2013 Volvo S60 Recalls, Issues & Maintenance

The 2013 Volvo S60 carries 4 open NHTSA recalls — most recently covering sensor/control module-inactive and labels. Owners report 5 recurring issue clusters, led by “Windshield seal water leak into cabin.” Volvo schedules maintenance every 10,000 miles or 12 months, whichever comes first — the cluster's service reminder counts down to it. Drive-E four-cylinder engines (2015+) require Volvo-spec 0W-20; the older five-cylinder turbos (XC70, C30) run on a timing belt with a firm replacement interval, not a chain. AWD Volvos use a Haldex-style rear coupling whose fluid service is the difference between an AWD system that lasts and a four-figure pump-and-clutch repair.

4 Open Recalls

Source: NHTSA

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:SENSOR/CONTROL MODULE-INACTIVE

Campaign #12V439000 · Oct 9, 2012

Issue: 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.

Risk: 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.

Fix: 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.

EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS

Campaign #13V084000 · May 3, 2013

Issue: 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."

Risk: 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.

Fix: 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.

SEAT BELTS:FRONT

Campaign #20V378000 · Jun 30, 2020

Issue: 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.

Fix: 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.

LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:DOORS:LATCH

Campaign #19V849000 · Nov 26, 2019

Issue: Volvo Car of USA LLC (Volvo) is recalling certain 2011-2017 S60, S60I, V60, S60CC and V60CC vehicles. A component within the door latches may break, making the doors difficult to latch and/or leading the driver or a passenger to believe a door is securely closed when, in fact, it is not.

Risk: A door that is not securely latched could open while the vehicle is in motion, increasing the risk of injury to a vehicle occupant.

Fix: Volvo will notify owners, and dealers will replace all four door latches, free of charge. The recall began April 9, 2020. Owners may contact Volvo customer service at 1-800-458-1552. Volvo's number for this recall is R89978.

Recall data refreshed Sep 6, 2026.

Known issues for this vehicle

What drivers and federal regulators have officially reported about the 2013 Volvo S60.

Reported to NHTSA

Windshield seal water leak into cabin

VISIBILITY/WIPER

4 NHTSA complaints · 2013-01 → 2024-07

Since we purchased the car in December, water was observed on occasion streaking down the inside of the windshield. The headliner is damp after rain, and is stained from water as a result. Additionally defrost/defog wasn’t working, and my son reported having to pull over and
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11602261
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. Took the car to the volvo dealership and found the windshield was loose. Had to pay to have the windshield replaced for safety reasons
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11430967
For the last year or so I have been experiencing a leak on the passenger side coming from the windshield. It is quite noticeable after heavy rain and even going through the carwash. The water has damaged the interior material right behind the sun visor. As a result, I glued it a
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11418426

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Door lock and remote access electrical failure

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

5 NHTSA complaints · 2018-04 → 2025-08

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 VOLVO S60. THE CONTACT STATED AFTER ENTERING THE VEHICLE HE WAS UNABLE TO ROLL DOWN THE WINDOWS OR LOCK THE DOORS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO (VOLVO CARS RICHMOND 7211 W BROAD ST, RICHMOND, VA 23294), TO BE DIAGNOSED. THE DIAGNOSIS WAS THE VEHICLE HAD
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11302987
VEHICLE WAS STATIONARY WHEN I DID NOTICE THE DRIVER'S SIDE DOES NOT LOCK PROPERLY (CAR DOES NOT BEEP WHEN LOCKING AS USUAL). IN ORDER FOR THE DOOR TO LOCK PROPERLY, THE DRIVER'S DOOR NEEDS TO BE CLOSED MUCH HARDER THAN USUAL, TECHNICALLY SLAMMED SHUT. IN ORDER TO OPEN THE
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11297882
THE TRUNK WOULD NOT OPEN WITH THE KEY FOB. ANOTHER TIME, THE CAR DRIVER DOOR WOULD NOT LOCK. WHEN THE DRIVER DOOR WAS OPENED, THE CAR ALARM WOULD GO OFF. THE DEALER REPLACED THE LOCKING MECHANISM
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11288830

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Transmission jolt or buck at low speed stops

