2013 Volvo S60: problems, recalls and reliability
4 recalls and 86 owner complaints on record; the weakest area is engine (43% of complaints); the 2011 and 2014 model years look more trouble-free.
Data updated weekly · latest recall Jun 2020
All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.
Common problems
Computed from 86 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“The "Tire Pressure System" warning appeared and has not turned off. New TPMS sensors were installed but the dealership could not get the car to calibrate despite multiple attempts. It has come to my attention that other models of Volvo have this same trouble, and a software update is required.”Owner report · Electrical System · Jul 2025
“I was driving approximately 65 MPH on the highway and suddenly my car started shuttering, stuttering, and my check engine light started blinking. My car started slowing down as if it was having trouble accelerating. I also received a warning message that said, "Reduce speed or shift up." I only have 123,263 miles on the vehicle. My mechanic informed me I was having a cylinder 2 misfire and that my exhaust valve burnt up. I also need a new timing belt. This is not the first time I've had a cylinder misfire on this car, so I believe there is something faulty in this vehicle. As a result of this incident, I pulled over on the highway and waited for a tow truck.”Owner report · Engine · Sep 2024
“Engine has excessive oil consumption and sets owners up for expensive testing and repairs, because when the original recall came out, many Volvo s60 with excessive oil consumption were barely out of the allowed mileage range, which sticks the owners with excessive repairs. Volvo should stand behind this problem that effects numerous Volvo s60's and compensate the repairs.”Owner report · Engine · Aug 2024
Show 7 more owner reports
“Vehicle was off in driveway and fire started from right rear taillight. Fire extinguished via fire extinguisher after 5 minutes but car totaled. Inspection by fire department indicated source of fire was right rear tail light.”Owner report · Exterior Lighting · Apr 2024
“I was driving my 2013 Volvo S60 T5 when I felt a sudden, sharp pain in my hand and started bleeding. After safely stopping, I discovered that the chrome trim on the steering wheel had detached from the steering wheel itself and caused a minor cut on my finger. Upon further inspection, I found that the trim is secured to the steering wheel with an adhesive that deteriorates over time, and the trim itself has sharp metal edges.”Owner report · Unknown Or Other · Oct 2023
“The car consumes approx. 0,5 to 1,0 liters of oil per 1000 miles. The problem started around 60,000 miles and has slowly worsened. Volvo admits that there is a problem with the piston rings, and the only fix is an expensive oil consumption test followed by an engine teardown and rebuild”Owner report · Engine · Sep 2023
“Purchased the car with 120,000 miles and noticed it was burning 5 1/2 quarts of oil every 3,500 miles. Thought it was an oil leak and had that repaired but issue continued. Drove another 3,500 miles and had to add another 5 1/2 quarts of oil. Light never went on the last time and oil level was so low that engine now has rod knock. Only recourse is to replace the engine and I cannot afford the repair. Volvo acknowledged that these cars have excessive oil consumption issues but will only pay for repairs for cars less than 10 years old or have under 100,000 miles”Owner report · Engine · Nov 2022
“Dash board message very low engine oil, drove home, called dealer and was seen next day. They videotaped my car in case the driving to the dealer caused damage. I paid for an oil change and was told to come every 5,000 miles or less. mileage 93,400 miles This is a known fire hazard for 2013 S60 Volvo.”Owner report · Engine · Oct 2022
“The contact owns a 2013 Volvo S60. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the oil pressure warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where the engine was replaced; however, the failure recurred. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer, where they were unable to duplicate the failure. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 86,000.”Owner report · Engine · May 2022
“The "brushed aluminum" interior panels are peeling. The metallic part has separated from the plastic in multiple area. This creates curled up (perpendicular to the original) pieces that are VERY sharp. I have no less than 10 cuts in the last year. The pieces are razor blade sharp. I don't allow my son to come to the front seats anymore when the car is parked.”Owner report · Unknown Or Other · Apr 2022
When filing, owners marked a crash in 5 of these complaints and injuries in 6 - self-reported to NHTSA, not verified accident statistics.
Recalls - 4 campaigns
Volvo is recalling certain model year 2013 S60 and XC60 vehicles. A manufacturing defect within the Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) control unit may lead to an inadvertent deployment of the seat belt pretensioner and/or inflatable curtain.
Remedy: These vehicles have not been sold and the SRS control unit will be replaced prior to the cars being sold. Owners may contact Volvo at 1-800-458-1552.
Volvo Car of USA LLC (Volvo) is recalling certain 2011-2017 S60, S60I, V60, S60CC and V60CC vehicles. A component within the door latches may break, making the doors difficult to latch and/or leading the driver or a passenger to believe a door is securely closed when, in fact, it is not.
Remedy: Volvo will notify owners, and dealers will replace all four door latches, free of charge. The recall began April 9, 2020. Owners may contact Volvo customer service at 1-800-458-1552. Volvo's number for this recall is R89978.
Volvo is recalling certain model year 2013 S60 and XC60 vehicles, manufactured on January 7, 2013. The product identification labels were printed with the incorrect manufacture year. Thus, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of 49 CFR Part 567, "Certification Regulation."
Remedy: Volvo has quarantined the affected vehicles and will install correct labels prior to sale. The recall began during March 2013. Owner notification letters will not be sent.
Volvo Cars of N.A., LLC (Volvo) is recalling certain 2008-2016 V70 and XC70, 2007-2016 S80, 2011-2018 S60 and V60, 2016-2018 S60 Cross Country, 2014-2020 S60L, 2009-2015 S80L, 2009-2016 XC60 and 2015-2018 V60 Cross Country vehicles. The flexible steel cable that connects the seat belt to the front outboard seating positions may fatigue over time, causing the seat belt to not secure the occupant in the event of a crash.
Remedy: Volvo will notify owners, and dealers will replace the seat belt anchor cable for both front seats. The recall began December 10, 2020. Owners may contact Volvo customer service at 1-800-458-1552. Volvo's number for this recall is R10029.
Specifications
Factory options offered for the 2013 model year, decoded from the NHTSA vPIC database. Individual vehicles have one of each.
How other years compare
Check your exact S60 by VIN
Recalls and equipment differ between individual vehicles. Decode your VIN to see what applies to yours.
Open VIN decoderFrequently asked questions
Is the 2013 Volvo S60 reliable?
NHTSA has 86 owner complaints and 4 recall campaigns on record for the 2013 Volvo S60. The most complained-about area is engine (43% of complaints).
At what mileage do 2013 Volvo S60 problems usually appear?
Half of the complaints that mention mileage were filed at 55,000 miles or less.
Does the 2013 Volvo S60 have open recalls?
4 recall campaigns have been issued, the latest concerning air bags:frontal:sensor/control module-inactive. Check your specific vehicle by VIN - recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
Source: NHTSA recall campaigns and owner complaints (public domain). Counts reflect reports on file and are not a defect rate.