VehicleVerdict

2013 Volvo S80 problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just 8 complaints on file for the 2013 Volvo S80 — too few to judge reliability from owner reports alone — but 3 recall campaigns apply to this year, so any used example should have its VIN checked for completed recall work.

8

NHTSA complaints

3

Recalls

0

Investigations

0

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

4

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2013 compare to other S80 years?

S80 NHTSA complaints by model year, 2013 highlighted442 complaints1999: 288 complaints2000: 442 complaints2001: 218 complaints2002: 59 complaints2003: 30 complaints2004: 63 complaints2005: 26 complaints2006: 22 complaints2007: 32 complaints2008: 37 complaints2009: 20 complaints2010: 36 complaints2011: 8 complaints2012: 11 complaints2013: 8 complaints2014: 1 complaints2015: 12 complaints2016: 7 complaints
S80 NHTSA complaints by model year, 2013 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all S80 years to avoid →

What are the most common 2013 Volvo S80 problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Engine225%
Other225%
Body & Structure225%
Suspension113%
Visibility & Wipers113%

Does the 2013 Volvo S80 have recalls?

3 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

20V378000Seat BeltsJune 30, 2020 · 308,260 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

An unsecured occupant has an increased risk of injury 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.

12V415000Tires & WheelsAugust 28, 2012 · 286 units

Defect

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."

Consequence

A malfunctioning TPMS cannot warn a driver that a tire is underinflated. Underinflated tires can result in tire overloading and overheating, which could lead to a blowout and possible crash.

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.

12V317000TransmissionJuly 6, 2012 · 1,469 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

THIS MAY RESULT IN DECREASED ENGINE RPMS AND POSSIBLE ENGINE STALL, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.

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.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“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…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Body & Structure · January 16, 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…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · October 13, 2018

“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…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Other · August 19, 2015

“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…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Suspension · June 13, 2016

2013 Volvo S80 — common questions

Is the 2013 Volvo S80 reliable?

The record is thin — 8 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 3 recalls should be verified as completed.

Does the 2013 Volvo S80 have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns affecting the 2013 Volvo S80. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Which Volvo S80 years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the S80 years to avoid are 2000, 1999, 2001, 2004, 2002. The cleanest record among S80 years belongs to 2014.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.