others mention the auto shut-off feature causing confusion, like the car restarting unexpectedly.
Some owners report unwanted steering interventions from the lane-assist system, which can feel like the car is fighting the driver. This may reduce confidence in the vehicle's safety technology.
“The support battery for start/stop started to show on the dash and tells me that service is required about 2 weeks ago. "THE LOCATION OF THE BATTERY IS MY CONCERN". A month ago, the air coming out from the vent of the ac/heater started to smell like a rotten…”
“Dear NHTSA, I would like to submit a safety complaint regarding my 2026 Volvo XC60 Ultra, purchased new and currently with approximately 5,939 miles. I am submitting this complaint because I have experienced repeated vehicle behaviors that I believe may have…”
FORD F 150
- 01POWER TRAIN3,648
- 02ELECTRICAL SYSTEM2,100
- 03UNKNOWN OR OTHER1,431
- 04EXTERIOR LIGHTING1,224
- 05ENGINE880
The most common complaint is transmission problems, including limp mode, getting stuck in 5th gear, and lead frame failures that can cause near collisions. These issues often recur even after repairs, leading to costly and dangerous situations.
Owners report lead frame issues affecting electrical components, as well as output speed sensor failures that trigger limp mode. These electrical faults can disable the vehicle unexpectedly.
There are complaints about exterior lighting failures, though specific details are not provided in the sample. This can affect visibility and safety, especially at night.
Some owners mention engine-related problems, though the sample complaints focus more on transmission and electrical issues. Engine complaints may include performance loss or stalling.
“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 XC60 — 44 recalls
The defect: Volvo Car USA LLC (Volvo) is recalling certain 2017-2019 Volvo XC90, S90, V60, V60 Cross Country, V90, XC40, XC60, and V90 Cross Country vehicles. The software installed in the Vehicle Connectivity Module (VCM) may have an error causing the Telematics and Driver Support Systems to function improper…
The risk: If the GPS location is not provided to emergency personnel it can inhibit emergency response in the event of a crash or injury.
The fix: Volvo will notify owners, and dealers will correct the software, free of charge. The recall began December 26, 2018. Owners may contact Volvo customer service at 1-800-458-1552. Volvo's number for this recall is R39917.
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.…
The defect: Volvo Car USA, LLC (Volvo Car) is recalling certain 2021-2025 XC40, 2022 V90, 2022-2025 S90, V90CC, C40, XC60, 2023-2025 S60, V60, V60CC, XC90, and 2025 EC40 and EX40 vehicles. The rearview camera image may not display when the vehicle is placed in reverse. As such, these vehicles fail to comply wi…
The risk: A rearview camera image that does not display reduces the driver's view of what is behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: The software will be updated by a dealer or through an over-the-air (OTA) update, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 27, 2025. Owners may contact Volvo Car customer service at 1-800-458-1552. Volvo Car's number for…
The defect: Volvo Car USA, LLC (Volvo Car) is recalling certain 2021-2025 XC40, 2022 V90, 2022-2025 S90, V90CC, C40, XC60, 2023-2025 S60, V60, V60CC, XC90, and 2025 EC40 and EX40 vehicles. The rearview camera image may not display when the vehicle is placed in reverse. As such, these vehicles fail to comply wi…
The risk: A rearview camera image that does not display reduces the driver's view of what is behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: The software will be updated by a dealer or through an over-the-air (OTA) update, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 27, 2025. Owners may contact Volvo Car customer service at 1-800-458-1552. Volvo Car's number for…
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 XC60 or FORD F 150: which should you buy?
The Volvo XC60 has far fewer complaints per year (about 113) compared to the Ford F-150 (about 1,162), meaning you're likely to encounter fewer reported problems overall. However, the XC60's issues often involve advanced safety systems that can behave unpredictably, while the F-150's problems are more traditional mechanical failures like transmission limp mode. In practice, the Volvo may require less frequent shop visits, but the Ford's issues can be more severe and costly.
Key differences
- The Volvo XC60 averages about 113 complaints per year, while the Ford F-150 averages about 1,162, a tenfold difference.
- Volvo XC60 complaints often involve driver-assist systems like forward collision avoidance and lane departure, with reports of phantom braking and unwanted steering.
- Ford F-150 complaints are dominated by power train issues, especially transmission limp mode and lead frame failures that can cause near collisions.
- The F-150 has 151 recalls over 10 years versus 44 for the XC60, indicating more frequent safety-related fixes.
- Check for any history of electrical system warnings, especially related to the start/stop battery, and test the air conditioning/heating for unusual odors.
- Test the forward collision avoidance and lane departure systems during a test drive to ensure they don't activate unexpectedly or cause unwanted braking.
- Inspect the transmission for signs of limp mode or harsh shifting, and ask for any records of lead frame or output speed sensor repairs.
- Check the rear window for cracks or signs of shattering, as some owners reported the defroster causing the glass to explode.
Before you buy
- Obtain a full vehicle history report and check for open recalls on both models, especially the F-150's transmission and electrical recalls.
- For the Volvo XC60, have a mechanic scan for electronic fault codes and test all driver-assist features.
- For the Ford F-150, take an extended test drive that includes highway speeds to check for transmission slipping or limp mode.
- Ask the seller for maintenance records, focusing on transmission services for the F-150 and software updates for the XC60.
- Consider a pre-purchase inspection by a mechanic familiar with the specific model to identify potential issues.
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 XC60 | FORD F 150 |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 15 | 35 |
| 2025 | 37 | 345 |
| 2024 | 46 | 638 |
| 2023 | 216 | 1527 |
| 2022 | 370 | 3493 |
| 2021 | 124 | 5349 |
| 2020 | 88 | 44 |
| 2019 | 108 | 52 |
| 2018 | 108 | 79 |
| 2017 | 16 | 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 XC60 or FORD F 150 in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Volvo XC60 vs FORD F 150
- Volvo XC60 total complaints
- 1,128
- FORD F 150 total complaints
- 11,621
- Volvo XC60 total recalls
- 44
- FORD F 150 total recalls
- 151
- Volvo XC60 avg complaints/year
- 112.8
- FORD F 150 avg complaints/year
- 1162.1
- More reliable overall
- Volvo XC60
- Volvo XC60 top complaint area
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- FORD F 150 top complaint area
- POWER TRAIN