Head-to-head reliability
Volvo XC60 vs Volvo XC90
How the Volvo XC60 and Volvo XC90 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 Volvo XC90: Over 10 years, the XC60 averaged 112.8 complaints per year and had 80 crash-related complaints, while the XC90 averaged 107.4 complaints per year with 49 crash-related complaints. Both had 44 recalls and zero deaths. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Volvo XC60 or Volvo XC90 more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Volvo XC60
The Volvo XC60 is a compact luxury SUV that has averaged about 113 complaints per year over the past decade, with 44 recalls. The most common owner complaints involve electrical system glitches, such as battery warnings and strange odors, as well as unexpected automatic braking and intermittent power loss. While it has a higher crash-related complaint count than the XC90, it also has a slightly higher annual complaint rate, suggesting owners report more frequent issues overall.
Volvo XC90
The Volvo XC90 is a mid-size luxury SUV with an average of about 107 complaints per year and 44 recalls over ten years. Owners frequently report electrical problems, including hybrid battery failures that can disable propulsion, and engine issues like sudden power loss and turtle-mode activation. Brake complaints include total loss of braking and unintended acceleration, making it important to check these systems carefully.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Volvo XC60 | Volvo XC90 |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 1,128 | 1,074 Better |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 44 | 44 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 80 | 49 Better |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 112.8 | 107.4 Better |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 79 Better | 83 |
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 support battery warnings for the start/stop system and unusual odors from the air vents. These electrical glitches can be annoying and may indicate broader software or battery issues that require dealer attention.
Complaints describe the automatic braking system activating unexpectedly, sometimes bringing the car to a complete stop for no apparent reason. This can be startling and potentially dangerous if it happens in traffic.
Some owners report sudden unintended acceleration while braking, such as when turning into a parking space. The car may surge forward even with strong brake pressure, which is a serious safety concern.
Intermittent loss of power at highway speeds has been reported, making the vehicle feel like it may stall. This can leave drivers feeling vulnerable in fast-moving traffic.
“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…”
Volvo XC90
- 01ELECTRICAL SYSTEM326
- 02UNKNOWN OR OTHER229
- 03ENGINE191
- 04SERVICE BRAKES138
- 05FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM105
Hybrid battery cell module failures have been reported, which can disable the hybrid propulsion system, all-wheel drive, and other functions. This is a costly repair and can leave the vehicle undrivable.
Owners describe sudden power loss and turtle-mode activation at highway speeds, where speed is electronically limited. This can be frightening and may indicate a serious powertrain defect.
There are reports of complete loss of braking, with the brake pedal not responding, as well as cases where automatic emergency braking did not engage in a low-speed collision. Both are critical safety issues.
Complaints include engine performance lights and check engine lights followed by engine catching fire, though such extreme cases are rare. Any fuel or propulsion warning should be taken seriously.
“SUPPLEMENTAL TO NHTSA COMPLAINT #11713668. This is a supplemental filing regarding the 2020 Volvo XC90 T8 Inscription, VIN [XXX] . The hybrid battery cell module failed in December 2025, disabling the vehicle's hybrid propulsion system, all-wheel drive, and e…”
“SUPPLEMENTAL TO NHTSA COMPLAINT #11713668. This is a supplemental filing regarding the 2020 Volvo XC90 T8 Inscription, VIN [XXX] . The hybrid battery cell module failed in December 2025, disabling the vehicle's hybrid propulsion system, all-wheel drive, and e…”
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…
Volvo XC90 — 44 recalls
The defect: Volvo Cars USA LLC (Volvo Cars) is recalling certain 2019-2020 S60, V60, V60 Cross Country, S90L, V90, V90 Cross Country, XC40, XC60, and XC90 vehicles. Due to a software/hardware incompatibility, the Automatic Emergency Brake (AEB) system may not detect obstacles and engage as intended.
The risk: If the automatic emergency braking system does not engage as intended, it can increase the risk of a crash.
The fix: Volvo will notify owners, and dealers will update the Active Safety Domain Master (ASDM) software, 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…
The defect: Volvo Car USA, LLC (Volvo Car) is recalling certain 2021 S90L, 2020-2021 XC60, and XC90 vehicles. An improperly welded rotor and shaft may separate within the integrated brake system.
The risk: Separation of the rotor and shaft may cause a reduction in braking assistance and a loss of the Antilock Brake System (ABS) and Electronic Stability Control (ESC), increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will replace the hydraulic unit, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed October 22, 2021. Owners may contact Volvo Car customer service at 1-888-458-1552. Volvo Car's number for this recall is R10120.
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…
Buyer analysis
Volvo XC60 or Volvo XC90: which should you buy?
The Volvo XC90 has a slightly lower average annual complaint rate (107.4 vs. 112.8) and fewer crash-related complaints (49 vs. 80) than the XC60. However, both have identical recall counts (44) and zero deaths reported. In practice, the XC90 may have marginally fewer reported issues per year, but the severity of problems like hybrid battery failures and brake loss means both require careful inspection.
Key differences
- The XC60 has more crash-related complaints (80) than the XC90 (49), despite similar overall complaint volumes.
- Electrical system issues are the top complaint for both, but XC90 reports include hybrid battery failures that can disable the vehicle, while XC60 reports often involve start/stop battery warnings and odors.
- Engine complaints are more prominent for the XC90 (191) than the XC60, with reports of power loss and turtle mode, whereas the XC60's engine issues are less frequently cited.
- Brake-related complaints for both include serious concerns: XC60 owners report unintended acceleration, while XC90 owners report complete brake loss and failure of automatic emergency braking.
- Check for any history of electrical system repairs, especially related to the start/stop battery and climate control odors, as these are commonly reported.
- Test the forward collision avoidance and automatic braking systems during a test drive to ensure they do not activate unexpectedly.
- Inspect the hybrid battery health on T8 models, as cell module failures have been reported and can be expensive to replace.
- Verify that the braking system functions correctly, including the automatic emergency braking, and look for any signs of brake fluid leaks or pedal issues.
Before you buy
- Obtain a full vehicle history report to check for recurring electrical or brake-related repairs.
- Have a certified mechanic inspect the electrical system, including battery health and software updates.
- Test drive at highway speeds to check for any hesitation, power loss, or unexpected braking.
- For XC90 T8 models, ask for a hybrid battery health check and confirm any warranty coverage.
- Review open recalls with a Volvo dealer and ensure all have been addressed.
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 | Volvo XC90 |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 15 | 9 |
| 2025 | 37 | 58 |
| 2024 | 46 | 108 |
| 2023 | 216 | 120 |
| 2022 | 370 | 116 |
| 2021 | 124 | 51 |
| 2020 | 88 | 96 |
| 2019 | 108 | 126 |
| 2018 | 108 | 153 |
| 2017 | 16 | 237 |
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 Volvo XC90 in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Volvo XC60 vs Volvo XC90
- Volvo XC60 total complaints
- 1,128
- Volvo XC90 total complaints
- 1,074
- Volvo XC60 total recalls
- 44
- Volvo XC90 total recalls
- 44
- Volvo XC60 avg complaints/year
- 112.8
- Volvo XC90 avg complaints/year
- 107.4
- More reliable overall
- Volvo XC90
- Volvo XC60 top complaint area
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Volvo XC90 top complaint area
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM