Volvo has long been associated with safety, Scandinavian design, and a commitment to environmental sustainability. In 2025, Volvo continues to lead the market in innovation, especially with its growing lineup of electric vehicles and plug-in hybrids. However, as with any car brand, no vehicle is perfect. Before investing in a new or used Volvo, it’s important to understand the brand’s reliability and the Volvo common problems that owners have reported.

This blog will take a closer look at volvo issues in 2025—what’s improved, what challenges remain, and what you should know to make an informed buying decision.

Are Volvos Reliable in 2025?

Volvo has improved its reliability rankings in recent years, particularly with newer models like the XC60 Recharge, XC90, and the all-electric EX30 and EX90. The company has focused heavily on innovation, electrification, and smart safety systems. However, some of these cutting-edge features come with a learning curve—and in some cases, Volvo common faults.

While Volvo scores well in areas like safety and comfort, several owners have reported consistent issues across various models, especially those with hybrid or electric drivetrains. Let’s break down the most common complaints.

1. Infotainment System Glitches

One of the most frequent Volvo issues reported in 2025 relates to the Google-based infotainment system introduced in recent models. While it’s sleek and intuitive in theory, users often experience:

• Lagging screens
• Unresponsive touch inputs
• Connectivity issues with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay
• Navigation crashes or map errors

These glitches can be especially frustrating in a luxury vehicle, where seamless technology is expected.

Tip:

Volvo frequently pushes over-the-air (OTA) updates, so make sure your system is up to date. Still, some users report problems persisting even after updates.

2. Hybrid Battery and Charging Concerns

Volvo’s Recharge lineup of plug-in hybrids and EVs has been praised for efficiency and performance, but battery-related volvo common problems have emerged:

• Inconsistent electric range (often lower than EPA estimates)
• Long charging times compared to competitors
• Battery overheating in high-temperature climates
• Malfunctioning charge ports

While not widespread, these issues are significant enough to affect owner satisfaction, especially among those who rely heavily on electric driving.

3. Transmission Hesitation in Older Models

Though newer Volvos tend to fare better, some 2020–2023 models have reported transmission hesitation, particularly in XC60 and XC90 models. These Volvo common faults include:

• Rough shifting
• Delayed acceleration
• Lurching or jerky motion from a stop

This is especially noticeable in hybrid variants, where the transition between electric and gas-powered driving isn’t always smooth.

4. Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) Bugs

Volvo’s Pilot Assist and other advanced driver assistance systems are meant to enhance safety, but in 2025, some owners are still experiencing issues such as:

• Sudden disengagement of lane assist
• Overly aggressive braking
• False collision alerts
• Camera and sensor malfunctions in poor weather

While these Volvo issues are usually software-related, they can undermine the trust drivers have in automated systems.

5. Interior Electronics and Climate Control

Several Volvo owners have reported common faults related to interior electronics, including:

• Malfunctioning seat heaters
• Inaccurate climate control temperature readings
• Faulty window switches
• Sunroof leaks in some XC40 models

These might seem minor, but in a premium brand like Volvo, even small annoyances can impact the overall ownership experience.

What Volvo Is Doing to Improve Reliability

To Volvo’s credit, the company is aware of these concerns and has implemented several changes:

• Frequent OTA software patches to fix infotainment and ADAS bugs
• Improved battery management systems in 2025 EVs
• Expanded warranty coverage for electric drivetrains
• Broader training for dealership technicians to handle electric and hybrid models

Still, for consumers, it’s essential to weigh the benefits of cutting-edge features against the potential reliability trade-offs.

Final Thoughts: Is a Volvo Worth It in 2025?

If you’re drawn to Volvo for its elegant design, advanced safety features, and commitment to sustainability, you’re not alone. Many owners love their Volvos and wouldn’t drive anything else. But it’s important to be realistic: even premium brands face growing pains, especially as they transition to electrified drivetrains and complex software platforms.

Understanding these volvo common faults and Volvo issues ahead of time can help you:

• Choose the right model year and trim
• Ask the right questions at the dealership
• Budget for potential repairs or warranty extensions

Whether you’re buying a new EX90 or a used XC60, going in informed will help you enjoy your Volvo ownership experience with fewer surprises.