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2013 Volvo S60 problems, recalls and owner complaints
What the 2013 Volvo S60 has been recalled for, how often it fails the UK MOT and what owners report, from official government data. Updated November 2, 2026.
- 4safety recalls
- 86owner complaints
- 5crash reports
- 1fire report
- 26%fail the UK MOT
86 complaints, against an average of 27 for the other 12 Volvo S60 model years.
Every Volvo S60 model year with its number of owner complaints. Pick a year to compare.
What goes wrong with the 2013 Volvo S60?
The components named most often in the 86 owner complaints. One complaint can name several, so the shares can add up to more than 100%.
What symptoms do 2013 Volvo S60 owners describe?
Found by reading the text of all 86 owner complaints. Tap a symptom for the answer, a real owner quote and any related recall.
- Why is my 2013 Volvo S60 burning or losing oil?21 owners · 24.4%
- Why does my 2013 Volvo S60 smell of burning or smoke?4 owners · 4.7%
- Why does my 2013 Volvo S60 stall, lose power or shut off while driving?3 owners · 3.5%
- Why is the check engine light on in my 2013 Volvo S60?3 owners · 3.5%
- Has the 2013 Volvo S60 had engine failures?3 owners · 3.5%
Fault codes 2013 Volvo S60 owners mention
Diagnostic trouble codes owners wrote in their complaints. Open a code to see what it meant on other cars and whether a recall names it.
Has the 2013 Volvo S60 been recalled?
4 U.S. safety recalls. Repairs are free at a franchised dealer; some are done over the air.
Seat Belts: Front 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.
Risk: An unsecured occupant has an increased risk of injury in the event of a crash.
Fix: 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.
Latches/Locks/Linkages: Doors: Latch 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.
Risk: A door that is not securely latched could open while the vehicle is in motion, increasing the risk of injury to a vehicle occupant.
Fix: 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.
Equipment: Other: Labels 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."
Risk: With an incorrect date of manufacture on the certification label, the vehicle owner may not be to determine if they are affected by future vehicle recalls, increasing their risk of a crash of injury.
Fix: 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.
Air Bags: Frontal: Sensor/Control Module-Inactive 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.
Risk: If the seat belt pretensioner and/or inflatable side curtain deploy without cause, the driver could be distracted and the driver's visibility could be reduced, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: 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.
Is the 2013 Volvo S60 recalled in the UK or Europe?
Recalls issued by the UK's DVSA and through the EU's Safety Gate system that cover this model and build period. European models can differ from U.S. ones, and "years estimated" means the recall gave no build dates, so confirm your own car with your registration or VIN.
UK DVSAThere is a risk for trapped air to be in the cooling system which may result in insufficient cooling of engine components
Risk: There is a risk for trapped air to be in the cooling system which may result in insufficient cooling of engine components.
Fix: Add an extra degassing line (Bleeder Hose) between the cooling system radiator and the cooling system expansion tank which will evacuate the trapped air
UK DVSAThere is a risk for trapped air to be in the cooling system
Risk: There is a risk for trapped air to be in the cooling system which may result in insufficient cooling of engine components.
Fix: Add an extra degassing line (Bleeder Hose) between the cooling system radiator and the cooling system expansion tank which will evacuate the trapped air.
UK DVSAPotential breakage/fatigue of a flexible steel cable supporting the front seatbelt anchor point
Risk: Potential breakage/fatigue of a flexible steel cable supporting the front seatbelt anchor point.
Fix: Replace the seat belt fastener with a new designed seat belt fastening.
UK DVSAThe engine's plastic inlet manifold may melt and deform
Risk: The engines plastic inlet manifold may melt and deform
Fix: Update vehicles with improved soot reducing software cleaning of TMAP and EMAP. Fit additional hoses where necessary.
UK DVSACoolant leakage may result in a fire
Risk: It has been identified that during the engine warm-up process and under certain driving/climate conditions for instance periods of high acceleration or high engine load immediately after a cold start in cold climates there is the possibility for coolant leakage or oil seepage. This can lead to the possibility in a worst-case scenario of smoke or a slow developing fire in the engine compartment. However the driver will receive a warning message on the Driver's Information Module indicating a low coolant level.
