Is the Volvo XC60 Reliable?

Volvo built its entire brand identity on safety and durability. So when you’re considering spending $45,000–$75,000 on an XC60, “is it actually reliable?” is not an unreasonable question. It’s the right one.

The honest answer: the XC60’s mechanical bones are solid, but its electronics and software are a genuine, documented weak point that no amount of Swedish charm can fully paper over.

Here’s everything the data actually says.

TL;DR

• Consumer Reports rates the 2025 XC60 slightly above average in overall reliability — and J.D. Power puts it at 74/100, comfortably in the “average” range
• Mechanical reliability is strong — engine, transmission, and drivetrain issues are rare and rarely leave you stranded
• Electronics and software are the weak link — infotainment glitches, connectivity drops, and sensor warnings are the most common complaints across all recent model years
• The XC60 beats rivals like the Acura RDX and current BMW X3 for reliability, but falls behind the Porsche Macan, Lexus NX, and Lincoln Corsair
• The petrol mild-hybrid version is more reliable than the plug-in hybrid (Recharge), which adds powertrain complexity

The Straight Answer: Is the Volvo XC60 Reliable?

Yes — with a clear caveat. The XC60’s unexceptional reliability ratings are due mainly to niggling electronic and software issues rather than major mechanical failures that can stop you at the side of the road.

That distinction matters enormously in practice. A car that occasionally needs an infotainment reboot is annoying. A car that leaves you stranded on the motorway is a crisis. The XC60 is firmly in the first category for most owners — not the second.

The XC60 is a car that will rarely let you down mechanically. Whether its software will let you down on a Tuesday morning is a different question.

Ever since it received a midlife refresh in 2021 for the 2022 model year, the Volvo XC60 has routinely been one of the more reliable compact luxury SUVs, earning respectable scores from Consumer Reports every year.

What the Data Actually Says

Consumer Reports

Consumer Reports rates the 2025 model slightly above average in overall reliability, placing it in the same bracket as all post-facelift XC60 models produced after 2022.

The most problematic area, year after year, is electronics. Owner comments from the 2025 model include: “Blinker sounds, radio and screen all stop working. I have to perform a hard reset, sometimes more than once to restore. This is a daily occurrence.”

On the 2024 model, a recurring complaint: “Would notice no sounds, no radio, no turn signal sounds. Per Volvo, infotainment system needed to be rebooted — this has happened at least four times.”

These aren’t isolated anecdotes. Electronics and infotainment are consistently Consumer Reports’ flagged trouble zone for the XC60 across multiple model years.

J.D. Power

J.D. Power rates the XC60’s quality and reliability at 74/100, comfortably placing it in the “average” category for both pure combustion and plug-in hybrid models. Average isn’t exciting, but in a class where German rivals also cluster around the mean, it’s a respectable position.

Edmunds & KBB

Edmunds’ consumer reviews give the 2026 XC60 an average of 4 stars out of 5, based on owner reports. KBB surveys show 55% of 2025 XC60 owners would recommend the vehicle, with styling and comfort rated highest and value rated lowest.

The Kelley Blue Book picture is genuinely mixed — many owners report smooth, trouble-free ownership, while a vocal minority describe persistent electrical gremlins and dealer frustrations.

The Biggest Weak Point: The TCAM Module

If you own or are buying a recent XC60, this is the one system to know about.

The XC60 is equipped with the brand’s Telematics and Connectivity Antenna Module (TCAM) — a hardware and software module that acts as the vehicle’s information station. Typically housed in the shark-fin shaped antenna on the roof, the TCAM manages everything from infotainment to key fob connection, Bluetooth connectivity, Wi-Fi, navigation, and SOS emergency call service.

This modem is a known weak point on the XC60, and it can fail due to random software glitches, updates, or even water penetrating inside the antenna. When that happens, a vehicle will often lose Wi-Fi connectivity, GPS signal, display an “SOS e-Call Service Required” message, or even fail to recognise the key fob.

The good news: TCAM failures are fixable and rarely affect driving safety. The bad news: dealer wait times and parts availability can turn a nuisance into a multi-day inconvenience.

Expert Insight: The TCAM issue is consistent across Volvo’s SPA platform — meaning XC90 and S90 owners deal with the same weak point. If you’re buying used, ask whether any TCAM-related work has been done and confirm the antenna seals are intact.

