The Volvo XC60 one of the best family SUVs you can buy.
Its also Volvo’s best selling model, offering world class safety, excellent comfort and good practicality.
If you’re in the market for a luxury SUV than researching this vehicle makes sense.
In this article, we’ll take a close look at the average lifespan of the XC60…
Table of Contents
Here is the Short Answer to How Long Volvo XC60 Last:
A Volvo XC60 on average will last 200,000 – 250,000 miles, provided it is driven conservatively, regularly maintained and well looked after. When driving 15,000 miles per year this equates to 13 – 17 years of service before breaking down or requiring costly repairs.
How Many Miles Can You Expect from a Volvo XC60?
The Volvo XC60 is a relatively new luxury SUV, having first been introduced and sold in 2009 in the US, without a huge amount of historical evidence we have based our figures on information gathered from Volvo dealerships and similar Volvo models.
Therefore we think a reasonable lifespan for the XC60 falls in the 200k – 250k range, of course, we don’t doubt that these figures can be exceeded however the chances of reaching the 300k club are far less likely and in general will be a less common occurrence.
Across Volvo forums many XC60 owners report that they are well on their way to the 100,000-mile mark with no major issues.
Like any vehicle – good driving habits and a proactive maintenance regime are two key factors in getting the most life from your vehicle.
- Smooth use of the brakes and accelerator will reduce wear and tear on components and therefore make them last longer.
- Keeping up to date with factory scheduled maintenance and carrying out routine checks such as fluid levels and tire pressures etc, will make all the difference.
How Soon Should You Expect Rust on a Volvo XC60?
Volvo XC60s are not known to rust easily, however there have been a few isolated reports with some of the older model years.
Based on the information we have found, we would advise that without proper precautions in place you could expect some degree of rusting within 3-5 years of ownership. The most vulnerable areas are the wheel wells and the underside of the vehicle.
A few Volvo XC60 owners have reported rust forming in the areas as mentioned above – should you experience rusting on your XC60 it’s worth speaking to your dealership to see if its covered under warranty and failing that take it to a body shop to have it remedied.
Almost all modern-day Volvo vehicles have factory anti-corrosion protection.
However, we would still recommend:
- Investing in a rust protection treatment (especially if you live in a high risk area – see below)
- Washing your vehicle regularly to remove salt, dirt and rain, ideally once a week in the winter
- Keeping your XC60 stored in a garage out of the elements
- Having a ceramic coating applied to add a layer of protection to the paintwork
Locations prone to rusting are:
- By the coast – where salt in the air can cling to your vehicle and accelerate corrosion.
- Regions that salt their roads in the winter – the salt/chemicals used are corrosive agents and can wreak havoc on your vehicle.
- Areas with high humidity due to the amount of moisture in the air
Volvo offers a 12-year corrosion warranty period, but this only refers to rust that has perforated (rusted through the metal panels from the inside) and not ordinary surface rust.
Related: 6 Most Common Volvo XC60 Problems (Explained)
How Long Do Volvo XC60 Last Compared to Similar Models?
Below, we’ll take a look at how the Volvo XC60 fares against its luxury compact SUV competitors when it comes to longevity.
Volvo XC60 vs. Acura RDX
The Acura RDX is expected to last between 250,000 – 300,000 miles or 16 – 20 years, slightly more than the lifespan of the XC60.
The XC60 and RDX are two of the best-performing luxury SUVs in the market today.
According to RepairPal, the RDX is the most reliable luxury compact SUV, acquiring an impressive rating of 4.5 out of 5.0, which is just above the XC60’s 4.0 out of 5.0 rating.
In terms of annual repair and maintenance, the RDX is significantly cheaper at $497 Vs the XC60’s $746.
You may also be interested in our article: How Long Do Acura RDX Last?
Volvo XC60 vs. Audi Q5
The Audi Q5 has an expected lifespan of 150,000 and 200,000 miles (or 10 to 13 years, based on 15,000 miles driven per year), and therefore is not expected to last as long as the XC60.
