2013 Volvo S80
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2013 models.

- Class
- Midsize Cars
- Body styles
- 3.2 4dr Sedan FWD, T6 4dr Sedan AWD
- Engines
- 3.2L 6-cyl, 3.0L 6-cyl turbo
- Drivetrain
- Front-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Regular Gasoline
- MPG (best)
- 22 combined · 19 city / 28 hwy
- Length
- 190.9 in
- Curb weight
- 3,783–4,032 lb
- NHTSA rating
- Not rated
- Recalls
- 3 campaigns
Pros & cons
What's good
- AWD / 4WD available
Watch out for
- Below-average fuel economyBest version gets 22 MPG combined, 13% below the 2013 midsize car average of 25.3 MPG.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 32 similar 2013 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2013 Volvo S80 is a midsize car offered with 2 engines (3.2L 6-cyl and 3.0L 6-cyl turbo) and front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive.
It measures about 191 inches long and 73 inches wide on a 112-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 3,783 lb (3.2 4dr Sedan FWD).
EPA rates its most efficient version at 22 MPG combined (19 city / 28 highway), 13% worse than the 2013 midsize car average of 25.3 MPG, for an estimated $3,050 a year in fuel.
NHTSA has not published a 5-Star overall rating for this model year.
It has 3 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 7 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the unknown or other.
What changed for 2013
No changes to engines, powertrains, drivetrains, size, EPA ratings or NHTSA crash rating compared with the 2012 S80 — a carry-over year in the data.
Compared with 2012; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2012 S80 →
Dimensions & weight
| Body | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Track F / R | Curb weight | Weight F/R |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.2 4dr Sedan FWD | 190.9 in | 73.2 in | 58.7 in | 111.8 in | 61.4 / 62.2 in | 3,783 lb | 61/39 |
| T6 4dr Sedan AWD | 190.9 in | 73.2 in | 58.7 in | 111.8 in | 61.4 / 62.2 in | 4,032 lb | 61/39 |
Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.
Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →Engines, MPG & running costs
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Drive | City / Hwy / Comb | vs. class | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| S80 FWD | 3.2L 6-cyl | Automatic (S6) | Front-Wheel Drive | 19 / 28 / 22 | -13% | $3,050 | 390 |
| S80 AWD | 3.0L 6-cyl turbo | Automatic (S6) | All-Wheel Drive | 18 / 25 / 21 | -17% | $3,200 | 425 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2013 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2013 Volvo S80.
Similar 2013 midsize cars
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2013 Volvo S80 (this car) | 22 MPG | Not rated | 3 |
| 2013 BMW 3 Series | 28 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2013 BMW 5 Series | 27 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2013 Mercedes-Benz E-Class | 26 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2013 Audi A4 | 26 MPG | Not rated | 4 |
| 2013 Audi A6 | 28 MPG | Not rated | 6 |
| 2013 Lexus LS | 20 MPG | Not rated | 1 |
Recalls (3)
Seat Belts › Front · Jun 30, 2020
NHTSA campaign 20V378000 · 308,260 vehicles
- Problem
- 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.
- Risk
- An unsecured occupant has an increased risk of injury in the event of a crash.
- Fix
- Volvo will notify owners, and dealers will replace the seat belt anchor cable for both front seats. The recall began December 10, 2020. Owners may contact Volvo customer service at 1-800-458-1552. Volvo's number for this recall is R10029.
Tires › Pressure Monitoring And Regulating Systems · Aug 28, 2012
NHTSA campaign 12V415000 · 286 vehicles
- Problem
- 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.
Power Train › Automatic Transmission › Control Module (Tcm/Pcm/Tecm) · Jul 6, 2012
NHTSA campaign 12V317000 · 1,469 vehicles
- Problem
- VOLVO IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2011-2013 S80 VEHICLES. A SOFTWARE ERROR MAY PREVENT THE TRANSMISSION FROM DOWNSHIFTING SUCH AS SHIFTING FROM FIFTH TO FOURTH GEAR WHEN COASTING.
- Risk
- THIS MAY RESULT IN DECREASED ENGINE RPMS AND POSSIBLE ENGINE STALL, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
- Fix
- VOLVO WILL NOTIFY OWNERS, AND DEALERS WILL UPGRADE THE SOFTWARE TO THE TRANSMISSION CONTROL MODULE, FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON AUGUST 10, 2012. OWNERS MAY CONTACT VOLVO CARS AT 1-800-458-1552.
Not every 2013 Volvo S80 is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2013 Volvo S80 buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 3 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
- Engine — 2 owner reports. Cold-start the engine, listen for knocking, and watch for warning lights or hesitation on acceleration.
- Suspension — 1 owner reports. Drive over bumps and listen for clunks; look for uneven tire wear.
- Visibility/Wiper — 1 owner reports. Check all exterior lights, wipers and the windshield for cracks.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 57,000 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
- Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.
Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2013 Volvo S80. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.
Other S80 years
Compare all years →| Year | MPG (best) | Length | Overall | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2016 S80 | 29 | 190.9 in | Not rated | 2 | 6 |
| 2015 S80 | 29 | 190.9 in | Not rated | 2 | 7 |
| 2014 S80 | 23 | 190.9 in | Not rated | 1 | 1 |
| 2012 S80 | 23 | 190.9 in | Not rated | 3 | 7 |
| 2011 S80 | 22 | 190.9 in | Not rated | 4 | 3 |
| 2010 S80 | 21 | 190.9 in | Not rated | 4 | 19 |
| 2009 S80 | 20 | 190.9 in | Not rated | 3 | 13 |
| 2008 S80 | 19 | 190.9 in | Not rated | 3 | 15 |
| 2007 S80 | 19 | 190.9 in | Not rated | 4 | 18 |
| 2006 S80 | 22 | 189.8 in | Not rated | 2 | 6 |
| 2005 S80 | 22 | 189.8 in | Not rated | 2 | 8 |
Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Volvo. How we calculate this →