is $769. Volvos rank 17th out of 32 for all car brands when it comes to reliability.
While luxury vehicles are generally more expensive to maintain, Volvo maintenance costs tend to be lower than other luxury cars
Keeping up with your Volvo’s regular maintenance will help it continue to drive safely and last longer
New Volvo owners can take advantage of prepaid maintenance plans to reduce the cost of ownership
How much does maintenance for a Volvo cost?
On average: A Volvo costs about $769 per year for standard maintenance. Volvo maintenance costs are also generally more affordable than other luxury brands, such as Audi, Mercedes-Benz, or BMW.
But keep in mind: Your own Volvo maintenance costs will depend on the specific model you own. For instance, a brand-new XC60 and your granny’s 1980s Volvo Sedan will have very different maintenance costs.
Let’s look at some examples of average annual maintenance costs for a few popular Volvo models.
Budget: Volvo XC60
Reliability: 4/5 (average)
Annual maintenance cost: $776 (average)
Repair frequency: 0.5 times per year (average)
Mid-range: Volvo S80
Reliability: 4/5 (average)
Annual maintenance cost: $827 (average)
Repair Frequency: 0.5 times per year (average)
Splurge: Volvo V60 Cross Country
Reliability: 4.5/5 (average)
Annual maintenance cost: $1,138 (average)
Repair frequency: No estimates available
Why you should maintain your Volvo
Maintenance is all about safety—and saving money. By performing regular preventative maintenance on your Volvo, you can avoid preventable problems due to buildup and reduce the cost of repairs.
A well-maintained vehicle:
Increases your safety while driving
Saves you money by preventing expensive problems
Keeps your car performing at its best
Keeps the value of your car high
Most cars include an owner’s manual that has a maintenance schedule. Simply schedule regular appointments with your mechanic based on the manufacturer’s recommendations.
Key Takeaway In general, Volvos are more reliable than the average vehicle. However, some models cost more to maintain.
According to RepairPal, Volvo cars tend to visit the repair shop about 0.5 times per year for unscheduled maintenance, and only 9% of those repairs are considered severe. This rate is significantly better than the national average of 12% across all models.
Volvo is known for vehicles with average to above-average safety and reliability ratings. In fact, it was a Volvo engineer who invented the three-point seat belt! Their reputation for reliability is well-founded—studies show that Volvos are fairly reliable vehicles. You can generally expect a Volvo to require the same amount or less maintenance than other cars.
Mileage
Maintenance Service
Average cost
Every 10,000 miles
Oil change, tire rotation
$70 to $100
Every 20,000 miles
Replace air filters
$57 to $78
Every 40,000 miles
Replace fuel filters
$101 to $142
Every 70,000 miles
Inspect spark plugs
$16 to $100
Oil changes
When: Usually required every 10,000 miles
Cost: $30 to $60
Why: Removes excess dirt that can build up in your engine from daily use
DIY?: Maybe—if you have the right tools and a clean place to work
Tire replacement
When: The NHTSA recommends that tires be replaced every six years, regardless of the number of miles driven
Cost: $150 to $500
Why: Worn-out tires are unsafe and can lead to hydroplaning in wet weather
DIY?: No—allow a professional to ensure a balanced installation for even wear and a smooth ride
Engine replacement
When: If the engine block is cracked, damaged in a collision, or simply worn out due to high-mileage
Cost: $3,500 to $7,000
Why: A healthy engine is the key to prolonging the life of your Volvo vehicle
DIY?: No—take the car to a reputable mechanic or authorized Volvo dealership for an engine replacement
Windshield replacement
When: If the crack is longer than your hand, extends to the outer edge of the windshield, or deep enough that it goes halfway into the windshield
Cost: $175 to $800
Why: If you can’t see clearly, it’s dangerous to drive
DIY?: No—avoid attempting to install a new windshield yourself
Paint
When: Visible discoloration or paint peeling
Cost: $1,000 to $5,000
Why: Prevent corrosion and improve resale value with a good paint job
DIY?: Possible—only attempt this if you have a safe place to apply paint and professional-grade tools
Power steering leaks
When: Red or light brown liquid is a strong indicator of a leak
Cost: $777 to $822
Why: Without power steering fluid, the system will experience heat and friction (and damage)
DIY?: No—go to an auto shop for this service
Transmission
When: If your vehicle is struggling to switch gears, or you smell burning
Cost: + $3,500
Why: A well-maintained transmission is essential for safe driving
DIY?: No—this major repair is best suited for a professional
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