2013 Volvo S60
2013 Volvo S60
Overview
The 2013 Volvo S60 is a compact luxury sedan known for its safety features and comfortable ride. It was offered with a range of turbocharged gasoline engines, paired with either front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive. While generally considered a reliable vehicle, like any car, it has specific areas that have seen more reports of issues than others. This analysis focuses on documented technical reliability concerns beyond routine maintenance, providing insights into potential problem areas for owners and prospective buyers of the 2013 model year.
Engine
2.0L GTDi Turbocharged I4 (T5)
Turbocharger Issues
- Symptoms: Loss of power, whistling noises, increased oil consumption.
- Solution: Turbocharger replacement or repair.
- Cost: $1,200 - $2,500
Coolant Leaks
- Symptoms: Overheating, visible coolant puddles under the vehicle, sweet smell.
- Solution: Repair or replacement of leaking hoses, water pump, or radiator.
- Cost: $300 - $800
3.0L T6 Twin-Scroll Turbocharged I6
PCV System Clogs
- Symptoms: Rough idle, oil leaks, engine misfires, check engine light.
- Solution: Replacement of the Positive Crankcase Ventilation (PCV) system components.
- Cost: $400 - $700
Timing Chain Issues
- Symptoms: Rattling noise from the front of the engine, especially on startup; check engine light.
- Solution: Replacement of timing chain, tensioners, and guides.
- Cost: $1,500 - $3,000
Transmission
6-Speed Automatic (AW TF-80SC)
Harsh Shifting / Hesitation
- Symptoms: Jerky gear changes, delayed engagement, slipping between gears.
- Solution: Transmission fluid flush and filter replacement, software update, or transmission rebuild.
- Cost: $300 - $2,500
Transmission Control Module (TCM) Failure
- Symptoms: Transmission warning lights, inability to shift gears, limp mode.
- Solution: Replacement of the TCM.
- Cost: $500 - $1,000
Suspension
Standard Chassis
No Major Issues
- Symptoms: No widespread issues reported.
- Solution: No widespread issues reported.
- Cost: No widespread issues reported.
Electrical
General Electrical System
Infotainment System Glitches
- Symptoms: Screen freezing, unresponsiveness, audio issues, Bluetooth connectivity problems.
- Solution: Software updates, system reset, or replacement of infotainment unit.
- Cost: $200 - $1,500
Battery Drain
- Symptoms: Difficulty starting, dead battery, electrical components malfunctioning intermittently.
- Solution: Diagnosis of parasitic draw, replacement of faulty modules or battery.
- Cost: $150 - $500
Exterior
Body and Trim
No Major Issues
- Symptoms: No widespread issues reported.
- Solution: No widespread issues reported.
- Cost: No widespread issues reported.
Interior
Cabin Components
No Major Issues
- Symptoms: No widespread issues reported.
- Solution: No widespread issues reported.
- Cost: No widespread issues reported.
Summary Verdict
The 2013 Volvo S60 generally offers good reliability, particularly in its suspension, exterior, and interior components, which show no widespread reported issues. The primary areas of concern tend to be related to the turbocharged engines, specifically the turbocharger itself and potential coolant leaks on the 2.0L, and PCV system and timing chain issues on the 3.0L. Transmission issues, such as harsh shifting, are also noted, often addressable with maintenance or module replacement. Electrical gremlins, particularly with the infotainment system and occasional battery drain, are also reported. Regular maintenance and prompt attention to early symptoms can help mitigate many of these potential problems.