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2013 Volvo S60 Owner Complaints

Updated May 30, 20261 Critical Recalls
Ethan Miller
2013 Volvo S60 Owner Complaints

Complaint Summary

The 2013 Volvo S60 has 105 reported complaints.

  • Top issues involve engine and unknown or other.

Reliability Score

Reliability Score

6.7/ 10

Based on 105 complaints

Most Frequent Issues

ENGINE

36 34.3%

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

13 12.4%

AIR BAGS

7 6.7%

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

7 6.7%

VISIBILITY/WIPER

5 4.8%

Quick Insights

  • The top category is ENGINE, accounting for 34.3% of all complaints.

  • Owners have reported issues across 20 distinct vehicle systems.

  • Note: Complaint data reflects owner reports and may not always indicate a verified defect. Compare with Recalls and TSBs for a complete picture.

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Complaint Summary

What owners keep reporting on the 2013 Volvo S60

The 2013 Volvo S60 has 105 owner complaints in this dataset. ENGINE is the most common complaint category, representing about 34% of the reports shown here.

Most common complaint categories

The top complaint groups for the 2013 Volvo S60 are ENGINE (36), UNKNOWN OR OTHER (13), AIR BAGS (7).

Are these complaints a serious red flag?

Potentially. 60 complaint reports involve higher-attention systems like brakes, steering, engine, powertrain, fuel, suspension, airbags, or electrical components, which is enough to justify a focused inspection.

What should buyers inspect on a used 2013 Volvo S60?

Start with the top complaint systems, compare them against the recall report, then inspect service records for evidence that those same areas were already repaired or monitored.

Read the full buyer guideRecall report and remedy notesMaintenance costs and intervals2012 S60 complaints2014 S60 complaints2011 S60 complaints

Detailed Complaint Log

Showing 20 of 20 systems

ENGINE

36 Reports34% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

WHILE DRIVING THE CAR ELECTRONICS, SUCH AS THE DASHBOARD LIGHTS, AND RADIO STARTED TO FLICKER OFF AND ON REPEATEDLY AND THE ENGINE CUT OFF. I WAS UNABLE TO CONTROL THE STEERING AND THE CAR CAME TO A COMPLETE STOP. I WAITED A FEW MIN AND WAS ABLE TO START BACK THE CAR AND DRIVE IT. THIS INCIDENT HAS HAPPENED 2 TIMES IN A 6 MONTH PERIOD. THE CAR WAS RECENTLY SERVICED AT AROUND 38,000 MILES AT THE VOLVO DEALERSHIP. THE ISSUE STARTED TO OCCUR ABOUT A MONTH AFTER THE CAR WAS SERVICED.

9/22/2017

WITH LESS THAN 50,000 MILES ON IT, MY S60 JUST COMPLETELY STOPPED WORKING ON MY WAY TO WORK. WHILE PULLING OUT OF MY DEVELOPMENT, THE ENTIRE ENGINE, POWER STEERING - EVERYTHING SHUT DOWN. I HAD TO COAST INTO A TURNING LANE TO PUT ON MY FLASHERS. I HAD NOT GONE MORE THAN 3 MINUTES FROM MY HOUSE. AFTER VOLVO HAD IT FOR A FEW DAYS THEY TOLD ME THAT THE ALTERNATOR BELT HAD JUMPED OFF, HITTING THE ALTERNATOR, FRAYING THE BELT. THIS THEN RESULTED IN THE BELT WRAPPING AROUND ANOTHER PART OF THE ENGINE IMPACTING THE DRIVE BELT. THIS RESULTED IN DAMAGE TO THE DRIVE BELT, ALTERNATOR, 1/3 OF MY ENGINE AND MY CYLINDER BLOCK. VOLVO IS BLAMING THIS ON A FAULTY BELT TENSIONER, YET THEY ARE MAKING ME PAY FOR PART OF THE REPAIR WHICH IS A TOTAL COST OF $6,000. THIS IS CLEARLY A DEFECTIVE PART - EITHER IT WAS INSTALLED INCORRECTLY OR IT WAS NOT PROPERLY BUILT AS A BELT DOES NOT JUST "JUMP". I WAS LUCKY THAT I HAD NOT YET GOTTEN ONTO THE HIGHWAY OR I WOULD HAVE BEEN INJURED ALONG WITH OTHER PEOPLE IF NOT WORSE. THIS IS A HUGE SAFETY CONCERN AND VOLVO DOES NOT SEEM TO WANT TO ADMIT COMPLETE FAILURE HERE. THIS CAR HAS BEEN SERVICED REGULARLY AND AT THE SAME DEALERSHIP.

11/20/2017

34 more complaints are available in this category.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

13 Reports12% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

RIGHT FRONT TIRE 235/40/R18/95H DEFLATED WHEN IT HIT A POT HOLE ON LOW SPEED STREET ROAD. INNER SIDEWALL WAS DAMAGED AND TIRE NEED TO BE REPLACED. THIS IS THE FIRST INCIDENT.

