2013 Volvo S80: problems, recalls and reliability
3 recalls and 8 owner complaints on record; most reports concern engine; the 2011 model year looks 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 8 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“My drivers side door latch will no longer open from the inside or the outside. I have to climb across to the passenger side and go out the opposite door. I am reporting this because this vehicle is part of the volvo "P3" platform which includes the S60, and they had a huge recall to replace all the door latch mechanisms for this exact reason.”Owner report · Structure · Jan 2024
“Tl* the contact owns a 2013 volvo s80. The contact stated that the radiator anti-tampering device was faulty, the check engine indicator illuminated, and the vehicle overheated. The reading indicated that there was an issue with the "anti-tamper switch for radiator." the dealer (volvo cars annapolis, 333 buschs frontage rd, annapolis, md 21409, (410) 349-8800) stated that the vehicle was not included in a recall; therefore, the contact would have to pay for the repairs. The manufacturer stated the same thing as the dealer. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The failure mileage was 57,000. *tt*jb”Owner report · Engine · Oct 2018
“Tl* the contact owns a 2013 volvo s80. The contact stated that upon driving over unlevelled ground, the vehicle swayed several times without warning. The vehicle was taken to three different dealers where various repairs were completed but a permanent repair was unable to be provided. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was not available.”Owner report · Suspension · Jun 2016
Show 2 more owner reports
“The chrome trim on our console has peeled back very slightly and has a very sharp edge it has cut our hands multiple times and has took out chunks of our skin it is very painful and unnessary we have had the car brand new a dealer demo since december 2013 we are very unhappy because we have been loyal volvo customers since 2005 we hope volvo will recall these vehicles and fix them appropriately because volvos are not cheap cars and we love are car execpt the fact our hands are getting severely cut”Owner report · Unknown Or Other · Aug 2015
“The chrome foil decoration on the steering wheel trim is delaminating, causing a sharp edge where the foil has pulled away from the plastic substrate. This is happening at the outside edge of the steering wheel, where the hands come in contact with it. In the course of driving the car and turning the wheel, the sharp edge has cut my hands and those of my wife on several occasions. The dealer says that this is a chronic problem and that the manufacturer is unable to keep up with the demand to replace the defective part. The part is on back order and our vehicle is still not repaired. *tr”Owner report · Structure · Mar 2013
When filing, owners marked a crash in 0 of these complaints and injuries in 4 - self-reported to NHTSA, not verified accident statistics.
Recalls - 3 campaigns
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.
VOLVO IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2011-2013 S80 VEHICLES. A SOFTWARE ERROR MAY PREVENT THE TRANSMISSION FROM DOWNSHIFTING SUCH AS SHIFTING FROM FIFTH TO FOURTH GEAR WHEN COASTING.
Remedy: VOLVO WILL NOTIFY OWNERS, AND DEALERS WILL UPGRADE THE SOFTWARE TO THE TRANSMISSION CONTROL MODULE, FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON AUGUST 10, 2012. OWNERS MAY CONTACT VOLVO CARS AT 1-800-458-1552.
Volvo is recalling certain model year 2013 S80 and XC70 vehicles. A software error within the Central Electronic Module (CEM) will result in the "TPMS Service Required" message appearing after approximately 15 minutes of accumulated driving over 25 mph. The error will prevent the Tire Pressure Monitoring System from warning the driver that a tire needs air. Thus, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 138, "Tire Pressure Monitoring System."
Remedy: Volvo will notify owners and dealers will reprogram the vehicle's TPMS. This service will be performed free of charge. The safety recall began on October 12, 2012. Owners may contact Volvo at 1-800-458-1552.
How other years compare
Check your exact S80 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 S80 reliable?
NHTSA has 8 owner complaints and 3 recall campaigns on record for the 2013 Volvo S80. The most complained-about area is engine.
Does the 2013 Volvo S80 have open recalls?
3 recall campaigns have been issued, the latest concerning seat belts:front. 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.