In terms of Reliability, the XC60 is significantly better than the Q5.
According to RepairPal, the XC60 has a rating of 4.0 out of 5.0 while the Q5 only secured a rating of 3.0 out of 5.0.
Regarding annual repair and maintenance costs, the XC60 comes out on top again.
The XC60 has an average annual maintenance cost of $746 while the Q5 has an average cost of $928.
You may also be interested in our article: How Long Do Audi Q5 Last?
Volvo XC60 vs. BMW X3
The BMW X3 can achieve 150,000 – 200,000 miles (or 10 – 14 years) which is less than the projection for the XC60.
While the XC60 is one of the best luxury SUVs in terms of reliability, with a rating of 4.0 out of 5.0, the X3 is one of the worst, only registering a score of 2.5 out of 5.0.
In terms of annual repair costs, the XC60 edges out the X3 yet again.
The XC60 only averages at $746, while the X3 averages at $1,034.
You may also be interested in our article: How Long Do BMW X3 Last?
How Reliable is a Volvo XC60?
Overall, the Volvo XC60 has above-average reliability ratings for its segment, although in comparison to the wider market its reliability scores are middle of the road.
These cars are generally well made with above average lifespans for components such as:
- Electronics
- Brake discs
- Brake pads
- Bulbs
- Wiper Blades
Customer testimonies regarding the XC60’s reliability have also been reassuringly positive, and larger automotive sites have given good reviews also.
- RepairPal ranks the XC60 in 4th place out of 11 places for luxury compact SUVs, with an overall reliability score of 4.0 out of 5.0
- J.D. Power gave the 2021 Volvo XC60 a quality and reliability rating of 71 out of 100, equivalent to an “average” rating.
- Kelley Blue Book gave the same model year XC60 a reliability score of 3.8 stars out of 5 stars based on 30 customer reviews.
Please also read our article: Where are Volvo XC60 Made
Reliability Compared to Other SUVs
| Model | Reliability |
| Acura RDX | 4.5 / 5.0 |
| Lexus NX200t | 4.0 / 5.0 |
| Infiniti EX35 (Infiniti QX50) | 4.0 / 5.0 |
| Volvo XC60 | 4.0 / 5.0 |
| Mercedes-Benz GLK350 | 3.5 / 5.0 |
| BMW X1 | 3.5 / 5.0 |
| Lincoln MKC | 3.5 / 5.0 |
| Land Rover LR2 | 3.0 / 5.0 |
| Land Rover Range Rover Evoque | 3.0 / 5.0 |
| BMW X3 | 2.5 / 5.0 |
| Porsche Macan | 1.5 / 5.0 |
| Avg. Luxury Compact SUV | 3.5 |
The Best and Worst Years for the Volvo XC60
Every vehicle line has its star model year and its bad apple year, we’ve done some digging and our verdict is detailed below…
Volvo XC60 Worst Model Year
From our research we believe the 2010 Volvo XC60 is the worst model year.
The Car Complaints website has a total of 11 recorded complaints for this model, the highest for any XC60 year by far – most problems were related to either engine or fuel pump issues.
The fuel pump failure cost on average $1,600 to fix and occured at an average mileage of 70,000 miles.
This conclusion is also supported by MotorBiscuit, stating that the 2010 Volvo XC60 is the worst version anyone could purchase.
We would also shy away from 2011 model which were notorious for water leaking in – this cost an eye-watering $2000 to fix and occurred after only 49,000 miles on average.
Volvo XC60 Best Model Year
The best model years of the Volvo XC60 are the 2020, 2023 and 2024 models.
These models have received great reviews and offer the latest tech and equipment.
