VehicleVerdict

2013 Volvo XC60 problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Worth extra scrutiny

The 2013 Volvo XC60 sits mid-pack among XC60 years: 81 NHTSA complaints against a model median of roughly 55, with 3 recalls and no defect investigations.

Visibility & Wipers leads the complaint categories with 29 reports (36% of the total). In government crash testing it earned 5 of 5 NCAP stars overall.

81

NHTSA complaints

3

Recalls

0

Investigations

1

Crash-involved

4

Fires reported

1

Injuries

0

Deaths

5

NCAP overall · of 5 stars

How does 2013 compare to other XC60 years?

XC60 NHTSA complaints by model year, 2013 highlighted113 complaints2009: 0 complaints2010: 79 complaints2011: 50 complaints2012: 56 complaints2013: 81 complaints2014: 26 complaints2015: 67 complaints2016: 45 complaints2017: 21 complaints2018: 55 complaints2019: 62 complaints2020: 28 complaints2021: 74 complaints2022: 113 complaints2023: 74 complaints2024: 34 complaints2025: 38 complaints
XC60 NHTSA complaints by model year, 2013 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all XC60 years to avoid →

What are the most common 2013 Volvo XC60 problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Visibility & Wipers2936%
Other1620%
Electrical System1012%
Airbags79%
Body & Structure56%
Engine34%
Driver Assistance22%
Steering22%
Brakes22%
Speed Control11%
Transmission11%
Fuel System11%
Lighting11%
Seats11%

Does the 2013 Volvo XC60 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.

13V084000OtherMarch 5, 2013 · 7 units

Defect

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."

Consequence

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.

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.

12V439000AirbagsSeptember 10, 2012 · 9 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

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.

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.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

“Yesterday ice-cold water was dripping onto my lap while I was driving (distracting), as well as obstructing my vision while it ran down the inside of the glass. In addition, water collected at the footwell made it soggy and being that it was 5 degrees overnight it was frozen solid making the break…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Visibility & Wipers · December 27, 2021

“ON JUNE 14TH DRIVING ON TEXAS 195 AT 55MPH WHEN MESSAGE ON "LOW ON COOLANT, PULL OVER". I IMMMEDIATELY PULLED OVER AND SAW A MAN RACE TO FRONT PASSENGER SIDE WITH FIRE EXTINGUISHER. I LOOKED AND THE RAT. FRONT TIRE WAS ENGULFED IN FLAMES. FLAMES WERE ALSO COMING FROM UNDER THE HOOD. THE POLICE AND…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Other · June 14, 2017 · fire

“CAR LEAKS WATER INSIDE,COMING FROM BOTH A PILLARS .THIS IS WHERE THE CURTAIN AIRBAGS ARE LOCATED. THIS CLEARLY IS A SAFETY CONCERN. I HAVE DONE A LITTLE RESEARCH AND VOLVO OF NORTH AMERICA WHERE SUED IN NJ FOR THIS TYPE OF WATER INTRUSION PROBLEM. THIS OCCURS WHEN IT RAINS AND CAR JUST SITS WHILE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · February 16, 2018

“"During airbag deployment, the driver’s hand was burned with blistering. I believe hot gas or chemicals vented abnormally. This caused a painful injury requiring treatment."”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Airbags · May 2, 2025 · crash

“Factory installed windshield is leaking profusely due to faulty adhesive/primer. This is a well known issue that causes havoc on vital electronic systems and should be a national recall. The loose windshield bond can cause the windshield to detach during a crash. The failed windshield bond…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Body & Structure · January 15, 2025

2013 Volvo XC60 — common questions

Is the 2013 Volvo XC60 reliable?

It is close to typical for the XC60: 81 NHTSA complaints, 3 recalls, and no investigations on file.

What are the most common 2013 XC60 problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are visibility & wipers (29 complaints), other (16 complaints), electrical system (10 complaints).

Does the 2013 Volvo XC60 have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns affecting the 2013 Volvo XC60. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Which Volvo XC60 years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the XC60 years to avoid are 2022. The cleanest record among XC60 years belongs to 2009.

How safe is the 2013 Volvo XC60?

In NHTSA's NCAP crash testing, the 2013 Volvo XC60 earned an overall rating of 5 out of 5 stars.

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.