10/31/2016

LEFT FRONT TIRE IS FLAT. PER VOLVO TECHNICIAN FOUND NAIL IN EDGE OF SIDEWALL WHICH IS NON REPAIRABLE AND NEED TO BE REPLACED. THIS IS THE FOURTH INCIDENT.

10/31/2016

11 more complaints are available in this category.

AIR BAGS

7 Reports7% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

VEHICLE INVOLVED DAMAGE FRONT AND LEFT FRONTAL AREA. SPEED 40-45 MPH. NO FRONTAL OR SIDE CURTAIN AIR BAG AND CURTAIN DEPLOYMENT. FAILURE OF COLLISION WARNING SYSTEM AND ELECTRONICAL INDICATORS, ABS DID NOT DEPLOY. *TR

3/20/2013

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 URGENT'. MY VOLVO S60 IS EQUIPPED WITH THE STANDARD CITY SAFETY AUTO BRAKING SYSTEM, WHICH DID NOT ENGAGE AT ANY POINT TO AVOID/REDUCE THE IMPACT OF THE COLLISION. THE AUTO BRAKING SYSTEM DOES NOT WORK ABOVE CERTAIN SPEEDS, I AM AWARE; HOWEVER, I AM CONCERNED THAT MY AIRBAGS WERE NOT PROPERLY WORKING CONSIDERING THAT IT SEEMS MY VEHICLE WAS TRAVELING AT A SPEED ABOVE THE AUTO BRAKING THRESHOLD. THERE WERE NO AIRBAG WARNINGS BEFORE THE COLLISION. FOR REFERENCE, THERE WAS A NEARLY IDENTICAL COLLISION IN THE SAME INTERSECTION JUST MINUTES PRIOR AND THE VEHICLE INVOLVED IN THE COLLISION HAD DEPLOYED AIRBAGS. *TR

2/13/2014

5 more complaints are available in this category.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

7 Reports7% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

WHILE DRIVING THE CAR ELECTRONICS, SUCH AS THE DASHBOARD LIGHTS, AND RADIO STARTED TO FLICKER OFF AND ON REPEATEDLY AND THE ENGINE CUT OFF. I WAS UNABLE TO CONTROL THE STEERING AND THE CAR CAME TO A COMPLETE STOP. I WAITED A FEW MIN AND WAS ABLE TO START BACK THE CAR AND DRIVE IT. THIS INCIDENT HAS HAPPENED 2 TIMES IN A 6 MONTH PERIOD. THE CAR WAS RECENTLY SERVICED AT AROUND 38,000 MILES AT THE VOLVO DEALERSHIP. THE ISSUE STARTED TO OCCUR ABOUT A MONTH AFTER THE CAR WAS SERVICED.

9/22/2017

THE HEATER/AIR CONDITIONER BLOWER FAN DOES NOT WORK. THIS IS NOT A BLOWN FUSE, YET A POSSIBLE BLOWN RESISTOR AND/OR FAILED BLOWER MOTOR. THIS VEHICLE IS 5 YEARS OLD AND HAS 72K MILES; I CANNOT GET HEAT OR AIR CONDITIONING DUE TO THIS ISSUE; WINDOWS ARE FOGGED OFTEN, WHICH REPRESENTS A HAZARDOUS/SAFETY ISSUE. REPLACEMENT OF THE HEATER BLOWER MOTOR AND/OR RESISTOR REQUIRES THE REMOVAL OF THE DASHBOARD AND INSTRUMENT CLUSTER. THIS SHOULD NOT HAPPEN ON ANY 5 YEAR OLD VEHICLE, MUCH LESS A VOLVO. THE REPAIR IS EITHER VERY COSTLY, AT LEAST $700 TO $1100 OR TIME CONSUMING IF I DO IT MYSELF. THAT IS SEVERAL CAR PAYMENTS WORTH FOR A PART THAT SHOULD NOT HAVE FAILED. I HAVE OWNED TWO OLDER VOLVOS (1972, 1986) AND THIS PART NEVER FAILED--AND IF IT DID, THE ACCESS WAS MUCH EASIER (BEHIND THE GLOVEBOX).

4/21/2018

5 more complaints are available in this category.

