Volvo Reliability 101: An In-depth Look
I am a serial entrepreneur and a consumer advocate. When I’m not helping car buyers, I love working on ventures that have a positive impact.
I run a cause marketing agency and serve on the board of Vayu Global Health where we are disrupting the medical industry and preventing the needless deaths of mothers and babies during childbirth.
The Volvo ideology focuses on making cars for people who care about others. The goal for Volvo manufacturers has been to sustain an impressive flow of success and prosperity through transport and infrastructure solutions. This mission has led Volvo to produce some of the safest cars in the world.
You’ll not make a list of the top 10 safest cars in the world without mentioning a Volvo car. There are no arguments about how safe Volvo cars are, but on an overall scale, are Volvo reliable cars? Regardless of Volvo cars’ safety, they are fairly reliable.
With a Volvo car, you are assured of improved safety technology and less chance of major or minor repairs, one of the major setbacks is that they are costly to maintain. There is an impressive level of fuel efficiency in Volvo cars, high safety ratings, and durable fRames.
Here’s a detailed guide on Volvo’s reliability and what you should know before buying one.
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The Volvo ideology focuses on making cars for people who care about others. The goal for Volvo manufacturers has been to sustain an impressive flow of success and prosperity through transport and infrastructure solutions. This mission has led Volvo to produce some of the safest cars in the world.
You’ll not make a list of the top 10 safest cars in the world without mentioning a Volvo car. There are no arguments about how safe Volvo cars are, but on an overall scale, are Volvo reliable cars? Regardless of Volvo cars’ safety, they are fairly reliable.
With a Volvo car, you are assured of improved safety technology and less chance of major or minor repairs, one of the major setbacks is that they are costly to maintain. There is an impressive level of fuel efficiency in Volvo cars, high safety ratings, and durable fRames.
Here’s a detailed guide on Volvo’s reliability and what you should know before buying one.
Are Volvo Reliable Cars?
Volvo is a fairly reliable car brand. It might be surprising that Volvos are not as reliable as you expected. They produce some of the most durable cars on the road, impressive fuel efficiency, and an unbeatable record of passenger safety.
What went wrong with the Volvo brand and its reliability? According to the Reliability Index in a 2019 survey, Volvo came out 23rd out of 40 car brands. In 2020, Consumer reports recorded an increase in Volvo’s reliability as they moved to the 16th position, with a reliability score of 93.8%.
RepairPal’s 2022 reliability survey rates Volvo 17th out of 32 car brands with a reliability rating of 3.5/5.0. The reliability of Volvo cars has dangled between average ratings. While we must commend Volvo cars' performance, we must cite the few factors affecting Volvo’s reliability.
Volvo’s reliability dropped as the quality of their cars reduced. Most of their cars were riddled with lots of problems like the Volvo XC90 had issues with the drive system, suspension, brake, and body strength. Some customers believe Volvo’s drop began after being sold to a Chinese firm, Geely.
There are no accurate data to back up these claims, but it is obvious that Geely is pushing Volvo to produce next-generation cars. This includes joining the trend of self-driving cars.
As expected, it is normal for a car brand’s reliability to drop when they start trying out different categories and new models. This is exactly the case with the Volvo brand.
Aside from these, buying a Volvo car places on you the burden of sourcing expensive parts. Some Volvo models are also battling software glitches and technical flaws.
Why Volvos Are Considered Fairly Reliable
1. Safety and Technology
The safety technology on Volvo is out of this world. From the body strength to the integration of advanced technology, Volvos are considered the safest cars in the world. Volvo has consistently earned multiple safety awards across different platforms.
Many Volvo cars earn the five-star Euro NCAP safety rating, with the XC40 and XC60 earning the IIHS Top Safety Pick+ award. The safety reliability of Volvo cars dates back to the 70s when the US government used the Volvo 240 as a safety standard for other cars to follow.
The Volvo team of engineers was the first to revolutionize safety systems. This started with the inclusion of side impact protection, reinforced seats, and overall structural advancements.
Volvo safety systems take accident prevention to another level by detecting pedestrians, vehicles, and other car users and instituting auto emergency brakes when needed.
The Volvo brake technology works in the following ways:
- Pedestrian detection with auto brake
- Cyclist detection with auto brake
- Vehicle detection with auto brake
- Auto brake in intersections
Here’s a list of Volvo’s safety technology:
- Collision avoidance
- Blind Spot Information System (BLIS)
- Run-off road mitigation
- Surround view camera
- Connected safety
- Speed cap
- Lane-keeping aid
- Cross-traffic alert with auto brake
2. Durability
Volvo has a reputation for producing cars that last very long. With engine strength, body integrity, and regular maintenance, you should expect your Volvo cars to last up to 20 years.
There is no doubt that Volvo cars are designed to last long. There are warranty offers down to 12-year rust and corrosion to keep the car in good shape for a long time. The Volvo brand aims for long-term goals, and this is visible in the construction of its cars.
3. Fuel Efficiency
One of the core pillars of Volvo’s sales is its fuel efficiency. Volvo’s cars are technologically advanced, with efficient engines and systems that achieve the best fuel efficiency.
The gas mileage of Volvo cars differs across different models, but if you want fuel-efficient Volvo cars, you should go for the 2022 Volvo S60, XC60, XC90, and XC40. These Volvo cars' gas mileage runs between 30 and 35 MPG ranges.
4. Engine and Performance
Nobody will deny Volvo’s love for innovation. We can see this in the powerful engines that they produce. As seen in the R-design Volvo models, these engines are not only powerful but also reliable and efficient.
The performance of Volvo engines makes them fun to drive. You’ll never get tired of driving the Volvo turbo, drive E, or any of the engines that you come across. The steering and suspension systems are impressive and comfortable, and you will get more torque from these engines.
However, a recent press release from the Volvo brand explained that new Volvo cars wouldn’t go beyond 112 mph. This might sound like a setback for speed lovers, but the decision was made to improve users’ safety.
5. Repair and Maintenance Cost
The average annual cost of repairing and maintaining a Volvo car is $769. This is higher than the average $652 for repairing other car models.
Although Volvo has a 9% probability of major damages and a 0.5 chance of visiting the mechanic for minor repairs, which is an impressive stat, considering its reliability, their spare parts are quite expensive.
Volvo Reliability: Pros
- Highly durable.
- Extremely safe.
- Fuel efficient.
- Nice handling and ride quality.
- Great balance and traction.
Volvo Reliability: Cons
- Reduced speed.
- Some models are problematic.
Verdict
Volvos are cool cars to drive. They are durable, fuel-efficient, and extremely safe. If you have decided to buy a Volvo car, we will advise you to confirm the parts’ availability in your region. This will save you from being stranded when there’s a major breakdown.
