Head-to-head reliability
Volvo XC70 vs FORD F 150
How the Volvo XC70 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 XC70 vs FORD F 150: The XC70 averages 14.6 complaints per year with 32 recalls, while the F-150 averages 1,162.1 complaints per year with 151 recalls. The F-150 also has 330 crash-related reports versus 4 for the XC70. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Volvo XC70 or FORD F 150 more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Volvo XC70
The Volvo XC70 is a wagon that averages about 15 complaints per year over a decade, with 32 recalls and 4 crash-related reports. Owners frequently mention leaks from the windshield seal that can damage interior electronics, excessive oil consumption from piston defects, and seat belt buckles that stick or fail to latch. These issues can be annoying and costly, but the overall complaint volume is relatively low compared to the Ford F-150.
FORD F 150
The Ford F-150 is a full-size pickup that generates roughly 1,162 complaints per year, with 151 recalls and 330 crash-related reports. Common owner reports include transmission problems that cause limp mode or stuck gears, electrical glitches often tied to the lead frame, and rear window defroster shorts that can shatter the glass. The high number of complaints and recalls suggests a higher likelihood of encountering problems.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Volvo XC70 | FORD F 150 |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 146 Better | 11,621 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 32 Better | 151 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 4 Better | 330 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 14.6 Better | 1162.1 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 3 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 XC70
- 01VISIBILITY/WIPER17
- 02ENGINE14
- 03ELECTRICAL SYSTEM14
- 04SEAT BELTS13
- 05UNKNOWN OR OTHER13
Owners report the windshield seal failing, which lets water leak into the overhead lights and cabin. This can ruin interior electronics and may affect structural integrity in a crash.
Some owners experience excessive oil consumption due to defective pistons, rings, and heads, requiring major engine work. Another report describes smoke from air vents and flames, indicating a potential fire risk.
The driver's instrument panel can intermittently black out, leaving the driver without speed or warning lights. Trailer lighting control module defects are also mentioned, affecting towing safety.
Front seat belt buckles may refuse to latch or release, especially on the passenger side. This happens daily for some owners and requires forceful pressing, which could delay escape in an emergency.
“The windscreen seal has failed. Water leaking into the overhead lighting fixture and main cabin. This will ruin the car, and shouldn't happen to any car. The windscreen, when properly attached to the body, contributes to the structural integrity and crashwort…”
“THE BACKUP CAMERA IS MALFUNCTIONING NOW BECAUSE THE VIEW FIELD IS PARTIALLY BLOCKED BY THE VEHICLE BODY. I WAS TOLD THAT THERE'RE SOME OTHER CARS (INCLUDING SOME NEW CARS AT DEALER) HAVE SIMILAR PROBLEMS. I VISITED THE RETAILER AND THEN CONTACTED THE CUSTOM C…”
FORD F 150
- 01POWER TRAIN3,648
- 02ELECTRICAL SYSTEM2,100
- 03UNKNOWN OR OTHER1,431
- 04EXTERIOR LIGHTING1,224
- 05ENGINE880
Many owners report transmission issues like limp mode, getting stuck in 5th gear, or failing to shift. The lead frame defect is a recurring cause, and some say it nearly caused a collision.
The lead frame problem also appears as an electrical fault, causing speed sensor failures and limp mode. Owners describe it as a never-ending issue that persists even after repairs.
A short in the rear window defroster can cause the back window to explode outward and shatter. This happens without impact and poses a risk of injury from flying glass.
With 1,224 complaints, exterior lighting problems are common, though specific failure details are not provided in the sample. Buyers should check all lights for function and moisture.
“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 XC70 — 32 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 North America, LLC. (Volvo) is recalling certain model year 2016 Volvo S60, V60, V60CC, XC60, XC70, and S80 vehicles manufactured April 8, 2015 to August 19, 2015. In certain driving conditions when using the automatic engine stop/start function, the starter motor fuse may blow, preve…
The risk: If the vehicle is unexpectedly unable to be started in the middle of traffic, such as when stopped at an intersection, there is an increased risk of a crash.
The fix: Volvo will notify owners, and dealers will replace the existing starter motor fuse with a higher amperage fuse, free of charge. The recall began on October 26, 2015. Owners may contact Volvo customer service at 1-800-458-1552 or by visitin…
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 is recalling certain model year 2014 S60, S80, XC60 and XC70 vehicles equipped with keyless ignition. In the affected vehicles, the Central Electronic Module (CEM) will not perform as intended. As a result, the front windshield wipers might run continuously when the ignition is on. Also, the…
The risk: Malfunctioning head lamps and/or turn signals increase the risk of a crash.
The fix: Volvo will notify owners, and dealers will upgrade the CEM software, free of charge. The recall began on October 3, 2013. Owners may contact Volvo 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 XC70 or FORD F 150: which should you buy?
The Volvo XC70 has far fewer issues per year (about 15 complaints) compared to the Ford F-150 (over 1,100 complaints). In practice, this means a used XC70 is likely to need less frequent attention for major faults, while the F-150 may require more repairs and carry a higher risk of serious problems like transmission failure or window shattering.
Key differences
- The Volvo XC70 averages about 15 complaints per year, while the Ford F-150 averages over 1,100, a huge difference in reported problem frequency.
- Volvo XC70 owners commonly report windshield leaks, oil consumption, and seat belt latch failures; Ford F-150 owners report transmission limp mode, lead frame electrical faults, and exploding rear windows.
- The Ford F-150 has 330 crash-related complaints and 297 injuries, compared to 4 crash-related and 3 injuries for the Volvo XC70.
- Both have recalls, but the F-150 has 151 recalls versus 32 for the XC70, covering issues like engines, seat belts, and air bags.
- Check for water stains or moisture around the overhead lights and headliner, which could indicate a failed windshield seal.
- Test the front seat belts by buckling and unbuckling several times to ensure the clasp latches and releases smoothly without sticking.
- During a test drive, watch for the transmission suddenly entering limp mode, getting stuck in a gear, or failing to downshift; this may indicate a lead frame or speed sensor issue.
- Inspect the rear window for cracks or signs of shattering, and test the defroster to see if it causes any unusual heating or electrical smells.
Before you buy
- Obtain a full vehicle history report and check for open recalls on both models, especially the Ford F-150's many safety recalls.
- For the Volvo XC70, have a mechanic inspect the windshield seal, engine oil consumption, and seat belt buckles before purchase.
- For the Ford F-150, scan for transmission error codes and test drive at highway speeds to check for limp mode or shifting problems.
- Ask the seller for maintenance records, particularly for transmission fluid changes on the F-150 and oil consumption fixes on the XC70.
- Budget for a pre-purchase inspection by a trusted mechanic familiar with the specific model's common issues.
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 XC70 or FORD F 150 in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Volvo XC70 vs FORD F 150
- Volvo XC70 total complaints
- 146
- FORD F 150 total complaints
- 11,621
- Volvo XC70 total recalls
- 32
- FORD F 150 total recalls
- 151
- Volvo XC70 avg complaints/year
- 14.6
- FORD F 150 avg complaints/year
- 1162.1
- More reliable overall
- Volvo XC70
- Volvo XC70 top complaint area
- VISIBILITY/WIPER
- FORD F 150 top complaint area
- POWER TRAIN