VISIBILITY/WIPER

5 Reports5% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

THE WIPER FLUID STOPPED COMING OUT FROM THE NOZZLES, AS WELL AS HEADLIGHT WASHERS DURING SNOWY WEATHER. THE CAR HAS A SENSOR TO NOTIFY DRIVER IF THE FLUID LEVELS ARE BELOW A SPECIFIC AMOUNT. NO WARNING WAS ISSUED. WINDSHIELD WASHER FLUID WAS ADDED BUT THERE WAS NO IMPROVEMENT. THERE WAS NOTED SNOW ACCUMULATION INSIDE THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT AT THE DRIVER'S SIDE, NEAR THE AREA OF WINDSHIELD WIPER FLUID RESERVOIR. *TR

1/22/2013

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 few times but of course it is not staying because of the continual rain. I also have to keep a Damp Rid underneath the passenger seat because the car smells damp and musky after it has rained and being closed up. On one occasion, my passenger had been put at risk because they got soaked really bad during a rain storm and became ill. Unfortunately, there was nothing I could do about it and as you can imagine, my passenger was extremely upset.

5/25/2021

3 more complaints are available in this category.

SERVICE BRAKES

5 Reports5% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

VEHICLE INVOLVED DAMAGE FRONT AND LEFT FRONTAL AREA. SPEED 40-45 MPH. NO FRONTAL OR SIDE CURTAIN AIR BAG AND CURTAIN DEPLOYMENT. FAILURE OF COLLISION WARNING SYSTEM AND ELECTRONICAL INDICATORS, ABS DID NOT DEPLOY. *TR

3/20/2013

AUTOMATIC BRAKES CAME ON WHEN TURNING OUT OF MY NEIGHBORHOOD ONTO A MAIN ROAD. IT'S WAS 7AM AND THERE WERE NO CARS AROUND ME AT THE TOME OF THE INITIAL INCIDENT. THERE WAS NOTHING NEAR ME BUT EMPTY STREETS. I TURNED BACK INTO MY NEIGHBORHOOD TO FIGURE OUT WHAT HAPPENED AND SAW NOTIFICATION OF AUTOMATIC BRAKING ON MY DASHBOARD. I TURNED MY CAR OFF AND RESTARTED IT TO TRY AND LEAVE MY NEIGHBORHOOD AGAIN BUT THE DANCE THING HAPPENED IN THE EXACT SAME SPOT. STILL NO TRAFFIC OR ANYTHING AROUND TO TRIGGER THAT. VERY DANGEROUS!!!

8/17/2015

3 more complaints are available in this category.

POWER TRAIN

5 Reports5% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

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.

7/5/2016

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 AND CAME BACK WITH NOTHING BEING WRONG. ON THE FOURTH RETURN TO THE DEALERSHIP I ASKED IF ANYONE DROVE THE VEHICLE. THE ANSWER WAS NO. THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT SPECIALIST ASKED IF HE COULD DRIVE THE VEHICLE HOME FOR THE NIGHT. I SAID YES, BECAUSE THIS PROBLEM HAPPENS RANDOMLY. THE NEXT DAY, THE SERVICE SPECIALIST SAID THAT HE EXPERIENCED THE SAME PROBLEM. AGAIN, NOTHING THEY SAID COULD BE DONE BECAUSE NO ERROR CODE APPEARED. THE TRANS JUMPS TOO MUCH, TO BE NORMAL.

2/13/2017

3 more complaints are available in this category.

SEAT BELTS

4 Reports4% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

WHEN THE FRONT PASSENGER DOES NOT USE SEAT BELT, THE CAR DOES NOT ISSUE ANY AUDIBLE WARNING (EVEN WHEN THE CAR IS IN MOTION, E.G. AT 30 MPH). NOTE THAT, IN CONTRAST, THE AUDIBLE WARNING WILL RING FOR 6 SECONDS IF THE DRIVER DOES NOT USE SEAT BELT. I CALLED THE LOCAL DEALER AND VOLVO NORTH AMERICA AT (201) 768-7300, THE REPLY WAS THAT THIS IS EXACTLY HOW IT IS DESIGNED TO WORK. THE DEALER ALSO CONFIRMED THAT THE SAME BEHAVIOR WAS OBSERVED ON OTHER VOLVO CARS ON HIS SITE. THE RECEPTIONIST AT VOLVO NORTH AMERICA CONFIRMED TO ME THAT "THE AUDIBLE WARNING FOR THE FRONT PASSENGER SEAT WAS ELIMINATED" AND IT IS NOT POSSIBLE EVEN FOR THE DEALER TO ENABLE IT. THEN, MY QUESTION IS, WHY DOES THE DESIGN ENGINEERS AT VOLVO THINK IT IS OK IF THE FRONT PASSENGER DOES NOT USE SAFETY BELT AND THERE IS NO NEED TO ISSUE A REMINDER?? IN OTHER CARS (E.G., I TESTED ON MERCEDES BENZ C300 4MATIC 2013 MODEL), WHEN THE CAR IS IN MOTION AND THE FRONT PASSENGER DOES NOT USE SEAT BELT, THE CAR REMINDS WITH A AUDIBLE WARNING. *TR

