Volvo's lineup has 1,362 recorded NHTSA recalls across 39 models (1984–2026) and averages 4.2/5 for reliability on ForCar. Check any Volvo's open recalls, owner complaints, MPG and NHTSA safety below — or decode its VIN for the exact build. Free, by model and year.
Each model's ForCar Reliability Score is built from NHTSA crash-test safety (40%), recall frequency (25%) and complaint severity (35%) — not user reviews. Brand score = average of rated models.
Volvo — VIN decoder & full model lineup
Volvo, originating in Sweden, is renowned for its commitment to safety and durable engineering, consistently setting industry standards for vehicle protection. Historically, Volvo vehicles have been favored by families and individuals prioritizing reliability and a comfortable driving experience, and today’s models continue this tradition. At ForCar.org, we can help you understand your Volvo by decoding any VIN to reveal full vehicle specifications, recall history, and detailed information about your specific car.
Decode a Volvo VIN
Enter any 17-character Volvo VIN for its exact year, trim, engine and assembly plant — then its open recalls, safety ratings and original window sticker.
All Volvo models 39
Every Volvo model we track, grouped by body type. Click any model for its VIN decoder, recalls, MPG, safety and ForCar Reliability Score — broken down by year.
Volvo SUVs & crossovers 9
Volvo Cars & sedans 8
Volvo Wagons 2
Volvo More models 20
Volvo recalls
Across the Volvo lineup, ForCar tracks 1,362 recorded NHTSA recalls — each tied to a specific model and year. There's no single "Volvo recall" number; open a model for its exact campaigns, affected parts and the free dealer fix.
| Volvo model | Recalls | ForCar Score |
|---|---|---|
| Volvo VNL | 209 | 3.5 /5 |
| Volvo VHD | 166 | 3.5 /5 |
| Volvo VNM | 130 | 3.5 /5 |
| Volvo S60 | 105 | 4.5 /5 |
| Volvo XC90 | 82 | 4.5 /5 |
| Volvo S80 | 81 | 3.5 /5 |
| Volvo XC60 | 67 | 4.5 /5 |
| Volvo V70 | 61 | 3.5 /5 |
| Volvo XC70 | 42 | 4.0 /5 |
| Volvo WIA | 38 | 4.0 /5 |
Most-recalled system across Volvo: Equipment:other:labels. Source: NHTSA recall campaigns — open any model for full details by year.
Is Volvo reliable?
Across rated models, Volvo averages a 4.2/5 ForCar Reliability Score, with 31 models rated 4★ or higher. Each model is scored from NHTSA crash-test safety, recall frequency and the share of owner complaints involving a crash, fire or injury — not user reviews.
Volvo competes in the global luxury SUV and sedan segments against German rivals BMW, Mercedes-Benz and Audi, with safety and Scandinavian design as its primary differentiators. Under Geely ownership, Volvo has expanded production with new plants in China and Charleston, South Carolina (USA). The brand committed in 2021 to a fully electric lineup by 2030 and has accelerated PHEV (Recharge) availability across all internal-combustion model lines as a transition.
Volvo models by owner-complaint volume (NHTSA):
| Volvo model | Owner complaints | ForCar Score |
|---|---|---|
| Volvo S60 | 1,198 | 4.5 /5 |
| Volvo S80 | 1,017 | 3.5 /5 |
| Volvo V70 | 1,001 | 3.5 /5 |
| Volvo XC90 | 957 | 4.5 /5 |
| Volvo S70 | 655 | 3.5 /5 |
| Volvo S40 | 526 | 4.0 /5 |
| Volvo XC60 | 315 | 4.5 /5 |
| Volvo XC70 | 296 | 4.0 /5 |
| Volvo C70 | 205 | 4.0 /5 |
| Volvo VNL | 131 | 3.5 /5 |
Higher complaint counts often track higher sales volume, not necessarily worse reliability — open a model for its complaints by year and best/worst-year analysis.
