What 85 owners told NHTSA about the 2013 Volvo S60 T5

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.

NHTSA ODI 11682826

In 2023, the engine of my 2013 Volvo S60 failed completely without prior warning and the vehicle had to be scrapped. Before that, in 2022, I paid $1,500 for a full front-end suspension rebuild due to abnormal wear. These failures were later determined to be consistent with high mileage. I had purchased the vehicle in 2019 believing it had 85,125 miles, but a 2025 VINinspect report based on NMVTIS data revealed the true mileage at sale was over 137,000 — a rollback of more than 50,000 miles. The title is now branded “Not Actual Mileage” by the federal database. This odometer fraud misled me into driving a severely worn vehicle that could have posed a serious safety risk, especially once the engine failed unexpectedly. No warning lights appeared prior to failure, and the engine is no longer available for inspection as the vehicle was sold for scrap. Independent mechanics noted the level of wear was not consistent with the mileage shown at the time of purchase. I have reported this case to NHTSA, the NY DMV, FTC, Attorney General, BBB, and others

NHTSA ODI 11666651

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)

NHTSA ODI 11660749

Engine has excessive oil consumption and sets owners up for expensive testing and repairs, because when the original recall came out, many Volvo s60 with excessive oil consumption were barely out of the allowed mileage range, which sticks the owners with excessive repairs. Volvo should stand behind this problem that effects numerous Volvo s60’s and compensate the repairs.

NHTSA ODI 11610422

Since we purchased the car in December, water was observed on occasion streaking down the inside of the windshield. The headliner is damp after rain, and is stained from water as a result. Additionally defrost/defog wasn’t working, and my son reported having to pull over and wait for the rain to stop so he could drive with the windows down in order to be able to see the road. INCREDIBLY unsafe/unable to drive in the rain. I recently applied pressure to the inside of the windshield with my fingertips by the A-pillars on both driver and passenger side to test the seal and visually confirmed the windshield was lifting off of the frame, revealing a broken seal along the top and sides of the windshield.

NHTSA ODI 11602261

car has high oil consumption. takes a full oil change every month

NHTSA ODI 11589549

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.

NHTSA ODI 11584150

I currently own a 2013 S60 2.5L T5 sedan (See Vin # referenced in Subject Line) that recently began displaying on the DIC the following alert/error messages: •Low Oil/No Oil Pressure alert My vehicle only has 67,400 miles on the engine and I am the 2nd owner of the vehicle purchasing it with only 19,560 miles or so, approximately 3.2 yrs ago. Due to my distance from home to the nearest authorized local Volvo dealership (Manasquan NJ), when this warning came up on the car, I immediately took it to an authorized ASE local service repair shop. This vehicle’s oil has always been changed within Volvo manufacturer recommended oil change intervals, so I know that was not a potential cause. I did check the oil level, which was low and there has been no visible under the vehicle oil puddles/stains prior to taking it to determine the root cause of the alert. While at the local service repair center, I was alerted by the service manager that for this year model, there is a known manufacturing issue related to defective O-rings and Pistons causing the vehicle to heavily consume oil, potentially leading to engine failure and poses and immediate safety risk to myself and family members as well as the driving public if there was to be an engine failure. I reached out to Volvo USA earlier today to express my dismay and shock that for one I was not notified of this potential safety recall. I was then to my chagrin informed that my vehicle was not involved/eligible for an extended warranty coverage in an earlier settlement that Volvo was involved in, but also to my surprise I came across a Class Action lawsuit filed against Volvo for deceptive practices related concealing prior knowledge of this safety defect related to the O-Rings and Pistons. (See attached docs for settled Lawsuit Action and an earlier issued Quality Bulletin-[XXX]: Issue Date 1-04-23). After reviewing these two documents, it is clear to me that the bulletin deployed as well as the settling of the NJDCA INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ODI 11568422

The engine has started to burn excess oil prompting the service engine light to come up way before next oil change. Auto mechanic has to add 5 quarts oil between oil changes on regular basis now telling us the Dealership will need to address the issue. Suggested we replace O rings in engine which is costly repair with no guarantee will solve issue. Could not afford the expensive repair. Recent online research shows this is common issue in the S60 between 50k-100k miles. I Bought this car for daughter as it had every service check required and thinking it was safe reliable car but now risk her running out of oil and engine stop working. 2013 S60 with 90k miles should not have engine problems, especially a Volvo known for high quality. Disappointed that reburbished engine not offered. I am loyal to Volvo having had 2 previous ones but am not impressed with the servicing of this issue.

NHTSA ODI 11565284

I was driving my 2013 Volvo S60 T5 when I felt a sudden, sharp pain in my hand and started bleeding. After safely stopping, I discovered that the chrome trim on the steering wheel had detached from the steering wheel itself and caused a minor cut on my finger. Upon further inspection, I found that the trim is secured to the steering wheel with an adhesive that deteriorates over time, and the trim itself has sharp metal edges.

NHTSA ODI 11549303

The car consumes approx. 0,5 to 1,0 liters of oil per 1000 miles. The problem started around 60,000 miles and has slowly worsened. Volvo admits that there is a problem with the piston rings, and the only fix is an expensive oil consumption test followed by an engine teardown and rebuild

NHTSA ODI 11543742

Received a notification from Volvo USA, acknowledging an excessive oil consumption problem with certain model from 2013 to 2016, our 2013 S60 being one of them. Apparently it is a known design problem relating to pistons/ring, which can potentially damage the engine. This notification stated that Volvo voluntarily extended the warranty to 8 years and 100,000 miles, which of course excluded our 2013 S60! How is it that Volvo can get away with this?? Should this not be a recall? There was a class action against Volvo on this specific problem, but was resolved outside of court. This means that a handful of owners got compensated, but there are a lot more of us out here, trying to figure what to do about this!!! Do we need to start another class action? The government should not let corporations like Volvo get away with this!!! Please do something about this!

