Head-to-head reliability
Volvo XC90 vs Volvo S60
How the Volvo XC90 and Volvo S60 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 Volvo S60: The XC90 averages 107 complaints per year and has 49 crash-related complaints, while the S60 averages 30 per year with 13 crash-related. Both have brake and electrical issues, but the XC90 also reports hybrid battery failures. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Volvo XC90 or Volvo S60 more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Volvo XC90
The Volvo XC90 is a three-row luxury SUV that averages about 107 complaints per year, with 44 recalls over a decade. Owners frequently report electrical glitches, sudden engine power loss, and brake failures, including a hybrid battery module that can disable propulsion and all-wheel drive. With 49 crash-related complaints and 83 injuries, it's a vehicle that demands careful inspection of its electrical and braking systems before purchase.
Volvo S60
The Volvo S60 is a compact luxury sedan with a much lower complaint rate—about 30 per year—and 36 recalls over ten years. Reported issues include electrical failures that can cause total power loss, brake problems like sudden loss of braking power, and steering noises. With only 13 crash-related complaints and 7 injuries, it appears less problematic overall, but still has notable safety-related faults.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Volvo XC90 | Volvo S60 |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 1,074 | 298 Better |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 44 | 36 Better |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 49 | 13 Better |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 107.4 | 29.8 Better |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 83 | 7 Better |
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 other functions. There are also reports of total power loss and warning lights, which can leave you stranded.
Complaints include sudden loss of acceleration, engine performance lights, and a 'turtle mode' that limits speed without warning. These issues can occur at highway speeds, posing a safety risk.
Drivers have experienced complete loss of braking, with the pedal going to the floor and no warning. This is a critical safety concern that could lead to a crash.
Problems with the fuel or propulsion system are reported, though specific details are less clear. Given the hybrid components, any fuel or propulsion issue can cause sudden power loss.
“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…”
Volvo S60
- 01ELECTRICAL SYSTEM77
- 02UNKNOWN OR OTHER61
- 03SERVICE BRAKES46
- 04STEERING32
- 05FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE32
Owners report sudden total power loss while driving, affecting steering, lights, and engine. This can happen even at low mileage, leaving the car blacked out and dangerous.
Complaints include sudden loss of braking power, with the pedal going to the floor and air leaking sounds. Drivers have had to resort to shifting into park to stop.
Steering wheel squeaks and creaks, often when cold, linked to airbag spring or trim. While not a total failure, it can be annoying and may indicate deeper issues.
This system is a top complaint area, though specific failure details are not provided. It may not engage properly, potentially increasing crash risk.
“The contact owns a 2016 Volvo S60. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the SRS warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who repaired the vehicle under NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V378000 (Seat Belts) and 16V…”
“PURCHASED A BRAND NEW 2016 VOLVO S60 - THE CAR AT INCIDENT DATE HAD 200 MILES ON IT. WHILE DRIVING IN TRAFFIC ON A CALIFORNIA FREEWAY - THE CAR LOST ALL POWER, STEERING, LIGHTS, ETC WHILE IN THE NUMBER 4 OF 7 LANE FREEWAY AT NIGHT. THE CAR WAS BLACKED OUT, NO…”
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…
Volvo S60 — 36 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 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 Car of USA LLC (Volvo) is recalling certain 2011-2017 S60, S60I, V60, S60CC and V60CC vehicles. A component within the door latches may break, making the doors difficult to latch and/or leading the driver or a passenger to believe a door is securely closed when, in fact, it is not.
The risk: A door that is not securely latched could open while the vehicle is in motion, increasing the risk of injury to a vehicle occupant.
The fix: Volvo will notify owners, and dealers will replace all four door latches, 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 is R89978.
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.…
Buyer analysis
Volvo XC90 or Volvo S60: which should you buy?
The Volvo S60 has far fewer complaints per year (about 30 vs. 107) and fewer crash-related complaints (13 vs. 49). In practice, this means the S60 is likely to spend less time in the shop for major safety issues, though both models have recalls and reported failures that require attention.
Key differences
- The XC90 has over three times as many complaints per year as the S60, with electrical and engine issues being most common.
- The XC90 has 49 crash-related complaints and 83 injuries, while the S60 has only 13 and 7, respectively.
- Both models have brake complaints, but the XC90 also has significant hybrid battery and propulsion failures.
- The S60's top issues include steering noises and forward collision avoidance, while the XC90's include fuel/propulsion system problems.
- Check for any signs of hybrid battery failure, such as warning lights or reduced power, especially on T8 models.
- Test the brakes thoroughly for any sponginess or loss of pressure, as sudden brake failure has been reported.
- Look for electrical issues like flickering lights or warning messages, and test all electronics.
- Listen for steering noises when cold and check for any brake pedal softness or air leaks.
Before you buy
- Obtain a full vehicle history report and check for open recalls on both models.
- Have a mechanic inspect the electrical system, including battery health on the XC90.
- Test drive at highway speeds to check for sudden power loss or acceleration issues.
- Inspect brake pads, rotors, and lines for wear or leaks, and test emergency braking.
- For the XC90, verify the hybrid system operation and all-wheel drive function.
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 | Volvo S60 |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 58 | 0 |
| 2024 | 108 | 40 |
| 2023 | 120 | 3 |
| 2022 | 116 | 75 |
| 2021 | 51 | 32 |
| 2020 | 96 | 32 |
| 2019 | 126 | 69 |
| 2018 | 153 | 4 |
| 2017 | 237 | 17 |
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 Volvo S60 in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Volvo XC90 vs Volvo S60
- Volvo XC90 total complaints
- 1,074
- Volvo S60 total complaints
- 298
- Volvo XC90 total recalls
- 44
- Volvo S60 total recalls
- 36
- Volvo XC90 avg complaints/year
- 107.4
- Volvo S60 avg complaints/year
- 29.8
- More reliable overall
- Volvo S60
- Volvo XC90 top complaint area
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Volvo S60 top complaint area
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM