Head-to-head reliability
Volvo XC90 vs FORD F 150
How the Volvo XC90 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 XC90 vs FORD F 150: The XC90 averages 107.4 complaints per year with 44 recalls, while the F-150 averages 1,162.1 complaints and 151 recalls. The F-150 also has 330 crash-related complaints versus 49 for the XC90. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Volvo XC90 or FORD F 150 more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Volvo XC90
The Volvo XC90 is a luxury SUV that averages about 107 complaints per year over the past decade, with 44 recalls. Owner reports often center on electrical gremlins, including hybrid battery failures that can disable propulsion and all-wheel drive, as well as sudden brake issues. While the overall complaint rate is lower than some rivals, the nature of the failures—such as loss of braking or power—can be serious and costly.
FORD F 150
The Ford F-150 is a full-size pickup that averages roughly 1,162 complaints per year, with 151 recalls. The most common trouble spots are the power train and electrical system, with many owners describing transmission problems like limp mode and lead frame failures. These issues can leave the truck stuck in gear or suddenly lose speed, posing safety risks and expensive repairs.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Volvo XC90 | FORD F 150 |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 1,074 Better | 11,621 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 44 Better | 151 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 49 Better | 330 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 107.4 Better | 1162.1 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 83 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 XC90
- 01ELECTRICAL SYSTEM326
- 02UNKNOWN OR OTHER229
- 03ENGINE191
- 04SERVICE BRAKES138
- 05FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM105
Owners report hybrid battery cell module failures that disable the hybrid propulsion system, all-wheel drive, and can leave the vehicle unable to move. There are also reports of intermittent climate control malfunctions. These electrical faults can strand a driver and require costly dealer repairs.
Some owners describe sudden loss of acceleration, engine performance warnings, and even a 'turtle mode' that limits speed to a crawl. In one case, the engine caught fire after losing power. Such failures can happen without warning and create dangerous highway situations.
Complaints include a complete loss of braking where the pedal goes to the floor without warning, as well as cases where automatic emergency braking did not engage in a low-speed collision. Brake failures are among the most safety-critical issues a driver can face.
While fewer in number, fuel and propulsion system complaints appear in the data. These can involve stalling, fuel delivery problems, or hybrid system faults that affect drivability. Buyers should be aware that propulsion issues may overlap with electrical failures.
“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…”
FORD F 150
- 01POWER TRAIN3,648
- 02ELECTRICAL SYSTEM2,100
- 03UNKNOWN OR OTHER1,431
- 04EXTERIOR LIGHTING1,224
- 05ENGINE880
The most common complaint area, with owners reporting transmission problems such as limp mode, getting stuck in 5th gear, and lead frame failures that can cause sudden loss of power or near collisions. These issues often recur even after repairs, making the truck unreliable for daily use.
Many electrical complaints are tied to the same lead frame issue, but also include problems like rear window defroster shorts that can cause the back window to shatter. Electrical faults can affect multiple systems and are often difficult to diagnose.
With over 1,200 complaints, exterior lighting issues are frequent. Owners may experience failing lights that reduce visibility and can lead to safety risks or tickets. This is a common annoyance that may require repeated bulb or assembly replacements.
Engine complaints include stalling, rough running, and other performance problems. While less common than power train issues, engine faults can be expensive and may leave the truck undrivable.
“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 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…
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 XC90 or FORD F 150: which should you buy?
The Volvo XC90 has far fewer complaints per year (about 107) compared to the Ford F-150 (about 1,162), and also fewer recalls (44 vs. 151). In practice, this means a used XC90 is likely to visit the shop less often for reported problems, though the F-150's issues tend to be more frequent and sometimes severe, such as transmission failures.
Key differences
- The Ford F-150 has about 11 times more complaints per year than the Volvo XC90, with power train issues like transmission limp mode and lead frame failures being the most common.
- Volvo XC90 complaints often involve electrical system failures, including hybrid battery module faults that can disable the vehicle, while F-150 electrical issues are frequently linked to the same lead frame problem.
- Brake-related complaints on the XC90 include total loss of braking, whereas F-150 brake issues are less prominent in the top components but still present in recalls.
- The F-150 has far more recalls (151 vs. 44) and crash-related complaints (330 vs. 49), suggesting a higher frequency of safety-related defects.
- Check for any signs of hybrid battery degradation or failure, especially on T8 models, as owners report sudden loss of propulsion and all-wheel drive.
- Test the brakes thoroughly for any sponginess or loss of pressure, and ask if the brake system has been serviced, since some owners experienced complete brake failure.
- Scan for transmission trouble codes and test drive at highway speeds to check for limp mode or harsh shifting, as lead frame and output speed sensor failures are common.
- Inspect the rear window and defroster operation, looking for cracks or signs of overheating, because a short in the defroster can cause the window to shatter.
Before you buy
- Obtain a full vehicle history report and check for open recalls on both models, especially the F-150's lead frame and transmission software recalls.
- Have a mechanic perform a pre-purchase inspection focusing on the Volvo's hybrid system and brakes, and the Ford's transmission and electrical system.
- During a test drive, pay attention to any warning lights, unusual noises, or loss of power, and test all electrical features including lights and defroster.
- Ask the seller for maintenance records, particularly for transmission fluid changes on the F-150 and hybrid battery health checks on the XC90.
- Verify that any outstanding recalls have been addressed, as some issues like the F-150's lead frame may have a software fix that still requires inspection.
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 XC90 | FORD F 150 |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 9 | 35 |
| 2025 | 58 | 345 |
| 2024 | 108 | 638 |
| 2023 | 120 | 1527 |
| 2022 | 116 | 3493 |
| 2021 | 51 | 5349 |
| 2020 | 96 | 44 |
| 2019 | 126 | 52 |
| 2018 | 153 | 79 |
| 2017 | 237 | 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 XC90 or FORD F 150 in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Volvo XC90 vs FORD F 150
- Volvo XC90 total complaints
- 1,074
- FORD F 150 total complaints
- 11,621
- Volvo XC90 total recalls
- 44
- FORD F 150 total recalls
- 151
- Volvo XC90 avg complaints/year
- 107.4
- FORD F 150 avg complaints/year
- 1162.1
- More reliable overall
- Volvo XC90
- Volvo XC90 top complaint area
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- FORD F 150 top complaint area
- POWER TRAIN