12/20/2013

NOTE AHORA SE HAN MUDADO AL 755 NW 20 ST MIAMI FL 33127 UNDER NAME GOLDEN GLADE COLLISION CENTER, INSURANCE KNOWS ABOUT AIR BAG IT DOES NOT WORKING PROPERLY,, THEY KNOW ABOUT FRAUD,, INVESTIGATOR KNOWS ABOUT SAFETY PARTS,, INSURANCE PAY THEM WITH FAKE PAPERS,, INSURANCE KNOWS ABOUT STOLEN MONEY THROUGH THE MY ACCIDENT,, INSURANCE, AGRICULTURE GOVERNMENT KNOWS ABOUT UNSAFETY CAR,, THE AUTO SHOP, AAA OF DADE COUNTY IN MIAMI DID ONLY VERY SUPERFICIAL REPAIR WORK ON MY CAR, ALTHOUGH THEY COLLECTED COMPENSATION FROM THE INSURANCE COMPANY. THEY MENTION HAVING REPAIRED MY SEAT BELT SYSTEM, AIR BAGS, AND OTHER MECHANICAL ITEMS, AS WELL AS OUTER BODY PARTS, BUT IT IS OBVIOUS THAT THESE ITEMS HAVE NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THIS WAS CONFIRMED BY VOLVO, MIAMI & MELBOURNE (SEE ATTACHMENT 2 & 3), AND BY J&J IN PALM COAST (SEE ATTACHMENT 4). MORE IMPORTANTLY, NOT ONLY DID THEY DO IMPROPER AND INCOMPLETE REPAIR WORK, BUT THERE IS INDICATION THAT THEY THEMSELVES CAUSED ADDITIONAL DAMAGES TO MY CAR, E. G. THERE APPEAR SCRATCHES, THE REAR BUMPER IS LOOSE, THE ORIGINAL FRONT TIRES WERE REMOVED AND REPLACED WITH TIRES SO WORN THAT IT PUT MY SONS LIFE AND MINE IN GRAVE DANGER! I HAVE SINCE REPLACED THEM BY NEW ONES. FROM WHAT I HAVE BEEN TOLD AT VOLVO, MY CAR HAS SUFFERED A LOSS IN VALUE OWING TO CREATED DAMAGES EQUAL TO AT LEAST $18,000! ON 9/24/14, AAA OF DADE COUNTY PREPARED AN AUTHORIZATION FORM FOR THE PURPOSE OF COLLECTING MONEY FROM THE INSURANCE COMPANY. THIS REPORT STATES THAT ALL DAMAGES HAVE BEEN SATISFACTORILY REPAIRED ON THAT SAME DATE. PLEASE NOTE, HOWEVER, THAT THE PHOTOS, CLEARLY SHOWING THE DAMAGES TO THE CAR, WERE TAKEN BY THE APPRAISER ON 9/26/2014!). IT THUS APPEARS THAT THIS FORM WAS USED FOR THE SOLE PURPOSE OF COLLECTING MONEY, AND NOT, AS STATED, CONFIRMING REPAIR OF THE DAMAGES. PLEASE FEEL FREE TO CONTACT ME SHOULD YOU NEED ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

6/27/2015

2 more complaints are available in this category.

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

3 Reports3% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

1ST INCIDENT, DECEMBER 2012. ABOUT 760 MILES ON NEW CAR. QUARTER TANK OF FUEL. TRAVELING AT 65 MPH ON INTERSTATE, VEHICLE LOST POWER, AND HAD TO COAST TO A STOP AT SIDE OF ROAD. FORTUNATELY IN RURAL AREA WITH LOW TRAFFIC SO NO PROBLEMS. AFTER TOWING TO DEALER, NO PROBLEM IDENTIFIED... ECM-P008700 CODE REPORTED AS FUEL PRESSURE LOSS. SOFTWARE MENTIONED AS THE PROBLEM, ECM UPGRADE ACCOMPLISHED. 2ND INCIDENT, MARCH 2013. ABOUT 2350 MILES ON CAR, AGAIN QUARTER TANK OF FUEL. AGAIN ON INTERSTATE, VEHICLE ABRUPTLY LOST POWER AND HAD TO COAST TO A STOP. AGAIN, FORTUNATELY IN RURAL AREA WITH LOW TRAFFIC. PROBLEM ALSO APPEARS TO BE FUEL SYSTEM RELATED, BUT STILL BEING INVESTIGATED BY A DIFFERENT DEALERSHIP SINCE WERE ON A TRIP OUT OF TOWN. *TR