Related: 15 Best & Worst Volvo XC60 Years (With Pictures & Stats)
Number of Complaints
Below are the figures for recorded complaints per model year for the Volvo XC60, based on data obtained from Car Complaints.
| Model Year | Recorded Complaints |
| 2009 Volvo XC60 | 1 |
| 2010 Volvo XC60 | 11 |
| 2011 Volvo XC60 | 3 |
| 2012 Volvo XC60 | 3 |
| 2013 Volvo XC60 | 4 |
| 2014 Volvo XC60 | 2 |
| 2015 Volvo XC60 | 5 |
| 2016 Volvo XC60 | 1 |
| 2017 Volvo XC60 | 2 |
| 2018 Volvo XC60 | 3 |
| 2019 Volvo XC60 | 4 |
| 2020 Volvo XC60 | 0 |
| 2021 Volvo XC60 | 0 |
What About Recalls for the Volvo XC60?
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) database, the Volvo XC60 has been recalled a total of 40 times since 2010.
A recall is issued when a manufacturer or the NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) deems that a vehicle or one or more of its components creates an unreasonable safety risk or does not meet minimum safety requirements – recall related problems are fixed free of charge.
Here are the total number of recall campaigns per year for the Volvo XC60 since model year 2010.
| Model Year | Recall Campaigns |
| 2010 Volvo XC60 | 7 |
| 2011 Volvo XC60 | 4 |
| 2012 Volvo XC60 | 3 |
| 2013 Volvo XC60 | 3 |
| 2014 Volvo XC60 | 2 |
| 2015 Volvo XC60 | 1 |
| 2016 Volvo XC60 | 3 |
| 2017 Volvo XC60 | 4 |
| 2018 Volvo XC60 | 4 |
| 2019 Volvo XC60 | 6 |
| 2020 Volvo XC60 | 2 |
| 2021 Volvo XC60 | 1 |
Volvo XC60 Model Year List
Below is a list of all Volvo XC60s as per model year:
First Generation (2009 – 2017)
- 2009 Volvo XC60
- 2010 Volvo XC60
- 2011 Volvo XC60
- 2012 Volvo XC60
- 2013 Volvo XC60
- 2014 Volvo XC60
- 2015 Volvo XC60
- 2016 Volvo XC60
- 2017 Volvo XC60
Second Generation (2018 – Present)
- 2018 Volvo XC60
- 2019 Volvo XC60
- 2020 Volvo XC60
- 2021 Volvo XC60
Are Volvo XC60 Expensive to Maintain?
The average total annual cost for repairs and maintenance for the Volvo XC60 is $746 (roughly $62 per month).
Based on RepairPal figures, the annual repair and maintenance cost of the XC60 is $113 cheaper than the average luxury compact SUV.
| Model | Avg. Annual Repair Cost | Frequency of Unscheduled Repairs (per year) | Probability of SevereRepairs |
| Acura RDX | $497 | 0.4 | 6% |
| Lexus NX200t | $690 | 0.3 | 6% |
| Infiniti EX35 | $588 | 0.7 | 8% |
| Volvo XC60 | $746 | 0.5 | 7% |
| Mercedes-Benz GLK350 | $859 | 0.6 | 10% |
| BMW X1 | $915 | 0.7 | 8% |
| Lincoln MKC | $853 | 0.4 | 12% |
| Land Rover LR2 | $895 | 0.8 | 11% |
| Land Rover Range Rover Evoque | $1,102 | 0.6 | 12% |
| BMW X3 | $1,034 | 0.8 | 14% |
| Porsche Macan | $1,265 | 1.3 | 20% |
| Avg. Luxury Compact SUV | $859 | 0.6 | 10% |
How Long Do the Brakes of Volvo XC60 Last?
The brakes of the Volvo XC60 can typically last between 30,000 and 70,000 miles, depending on usage and driving habits. This means that the brakes of the XC60 can last for a minimum of two years of regular use.
If you drive in a lot of stop and go traffic then the lifespan of your brakes will be at the lower end of the scale.
To prolong the life of your brakes and brake pads, we recommend to start braking at a generous distance, to allow the brakes to ease the vehicle into full stop.
You may also be interested in our article: How Long Do Volvo XC90 Last?
How Long Do the Tires of Volvo XC60 Last?