POWER TRAIN

3 NHTSA complaints · 2016-07 → 2020-04

THE VEHICLE SHIFTS ERRATICALLY IN STOP AND GO TRAFFIC WITH FREQUENT SURGES AND JOLTS AT LOW GEARS. THIS ALSO OCCURS AT HIGHER TEMPERATURES (AFTER DRIVING FOR A WHILE ON HOT DAYS) AND DURING STOP AND GO TRAFFIC ON HOT DAYS. TRANSMISSION ENGAGES SLOWLY AFTER A FULL STOP AND OFTEN
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11321927
WHEN COMING TO A STOP, ONCE STOP HAS COMPLETED, WHILE FOOT IS ON THE BRAKE AT RANDOM TIMES THE VEHICLE WE JOLT FORWARDED. THE JOLT WOULD BE IN COMPARISON TO THE FEELING OF BEING REAR ENDED AT A COMPLETE STOP. I HAVE TAKEN THE CAR TO THE LOCAL VOLVO DEALERSHIP AND THEY CHECKED IT
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10954158
WHEN I AM SOMETIMES EITHER STOPPED AT A STOP SIGN, INTERSECTION OR ON A HIGHWAY, THE TRANSMISSION WILL ALMOST STOP, BUCK AND THEN RESUME DRIVING
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10882830

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Excessive oil consumption leading to engine failure

ENGINE

28 NHTSA complaints · 2018-12 → 2024-08

Purchased the car with 120,000 miles and noticed it was burning 5 1/2 quarts of oil every 3,500 miles. Thought it was an oil leak and had that repaired but issue continued. Drove another 3,500 miles and had to add another 5 1/2 quarts of oil. Light never went on the last time
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11507191
WHILE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY TO WORK ON 12/3/18 MY VEHICLE DRIVER INFORMATION CENTER DISPLAYED A MESSAGE OF "NO OIL PRESSURE - PARK SAFELY". AS I ATTEMPTED TO PULL TO THE SHOULDER OF THE HIGHWAY THE ENGINE STARTED KNOCKING VERY LOUDLY AND SHUTDOWN! THE ENGINE NOW HAS
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11157262
THE CAR HAS BEEN HAVING AN OIL CONSUMPTION ISSUE. TRYING TO STAY AHEAD OF IT, I WAS CHANGING THE OIL EVERY 5K WITH FULL SYNTHETIC. WHILE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY, THE CAR STARTED VIBRATING, I RECEIVED A MESSAGE "REDUCE SPEED OR SHIFT UP", AND A BLINKING CHECK ENGINE LIGHT
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11298184

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Air bag non-deployment or unexpected deployment

AIR BAGS

4 NHTSA complaints · 2014-02 → 2019-07

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 VOLVO S60. WHILE DRIVING 30 MPH AND APPROACHING AN INTERSECTION, THE AIR BAG WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED AND THE DRIVER AND PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED. THERE WAS NO INJURY. THE POLICE WAS CONTACTED, BUT THE CONTACT WAS UNAWARE IF A POLICE
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11232536
I WAS TRAVELING BETWEEN 30 - 40 MPH IN MY 2013 VOLVO S60 WHEN I STRUCK AN SUV FROM BEHIND. NONE OF THE AIRBAGS IN MY VEHICLE DEPLOYED, EVEN THOUGH IT WAS A DIRECT REAR END COLLISION. AFTER THE COLLISION MY INSTRUMENT PANEL DISPLAYED THE WARNING MESSAGE 'SRS AIRBAG SERVICE
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10564219
TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2013 VOLVO S60. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 40 MPH, THE CONTACT DROVE THROUGH A STOP LIGHT AND CRASHED INTO THE SIDE OF ANOTHER VEHICLE. THE HOOD OF THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE FRACTURED AND BECAME DETACHED FROM THE VEHICLE. THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. THE
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10822085

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Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (ODI). Complaint data refreshed Sep 11, 2026. Investigation data refreshed Sep 11, 2026.

We display NHTSA's record with attribution; we don't editorialize on what these complaints mean for any specific vehicle.

Essential maintenance

Critical for safety and preventing major damage

Engine Oil & Filter (Annual Service)

Every 10,000 mi

Replace every 10,000 miles or 12 months with Volvo-spec oil (VCC 0W-20 on Drive-E engines). Turbo five-cylinders in the older XC70/C30 are harder on oil — many specialists suggest 7,500 miles on those.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$120–$160

Shop

~$85–$115

DIY

~$25–$55

Full synthetic costs more than conventional. 5-quart 0W-20 + filter is the typical bill.

Timing Belt (5-Cylinder — XC70, C30)

Every 105,000 mi

Volvo's five-cylinder engines use a timing belt: replace around 105,000 miles or 10 years (verify your year's exact interval). Interference engine — do the tensioner and idlers in the same job. Drive-E four-cylinders (2015+) use a chain instead.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$935–$1175

Shop

~$655–$825

DIY

Pro only

On interference engines, a snapped belt destroys valves. Worth doing on schedule. Bundle water pump + tensioner — labor is already there.

