VehicleVerdict

2013 Volvo XC70 problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just 9 complaints on file for the 2013 Volvo XC70 — too few to judge reliability from owner reports alone — but 2 recall campaigns apply to this year, so any used example should have its VIN checked for completed recall work.

9

NHTSA complaints

2

Recalls

0

Investigations

1

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

1

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2013 compare to other XC70 years?

XC70 NHTSA complaints by model year, 2013 highlighted118 complaints2001: 77 complaints2002: 46 complaints2003: 28 complaints2004: 118 complaints2005: 31 complaints2006: 22 complaints2007: 37 complaints2008: 54 complaints2009: 20 complaints2010: 17 complaints2011: 18 complaints2012: 17 complaints2013: 9 complaints2014: 3 complaints2015: 9 complaints2016: 7 complaints
XC70 NHTSA complaints by model year, 2013 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all XC70 years to avoid →

What are the most common 2013 Volvo XC70 problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Visibility & Wipers333%
Other222%
Body & Structure222%
Airbags111%
Steering111%

Does the 2013 Volvo XC70 have recalls?

2 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.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

“Windshield seal failure. Water/rain/carwash now leaks into the cabin of the car down the inside of the windshield directly in front of the driver's field of vision, obscuring visibility while driving. This is a clear safety hazard that is well chronicled on Volvo owner-sites. Volvo needs to issue a…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Visibility & Wipers · January 8, 2022

“All of a sudden , the right rear door will not open either from outside or inside. Similar problem was a recall on S60 Volvos.”

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

“NEW VOLVO WAS PURCHASED IN CARLSBAD CA. ON JUNE 21, 2013. TOOK A TRIP FROM L.A. TO MONTEREY CA. ON RETURN MY ATTENDANT AT FULL SERVE IN L.A. CHECKED UNDER THE HOOD AND NOTICED VERY LITTLE STEERING FLUID IN THE RESERVOIR. TOOK THE CAR TO MY LOCAL VOLVO DEALER IN L.A...GALPIN VOLVO..THEY HAVE ORDERED…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Steering · July 18, 2013

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2013 VOLVO XC70. WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 42 MPH, A DEER JUMPED IN FRONT OF THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE. AS A RESULT, THE CONTACT CRASHED INTO THE DEER AND THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. WHEN THE CONTACT TURNED THE IGNITION KEY TO THE OFF POSITION, THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE AIR…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Airbags · May 24, 2013 · crash

2013 Volvo XC70 — common questions

Is the 2013 Volvo XC70 reliable?

The record is thin — 9 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 2 recalls should be verified as completed.

Does the 2013 Volvo XC70 have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns affecting the 2013 Volvo XC70. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Which Volvo XC70 years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the XC70 years to avoid are 2004, 2001, 2008, 2002, 2007. The cleanest record among XC70 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.