Fix: Recall all affected vehicles to modify the coolant bypass valve and install a new exhaust manifold gasket.
UK DVSAParking brake may unintentionally release
Risk: Vehicles with manual gearboxes and start/stop functionality have Parking Brake Module (PBM) software that may allow the parking brake to unintentionally release. The unintended release of the parking brake can only occur when the engine is running and the gearstick moved so it will happen when the vehicle is attended.
Fix: Recall the vehicles that are likely to be affected to download upgraded Parking Brake Module (PBM) software.
UK DVSALoss of power steering assistanceYears estimated
Risk: The auxiliary drive belt tensioner can suffer from premature wear which may cause it to fail. This can lead to loss of steering power assistance and a slight possibility of loss of drive should the drive belt or tensioner invade the cambelt area.
Fix: Recall the vehicles that are likely to be affected to replace the auxiliary drive belt and tensioner.
EU Safety GateExcessive carbon deposits could build up in the intake system of the engine.Consequently, the temperature of the intake air could rise, causing the engine's intake manifold to melt and deform. This could lead to the engine to stop, increasing the risk of accidents or even the engine bay to catch fire.
Measures: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Distributor; Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users; Date of entry into force: Unknown
EU Safety GateExcessive carbon deposits could build up in the intake system of the engine.Additionally, the intake valve could leak. Consequently, the temperature of the intake air could rise, causing the engine intake manifold to melt and deform. This could lead to the engine to stop increasing the risk of accidents or even the engine bay to catch fire.
Measures: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Distributor; Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users; Date of entry into force: 27/09/2019
EU Safety GateThe handbrake may under certain conditions release inadvertently.
Measures: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Other; Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users; Date of entry into force: 26/02/2015
EU Safety GateThe mounting screws of the A-pillar trim may be set at a tightening torque which is too high.Years estimatedThis can cause cracks which could lead to the A-pillar trim detaching in the event that the head air bags are deployed.
Measures: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Other; Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users; Date of entry into force: Unknown
How often does the 2013 Volvo S60 fail its MOT?
Why they failed: the share of failed tests with at least one fault in each area (a test can fail on several). Cars first registered in 2013, tested in Great Britain in 2023; first registration is usually, but not always, the model year. Source: DVSA anonymised MOT tests and results, Open Government Licence v3.0.
What do 2013 Volvo S60 owners report?
12 of the 86 complaints, the most recent for the most-reported components, as the owners wrote them. NHTSA removes names and VINs; long reports are trimmed. CarHooq has not verified individual claims.
I was driving through an intersection and my curtain airbags on each side deployed on their own without being in a accident or collision of any kind. There were no indicators or warning lights of malfunction at the time. I just heard a loud pop and saw smoke and the airbags were deployed.
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.
I am submitting this report to formally document a severe safety-related failure involving my 2013 Volvo S60, VIN # [XXX] . This vehicle is part of the Volvo brand, widely recognized and marketed as among the safest in the world. Incident Summary: On [XXX], at approximately [XXX] in Norwalk, Connecticut, the vehicle experienced a catastrophic mechanical failure while in operation. The auxiliary (serpentine) belt suddenly failed, shredded itself, and wrapped around the timing pulley. Debris from the failed belt entered the timing belt housing — a supposedly sealed and protected compartment —…
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.
Since we purchased the car in December, water was observed on occasion streaking down the inside of the windshield. The headliner is damp after rain, and is stained from water as a result. Additionally defrost/defog wasn’t working, and my son reported having to pull over and wait for the rain to stop so he could drive with the windows down in order to be able to see the road. INCREDIBLY unsafe/unable to drive in the rain. I recently applied pressure to the inside of the windshield with my fingertips by the A-pillars on both driver and passenger side to test the seal and visually confirmed the…
City Safety feature is triggering on intermittently with no reason to trigger. It occurs when initially accelerating. City Safety applies the brakes and stops the car violently. Occurs when light or dark. Has occurred several times within the past week. The feature can be manually turned off and now is with every ignition start. The default is for the feature be on, so turning off is required every time the car is turned on.
