Research · Small Sport Utility Vehicle 2WD

2013 Volvo XC70Recalls, problems, MPG & safety

NHTSA lists 2 safety recalls and 9 owner complaints for the 2013 Volvo XC70. Most complaints involve structure (3) and visibility/wiper (3). The EPA rates it 20–21 mpg combined.

Combined MPG
20–21mpg
EPA · 3 versions
NHTSA overall
—
Not rated by NCAP
Safety recalls
2campaigns
Latest Jun 2020
Owner complaints
9
Top: structure
Fuel cost / yr
$2,950est.
EPA estimate, best version
01 —Recalls

Safety recalls

2 NHTSA campaigns · applies to some vehicles, check your VIN

Seat belts: front

Free remedy

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.

Seat beltsReported Jun 30, 2020NHTSA 20V378000

Tires: pressure monitoring and regulating systems

Free remedy

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."

TiresReported Aug 28, 2012NHTSA 12V415000
Data from NHTSA Recalls API · synced Nov 7, 2026 · All recall detailsNHTSA vehicle page
02 —Complaints

Owner complaints by component

9 complaints filed with NHTSA · Jul 2013 – Oct 2026
  1. Structure3
  2. Visibility/wiper3
  3. Air bags2
  4. Service brakes1
  5. Steering1
  6. Other / unknown2

Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.

By model year

Complaints for each XC70 model year we’ve synced.

View as table
Model yearNHTSA complaints
200324
2004106
200527
200618
200725
200839
200915
201015
201115
201214
20139
20142
20156
20167
Crashes reported
2
Fires reported
0
Injuries reported
1
Deaths reported
0
Data from NHTSA Complaints API · synced Nov 7, 2026NHTSA vehicle page
03 —Common problems

What owners report most

Verbatim excerpts from NHTSA complaints, by component

Structure

3 reports1 crash
“Please be advised I purchased a very unsafe vehicle. It collapsed while I was driving it. I am unable to find a lawyer that will represent me. I spent all the money I have. Approximately five thousand dollars. My car insurance was increased and I haven't been able to find a loaner vehicle. I have lost two jobs or more counting before a car accident last year. Why can't I find a lawyer to represent me? [XXX] [XXX] telephone email [XXX]”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Oct 27, 2026Air bags, Structure, Service brakesCrash reportedODI 11773975

Visibility/wiper

3 reports
“Top windshield seal leaks, causing water running down windshield, and excess condensation creating visibility issues. Known problem by Volvo USA and dealers.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Oct 21, 2022Visibility/wiperODI 11490261

Air bags

2 reports2 crashes
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2013 VOLVO XC70. WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 42 MPH, A DEER JUMPED IN FRONT OF THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE. AS A RESULT, THE CONTACT CRASHED INTO THE DEER AND THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. WHEN THE CONTACT TURNED THE IGNITION KEY TO THE OFF POSITION, THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE AIR BAG INADVERTENTLY DEPLOYED WITH FORCE AND CAUSED THE CONTACT AND THE FRONT DRIVER SEAT TO BE PUSHED OUT OF POSITION AND INTO THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED A TRAUMATIC BRAIN INJURY THAT REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 4,009.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Jun 3, 2015Air bagsCrash reportedODI 10723230
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Nov 7, 2026
04 —Key specs

Engines, transmissions & drive

3 versions rated by the EPA
EPA class
Small Sport Utility Vehicle 2WD, Small Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD
Engines
3.2L 6-cyl · 3.0L 6-cyl turbo
Transmissions
Automatic (S6)
Drive
Front-Wheel Drive · All-Wheel Drive
Fuel
Regular Gasoline

Towing, payload and dimensions aren’t in the EPA or NHTSA data, so we don’t list them.

Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Nov 7, 2026EPA listing
05 —Fuel economy

EPA fuel economy by version

City / highway / combined, annual fuel cost and CO₂
EPA
VersionCityHwyComb.Fuel / yrCO₂ g/mi
XC70 FWD
Auto (S6), 6 cyl, 3.2 L · Front-Wheel Drive
192521$2,950415
XC70 AWD
Auto (S6), 6 cyl, 3.0 L, Turbo · All-Wheel Drive
172320$3,100445
XC70 AWD
Auto (S6), 6 cyl, 3.2 L · All-Wheel Drive
182420$3,100427
  • XC70 FWD
    Auto (S6), 6 cyl, 3.2 L
    19 city · 25 hwy · $2,950/yr
    21
    mpg comb.
  • XC70 AWD
    Auto (S6), 6 cyl, 3.0 L, Turbo
    17 city · 23 hwy · $3,100/yr
    20
    mpg comb.
  • XC70 AWD
    Auto (S6), 6 cyl, 3.2 L
    18 city · 24 hwy · $3,100/yr
    20
    mpg comb.
Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Nov 7, 2026 · Fuel cost is EPA’s annual estimate (15,000 mi, 55% city)
06 —Safety

NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings

2 tested variants
NHTSA has not published 5-Star Safety Ratings for the 2013 Volvo XC70 as of Nov 7, 2026.
Data from NHTSA NCAP Safety Ratings API · synced Nov 7, 2026Vehicle 7701Vehicle 7662
07 —Maintenance

Maintenance basics

General guidance, not the OEM schedule. Check your owner’s manual.
General guidance
ItemMilesTimeNote
Engine oil & filter5,000–10,000 mi6–12 monthsFollow the oil-life monitor if fitted
Tire rotation5,000–7,500 miEvery oil changeCheck pressure monthly
Engine air filter15,000–30,000 mi1–2 yearsSooner in dusty areas
Cabin air filter15,000–25,000 mi1–2 years
Brake fluid—2–3 yearsAbsorbs moisture over time
Coolant60,000–100,000 mi5–10 yearsLong-life coolants last longer
Spark plugs60,000–100,000 mi—Iridium/platinum plugs at the long end
12V battery—3–5 yearsHeat shortens battery life
  • Engine oil & filter5,000–10,000 mi
    6–12 months
  • Tire rotation5,000–7,500 mi
    Every oil change
  • Engine air filter15,000–30,000 mi
    1–2 years
  • Cabin air filter15,000–25,000 mi
    1–2 years
  • Brake fluid—
    2–3 years
  • Coolant60,000–100,000 mi
    5–10 years
  • Spark plugs60,000–100,000 mi
    —
  • 12V battery—
    3–5 years
Typical intervals for modern cars. Severe service (towing, short trips, extreme heat or cold) shortens them.
09 —FAQ

2013 XC70 questions

How many recalls does the 2013 Volvo XC70 have?

2 safety recalls as of Nov 7, 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.

What are the most common 2013 Volvo XC70 problems?

Owners filed 9 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are structure (3), visibility/wiper (3), air bags (2). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.

What MPG does the 2013 Volvo XC70 get?

The EPA rates the 2013 Volvo XC70 at 20–21 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (3 versions rated).

Data from NHTSA & EPA · synced Nov 7, 2026