Most tires of modern-day Volvo vehicles, including the Volvo XC60, can last up to 6 years or 90,000 miles with regular use.
This is based on the recommendation of volvocars.com, specifically stating that this 6-year recommendation is based on 6 years of standard service or use.
- Having your tires inspected, rotated and balanced regularly will help extend the life of each tire.
- Checking your tire pressure regularly and keeping them at the correct pressure will improve their longevity and improve fuel economy.
How Long Do the Transmissions of Volvo XC60 Last?
Expect the transmission of your Volvo XC60 to last up to at least 150,000 miles (or approximately 10 years, based on 15,000 miles driven per year).
We find this estimate to be very conservative, however, and you should be able to reach greater mileage as long as the XC60 is properly taken care of and maintained.
You may also be interested in our article: Mercedes Benz GLC in Snow & Winter Driving
How Long Do the Spark Plugs of the Volvo XC60 Last?
Volvo XC60 spark plugs should last between 30,000 miles and 40,000 miles (or roughly 2 to 3 years, based on 15,000 miles of driving per year).
What About Insurance Cost of the Volvo XC60?
The average annual cost of insurance for the Volvo XC60 is $1,316 (or $110 per month).
Based on the figures presented by expertinsurancereviews.com, the Volvo XC60 has cheaper insurance rates than its luxury compact SUV competitors.
Rates can vary greatly dependent on a number of factors such as
- The level of coverage that you want
- The type of insurance that you choose
- Age
- Gender
- Location
- Credit score
- Driving record
Tips to Prolong the Life of Your Volvo XC60
- Wash and inspect your vehicle regularly to prevent rust.
- Follow recommended maintenance schedules outlined in your owner’s manual.
- Adopt smooth driving habits – this includes acceleration and braking.
- Address small issues before they become large issues.
- Familiarize yourself with and be on the lookout for the most common problems.
References
- https://www.volvocars.com/us/v/cars/xc60
- https://www.caranddriver.com/volvo/xc60
- https://cars.usnews.com/cars-trucks/volvo/xc60
- https://www.gunthervolvocars.net/blog/2019/may/10/how-long-can-the-volvo-xc60-last.htm
- https://www.whatcar.com/volvo/xc60/estate/review/n17339/buying-owning
- https://www.volvoclub.org.uk/hmc/
- https://www.volvocars.com/in/own/own-and-enjoy/volvo-warranty
- https://www.volvocars.com/mt/support/manuals/xc60/2018w17/maintenance-and-service/exterior-cleaning/rustproofing
- https://repairpal.com/reliability/volvo/xc60
- https://www.jdpower.com/cars/2021/volvo/xc60
- https://www.kbb.com/volvo/xc60/
- https://www.carcomplaints.com/Volvo/XC60/
- https://enginepatrol.com/how-long-audi-q7-last/
- https://www.carcomplaints.com/Volvo/XC60/2010/
- https://www.motorbiscuit.com/the-2010-volvo-xc60-is-the-worst-version-you-could-buy/
- https://cars.usnews.com/cars-trucks/volvo/xc60/2020
- https://cars.usnews.com/cars-trucks/volvo/xc60
- https://enginepatrol.com/how-long-range-rover-last/
- https://www.cars.com/research/volvo-xc60-2020/recalls/
- https://enginepatrol.com/acura-rdx-snow-winter-driving/
- https://www.crownvolvo.com/2020-volvo-xc60-brake-pads.htm
- https://www.volvocars.com/en-ca/support/manuals/xc90/2019w46/wheels-and-tires/wheels-and-tires/tires
- https://www.kbb.com/volvo/xc60/2019/spark-plug-replacement/
- https://www.expertinsurancereviews.com/how-much-is-insurance-on-a-volvo-xc60/
- https://www.thecarconnection.com/compare/volvo_xc60_2020_choices
- https://enginepatrol.com/how-long-mercedes-glc-last
- https://enginepatrol.com/how-long-bmw-x4-last/
