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2013 Volvo Xc60 Recalls, Issues & Maintenance

The 2013 Volvo Xc60 carries 3 open NHTSA recalls — most recently covering front and sensor/control module-inactive. Owners report 7 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.

3 Open Recalls

Source: NHTSA

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.

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.

Recall data refreshed Sep 6, 2026.

Known issues for this vehicle

What drivers and federal regulators have officially reported about the 2013 Volvo Xc60.

Reported to NHTSA

Windshield seal water leak into cabin

VISIBILITY/WIPER

38 NHTSA complaints · 2017-06 → 2026-06

“Windshield leaks water into cabin. Volvo dealership charged $190 to diagnose problem. Told me I need a new windshield but they do not do glass replacement or repairs. They said sealant is bad at top of windshield. This is the original factory windshield. They referred me to a”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11744958
“Several ounces of water leaking onto drivers hands on steering wheel from top of windshield when braking in adverse weather conditions is a severe and dangerous distraction to driving and braking. Condition first noticed in first heavy rain storm soon after using drive-through”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11525751
“WHEN RAINING OUTSIDE WATER DROPS INSIDE ON THE DRIVER FROM THE TOP OF THE WINDSHIELD ABOVE THE STEERING WHEEL . THIS JUST STARTED ON A 7.5 YEAR OLD CAR BUT WITH ONLY 47,850 MILES. THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE BECAUSE THE DRIVER IS GETTING WET AND IS TOTALLY DISTRACTED AND, IF IGNORED,”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11408026

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Sudden loss of electrical power and door controls

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

4 NHTSA complaints · 2021-07 → 2024-08

“The component or system that failed is the driver side door controls for all four windows and both side mirrors. My safety is at risk as I am unable to adjust my mirrors manually or electronically in order to see. I am also unable to roll down any of the windows in the vehicle”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11607357
“Summary: Vehicle suddenly and completely loses all electric power. i.e. no lights, including hazard lights or brake lights, no engine, no power steering. Status: The root issue has occurred twice, and the vehicle is pending service to positively diagnose and repair the issue”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11439425
“The contact owns a 2013 Volvo XC60. The contact stated that while his wife was driving 5 MPH, the vehicle shut-off without warning. The contact stated that the electrical features ceased to operate in the vehicle. The contact stated that his wife was unable to activate the”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11426484

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Steering wheel trim separation and pump leak

STEERING

2 NHTSA complaints · 2016-02 → 2017-10

“THE STEERING WHEEL TRIM IS SEPARATING AND LEAVING SHARP METAL EDGES. THE CUTS I HAVE SUSTAINED ARE MINOR IN NATURE BUT THE DISTRACTION OF HAVING BLOOD DRIPPING ON THE STEERING WHEEL WHILE DRIVING IS SIGNIFICANT. THE PHOTO SHOWS A CUT FROM A DAY AGO, BUT THIS HAS HAPPENED”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11030857
“I HAVE A MINOR LEAK ON THE STEERING PUMP ON 2013 VOLVO XC60. WENT TO THE VOLVO-MISSISSAUGA DEALER TODAY (INVOICE# 197408) AND THEY SAID THAT THIS IS NOT QUALIFYING AS A LEAK BUT RATHER IT IS A "VISIBLE SWEAT" FROM THE STEERING PUMP. "VISIBLE SWEAT" MEANS LOOSING STEERING FLUID”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10823747

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Uneven brake wear and pedal response

SERVICE BRAKES

2 NHTSA complaints · 2019-06 → 2019-06

“I WAS PULLING INTO A PARKING SPACE AND PUT MY FOOT DOWN TO APPLY THE BRAKES THE CAR WOULD NOT SLOW DOWN, THE HARDER I PUSHED ONTHE BRAKE THE MORE THE CAR WOULD GO FORDWARD. HAVE YOU HAD ANYTHING LIKE THIS BEFORE”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11222007
“UNEVEN BRAKE WEAR . THE CAR HAS 60000 MILES AND THE BACK BRAKES HAVE NEEDED TO BE CHANGED TWICE AS WELL AS ROTORS. THE FRONT PAD HAVE YET TO BE REPLACED”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11220803