Most fuel-efficient Volvo models
The most fuel-efficient Volvo models by EPA combined MPG — hybrids and small engines lead. Open any model for its full city / highway / combined rating by engine and year.
| Model | Best combined MPG | Type |
|---|---|---|
| Volvo EX30 | 116 mpg | Car |
| Volvo VNL | 107 mpg | Car |
| Volvo C40 | 107 mpg | Car |
| Volvo S60 | 106 mpg | Car |
| Volvo XC40 | 106 mpg | Car |
| Volvo EX90 | 98 mpg | Car |
| Volvo V60 | 31 mpg | Car |
| Volvo S90 | 30 mpg | Car |
Best EPA combined rating per model (highest across engines and years). Source: EPA fueleconomy.gov.
Safest Volvo models
Volvo models by NHTSA overall crash-test rating (5★ is best). Open a model for its frontal, side and rollover scores by year.
| Volvo model | NHTSA safety | ForCar Score |
|---|---|---|
| Volvo EX90 | ★★★★★ | 5.0 /5 |
| Volvo XC90 | ★★★★★ | 4.5 /5 |
| Volvo XC60 | ★★★★★ | 4.5 /5 |
| Volvo S60 | ★★★★★ | 4.5 /5 |
| Volvo XC40 | ★★★★★ | 4.5 /5 |
| Volvo V60 | ★★★★★ | 4.5 /5 |
Best NHTSA overall 5-Star Safety rating per model (highest tested year). Source: NHTSA NCAP.
Volvo hybrids & electric models
Volvo's electrified lineup — 6 hybrids and 6 electric / plug-in. Click any model for its full powertrain, MPG and range by year.
Volvo hybrids 6
Volvo electric & plug-in 6
Electrified variants from EPA fueleconomy.gov powertrain data. A model may offer gas, hybrid and electric versions across years.
Get a Volvo window sticker by VIN
Recreate any Volvo's original Monroney label — MSRP, factory options, EPA MPG and safety — free from the VIN.
Volvo window stickers →How to read a Volvo VIN
Every Volvo built since 1981 carries a unique 17-character VIN (Vehicle Identification Number). It encodes where and when the vehicle was made, its engine and body — here's what each part means:
| Positions | Section | What it tells you |
|---|---|---|
| 1–3 | WMI | World Manufacturer Identifier — country and that it's a Volvo |
| 4–8 | VDS | Model, body style, engine and trim |
| 9 | Check digit | Validates the VIN isn't mistyped |
| 10 | Model year | The exact year (e.g. R = 2024, S = 2025) |
| 11 | Plant | The factory that assembled it |
| 12–17 | Serial | The unique production sequence number |
Where to find your Volvo VIN: the lower-left corner of the windshield, the driver's door jamb sticker, or your registration and insurance documents. Paste it into the decoder above to read it instantly.
About Volvo
Volvo (Latin for I roll) was registered in 1915 by SKF as a trademark for ball bearings before Assar Gabrielsson and Gustaf Larson reused it for the automobile venture in 1927. The first car, the ÖV 4 Jakob, rolled off the line on April 14, 1927. Engineer Nils Bohlin invented the three-point safety belt in 1959, and Volvo released the patent for free use by all manufacturers — the safety belt has been credited with saving more than one million lives.
| Founded | 1927 |
| Headquarters | Gothenburg, Sweden |
| Parent company | Geely Holding Group |
| Slogan | "For Life" |
| Models tracked | 39 (1984–2026) |
Volvo — frequently asked
How do I decode a Volvo VIN for free?
Enter the 17-character VIN in the decoder at the top of this page. You'll get the exact year, trim, engine and plant, then can check that vehicle's recalls, MPG and safety — free, no signup.
How many Volvo models are there?
ForCar tracks 39 Volvo models spanning 1984–2026. See the full list above, ordered by how often each is searched.
Where is Volvo made?
Volvo is headquartered in Gothenburg, Sweden, founded in 1927. Individual models are assembled at plants worldwide — the VIN's 11th character identifies the exact factory.
How do I check Volvo recalls?
Recalls are tracked per model and year. Open any Volvo model above to see its NHTSA recall campaigns, affected parts and the free dealer fix.
Which Volvo is most reliable?
Reliability varies by model and year. Each model page shows its ForCar Reliability Score (from NHTSA safety, recalls and complaint severity) so you can compare directly.
What's the Volvo warranty?
New Volvo vehicles come with a 4 years / 50,000 miles basic (bumper-to-bumper) warranty and a 4 years / 50,000 miles powertrain warranty. Coverage can vary by model year and market — confirm with a Volvo dealer.