BMW X3 vs Volvo XC60: reliability compared
From 2010 to 2025, owners filed an average of 90 complaints per model year about the BMW X3 and 41 about the Volvo XC60.
Side by side
| BMW X3 | Volvo XC60 | |
|---|---|---|
| Model years compared | 2010-2025 | 2010-2025 |
| Owner complaints | 1,435 | 663 |
| Complaints per model year | 90 | 41 |
| Recalls | 59 | 36 |
| Years to avoid | 2013 | None stand out |
| Best years | 20102012 | 201420172020 |
| Most common problem | Engine | Electrical |
| Crash rating | 4 2025 | No data |
| Fuel economy | 27-29 mpg combined (2025) | 26-28 mpg combined (2025) |
A car that sells more collects more complaints, so the fairest test is the number of years to avoid, which compares each year with a typical year of the same car.
Complaints per model year
Problems compared
| X3 | XC60 | |
|---|---|---|
| Engine | 533 | 81 |
| Electrical | 351 | 177 |
| Transmission | 162 | 23 |
| Brakes | 103 | 63 |
| Body | 96 | 36 |
| Fuel system | 95 | 44 |
| Driver assistance | 80 | 105 |
| Visibility | 31 | 100 |
Questions about the BMW X3 vs Volvo XC60
Which is more reliable, the BMW X3 or the Volvo XC60?
Between 2010 and 2025, the BMW X3 has 1 year to avoid and the Volvo XC60 0. The Volvo XC60 has been more consistent from year to year. By raw volume, the Volvo XC60 drew fewer complaints per model year (41 vs 90), though sales volume affects that number.
Which has more recalls, the BMW X3 or the Volvo XC60?
From 2010 to 2025, the BMW X3 was covered by 59 recalls and the Volvo XC60 by 36.
What years of the BMW X3 and Volvo XC60 should you avoid?
BMW X3: 2013. Volvo XC60: no year stands out.
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