Volvo Once Promoted Its Reliability. Now, It Ranks Near the Bottom.

      David Shepherd/Volvo

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      When you think of Volvo, safety likely comes to mind first, followed closely by reliability. In its marketing, the manufacturer frequently emphasized the robustness of its vehicles alongside safety advancements. However, in the recent J.D. Power rankings, Volvo has nearly dropped to the bottom.

      In J.D. Power’s 2026 Vehicle Dependability Study, which evaluates the reliability of new cars and trucks based on owner-reported issues per 100 vehicles, Volvo was nearly last on the list. Owners indicated 296 issues per 100 vehicles, just ahead of Volkswagen (301), but behind long-time troublemakers Jeep (267) and Land Rover (274). The average issue rate for all brands was 204 problems per 100 vehicles.

      Volvo held a better rank in the 2025 study, although still far from the top tier. Last year, Volvo owners reported 242 issues per 100 vehicles, placing the Swedish company 23rd out of 31 brands ranked and worse than the industry average of 202 problems per 100 vehicles.

      The downturn for 2026 corresponds to overall industry trends pointed out by J.D. Power. Analysts highlighted significant dissatisfaction with over-the-air (OTA) software updates, noting that vehicles powered by plug-in hybrids and all-electric systems had more reported issues compared to those with hybrid or traditional gasoline engines. In recent years, Volvo has struggled with software reliability while increasing its offerings of plug-in hybrids and EVs.

      New vehicles are now more complex than ever, which can adversely affect long-term reliability. However, longtime customers have valid reasons to be disheartened by Volvo’s disappointing performance. As noted by a user in the r/Volvo Reddit community, the automaker's commercials used to feature slogans like “invest in durable goods” and “drive your Volvo like you hate it.”

      Similar to the reputable German brands, Volvo has shifted focus from reliability and engineering to technology and design as a means to justify higher price tags. Volvos are no longer marketed as “durable goods”; they have become luxury items. Additionally, Volvo has recently faced challenges, initiating a poorly received software feature initiative and launching the EX30, which was affected by policy changes. The company is now attempting to rectify these issues with its upcoming EV models.