Car has had regular oil changes and was well below the recommended time for the next change when the engine began knocking in September. I took the car for inspection at a Volvo mechanic repair shop and was told all of the oil was gone and engine is damaged beyond repair. No engine or oil indicator light came on to warn me that the oil was low. I understand the 2011-2012 models were recalled for this issue and apparently the problem continued to the 2013 model. The car has low mileage and I am shocked that it is now effectively totaled. I am now without a vehicle and feel that Volvo should…
I had a 2008 volvo s60 and now i have a 2013 volvo s60. And the same exact thing happened with both of them. Both cars had more than half a tank of gas and while driving on the freeway they started to stutter and then the car just shut off while i was driving. I was lucky to be close to an exit and i had to let the car role on nuetral till i was safe away from any traffic. If i want close to an exit you can just imagine what would of happened. When i tried to turn the car on it wouldn't start anymore. I have done knowledge on working on cars and new it was a fuel problem. Upon checking i…
RECALL NOTICE SENT AND RECEIVED BY MYSELF. AN APPOINTMENT WAS MADE FOR CORRECTIVE ACTION BY THE DEALER. WHEN CAR BROUGHT FOR SERVICE ON SCHEDULED DATE, WAS TOLD THAT THE CORRECTIVE PART WAS NO LONGER AVAILABLE, AND THERE WAS NO TIME FRAME FOR STOCK REPLACEMENT TO CORRECT THE THE RECALL ISSUE BY VOLVO. UNKNOWN WHEN THIS WOULD TAKE PLACE. NO CORRECTIVE ACTION RECEIVED BY THE DEALER OR VOLVO.
THE VEHICLE SHIFTS ERRATICALLY IN STOP AND GO TRAFFIC WITH FREQUENT SURGES AND JOLTS AT LOW GEARS. THIS ALSO OCCURS AT HIGHER TEMPERATURES (AFTER DRIVING FOR A WHILE ON HOT DAYS) AND DURING STOP AND GO TRAFFIC ON HOT DAYS. TRANSMISSION ENGAGES SLOWLY AFTER A FULL STOP AND OFTEN WITH A JERK, ESPECIALLY FELT WHEN STOPPED AT AN INCLINE. ALL OF THESE JERKS AND JOLTS OCCUR AROUND GEARS 1 OR 2 AND DURING STOPPING OR STARTING FROM STOP.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 VOLVO S60. WHILE DRIVING 30 MPH AND APPROACHING AN INTERSECTION, THE AIR BAG WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED AND THE DRIVER AND PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED. THERE WAS NO INJURY. THE POLICE WAS CONTACTED, BUT THE CONTACT WAS UNAWARE IF A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO MCLARTY VOLVO CARS OF LITTLE ROCK (1500 N SHACKLEFORD RD, LITTLE ROCK, AR 72211, (501) 588-7300). THE DEALER WAS UNABLE TO DETERMINE THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE. PRIOR TO THE FAILURE, THE SAME DEALER DIAGNOSED THE VEHICLE CONCERNING THE AIR BAG WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATING. THE…
WITH LESS THAN 50,000 MILES ON IT, MY S60 JUST COMPLETELY STOPPED WORKING ON MY WAY TO WORK. WHILE PULLING OUT OF MY DEVELOPMENT, THE ENTIRE ENGINE, POWER STEERING - EVERYTHING SHUT DOWN. I HAD TO COAST INTO A TURNING LANE TO PUT ON MY FLASHERS. I HAD NOT GONE MORE THAN 3 MINUTES FROM MY HOUSE. AFTER VOLVO HAD IT FOR A FEW DAYS THEY TOLD ME THAT THE ALTERNATOR BELT HAD JUMPED OFF, HITTING THE ALTERNATOR, FRAYING THE BELT. THIS THEN RESULTED IN THE BELT WRAPPING AROUND ANOTHER PART OF THE ENGINE IMPACTING THE DRIVE BELT. THIS RESULTED IN DAMAGE TO THE DRIVE BELT, ALTERNATOR, 1/3 OF MY ENGINE…
2013 Volvo S60: questions owners ask
Is the 2013 Volvo S60 reliable?
