Reliability of Volvo, other brands bears no resemblance to TV commercials or reviews

A photo from the Volvo Cars website shows the 2019 Volvo XC90, a 3-row, 7-seat luxury SUV, with a manufacturer's suggested retail price of $47,200 to $104,900, above and below.

One reviewer called the Swedish crystal gear shift lever the "most beautiful gear shift I've ever seen ... a glowing beacon of shimmering gorgeousness in the center of the car."

Annual reliability survey flunks

 Swedish marque, Tesla, Cadillac

By VICTOR E. SASSON
EDITOR

HACKENSACK, N.J. -- Volvo's 2019 XC90, a 7-seat luxury SUV, gets high marks from the automotive media, but Consumer Reports is warning the stylish Swedish vehicles are among the least reliable on the road.

Volvo finished 29th and last in the magazine's brand rankings "based on the average reliability for vehicles in the lineup," according to Consumer Reports' December 2018 issue.

The Swedish brand lost 6 places from last year's ranking.

Tesla's three models were ranked 27th and Cadillac's six models finished 28th.

The magazine lacked data to rank Alfa Romeo, Fiat, Jaguar, Land Rover, Maserati, Mitsubishi and Smart.

Survey of members

Each year, Consumer Reports says, members are asked about problems with their cars, minivans, SUVs and trucks.

This year, CR's Auto Reliability Survey -- the largest of its kind -- gathered data on more than 500,000 vehicles and 17 trouble areas, including in-car electronics, power equipment, noises and leaks, climate system and body hardware.

"We based the ranking on the average problem rates for the 2016 model," the magazine said.

Among 11 luxury midsize SUVs, the Volvo XC90 finished next to last, with a score of 22 (21-40 is worse than average), sandwiched between the Porsche Cayenne at 24 and the Tesla Model X at 13.

The Volvo XC60, a luxury compact SUV, received a predicted reliability score of 32; the Volvo S90, a luxury midsize car, finished with a score of 12, last among a dozen competitors; and the Volvo V60 wagon, redesigned for 2019, was called "worse" than average.

Turbo problems

Consumer Reports' October 2018 issue also notes problems with the turbocharged engines in Volvos and other brands.

To boost fuel efficiency, "more than half of U.S. models offer turbo engines as an option ... along with multi-speed transmissions," but "it's clear from CR reliability data that not every automaker gets its turbos and transmissions right."

Out of 18 powertrains, Volvo's turbocharged-and-supercharged 4-cylinder engine was ranked 13th (worse than the average non-turbo engine), followed by Ford, Chevrolet, Lincoln, Hyundai and MINI.

The Tesla Model 3 finished last among five compact luxury cars in Consumer Reports' annual predicted reliability survey (Car and Driver photo).

What media say

"The XC90 is a fine SUV," according to U.S. News & World Report. "It gets top marks ... for its stylish, upscale cabin and ample space for passengers and cargo."

Kelley Blue Book says, "If you're seeking a luxury SUV with seating for seven, exceptional safety features, and a design and spirit that stands out from the crowd, you'll find it all in the 2019 XC90."

Edmunds.com says the XC90 in its highest trim level, the T8 Excellence, is "just not practical for most buyers."

"So skip the crystal glasses and backseat refrigerator and go with the mid-level T6 Momentum," which "gets the turbocharged-and-supercharged 2.0-liter engine ... leather upholstery, and a larger display screen for the driver."

"You," a Volvo TV spot that has an aria playing in the background, promises "one SUV that fits everyone's life."

EVs and hybrids

Consumer Reports' reliability scores for ultra-luxury cars are Mercedes-Benz S Class, 45; Tesla Model S, 36; and Genesis G90, 34 (41 to 60 is average).

(Although I'm a Consumer Reports subscriber and the owner of a 2015 Tesla Model S, I didn't receive a questionnaire on its reliability, which has been excellent.)

Among five luxury compact cars, Tesla's Model 3 finished last, with 49. Other rankings were Audi A4, 60; BMW 3 Series, 57; Lexus IS, 57; and Kia Stinger, 55. 

Among hybrids and electric cars, the Chevrolet Bolt EV scored 50 and the Chevrolet Volt hybrid finished with 32, above the last place Honda Clarity with 14 (21 to 40 is worse than average).

Toyota's Prius C hybrid scored highest, with 93, followed by the Prius Prime plug-in hybrid, 91. 

The all-electric BMW i3 was third, with 89, followed by the Prius hybrid, 87; Kia Niro, 77, and the all-electric Nissan Leaf, 69 (61 to 80 is better than average).