Editor’s note: This article was updated on 5/18/2023

Consumer Reports sends an Annual Auto Survey to owners to gather reliability data about popular cars, trucks, and SUVs. Within the survey are many questions about issues that may have occurred over the past year, and it covers 17 aspects of vehicle ownership. Unfortunately, after receiving feedback from owners, one Volvo SUV was stripped of its coveted recommendation by Consumer Reports. Is the Volvo XC60 actually unreliable?

Owners said the XC60 had more problems

Consumer Reports recommended buying the Volvo XC60 in the previous model year. It’s a smooth-driving luxury SUV with an upscale, high-quality interior rivaling more expensive models. There’s a lot to like about it, but one significant factor caused CR to drop its “recommended” label for the latest model year. CR doesn’t recommend the XC60 after receiving data back from owners about thousands of vehicles and their reliability.

Unfortunately, after some time with the Volvo XC60, owners determined it was an unreliable model. That means in the 17 problem areas surveyed by CR, the XC60 fell short in many ways. Experiencing so many issues for multiple owners is usually a clear indication of a lack of reliability. As a result, it’s the only Volvo SUV to lose its recommendation for 2023. Besides its reliability rating, the XC60 is a well-rounded SUV that excels in driving performance and interior quality.

What is a 2023 Volvo XC60?

One thing that often turns buyers away from vehicles is the starting price. Fortunately, the 2023 Volvo XC60 is affordable for a compact luxury SUV. According to Edmunds, drivers won’t mistake it for a Mercedes-Benz or BMW in its exterior styling, but the interior can rival those. “…the 2023 Volvo XC60 is an intriguing and stylish alternative to the established BMW X3 and Mercedes-Benz GLC. It’s not as exciting to drive, at least in the mild hybrid lineup, but if you’re in the market for a family-friendly vehicle, that’s likely not a huge concern,” said Edmunds.

Starting at $44,545 for the base model, the XC60 is surprisingly affordable. Anyone searching for a luxurious family SUV would do well with one. Furthermore, there are plenty of options to add, including four engine choices.

Standard is a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder with a mild-hybrid system making 247 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque. Opting for the B6 trim adds a supercharger and changes the output to 295 hp and 310 lb-ft. Moving further up the list to the Recharge T8 turns the XC60 into a plug-in hybrid, producing 455 hp and 523 lb-ft.

Is the Volvo SUV unreliable?

Despite its high-quality interior, Consumer Reports no longer recommends the 2023 Volvo XC60. A few Volvo SUVs received a recommendation for the same reasons. Unfortunately, the XC60 fell short due to its reliability rating. Inside the Swedish-made vehicle is an elegant interior rivaling models from automakers like BMW and Mercedes-Benz, which are often much more costly.

Thanks to a low starting price, underwhelming performance is easily overlooked for the luxurious interior, available plug-in hybrid powertrain, and spacious second-row seating. However, the reliability isn’t above average, which turns many experts and consumers away.