Petrol vs Plug-in Hybrid: Which Is More Reliable?

This is one of the most important reliability distinctions for XC60 buyers, and most articles gloss over it.

The mild-hybrid petrol (B5 or B4) XC60 is meaningfully more reliable than the plug-in hybrid Recharge version. Adding a large battery pack, electric motor, and hybrid management software introduces more complexity — and more potential failure points.

Consumer Reports’ plug-in hybrid-specific data paints a starker picture. One 2025 XC60 PHEV owner reported: “The entire infotainment system is extremely unreliable. In the first 2–4 months I lost connectivity to the internet on an almost daily basis. The apps are extremely unresponsive, and I often get a ‘something went wrong’ message for the radio and apps such as Spotify. The entire system including all sounds has gone out twice.”

More seriously, some plug-in hybrid owners have reported the car entering “snail mode” — drastically reduced power — requiring a tow and extended dealer time.

Quick Tip: If maximum reliability is your priority and electric range isn’t a must-have, the petrol B5 mild-hybrid XC60 is the more dependable choice. The PHEV adds real-world running cost benefits but comes with added complexity.

Mechanical Reliability: The Good News

Here’s where the XC60’s reputation holds up well. The XC60 exhibits favourable engine and transmission reliability, reflecting solid engineering. Many users report minimal issues even after years of service.

Mechanical components such as the engine and transmission are generally solid when properly maintained. Issues appear more frequently in electronic systems — these include infotainment glitches, sensor warnings, and occasional software-related malfunctions.

A real-world scenario: David bought a 2022 XC60 B5 in Birmingham and now has 55,000 miles on it. His infotainment has needed two resets and a software update — both handled under warranty — but the engine, transmission, AWD system, and brakes have been entirely problem-free. His ownership experience is representative of the majority of petrol XC60 owners.

The contrast comes from owners of the Recharge plug-in hybrid. While many report similar smooth mechanical operation, the electrical and hybrid system complexity creates a higher surface area for things to go wrong.

How the XC60 Stacks Up Against Rivals

(As of June 2026. Consumer Reports subscriber survey data.)

The XC60 tends to perform better than some competitors in safety and structural durability, but does not always outperform German rivals in software stability or long-term repair simplicity.

The XC60 beats the Acura RDX and the current-generation BMW X3 for reliability, while falling short of the Porsche Macan, Lexus NX, Lincoln Corsair, and Lexus NX Hybrid.

Pros & Cons by Buyer Persona

The Safety-Focused Family Buyer

Pros: Mechanically solid — engine and transmission rarely cause problems. World-class safety ratings and standard driver assist technology across all trims. The car that protects your family in a crash also tends to keep running without drama. Cons: The infotainment can glitch at the worst moments — including the backup camera. A widely reported issue across 2024–2025 models involves the rearview camera image failing to display when the vehicle is placed in reverse. A software fix has been issued, but it required a recall.

The Tech Enthusiast Upgrader

Pros: Over-the-air (OTA) updates mean many software issues get fixed without a dealer visit. The Google-native infotainment is genuinely capable when it works — better integrated than most rivals. Cons: When the system goes wrong, it can go spectacularly wrong. Some owners report screens going blank, all sounds cutting out, and needing hard resets to restore basic functionality. If software stability is your primary concern, the Lexus NX is a better choice.

The Practical Long-Term Owner (5+ Years)

Pros: Many users report minimal mechanical issues even after years of service. Solid build quality and Volvo’s reputation for structural durability holds up well at higher mileages. Cons: Consumer Reports names in-car electronics as the 2025 XC60’s main trouble spot, followed by issues with electronic accessories. Over five years, expect at least one software update or dealer visit for connectivity issues — even on otherwise healthy cars.

Quick Tip: Whatever trim you buy, make sure your XC60 is registered for over-the-air updates in the Volvo Cars app before you leave the dealer. Many of the infotainment and software issues that plagued earlier owners have been partially addressed through OTA fixes — but only if your car is enrolled.

Common Problems to Know Before You Buy

1. Infotainment and connectivity failures — The most-reported issue across 2022–2025 XC60s. Screen freezes, audio cutting out, Bluetooth dropping, and navigation going offline. Usually fixable with a reboot or software update, but frustrating in a £50,000+ car.

