BestCarRank
Volvo

2013 Volvo S80

Problems, Recalls & Reliability Report

Above Average

Quick Summary

The 2013 Volvo S80 has 8 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — that's 0.7x the segment average of 11. The most common issue is body/structure problems (25% of all complaints), specifically: the chrome foil decoration on the steering wheel trim is delaminating, causing a sharp edge where the foil has pulled away from the plastic substrate. this is happening at the outside edge of the steering wheel, where the hands come in contact with it. in the course of driving the car and turning . There are 3 recalls issued for this model year.

4 injuries

8

Total Complaints

3

Recalls Issued

/5

Safety Stars

0.7x

vs Segment Avg

Known Problems(top 5 of 5)

BODY/STRUCTURE

2 complaints
25%
  • THE CHROME FOIL DECORATION ON THE STEERING WHEEL TRIM IS DELAMINATING, CAUSING A SHARP EDGE WHERE THE FOIL HAS PULLED AWAY FROM THE PLASTIC SUBSTRATE. THIS IS HAPPENING AT THE OUTSIDE EDGE OF THE STEERING WHEEL, WHERE THE HANDS COME IN CONTACT WITH IT. IN THE COURSE OF DRIVING THE CAR AND TURNING
  • My drivers side door latch will no longer open from the inside or the outside. I have to climb across to the passenger side and go out the opposite door. I am reporting this because this vehicle is part of the volvo "P3" platform which includes the S60, and they had a huge recall to replace all the
Typical onset: 50K miles Est. repair: $500

THE CHROME FOIL DECORATION ON THE STEERING WHEEL TRIM IS DELAMINATING, CAUSING A SHARP EDGE WHERE THE FOIL HAS PULLED AWAY FROM THE PLASTIC SUBSTRATE. THIS IS HAPPENING AT THE OUTSIDE EDGE OF THE STEERING WHEEL, WHERE THE HANDS COME IN CONTACT WITH IT. IN THE COURSE OF DRIVING THE CAR AND TURNING

— NHTSA complaint filing

Recalls (3)

TIRES:PRESSURE MONITORING AND REGULATING SYSTEMS28/08/2012

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."

Risk: A malfunctioning TPMS cannot warn a driver that a tire is underinflated. Underinflated tires can result in tire overloading and overheating, which could lead to a blowout and possible crash.

Fix: Volvo will notify owners and dealers will reprogram the vehicle's TPMS. This service will be performed free of charge. The safety recall began on October 12, 2012. Owners may contact Volvo at 1-800-458-1552.

Fuel Cost Calculator for 2013 Volvo S80

Live EIA prices
Per year
$2,286
Per month
$191
Per mile
19.1¢
MPG
21
City driving (worst-case MPG)
$2,667/yr
Highway driving (best-case MPG)
$1,920/yr

Based on EPA fuel-economy ratings and EIA weekly retail prices (2026-07-20). Real-world cost varies with driving style, trim/engine, terrain, and traffic.

5-Year Gas Price History

EIA weekly retail data · 2021 → today
Current
$4.00
5-year low
$2.78
5-year high
$5.01
Since 2021
+27%

Source: US Energy Information Administration weekly retail gasoline prices.

Estimated Insurance Cost for 2013 Volvo S80

Estimate only, not a quote. Modeled from NAIC + HLDI averages for a hypothetical 35-year-old driver with clean record + full coverage. Your actual quote depends heavily on your age, driving history, credit, ZIP code, and insurer.
Full coverage / year
$1,971
Full coverage / month
$164
Liability only / year
$710
vs US avg
+18%
How this estimate is calculated
US base full-coverage premium$1674
× state (US)1.00x
× vehicle class (sedan-luxury)1.28x
× theft risk1.00x
× safety rating1.00x
× vehicle age0.92x
= Full coverage estimate$1971

Coverage assumed: 100/300/100 liability + comprehensive/collision, $500 deductibles. Data sources: NAIC 2024 + HLDI loss studies.