3/26/2013

EXCESSIVE OIL CONSUMPTION - BURNING OR CONSUMING AT LEAST 5 QUARTS OF OIL EVERY 2K-3K MILES, BETWEEN OIL CHANGES. OUR ONLY NOTICE IS WHEN OIL IS BELOW 5-QUART RANGE, WHEN WE RECEIVE A DASH WARNING NOTING TO STOP ENGINE. CAR HOLDS 7.25 QUARTS OF SYNTHETIC OIL. WELL KNOW DOCUMENTED THROUGHOUT THE WEB AND KNOWN TO VOLVO MECHANICS, ALTHOUGH MORE RECOGNIZED WITH 2011-2012 S60. STOP ENGINE NOTICE RECEIVED WHEN STARTING CAR. FORTUNATELY ABLE TO UBER TO AUTO SUPPLY AND ADD 5QUARTS TO DRIVE HOME. OCCURRED ON TWO OCCASIONS, WHEREIN THE SECOND INSTANCE WE RESEARCHED, REACHED OUT TO VOLVO MECHANICS AND IN THE PROCESS OF CONTACTING DEALER AND VOLVO FOR FOLLOW-UP. IT APPEARS THAT SEVERAL INSTANCES HAVE RESULTED IN ENGINE FAILURE AND/OR $5K OR MORE IN PERSONAL COST TO FIX PISTON/VALUE ISSUE OR REPLACE ENGINE.

1/9/2018

1 more complaint is available in this category.

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

3 Reports3% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

WHEN PRESSING THE ACCELERATOR TO ENTER TRAFFIC THERE WAS A VERY SIGNIFICANT HESITATION FOLLOWED BY A SUDDEN LURCH WHICH ALMOST LEAD TO A T-BONE ACCIDENT. THIS WAS THE THIRD TIME THIS HAS HAPPENED IN THE LAST TWO WEEKS. VOLVO FOUND A SERVICE BULLETIN FOR 6 CYLINDER ENGINE AND INSTALLED THE SOFTWARE UPGRADE. IT IS TOO EARLY TO TELL IF IT WORKED. *TR

5/15/2013

ON FEB. 3RD, I WAS PULLING INTO A PARKING SPACE IN FRONT OF A STORE WHEN MY S60 R TYPE VOLVO BEGAN TO ACCELERATE ON ITS OWN AND REACHED VERY HIGH RPM. MY FOOT WAS NOT EVEN ON THE ACCELERATOR AS THE CAR NORMALLY IDLES FAST ENOUGH TO PERFORM PARKING MANEUVERS. I HIT THE BRAKE BUT THE CAR CONTINUED TO MOVE. IT JUMPED THE SIDEWALK; HIT THE BUILDING AND PROCEEDED TO DIG A HOLE IN THE FLOWERBED AT THE STORE'S FRONT. THIS ALL HAPPENED IN THE LENGTH OF A PARKING SPACE. I CAN'T REMEMBER WHETHER I SHUT THE IGNITION OFF OR OF THE ENGINE STOPPED ON ITS OWN SHORTLY AFTER THE COLLISION. NEITHER THE AIRBAGS NOR THE PEDESTRIAN AVOIDANCE BRAKING SYSTEM DEPLOYED. I HIT THE BUILDING SO HARD THAT THE BRICK CRACKED INSIDE AND OUT OF THE STRUCTURE. THE DOOR IS STILL INOPERABLE.

2/22/2016

1 more complaint is available in this category.

TIRES

3 Reports3% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

NO SPARE TIRES IN NEW CARS PUTS US CONSUMERS IN DANGER YOU SHOULD BE AS DEEPLY CONCERNED, AS I AM, OF THE GROWING TREND AMONG CAR MANUFACTURERS TO LEAVE OUT SPARE TIRES. IN FACT THEY DON'T EVEN HAVE SPACE TO CARRY THEM. *TR DISCOUNTING THE QUESTIONABLE BENEFIT TO THEIR BOTTOM LINE THIS IS A TREND THAT PUTS US DRIVERS IN CONSIDERABLE DANGER. IT ALSO LEAVES THE US CONSUMER AT THE MERCY OF TOW TRUCK OPERATORS AND PRICE GOUGING BY THE DEALERS WHERE THE CAR IS TOWED. INSTEAD OF A SPARE THEY PROVIDE A FORM OF ?FIX-A-FLAT? THAT PUMPS A SEALANT AND AIR INTO THE PUNCTURED TIRE. THIS WILL ONLY WORK WITH TIRES WITH A SMALL PUNCTURE IN THE TREAD NOT ON LARGER HOLES OR SIDEWALL DAMAGE. IT ALSO CAUSES IRREPARABLE DAMAGE TO POSSIBLY SALVAGEABLE TIRE. THE ONLY OTHER OPTION IS TO CALL AND WAIT FOR EMERGENCY HELP, WHICH COULD TAKE HOURS, DAYS OR BE NON-EXISTENT IN MANY AREAS. YOU CAN EASILY IMAGINE MANY SCENARIOS WHERE THE LACK OF A SPARE TIRE, AND WAITING HOURS FOR A TOW, COULD BE MORE THAN A BIG INCONVENIENCE, BUT A THREAT TO LIFE. A FLAT TIRE ON A LONG DESERTED STRETCH OF ROAD LATE AT NIGHT. A FLAT IN A BAD SECTION OF THE CITY OR A SECTION WHERE ROAD DEBRIS CAUSES MULTIPLE VEHICLES TO GET FLATS AT THE SAME TIME OVERWHELMING EMERGENCY SERVICES. FOR THE SAFETY OF US DRIVERS SPARE TIRES MUST BE SUPPLIED AS STANDARD EQUIPMENT ON ALL CARS SOLD IN THE UNITED STATES.