Tire Rotation

Every 10,000 mi

Rotate at every annual service. AWD models: replace tires in matched sets — tread mismatch works the Haldex coupling constantly.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$85

Shop

~$60

DIY

Free

Often free at the shop where you bought the tires — worth asking before paying.

Brake Inspection

Every 10,000 mi

Inspect pads, rotors, and hoses at every service. Heavy XC90s wear front pads quickly in city duty; check electronic parking-brake function on 2016+ models.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$85

Shop

~$60

DIY

Free

Most shops do this free as a courtesy with any service. Don't pay separately if you can avoid it.

Brake Fluid

Every 24,000 mi

Replace DOT 4 fluid every 2 years regardless of miles — standard practice for the moisture-absorbing fluid, and cheap insurance for the ABS unit.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$180–$200

Shop

~$125–$140

DIY

~$10–$25

DOT 3 or 4 — match the cap. Vacuum bleeders make this a one-person DIY.

Important maintenance

Keeps your vehicle running smoothly and efficiently

AWD Coupling Fluid (Haldex)

Every 40,000 mi

AWD models: replace the rear coupling's fluid roughly every 40,000 miles (Volvo's published interval varies by generation — check your manual). Skipping it clogs the pump filter and kills the AWD unit; whirring from the rear axle is the classic late symptom.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$220–$290

Shop

~$155–$205

DIY

~$40–$90

VW/Audi/Volvo AWD coupling — specific fluid required. Filter usually swapped at the same time.

Automatic Transmission Fluid

Every 60,000 mi

The Aisin 8-speed is labeled long-life, but Volvo specialists broadly recommend fluid service around 60,000 miles — sooner with towing. Use the specified JWS/Toyota WS-type fluid for your gearbox.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$330–$500

Shop

~$235–$355

DIY

~$60–$180

Some sealed transmissions have no dipstick — fill is precise and best left to a shop. Many drivers can still DIY drain-and-fill.

Spark Plugs

Every 60,000 mi

Drive-E turbo fours: plugs around every 60,000 miles. Supercharged+turbocharged T6/T8 engines run higher cylinder pressures — don't stretch the interval.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$285–$390

Shop

~$200–$275

DIY

~$25–$100

Iridium plugs cost more but last 100k+ miles. V6/V8 access varies wildly — some are tough.

Engine Air Filter

Every 30,000 mi

Replace roughly every 30,000 miles; inspect annually in dusty climates.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$60–$95

Shop

~$45–$70

DIY

~$15–$40

5-minute job on most cars; the airbox lid usually has clips, no tools needed.

Recommended maintenance

Extends the life of your vehicle and improves comfort

Cabin Air Filter

Every 10,000 mi

Volvo specifies frequent cabin-filter replacement — annually on most models, in keeping with the brand's air-quality focus (CleanZone on newer cars).

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$60–$95

Shop

~$45–$70

DIY

~$15–$40

Usually behind the glovebox. Shops charge labor for a 10-minute job — easy DIY win.

Engine Coolant

On condition / lifetime

Volvo long-life coolant typically runs ~10 years on the schedule; refresh with Volvo-spec coolant around 100,000 miles per independent-specialist practice.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$285–$330

Shop

~$200–$235

DIY

~$25–$60

Use the manufacturer-specified coolant — wrong color/chemistry can damage the cooling system.

Fatal crash history & reported problems

Occupant deaths in fatal crashes (FARS)

8 crashes 2010–2024

FARS counts every occupant death in a fatal crash, whatever the cause — it does not mean the vehicle was at fault or defective. Counts are not adjusted for how many of each vehicle are on the road. How to read this number

Owner-reported problem signals

Separate from the federal fatality data above: complaints owners filed with NHTSA about this year and model. These are reports of problems, unverified, and are counted here only as signals.

5

complaints mentioning a crash

1

complaints mentioning a fire

Reviewed known issues for this vehicle·Open recalls for this vehicle

Typical U.S. ranges. Actual quotes vary by shop, parts choice, and vehicle condition.

How we estimate: Dealer = OEM parts × 1.4 + labor × $165/hr. Shop = parts + labor × $115/hr. DIY = parts only.

This maintenance schedule for the 2013 Volvo S60 reflects Volvo's published service intervals and the Volvo Service Reminder system. Your actual service needs may vary based on driving conditions, climate, and vehicle usage. Always consult your owner's manual for model-specific recommendations.