There are some problems with Volvos but not that many compared to other car companies. Volvo is known for its safety and making reliable cars. However, they can face some issues as the car gets older, especially if it is not taken care of properly.
Overall, there have only been 503 complaints about Volvo cars all together, which is significantly lower than other car manufacturers. Some large car brands have had over 200,000 complaints filed.
Volvo cars have average reliability
Cars made by Volvo are certainly safe and luxurious, but they also have some problems to solve. They are better than their competitors, but they still need to fix certain things. Seeing old Volvos on the streets is a normal sight, and that is because of their reliable cars.
However, they lack in terms of reliability scores, due to some of the issues found in them. Overall, Volvo received a score of 127 in reliability, ranking 23rd on a list of 40 car brands. This is only average, which is why Volvo needs to work on its problems.
The common problems Volvo owners may need to deal with vary slightly, depending on the car model.
Problems with the Volvo XC90
The XC90 is the big Volvo SUV that offers luxury and comfort, but it is also one of the more unreliable cars present in the market. The XC90 has many issues. Consumer Reports ranked it as one of the least reliable cars.
This is due to certain issues found in the XC90. After all, the XC90 is the most flawed Volvo car. The 2016 XC90 received the greatest number of complaints overall, but the 2004 model received the most complaints about one particular issue, which was the sudden loss of power. The 2003 model had the most electrical issues.
One particular issue which is prevalent in the XC90s is the auto braking system. Drivers have complained of the car’s automatic brake engaging, even if the car was running. Normally, this issue only occurs after 12,000 miles, but some have reported it even earlier. Recently, Volvo recalled the XC90s and fixed this issue, claiming that it was a software problem.
Another big issue was the transmission system failure, which many customers reported happening around 100,000 miles. In this case, the transmission system would need to be replaced, which is a pretty expensive repair costing about $3,500. However, Volvo has not issued any recall yet.
Premature tire wear is also an issue with Volvo XC90s. Early tire wear can cause decreased fuel economy. Some drivers faced this issue at around 12,000 miles. The replacement of tires is pretty expensive because the car itself is a luxury vehicle. Therefore, try to buy newer models to avoid some of these issues in the XC90.
Problems with the Volvo XC60
Every car has some faults, and in the case of the XC60, it has had some issues with its air-conditioning. This was due to the engine fan control module’s software malfunctioning, which caused the car’s AC to cease and in some extreme cases, even turn the engine off.
Some other issues with the XC60 include power steering fluid leakage and fuel leaking. The power steering fluid leakage was due to a joint issue between the power steering high-pressure line and steering gear. This was an assembling fault which could be repaired easily and cheaply after. However, Volvo did make some recalls. The XC60 also faced some transmission issues.
Problems with the Volvo V70
The Volvo V70 was a wagon introduced in 1996 and discontinued in 2016. It was the second-most-complained-about car by Volvo ever, only after the XC90. The most complained-about model was the 2001 V70. That model had some expensive problems with the engine and transmission.
Problems with the Volvo S60
Since its launch, the S60 has had a total of 66 complaints. The 2012 model of the car had major issues with the engine. The 2001 S60 was the most complained model of the car. The common problems were engine failure and transmission failure. The car faced these issues at around 74,000 miles.
Problems with the Volvo XC40
The same transmission issues were present in the XC40 also. According to Consumer Reports, the ride is stiff and loud, whereas the suspension system is also not up to the mark. The infotainment system is also reported to be pretty difficult to operate.
The 2021 XC40 Recharge model had some issues reported with the electric system, and it is pending a recall by Volvo.
However, Consumer Reports still recommends the XC40, due to its majority of good features, which certainly outweigh the cons. The safety features are a big reason behind that. Other than that, the car’s interior and overall design is a major plus point.
Volvo problems are fixable
Volvo’s cars do have some problems, but they can all be fixed. There’s a major transmission issue that is prevalent in almost every model. This is seriously something that Volvo should look at. Volvo is getting its transmission system from Japanese company Aisin technology. Apart from that, other issues can be repaired if the car is under warranty.
FAQ
What are the most common car problems?
Cars are machines with mechanical and moving parts that can be prone to certain issues. All cars require some maintenance and regular oil changes. However, cars can still have some problems, even with proper care and maintenance. Common issues include:
- Poor fuel economy
- Battery dying
- Flat tires
- A sputtering engine
- Alternator failure
- Steering wheel shaking
- Overheating
What are the most complained-about cars?
Usually, every car faces some problems after some time. However, some cars have more problems than others. The most complained-about cars are measured through complaints per 10k cars sold. These are the most complained-about cars:
1. Chrysler 300 – 66.7 complaints
2. Jeep Grand Cherokee – 63.6 complaints
3. Chrysler Town & Country – 63.3 complaints
4. Jeep Wrangler – 60.9 complaints
5. Toyota Prius – 51.4 complaints
Do regular oil changes prevent major repairs?
Regular oil changes and maintenance can prevent major issues like engine problems and increased fuel consumption. The engine oil produces lubrication, which prevents friction inside the engine. This reduction of friction prevents the moving parts from wearing down quickly. So, never skip an oil or filter change.