3/2/2014

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 VOLVO S60 EQUIPPED WITH CONTINENTAL TIRES, TIRE LINE: CONTI PRO CONTACT, TIRE SIZE: 235/55R/1799H, AND DOT NUMBER: DOTAF8PN1H62212. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 45 MPH, THERE WAS A LOUD NOISE COMING FROM THE FRONT OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A PRIVATE MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE FRONT PASSENGER TIRE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE TIRE WAS REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE TIRE AND VEHICLE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 3,400.

10/29/2014

1 more complaint is available in this category.

WHEELS

3 Reports3% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

NO SPARE TIRES IN NEW CARS PUTS US CONSUMERS IN DANGER YOU SHOULD BE AS DEEPLY CONCERNED, AS I AM, OF THE GROWING TREND AMONG CAR MANUFACTURERS TO LEAVE OUT SPARE TIRES. IN FACT THEY DON'T EVEN HAVE SPACE TO CARRY THEM. *TR DISCOUNTING THE QUESTIONABLE BENEFIT TO THEIR BOTTOM LINE THIS IS A TREND THAT PUTS US DRIVERS IN CONSIDERABLE DANGER. IT ALSO LEAVES THE US CONSUMER AT THE MERCY OF TOW TRUCK OPERATORS AND PRICE GOUGING BY THE DEALERS WHERE THE CAR IS TOWED. INSTEAD OF A SPARE THEY PROVIDE A FORM OF ?FIX-A-FLAT? THAT PUMPS A SEALANT AND AIR INTO THE PUNCTURED TIRE. THIS WILL ONLY WORK WITH TIRES WITH A SMALL PUNCTURE IN THE TREAD NOT ON LARGER HOLES OR SIDEWALL DAMAGE. IT ALSO CAUSES IRREPARABLE DAMAGE TO POSSIBLY SALVAGEABLE TIRE. THE ONLY OTHER OPTION IS TO CALL AND WAIT FOR EMERGENCY HELP, WHICH COULD TAKE HOURS, DAYS OR BE NON-EXISTENT IN MANY AREAS. YOU CAN EASILY IMAGINE MANY SCENARIOS WHERE THE LACK OF A SPARE TIRE, AND WAITING HOURS FOR A TOW, COULD BE MORE THAN A BIG INCONVENIENCE, BUT A THREAT TO LIFE. A FLAT TIRE ON A LONG DESERTED STRETCH OF ROAD LATE AT NIGHT. A FLAT IN A BAD SECTION OF THE CITY OR A SECTION WHERE ROAD DEBRIS CAUSES MULTIPLE VEHICLES TO GET FLATS AT THE SAME TIME OVERWHELMING EMERGENCY SERVICES. FOR THE SAFETY OF US DRIVERS SPARE TIRES MUST BE SUPPLIED AS STANDARD EQUIPMENT ON ALL CARS SOLD IN THE UNITED STATES.