NHTSA ODI 11533939

Purchased the car with 120,000 miles and noticed it was burning 5 1/2 quarts of oil every 3,500 miles. Thought it was an oil leak and had that repaired but issue continued. Drove another 3,500 miles and had to add another 5 1/2 quarts of oil. Light never went on the last time and oil level was so low that engine now has rod knock. Only recourse is to replace the engine and I cannot afford the repair. Volvo acknowledged that these cars have excessive oil consumption issues but will only pay for repairs for cars less than 10 years old or have under 100,000 miles

NHTSA ODI 11507191

Excessive oil consumption. Having to add ~5 quarts per month. Brought this to Volvo's attention in 2019 and had Volvo service confirm excessive oil consumption.

NHTSA ODI 11507235

I own two 2013 S60 and both with excessive oil consumption. Having to add ~5 quarts per month. Brought this to Volvo's attention in 2019 and had Volvo service confirm excessive oil consumption.

NHTSA ODI 11507236

Dash board message very low engine oil, drove home, called dealer and was seen next day. They videotaped my car in case the driving to the dealer caused damage. I paid for an oil change and was told to come every 5,000 miles or less. mileage 93,400 miles This is a known fire hazard for 2013 S60 Volvo.

NHTSA ODI 11507285

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.

NHTSA ODI 11503852

The contact owns a 2013 Volvo S60. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the oil pressure warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where the engine was replaced; however, the failure recurred. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer, where they were unable to duplicate the failure. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 86,000.

NHTSA ODI 11503575

On 9-23-2022, my daughter took her car to a Midas for an oil change. The odometer read 87,034. They installed a new oil filter and 6 quarts of fully synthetic 5W-30 oil, and said the oil had been low when she brought it in. On 10-2-22, my daughter called me and said her Volvo had a message light in the dash: “No oil pressure.” I advised her to go directly home (it was late in the evening and no mechanic was open then.) She and her roommate consulted the manual to see how precisely to check the oil on this exact car, and no oil registered on the dipstick. I advised her to look under the car in the garage to see if there was any oil leaking; none was found. I told her she cannot drive it and risk driving with absolutely no oil. The car was not driven the next day, 10-23-22, and then our insurance company's Roadside Assistance picked up the car on the morning of 10-24-22. At my request they towed the car to the Midas where she had the oil change. The odometer was around 88,830. The car consumed 6 quarts of oil in one month and 1,796 miles of driving. After inspecting the Volvo, the service person at Midas called me to inform me that there is no oil leak, and that the 2013 Volvo S60 has known oil consumption issues. He said the oil is being burned through the motor. He said the oil is seeping past the piston rings and burning internally. He said the oil piston rings have scored the engine wall. This is all definitely out of my expertise, but I took notes on all of it. He said she must check the oil every 500 miles and top it off constantly. He said failing this the entire engine would be ruined if running with no oil. I believe the normal mileage between synthetic oil changes is 7,500-10,000 miles. I met with the Volvo dealer (see attached letter I presented) and they informed me they would need to do tests, at my expense (hundreds of dollars) and I may need to replace the engine, almost fully at my expense. Please read the two attachments below!

NHTSA ODI 11501909

I started noticing that my daughter's Volvo was burning/ consuming an excessive amount of oil between oil change intervals. I get my oil changed on the recommended schedule, but I always have to add oil before the next scheduled service. There are no visible leaks. Within the past few months, she has twice had the "No Oil Pressure" warning rendered. I started doing research but cannot find a recall for the VIN. It also appears that many other people are having the same problem. People pay a lot of money for these cars and to have a major component failure is not acceptable. It appears there are issues with pistons. I am requesting that you create a safety recall including my daughter's VIN. If the engine were to seize due to lack of oil pressure while traveling on the highway, I fear she could be in a serious accident.

NHTSA ODI 11487394

2013 VOLVO S60. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARD TO ILLUMINATED NO OIL PRESSURE LIGHT.

NHTSA ODI 11468318

The "brushed aluminum" interior panels are peeling. The metallic part has separated from the plastic in multiple area. This creates curled up (perpendicular to the original) pieces that are VERY sharp. I have no less than 10 cuts in the last year. The pieces are razor blade sharp. I don't allow my son to come to the front seats anymore when the car is parked.

NHTSA ODI 11464524

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.

NHTSA ODI 11449675

I started losing brake pressure rapidly about a month ago. Took it to a shop and they recommended replacing the master cylinder. The repair was completed and the braking improved for about 2 weeks and then I lost all brake pressure. The vehicle was not safe to operate and I had it towed back to the shop once again. Again they suggested replacing the master cylinder. We completed that repair and I had brake pressure for about three days. Then my low brake fluid light came on. As of right now my pedal is squishy and I have to put brake fluid in every 24 hours. There are no external leaks but we can’t figure out what the issue is. It’s become a serious safety hazard. Possibly an internal leak into the brake booster. It’s also a common issue among other Volvo owners of this year and model.

NHTSA ODI 11441537

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.

NHTSA ODI 11436803