2. Backup camera display failures — A rearview camera image that does not display when the vehicle is placed in reverse has been the subject of multiple recalls across 2022–2025 XC60 models. Volvo addressed this with a software update via OTA or dealer.

3. PHEV brake mode concern — Volvo recalled certain 2022–2026 XC60 PHEVs after it was found that in certain driving scenarios while coasting downhill using “B” mode, the vehicle may lose brake function. A software update fixes this. If you own a PHEV and haven’t had this addressed, contact your dealer immediately.

4. TCAM / connectivity module — As detailed above, the roof antenna module can fail and cause a cascade of connectivity issues. More common on pre-2023 models; improved but not eliminated on newer cars.

5. 12V battery drain — Some owners report unexpected battery drain, particularly when the car hasn’t been driven for several days. A known quirk of the always-connected system keeping background processes alive.

Quick Tip: Before buying a used XC60, ask for a full service history and specifically check whether any TCAM-related, backup camera, or brake software recalls have been completed. All of these were addressed free of charge under recall — a car with outstanding recall work is a red flag.

The Reliability Verdict: Should You Buy It?

The XC60 is not the most reliable car in its class. But it’s not the least reliable either — and the things it tends to get wrong (software, connectivity) are less serious than the things it tends to get right (engine, transmission, safety, build quality).

Overall, the XC60 sits in a competitive middle position within the luxury SUV segment. It offers a balanced mix of safety, comfort, and acceptable long-term durability. For buyers who value comfort and safety most, the XC60 is a strong option.

If you want the most reliable luxury compact SUV possible with the least software drama, buy a Lexus NX. If you want the best driving dynamics, buy a BMW X3. But if you want excellent safety, a genuinely premium interior, strong mechanical durability, and are prepared to occasionally reboot your infotainment like it’s a smartphone — the XC60 is a genuinely good car that earns its popularity.

The XC60 won’t let you down on the road. It might occasionally frustrate you in the driveway. That’s the honest trade-off.

FAQ

Is the Volvo XC60 more reliable than a BMW X3 or Audi Q5? For the 2025 model year, the XC60 scores slightly above average in reliability — placing it above the current BMW X3, which received only an average rating. The Audi Q5 varies by year but has comparable software complexity issues to the XC60.

What are the most common problems with the XC60? Consumer Reports consistently names in-car electronics as the primary trouble spot — infotainment glitches, GPS issues, Bluetooth failures, and the TCAM module are the most reported. Mechanical problems are rare by comparison.

Is the XC60 Recharge plug-in hybrid less reliable than the petrol? Based on owner data, yes. The plug-in hybrid adds powertrain complexity and has generated more reports of both electrical issues and drivetrain-related problems than the mild-hybrid petrol version.

How long does a Volvo XC60 last? Many users report minimal mechanical issues even after years of service, and well-maintained XC60s regularly exceed 150,000 miles without major drivetrain work. The software and electronics are the limiting factor for ownership satisfaction, not mechanical longevity.

Does the XC60 hold its value? The XC60’s reputation for safety and luxury tends to attract buyers, which helps maintain a strong resale price. Strong brand loyalty and consistent demand make it a better-than-average depreciation proposition for the class.

Key Takeaways

• The XC60 is mechanically reliable — engine, transmission, and drivetrain rarely cause serious problems
• Electronics and software are the genuine weak point, particularly the TCAM module and infotainment
• Consumer Reports rates it slightly above average overall; J.D. Power gives it 74/100 — solidly mid-table for the class
• The petrol mild-hybrid is more reliable than the plug-in hybrid Recharge
• It outperforms the current BMW X3 and Acura RDX for reliability, but falls behind the Lexus NX and Porsche Macan
• Outstanding recalls for backup camera and PHEV brake software should be verified as complete before buying used

What to Do Next

If you’re buying new, register for OTA software updates in the Volvo Cars app on day one and confirm all recall work is up to date at handover. If you’re buying used, run the VIN through NHTSA’s recall database and ask for documented proof that all outstanding safety recalls have been completed. For anyone prioritising software stability above all else — cross-shop the Lexus NX before signing. But for the majority of buyers who want a safe, comfortable, genuinely premium SUV with strong mechanical bones, the XC60 remains one of the best choices in the compact luxury segment.