Maintenance & Warranty

Recommended Volvo S80 Service Intervals

Oil change
10K mi / 12 mo
Tire rotation
10K mi
Brake fluid
24 months
Transmission fluid
60K mi
Engine coolant
100K mi
Spark plugs
60K mi
Cabin air filter
15K mi
Engine air filter
30K mi
Differential (AWD/4WD)
40K mi

T5/T6/T8 all use 4-cylinder engines. T8 plug-in hybrids: battery cooling system serviced with engine coolant.

"Severe service" conditions (heavy towing, extreme temps, city stop-and-go) typically halve these intervals. Always consult your vehicle's owner's manual for the authoritative schedule.

Volvo New-Vehicle Warranty Coverage

Bumper-to-bumper (basic)
4 yr / 50K mi
Powertrain
4 yr / 50K mi
Hybrid/EV battery
8 yr / 100K mi
Corrosion (rust perforation)
12 yr / unlimited mi
Roadside assistance
4 yr / unlimited mi

Corrosion unlimited miles for 12 years

These are the terms for a new Volvo. If you're buying a used 2013 S80, remaining coverage is usually pro-rated from the vehicle's original in-service date. Not all coverage transfers between owners — check with a Volvo dealer for VIN-specific remaining warranty.

Estimated Repair Costs

BODY/STRUCTURE(~50K mi)
$500
OTHER(~50K mi)
$500
ENGINE(~50K mi)
$500
SUSPENSION(~50K mi)
$500
VISIBILITY(~50K mi)
$500

Estimates based on average reported repair costs. Actual costs vary by location, shop, and severity.

🔍 Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist

Based on 8 owner complaints for this specific year, here's what to check or ask about:

  • BODY/STRUCTURE: THE CHROME FOIL DECORATION ON THE STEERING WHEEL TRIM IS DELAMINATING, CAUSING A SHARP EDGE WHERE THE FOIL HAS PULLED AWAY FROM THE PLASTIC SUBSTRATE. THIS IS HAPPENING AT THE OUTSIDE EDGE OF THE STEERING WHEEL, WHERE THE HANDS COME IN CONTACT WITH IT. IN THE COURSE OF DRIVING THE CAR AND TURNING

    Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500

  • OTHER: THE CHROME TRIM ON OUR CONSOLE HAS PEELED BACK VERY SLIGHTLY AND HAS A VERY SHARP EDGE IT HAS CUT OUR HANDS MULTIPLE TIMES AND HAS TOOK OUT CHUNKS OF OUR SKIN IT IS VERY PAINFUL AND UNNESSARY WE HAVE HAD THE CAR BRAND NEW A DEALER DEMO SINCE DECEMBER 2013 WE ARE VERY UNHAPPY BECAUSE WE HAVE BEEN LO

    Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500

  • ENGINE: ABOUT 6 WEEKS AGO THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT WENT ON IN MY VOLVO. I WENT TO AN AUTO SHOP AND THE SCAN READ "FAULTY RADIATOR ANTI-TAMPER DEVICE." I THEN RESEARCHED THE PROBLEM AND FOUND THAT VOLVO HAD A RECALL (TJ27910) THE 2013 S80 WAS EFFECTED BY THIS RECALL. I CALLED THE DEALER AND MY CAR WAS SUPPOSE

    Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500

  • SUSPENSION: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 VOLVO S80. THE CONTACT STATED THAT UPON DRIVING OVER UNLEVELLED GROUND, THE VEHICLE SWAYED SEVERAL TIMES WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THREE DIFFERENT DEALERS WHERE VARIOUS REPAIRS WERE COMPLETED BUT A PERMANENT REPAIR WAS UNABLE TO BE PROVIDED. THE MANUFACTU

    Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500

  • RECALLS: Verify all 3 recalls have been completed — free at any Volvo dealer
  • General: Get a pre-purchase inspection from an independent mechanic ($100-$200)

Volvo S80 — Year Comparison

How does 2013 compare to other years? Fewer complaints = more reliable.

Full years-to-avoid analysis →

NHTSA Safety Rating

No NHTSA safety rating available

At a Glance

Complaints
8
Recalls
3
Fire reports
0
Crash reports
0
Injury reports
4
Segment avg
11

Check a Specific VIN

See recalls for YOUR 2013 Volvo S80