YearToAvoid

2013 Volvo S80 Problems, Recalls & Reliability

Verdict

Avoid

Complaint Index

82/100

#3 most-complained of 12 S80 years

Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology

The 2013 Volvo S80 has 8 owner complaints and 3 safety recalls on file with NHTSA. Its Complaint Index is 82 out of 100 — #3 highest of 12 S80 model years (verdict: Avoid). The most reported problem area is engine (2 complaints, 25% of the total). Complaints report 4 injuries.

Complaints
8
Recalls
3
Crashes / fires
0 / 0
Injuries / deaths
4 / 0
NHTSA overall rating
Not rated
EPA combined MPG
21.5
18.5 city / 26.5 hwy

Top 2013 Volvo S80 problems

NHTSA owner complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.

  1. Engine2 (25%)
  2. Other2 (25%)
  3. Structure & Body2 (25%)
  4. Suspension, Wheels & Tires1 (13%)
  5. Visibility & Wipers1 (13%)
2013 Volvo S80 complaints: complaints filed per month2Apr 2013Sep 2015Dec 2016Oct 2018Dec 2018Jan 2022Jan 2024
8 complaints filed with NHTSA from Apr 2013 to Jan 2024; peak Oct 2018 (2).

2013 Volvo S80 recalls

3 NHTSA recall campaigns list this model year.

  1. 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.

  2. 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.

  3. 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

Complaint Index by model year (0 = fewest issues, 100 = most)0255075100200520062007200820092010201120122013201420152016
Complaint Index: 0 = fewest issues, 100 = most, relative to other years of this model. Avoid Caution Good Best
YearVerdictIndexComplaintsRecallsMPG
2011Caution735421.5
2012Good458322
2013Avoid828321.5
2014No verdict01122
2015Good277225.5

All Volvo S80 years: best and worst →

Frequently asked questions

Is the 2013 Volvo S80 a reliable year?
Judged by NHTSA owner complaints and recalls, the 2013 Volvo S80 ranks #3 of 12 among S80 model years (Complaint Index 82/100, verdict: Avoid). It has 8 complaints and 3 recalls on file. This reflects reported safety-related problems, not an overall reliability rating.
What are the most common problems with the 2013 Volvo S80?
The most reported problem areas are engine (2 complaints), structure & body (2 complaints), and suspension, wheels & tires (1 complaints). The median mileage at the time of failure in complaints that report it is 51,000 miles.
Does the 2013 Volvo S80 have any recalls?
Yes — NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns for the 2013 Volvo S80, most recently reported 2020, covering seat belts, suspension, wheels & tires, and transmission & powertrain.
What is the fuel economy of the 2013 Volvo S80?
EPA rates the 2013 Volvo S80 at 21.5 MPG combined (18.5 city / 26.5 highway), with an estimated annual fuel cost of $3,025. Where several configurations exist, the median is shown.

Sources: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation complaint and recall databases; U.S. EPA fuel economy data; NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings. Complaints are unverified owner reports.

Data updated Sep 24, 2026. Read the methodology and data sources. The Complaint Index is based on NHTSA owner complaints and recalls; it is not a reliability rating.