NHTSA lists 6 safety recalls and 94 owner complaints for the 2013 Volvo S-Class. Most complaints involve engine (37) and air bags (8). NHTSA gives it 5 stars overall.
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.
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.
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."
Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.
Complaints for each S-Class model year we’ve synced.
| Model year | NHTSA complaints |
|---|---|
| 1998 | 251 |
| 1999 | 415 |
| 2000 | 628 |
| 2001 | 322 |
| 2002 | 216 |
| 2003 | 141 |
| 2004 | 298 |
| 2005 | 140 |
| 2006 | 102 |
| 2007 | 70 |
| 2008 | 52 |
| 2009 | 33 |
| 2010 | 36 |
| 2011 | 15 |
| 2012 | 129 |
| 2013 | 94 |
| 2014 | 26 |
| 2015 | 67 |
| 2016 | 35 |
| 2017 | 26 |
| 2018 | 16 |
| 2019 | 23 |
| 2020 | 9 |
| 2021 | 8 |
“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…”
“I was driving through an intersection and my curtain airbags on each side deployed on their own without being in a accident or collision of any kind. There were no indicators or warning lights of malfunction at the time. I just heard a loud pop and saw smoke and the airbags were deployed.”
“The “Tire Pressure System” warning appeared and has not turned off. New TPMS sensors were installed but the dealership could not get the car to calibrate despite multiple attempts. It has come to my attention that other models of Volvo have this same trouble, and a software update is required.”
| Item | Miles | Time | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine oil & filter | 5,000–10,000 mi | 6–12 months | Follow the oil-life monitor if fitted |
| Tire rotation | 5,000–7,500 mi | Every oil change | Check pressure monthly |
| Engine air filter | 15,000–30,000 mi | 1–2 years | Sooner in dusty areas |
| Cabin air filter | 15,000–25,000 mi | 1–2 years | |
| Brake fluid | — | 2–3 years | Absorbs moisture over time |
| Coolant | 60,000–100,000 mi | 5–10 years | Long-life coolants last longer |
| Spark plugs | 60,000–100,000 mi | — | Iridium/platinum plugs at the long end |
| 12V battery | — | 3–5 years | Heat shortens battery life |
6 safety recalls as of Oct 30, 2026, according to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at a dealer. Check your VIN to see whether your car is included and whether the repair was done.
Owners filed 94 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are engine (37), air bags (8), electrical system (7). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.
NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program gives the 2013 Volvo S-Class 5 out of 5 stars overall.