2013 Volvo S80 Reliability Data: Problems & Recalls
Avoid The 2013 Volvo S80 ranks 3rd worst out of 12 model years, with a complaint index of 82 and an Avoid verdict. NHTSA logged 8 complaints, 3 recalls, and 4 injuries for this year, with engine issues the top problem area.
Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology
YearToAvoid Scorecard
- Complaint Index
- 82/100
- #3 of 12 S80 years
- Verdict
- Avoid
- vs. other years of this model
- Complaints
- 8
- unique NHTSA reports
- Recalls
- 3
- distinct NHTSA campaigns
- Crashes
- 0
- reported in complaints
- Fires
- 0
- Injuries
- 4
- Top issue
- Engine
- NHTSA overall rating
- Not rated
- EPA combined MPG
- 21.5
- 18.5 city / 26.5 hwy
- Injuries / deaths
- 4 / 0
Top 2013 Volvo S80 problems
Share of this year’s NHTSA complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.
- Engine2 (25%)
- Other2 (25%)
- Structure & Body2 (25%)
- Suspension, Wheels & Tires1 (13%)
- Visibility & Wipers1 (13%)
A complaint can list more than one component, so shares add up to more than 100%. Shares are % of complaints.
What owners report
- Chrome trim on the steering wheel delaminates and leaves a sharp edge that has cut owners' hands while turning the wheel.
- The vehicle sways unexpectedly when driven over uneven ground, with dealers unable to find a permanent fix.
- A faulty radiator anti-tamper device triggers the check engine light and can lead to overheating.
- One owner said a dealer denied recall coverage for the radiator anti-tamper issue despite matching symptoms.
- The driver's side door latch can fail so the door can no longer be opened from inside or outside.
2013 Volvo S80 recalls
3 NHTSA recall campaigns list this model year.
- NHTSA 20V378000Jun 30, 2020Seat Belts308,260 vehicles
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.
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.
- NHTSA 12V415000Aug 28, 2012Suspension, Wheels & Tires286 vehicles
Tires:pressure monitoring and regulating systems
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."
Risk: 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.
- NHTSA 12V317000Jul 6, 2012Transmission & Powertrain1,469 vehicles
Power train:automatic transmission:control module (TCM/PCM/tecm)
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.
Risk: 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.
2013 Volvo S80 fuel economy and fuel cost
- City
- 18.5 MPG
- Highway
- 26.5 MPG
- Combined
- 21.5 MPG
- Annual fuel cost (EPA)
- $3,025
- 15,000 mi/yr
- Fuel
- Regular
- Current regular gas
- $4.32/gal
- national avg.
EPA figures; median across configurations of this model year. Estimate your own cost with the fuel cost calculator.
2013 compared with other S80 years
Frequently asked questions
- Is the 2013 Volvo S80 reliable?
- It ranks 3rd worst among the 12 model years covered, with a complaint index of 82 and an Avoid verdict based on NHTSA owner complaints and recalls.
- What are the main problems with the 2013 Volvo S80?
- NHTSA data shows Engine and Structure & Body complaints each making up 25% of reports, including a radiator anti-tamper device issue and trim/door latch defects.
- Does the 2013 Volvo S80 have any recalls?
- NHTSA lists 3 recalls for this model year: seat belt anchor cables, a TPMS software error, and a transmission software fix that could prevent proper downshifting.
- At what mileage do 2013 S80 problems usually show up?
- The median mileage at failure across all reported issues is 51,000 miles, with engine-related complaints centered around 54,000 miles.
- How does the 2013 S80 compare to other years?
- It's worse than most other S80 years; only the 2008 (complaint index 100) and 2010 (complaint index 91) score worse, while 2016 is rated Best with an index of 9.