NHTSA data alone cannot rate reliability, but it shows what owners reported. Owners filed 86 complaints with NHTSA about the 2013 Volvo S60; the most common categories were engine (35, 40.7%), air bags (8, 9.3%), electrical system (7, 8.1%). There are 4 safety recalls. 5 complaints mention a crash, 1 mentions a fire, 6 injuries were reported.
What are the most common problems with the 2013 Volvo S60?
Across 86 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the categories mentioned most often are engine (40.7% of complaints), air bags (9.3% of complaints), electrical system (8.1% of complaints), power train (5.8% of complaints), service brakes (5.8% of complaints). One complaint can name several components.
Does the 2013 Volvo S60 have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 4 recalls for the 2013 Volvo S60; the most recent (campaign 20V378000, 2020-06-30) concerns Seat Belts: Front. Recall repairs are free at a franchised dealer; check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Why is my 2013 Volvo S60 burning or losing oil?
21 of the 86 owner complaints NHTSA has on file for the 2013 Volvo S60 (24.4%) describe excessive oil consumption or oil leaks. One owner wrote: "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…" (NHTSA complaint 11610422, August 2024). If it happens to your car, check your VIN for open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls and report the problem to NHTSA; complaints are what trigger investigations.
Why does my 2013 Volvo S60 smell of burning or smoke?
4 of the 86 owner complaints NHTSA has on file for the 2013 Volvo S60 (4.7%) describe a burning smell or smoke. One owner wrote: "Car is burning oil. no oil leaks detected via mechanic or loss on the ground. have to put multiple quarts of oil per month. the "check oil pressure" illuminates typically when making a turn which is extremely disconcerting." (NHTSA complaint 11281029, November 2019). If it happens to your car, check your VIN for open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls and report the problem to NHTSA; complaints are what trigger investigations.
Why does my 2013 Volvo S60 stall, lose power or shut off while driving?
3 of the 86 owner complaints NHTSA has on file for the 2013 Volvo S60 (3.5%) describe the engine stalling, losing power or shutting off while driving. One owner wrote: "I am submitting this report to formally document a severe safety-related failure involving my 2013 Volvo S60, VIN # [XXX] . This vehicle is part of the Volvo brand, widely recognized and marketed as among the safest in the world." (NHTSA complaint 11660749, May 2025). If it happens to your car, check your VIN for open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls and report the problem to NHTSA; complaints are what trigger investigations.
Why is the check engine light on in my 2013 Volvo S60?
3 of the 86 owner complaints NHTSA has on file for the 2013 Volvo S60 (3.5%) describe the check engine light coming on. One owner wrote: "The car has been having an oil consumption issue. trying to stay ahead of it, i was changing the oil every 5k with full synthetic." (NHTSA complaint 11298184, January 2020). If it happens to your car, check your VIN for open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls and report the problem to NHTSA; complaints are what trigger investigations.
Has the 2013 Volvo S60 had engine failures?
3 of the 86 owner complaints NHTSA has on file for the 2013 Volvo S60 (3.5%) describe complete engine failure or a replaced engine. One owner wrote: "In 2023, the engine of my 2013 Volvo S60 failed completely without prior warning and the vehicle had to be scrapped. Before that, in 2022, I paid $1,500 for a full front-end suspension rebuild due to abnormal wear." (NHTSA complaint 11666651, June 2025). If it happens to your car, check your VIN for open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls and report the problem to NHTSA; complaints are what trigger investigations.
Check your own S60
Counts are a starting point, not a verdict: popular models collect more complaints because more of them are on the road, and NHTSA does not verify individual reports. To see whether a recall is still open on your car, enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls (U.S.) or your registration at check-vehicle-recalls.service.gov.uk (UK). Had a safety problem? Report it to NHTSA; complaints are what trigger investigations and recalls.
Data: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation recall and complaint databases (public domain), DVSA anonymised MOT results (Open Government Licence v3.0), DVSA vehicle recalls (Open Government Licence v3.0), EU Safety Gate alerts (© European Union), retrieved November 2, 2026. Model year 2013 only. How these reports are made.