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Air bag warning lights and water intrusion

AIR BAGS

7 NHTSA complaints · 2018-02 → 2025-05

“"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."”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11659242
“Water leakage from top of windsheild due to common failure of sealant (known to Volvo) falls directly into steering wheel airbag and, from there, flows into the seam between airbag module and the steering wheel and collecting behind the airbag subjecting the electrical”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11526446
“A MONTH AGO PURCHASED A 2013 VOLVO XC60 FROM A USED CAR DEALERSHIP. ON 12/9/19 THE AIRBAG ICON APPEARED WHICH SAID," SRS AIRBAG SERVICE URGENT." SINCE I LIVE IN NEW YORK AND BOUGHT THIS VEHICLE OUT OF STATE IN ( VIRGINIA) , I CALLED A VOLVO DEALERSHIP NEAR ME ABOUT THE PROBLEM”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11288998

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

City Safety auto-braking without obstruction

FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE

4 NHTSA complaints · 2014-07 → 2024-06

“The vehicle came to a stop in two different occasions (6 months apart) without a reason. The first occasion was while exiting the freeway, there was no car or object in front of me. The second time I had gone over a manhole and the car screeched to a halt on a city street. I was”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11595698
“12/24/13 APPROX 6:00 PM DRIVING APPROX. 65 MPH ON ROUTE 9 SOUTH IN CT WITH CRUISE CONTROL ON. NO OTHER VEHICLES IN FRONT OR NEARBY AND SUDDENLY THE RED DASHBOARD LIGHT FLASHED AND WARNING SOUNDS AND THE CAR BEGAN TO AUTO BRAKE ABRUPTLY TO 45 MPH. I PULLED OFF THE ROAD TURNED OFF”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10608342
“WHEN ENTERING THREE LOCAL INTERSECTIONS THE CITY SAFETY AUTO BRAKE ENGAGES EVEN THOUGH THERE IS NOTHING IN FRONT OF THE CAR. IT HAS ONLY HAPPENED AT THESE 3 LOCATIONS. THEY ARE LIGHT CONTROLLED INTERSECTIONS WITH INGROUND SENSORS. SPEEDS HAVE ALWAYS BEEN LESS THAN 10 MPH. THE”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11364139

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Engine stall and unintended acceleration

ENGINE

5 NHTSA complaints · 2016-10 → 2025-11

“THIS VOLVO EXPERIENCES "SUDDEN UNINTENDED ACCELERATION" PERIODICALLY (ESTIMATED AT 2 TIMES PER YEAR) SINCE IT WAS NEW. THIS UNINTENDED ACCELERATION MANIFESTS ITSELF GENERALLY WHEN COMING TO A STOP (RED LIGHT, DRIVE THRU RESTAURANT, PARKING LOT) BUT HAS HAPPENED ONCE ON THE”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11362380
“The contact owns a 2013 Volvo XC60. The contact stated while driving approximately 35 MPH, the vehicle lost motive power and stalled in the middle of the road. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The contact was able to restart the vehicle and proceeded to his”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11458378
“NUMEROUS TRIPS TO THE LOCAL VOLVO DEALER TO FIND THE ISSUE WITH MY VOLVO. LAST EPISODE 10.07.2016 DRIVING ON CITY STREETS. APPROX. SPEED 25-30 MPH. SLOWING DOWN AND MAKING A COMPLETE STOP. ACCELERATING TO MOVE ON BUT CAR IS NOT RESPONDING. RPM STAYS AT 600 EVEN THOUGH GAS PEDAL”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10915414

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Issues on other model years

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)

3 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.

1

complaints mentioning a crash

2

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 Xc60 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.

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