3/2/2014

NOTE AHORA SE HAN MUDADO AL 755 NW 20 ST MIAMI FL 33127 UNDER NAME GOLDEN GLADE COLLISION CENTER, INSURANCE KNOWS ABOUT AIR BAG IT DOES NOT WORKING PROPERLY,, THEY KNOW ABOUT FRAUD,, INVESTIGATOR KNOWS ABOUT SAFETY PARTS,, INSURANCE PAY THEM WITH FAKE PAPERS,, INSURANCE KNOWS ABOUT STOLEN MONEY THROUGH THE MY ACCIDENT,, INSURANCE, AGRICULTURE GOVERNMENT KNOWS ABOUT UNSAFETY CAR,, THE AUTO SHOP, AAA OF DADE COUNTY IN MIAMI DID ONLY VERY SUPERFICIAL REPAIR WORK ON MY CAR, ALTHOUGH THEY COLLECTED COMPENSATION FROM THE INSURANCE COMPANY. THEY MENTION HAVING REPAIRED MY SEAT BELT SYSTEM, AIR BAGS, AND OTHER MECHANICAL ITEMS, AS WELL AS OUTER BODY PARTS, BUT IT IS OBVIOUS THAT THESE ITEMS HAVE NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THIS WAS CONFIRMED BY VOLVO, MIAMI & MELBOURNE (SEE ATTACHMENT 2 & 3), AND BY J&J IN PALM COAST (SEE ATTACHMENT 4). MORE IMPORTANTLY, NOT ONLY DID THEY DO IMPROPER AND INCOMPLETE REPAIR WORK, BUT THERE IS INDICATION THAT THEY THEMSELVES CAUSED ADDITIONAL DAMAGES TO MY CAR, E. G. THERE APPEAR SCRATCHES, THE REAR BUMPER IS LOOSE, THE ORIGINAL FRONT TIRES WERE REMOVED AND REPLACED WITH TIRES SO WORN THAT IT PUT MY SONS LIFE AND MINE IN GRAVE DANGER! I HAVE SINCE REPLACED THEM BY NEW ONES. FROM WHAT I HAVE BEEN TOLD AT VOLVO, MY CAR HAS SUFFERED A LOSS IN VALUE OWING TO CREATED DAMAGES EQUAL TO AT LEAST $18,000! ON 9/24/14, AAA OF DADE COUNTY PREPARED AN AUTHORIZATION FORM FOR THE PURPOSE OF COLLECTING MONEY FROM THE INSURANCE COMPANY. THIS REPORT STATES THAT ALL DAMAGES HAVE BEEN SATISFACTORILY REPAIRED ON THAT SAME DATE. PLEASE NOTE, HOWEVER, THAT THE PHOTOS, CLEARLY SHOWING THE DAMAGES TO THE CAR, WERE TAKEN BY THE APPRAISER ON 9/26/2014!). IT THUS APPEARS THAT THIS FORM WAS USED FOR THE SOLE PURPOSE OF COLLECTING MONEY, AND NOT, AS STATED, CONFIRMING REPAIR OF THE DAMAGES. PLEASE FEEL FREE TO CONTACT ME SHOULD YOU NEED ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

6/27/2015

1 more complaint is available in this category.

STRUCTURE:BODY

3 Reports3% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 VOLVO S60. THE CONTACT STATED THAT SOMEONE WAS ABLE TO KICK IN THE SIDE COLLISION PROTECTION BAR ON THE DRIVER SIDE DOOR. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE PROTECTION BAR NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 16,000.

11/17/2014

THE FRONT PASSENGER DOOR OPENNED WHILE VEHICLE WAS IN OPERATION DUE TO DEFECTIVE SENSOR IN THE DOOR LOCKING SYSTEM

4/8/2019

1 more complaint is available in this category.

LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:DOORS:LATCH

2 Reports2% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 VOLVO S60. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE REAR DRIVER'S SIDE DOOR UNLATCHED INDEPENDENTLY AND OPENED WHILE DRIVING 50 MPH. A PASSENGER WAS OCCUPYING THE SEAT AT THE TIME OF THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO MOVE SAFELY OUT OF TRAFFIC. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE OTHER THREE DOOR LATCHES ALSO FAILED. THE DOOR AJAR INDICATOR ILLUMINATED FOR ALL THE DOORS. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED. THE DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 70,000.

8/6/2019

I was driving down the freeway and the driverside door swung open while it was locked. This is after the door handle recall repair was performed. Prior to the recall repair, my door never came open like that while drving. This is dangerous because I could have fallen out, or a car could have hit my door! Also, the windshield leaks on the inside and has been doing that for a long while. Volvo service said it does not leak. It does leak when raining or ice/snow melt. This is dangerous because windshield wipers do not work on the interior part of the window to wipe away water so the driver can see.

10/14/2021

ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)

1 Report1% of total

Previewing the first 1 complaint summaries.

VEHICLE INVOLVED DAMAGE FRONT AND LEFT FRONTAL AREA. SPEED 40-45 MPH. NO FRONTAL OR SIDE CURTAIN AIR BAG AND CURTAIN DEPLOYMENT. FAILURE OF COLLISION WARNING SYSTEM AND ELECTRONICAL INDICATORS, ABS DID NOT DEPLOY. *TR

3/20/2013

EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS

1 Report1% of total

Previewing the first 1 complaint summaries.

THE TIRE AND LOADING INFORMATION LABEL ON MY CAR HAS 4 ERRORS. 1. LOADING: THE INSTALLED LABEL SPECIFIES A WEIGHT LIMIT OF 1200 LBS. THE CORRECT WEIGHT LIMIT FOR MY CAR IS 1025 LBS. 2. FRONT TIRE SIZE: THE INSTALLED LABEL SAYS MY CAR HAS 215/50R17 FRONT TIRES. THE CAR HAS 235/45R17 TIRES. VOLVO CARS OF NORTH AMERICA CONFIRMED THAT 235/45R17 TIRES WERE INSTALLED AT THE FACTORY. 3. FRONT TIRE PRESSURE: THE INSTALLED LABEL SPECIFIES 38PSI, BUT THE CORRECT VALUE IS 36PSI. 4. REAR TIRE SIZE: SAME ERROR AS FRONT TIRE SIZE. 5. REAR TIRE PRESSURE: SAME ERROR AS FRONT TIRE PRESSURE. *TR

5/20/2014

FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: WARNINGS

1 Report1% of total

Previewing the first 1 complaint summaries.

