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 has 105 complaints per year, mostly electrical and brake issues, while the F-150 has 2,755 per year, with powertrain and engine problems. The XC60 has 0 deaths, the F-150 has 10. 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 has a moderate complaint rate of about 105 per year, with electrical system issues dominating. Owners report problems like support battery failures causing start/stop warnings, unexpected deceleration, and phantom auto-braking. While not high-volume, these issues can be frustrating and costly, especially with the battery's poor location.
FORD F 150
The Ford F-150 has a much higher complaint rate of about 2,755 per year, with powertrain and engine issues leading. Owners report transmission problems like the shifter getting stuck in drive, engine stalling, and sudden loss of power. Electrical failures can cause complete loss of safety systems, making this a more demanding ownership experience.
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 | 1,052 Better | 27,553 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 44 Better | 141 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 70 Better | 762 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 105.2 Better | 2755.3 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 71 Better | 714 |
| Reported deathsTied to owner complaints | 0 Better | 10 |
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 SYSTEM388
- 02UNKNOWN OR OTHER193
- 03SERVICE BRAKES161
- 04FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE143
- 05ENGINE85
Owners report support battery failures for start/stop, causing service required warnings. The battery's location is a concern. Unexpected deceleration and blackout of the center tablet also occur, affecting visibility and control.
Phantom auto-braking is common, engaging with no obstacle, causing sudden stops. This can lead to rear-end collisions or panic. The system may also fail to recognize when the driver intends to exit the vehicle.
Brake issues include premature rotor wear and unexpected deceleration without warning lights. Some owners report the brake pedal not responding properly, increasing stopping distances.
“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…”
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2020 VOLVO XC60. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 45 MPH, WHEN THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO DECELERATE INDEPENDENTLY AND SHE DEPRESSED ON THE BRAKE PEDAL TO STOP THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT STATED NO WARNING LIGHT WAS ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT STAT…”
FORD F 150
- 01POWER TRAIN9,967
- 02ENGINE4,861
- 03ELECTRICAL SYSTEM3,474
- 04UNKNOWN OR OTHER3,211
- 05STRUCTURE1,485
Transmission problems are frequent: the shifter gets stuck in drive when parking, failing to engage park. This can cause the vehicle to roll. Also, wastegate issues on turbos lead to power loss.
Engine stalling and sudden loss of power while driving are reported. The integrated park module may not engage park, a safety risk. Oil lubrication issues are also noted in recalls.
Complete loss of power while driving, disabling all safety systems (brakes, airbags, steering). ABS issues after recall repairs cause loud noises. Electrical failures can be sudden and dangerous.
“When I am parking the truck, I press and hold the brake pedal, While the truck shifter in in "Drive", I press the start/stop button to shut truck down, the shifter gets stuck in "drive" and doesn't automatically shift in to park. The truck locks down and will…”
“My truck is a 2025 Ford F150 STX with 5,900 miles on it. This truck was purchased new at River City Ford in Lavalette, WV The component in questions seems to be involved with the turbos and more specifically the wastegate that attached to the turbos. Also, ye…”
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 — 141 recalls
The defect: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021-2026 F-150, 2022-2026 F-250 SD, F-350 SD, F-450 SD, F-550 SD, Maverick, 2024-2026 Ranger, 2023-2026 F-600 SD, 2022-2027 Lincoln Navigator, Expedition, and 2026 E-Transit vehicles. When towing a trailer, the integrated trailer module (ITRM) may los…
The risk: Trailer lights or brakes that do not function can reduce the driver’s ability to control the trailer and decrease the trailers visibility to other road users, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: The integrated trailer module software will be updated by a dealer, or through an over-the-air (OTA) update, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 25, 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332.…
The defect: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2024-2025 F-150, 2024 Expedition and 2024 Lincoln Navigator vehicles equipped with a 3.5L GTDI engine. The engines may have a misaligned engine cup plug, which can result in a rapid oil leak.
The risk: A rapid oil leak can result in an engine stall, increasing the risk of a crash. In addition, an oil leak in the presence of an ignition source such as hot engine or exhaust components, can increase the risk of a fire.
The fix: Dealers will inspect the engine cup plug alignment, and replace the plug if necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on May 23, 2024. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for th…
The defect: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2024-2025 F-150, Bronco, 2024 Ranger, 2025 Mustang, Explorer, and Aviator vehicles. The transmission valve body may have been machined incorrectly, which can cause reverse gear failure, or unexpected forward movement in reverse or neutral gear.
The risk: Unexpected vehicle movement increases the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will replace the transmission main control valve body, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 11, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25S19.
The defect: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2024-2025 F-150, Expedition, and 2024 Lincoln Navigator vehicles equipped with 3.5L GTDI engines. The engine may have a misaligned engine cup plug, which can result in a rapid oil leak.
The risk: A rapid oil leak can result in an engine stall, increasing the risk of a crash. In addition, an oil leak in the presence of an ignition source such as hot engine or exhaust components, can increase the risk of a fire.
The fix: Dealers will inspect the engine cup plug alignment, and replace the plug if necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 22, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this…
Buyer analysis
Volvo XC60 or FORD F 150: which should you buy?
The Volvo XC60 has far fewer complaints per year (105 vs 2,755), indicating lower overall issue frequency. However, its problems are more focused on electronics and safety systems, while the F-150's issues are more varied and severe, including powertrain failures that can leave you stranded.
Key differences
- Volvo XC60 has phantom auto-braking; F-150 has sudden unintended acceleration.
- F-150 has transmission park failures; XC60 has battery and electrical glitches.
- F-150 complaints are 26x more frequent per year than XC60.
- F-150 has 10 deaths reported; XC60 has 0 deaths.
- Check for start/stop battery warnings and ensure the battery location is accessible.
- Test the forward collision avoidance system in a safe area to see if it phantom brakes.
- Verify the transmission properly engages park when shutting off in drive.
- Check for any history of sudden power loss or electrical system failures.
Before you buy
- Review the vehicle's recall history and ensure all recalls are performed.
- Test drive at low speeds to check for phantom braking or unintended acceleration.
- Inspect the battery condition and location on the XC60.
- On the F-150, test the park function by shutting off in drive and seeing if it shifts to park.
- Ask for service records related to transmission and electrical repairs.
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 | 13 | 9 |
| 2025 | 30 | 320 |
| 2024 | 44 | 597 |
| 2023 | 196 | 1448 |
| 2022 | 340 | 3290 |
| 2021 | 124 | 4938 |
| 2020 | 80 | 2530 |
| 2019 | 102 | 5718 |
| 2018 | 108 | 5505 |
| 2017 | 15 | 3198 |
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
- 1,052
- FORD F 150 total complaints
- 27,553
- Volvo XC60 total recalls
- 44
- FORD F 150 total recalls
- 141
- Volvo XC60 avg complaints/year
- 105.2
- FORD F 150 avg complaints/year
- 2755.3
- More reliable overall
- Volvo XC60
- Volvo XC60 top complaint area
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- FORD F 150 top complaint area
- POWER TRAIN