How Reliable Are Volvo Cars? Weaver Brothers Has The Answers

Let's Dive Into All the Juicy Details About Volvo Reliability

Volvo reliability is impressive, but just how reliable is it? Today, we're going on a journey far beyond a singular Volvo reliability rating to zoom in on what drivers really want to know: Which are the most reliable Volvo models, how long do Volvo cars last, how much do these vehicles cost to maintain, and why are Volvo engines so unbeatable? Before you take the plunge and invest in a Volvo sedan, station wagon, or SUV, Weaver Brothers Volvo Cars has your need-to-know info.

Exploring Volvo Engine Reliability: Why Volvo Designs Outperform Across Decades

Since the very first Volvo open-air tourer hit the streets of Sweden in 1927, Volvo Cars has pushed the automotive industry forward with dependable powertrains. Five-, six-, and eight-cylinder engine designs were replaced long ago by modern turbocharged four-cylinder setups (or three-cylinder options outside the U.S.), but their high degree of engineering excellence has never wavered.

While other luxury brands like BMW are prone to launching ambitious automotive architecture, only to have customers discover weaknesses in the field, Volvo Cars develops standard powertrain designs, refines them before production, and installs some iteration of them into every member of the Volvo family. When you purchase a Volvo model, you know you're getting a tried-and-true machine that's ready to go the distance.

Choosing the Most Reliable Volvo Models Via Expert Ratings

A Volvo reliability rating is just a number on a screen, so how does it translate to real-world longevity? If you're part of the crowd that wants to know, "How long do Volvo cars last?" Kelley Blue Book® has some insight into the most reliable Volvo models. Some are still in production, and some recently retired. Together, they build a more complete picture of Volvo reliability.

• Volvo XC90: Consistent 4 out of 5 KBB® reliability score⁵
• Volvo XC60: 3.5 out of 5 KBB® reliability score⁶
• Volvo V60 Cross Country: 4.2 out of 5 KBB® reliability score⁷
• Volvo S60: 4.4 out of 5 KBB® reliability score⁸
• Volvo S90: 4.7 out of 5 KBB® reliability score²
• Volvo Brand Overall: Above-average 3.5 out of 5 RepairPal reliability score¹

Keep in mind that these Volvo reliability ratings factor in every aspect of a vehicle, from its engine to its infotainment system. The Volvo XC60, for example, has received lower scores than its siblings in recent years due to minor electrical issues, not catastrophic engine failures.⁶

What About Volvo Maintenance Costs?

Another critical aspect of reliability is Volvo maintenance cost. If a car doesn't break down frequently but is likely to demolish your budget when it does, you deserve to know. Again, we've sourced accurate data so you can decide for yourself if any new Volvo vehicles should be your next lease or purchase.

According to RepairPal, Volvo vehicles cost an average of $769 to maintain and repair each year.¹ Even if your model were to need service every single month, which is very unlikely, each bill would average only $68.

A Look at Who Makes Volvo Engines: Then vs. Now, Fact vs. Fiction

Now that we've covered model and financial specifics, let's step back into history to see where Volvo reliability got its start. The first Volvo prototypes were designed in 1925, and engines for these vehicles were supplied by the Swedish manufacturing company Pentaverken, now called Volvo Penta. In 1935, Volvo Cars bought Pentaverken so that it could design and cast its own engines, including its renowned Redblock and Whiteblock creations of the 1970s and 1990s.

Rumors about Volvo dependability grew just as rapidly as the auto company itself, and any question of "Are Volvo cars reliable?" was met with a resounding "Yes!" However, Volvo Cars was sold to the Ford Motor Company in 1999, and for the next 11 years, consumer perceptions shifted.

• Fact: Under Ford ownership, Volvo vehicles shared platforms with Ford designs.
• Fact: Volvo models from this era rolled off the assembly line wearing "FoMoCo" – Ford Motor Company – stamps on their components.
• Fiction: Volvo vehicles were cheapened by this short-lived Ford partnership.

The reality was that Volvo engine design remained true to its roots and Volvo reliability remained high during the brand's term beneath the Ford umbrella. Since the Ford days, Volvo Cars has been purchased by Geely Holding Group and, just as it did at its inception, operates once again as the independent auto brand we trust and love.

How To Get the Most Mileage From Your Volvo Engine

Imagine you've decided on a new Volvo XC90. This three-row luxury family hauler might be just what you've been looking for, but once you get it home, how can you extend its lifespan? This page isn't just about Volvo reliability facts; it's also your source for keeping your own vehicle's dependability as high as possible. To keep your car in good shape, follow these guidelines:

• Change your oil every 3,000 to 7,000 miles, even if your maintenance minder system hasn't told you it's time.
• Change all your vital fluids, from transmission to coolant and brakes, every few years, even if your fluid bottle says it lasts a lifetime.
• Replace timing belts and other critical engine components on schedule, or anytime you notice cracks or wear.
• Keep tires properly inflated and wheels in alignment to protect your vehicle's suspension.
• Only trust your car to professional technicians who specialize in Volvo systems.
• Don't ignore "small" problems like a vibrating steering wheel, a spongy brake pedal, a strange engine sound, or even rust on your vehicle's exterior.

Take Home a Dependable Volvo Model You Love Today

Weaver Brothers Volvo Cars is your local destination for reliable Volvo cars and SUVs at exceptional prices. Next time you want a luxury daily driver that won't break the bank, our inventory of new and certified by Volvo options has you covered.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who makes the engines for Volvo Cars?

Volvo Cars manufactures and supplies its own engines, though the company did share components with Ford between 1999 and 2010.

What is the best Volvo engine?

The most reliable Volvo engines were the Redblock and Whiteblock, but modern designs are just as thoughtfully crafted.

How much does it cost to maintain a Volvo vehicle each year?

On average, a Volvo vehicle costs $769 per year to maintain.¹

Which Volvo models hold up best over high mileage?

There is no one "perfect" long-mileage Volvo model; instead, you can extend the life of your vehicle with routine maintenance, gentle driving, and weather-shielded parking.

¹Reference to this third-party claim is solely for informational purposes and not to be relied upon. For details regarding this rating, visit https://repairpal.com/volvo

²Reference to this third-party claim is solely for informational purposes and not to be relied upon. For details regarding this rating, visit https://www.kbb.com/volvo/s90/

³Reference to this third-party review/claim is solely for informational purposes and not to be relied upon. For more details, please visit https://www.cargurus.com/research/articles/highest-mileage-cars-ever-reported

⁴Reference to this third-party review/claim is solely for informational purposes and not to be relied upon. For more details, please visit https://www.volvocars.com/au/news/electrification/2023-october-one-careful-owner/

⁵Reference to this third-party claim is solely for informational purposes and not to be relied upon. For details regarding this rating, visit https://www.kbb.com/volvo/xc90/

⁶Reference to this third-party claim is solely for informational purposes and not to be relied upon. For details regarding this rating, visit https://www.kbb.com/volvo/xc60/

⁷Reference to this third-party claim is solely for informational purposes and not to be relied upon. For details regarding this rating, visit https://www.kbb.com/volvo/v60/

⁸Reference to this third-party claim is solely for informational purposes and not to be relied upon. For details regarding this rating, visit https://www.kbb.com/volvo/s60/