City Safety feature is triggering on intermittently with no reason to trigger. It occurs when initially accelerating. City Safety applies the brakes and stops the car violently. Occurs when light or dark. Has occurred several times within the past week. The feature can be manually turned off and now is with every ignition start. The default is for the feature be on, so turning off is required every time the car is turned on.

2/1/2022

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

1 Report1% of total

Previewing the first 1 complaint summaries.

The contact owns a 2013 Volvo S60. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to warn of low oil pressure. The contact stated he would become aware that the engine oil pressure was low when the vehicle stalled or while servicing the vehicle. The contact was concerned for his safety and for the potential engine damage that could occur. The contact related the failure NHTSA Campaign Number: 13V592000 (Engine and Engine Cooling). Additionally, the contact stated that the vehicle was experiencing excessive oil consumption. The contact stated that he had been adding a quart of oil every 3,000 miles. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed but no issues were found. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the VIN was not under recall. No additional assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 69,000.

1/26/2023

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

1 Report1% of total

Previewing the first 1 complaint summaries.

Vehicle was off in driveway and fire started from right rear taillight. Fire extinguished via fire extinguisher after 5 minutes but car totaled. Inspection by fire department indicated source of fire was right rear tail light.

4/19/2024

STEERING

1 Report1% of total

Previewing the first 1 complaint summaries.

I am submitting this report to formally document a severe safety-related failure involving my 2013 Volvo S60, VIN # [XXX] . This vehicle is part of the Volvo brand, widely recognized and marketed as among the safest in the world. Incident Summary: On [XXX], at approximately [XXX] in Norwalk, Connecticut, the vehicle experienced a catastrophic mechanical failure while in operation. The auxiliary (serpentine) belt suddenly failed, shredded itself, and wrapped around the timing pulley. Debris from the failed belt entered the timing belt housing — a supposedly sealed and protected compartment — causing the timing belt to jump. This resulted in an immediate loss of engine power while driving, placing me in a highly vulnerable position. Fortunately, I was not on a multi-lane highway or in fast-moving traffic. Had I been traveling on a busier route, the sudden loss of power could have led to a serious crash and potential injury. This failure represented a genuine threat to my safety. Further inspection revealed that: The lower crankshaft sprocket had skipped three teeth due to the intrusion of the auxiliary belt. The timing belt, although not broken, was off track. A new timing belt was installed in an attempt to restart the engine. The engine would crank but failed to start. A compression test revealed zero compression in all cylinders. The valve train was severely damaged (bent valves), and the engine sustained internal mechanical failure beyond repair. Conclusion and Context: This is not an isolated incident. Upon further research, I discovered that this failure — specifically the auxiliary belt disintegrating and compromising the timing belt system — is a known and well-documented problem in vehicles equipped with the B5254T12 Turbo engine. Volvo has been previously alerted to similar cases before. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

5/13/2025

About This Data

Data and Methodology

MethodologyHow we score →

Scores are derived from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints, normalized by vehicle segment averages.

FAQ

What are the most common owner complaints for the 2013 Volvo S60?

The most reported complaint category for the 2013 Volvo S60 is ENGINE, with 36 owner reports. That is about 34% of all complaints logged here. Other recurring themes include ENGINE, UNKNOWN OR OTHER, AIR BAGS.

Are complaints about the 2013 Volvo S60 a serious warning sign?

Potentially. 60 complaint reports fall into higher-attention systems such as brakes, steering, engine, powertrain, fuel, suspension, airbags, or electrical components. That does not prove every vehicle has a defect, but repeated complaints in those systems justify a more careful pre-purchase inspection.

How should buyers use complaint data for the 2013 Volvo S60?

Use complaints as an early pattern to investigate, not a standalone verdict. Start with the top complaint categories, compare those themes against the recall report and maintenance guide, then inspect service records for evidence that the same problem areas were already addressed. If the same issue appears repeatedly across complaints and recalls, treat it as a real ownership-risk flag.

Are complaints about the 2013 Volvo S60 severe?

60 complaint reports involve higher-attention systems such as brakes, steering, engine, powertrain, fuel, suspension, airbags, or electrical components, which is enough to justify a focused inspection before purchase.

Complaint list entries are sourced from owner-submitted NHTSA ODI records.

Read complaint summaries

Volvo S60: How should complaint data influence buying decisions?

Use complaint patterns together with recalls and maintenance guidance to estimate ownership risk and inspection priorities.

Carfocal links complaint data directly to recall and maintenance routes for the same model year.

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Complaint entries
105
Top-topic view
5 grouped topics shown
Primary source
NHTSA ODI owner complaint records

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In this guide

  1. 01Overview
  2. 02Common Problems
  3. 03Owner Complaints
  4. 04Data and Methodology

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