The 2013 S60 is a solid Volvo P3 platform car, but the turbocharged inline engines (especially the T5 and T6) have critical weaknesses around PCV systems, timing components, and transmission cooling that can lead to catastrophic failure if ignored.
PCV System Failure Leading to Engine Oil Consumption and Internal Damage
Common · high severity
Typical onset: 60,000-100,000 mi
Symptoms: Excessive oil consumption (1+ quart per 1,000 miles), Blue smoke from exhaust on startup or acceleration, Rough idle and misfires, Turbo oil leaks, Eventually leads to scored cylinder walls and piston ring failure
Fix: PCV system overhaul requires replacing oil trap, hoses, and breather box (3-4 hours labor). If caught late, you're looking at piston ring replacement or full short block (20-30 hours labor). The 2.5T I5 is particularly vulnerable due to oil trap design that clogs and creates excessive crankcase pressure.
Estimated cost: $800-1,500 for PCV system; $6,000-12,000+ for internal engine damage
Timing Belt and Water Pump Failure (I5 and I6 engines)
Common · high severity
Typical onset: 75,000-120,000 mi
Symptoms: No warning until catastrophic failure, Engine won't start after belt breaks, Coolant leaks from water pump before failure, Bent valves and piston damage if belt snaps
Fix: These are interference engines—if the belt goes, valves meet pistons. Timing belt service is 6-8 hours labor and should include water pump, tensioner, and idler pulleys. Many used S60s hit the market without this done. If it snaps, you're rebuilding the head or entire engine (15-25 hours).
Estimated cost: $1,200-2,000 preventive; $4,000-8,000+ after failure
Transmission Oil Cooler Line Leaks and Cooler Failure
Common · medium severity
Typical onset: 70,000-110,000 mi
Symptoms: Transmission fluid leaking from radiator area, Pink fluid under car, Transmission overheating and harsh shifts, Milky transmission fluid if coolant cross-contaminates
Fix: The TF-80SC automatic has a cooler integrated into the radiator, and the lines corrode or the cooler itself fails. Replacement is 3-5 hours including fluid flush. If coolant mixes with ATF, the transmission is toast—requires rebuild or replacement (12-18 hours).
Estimated cost: $800-1,500 for cooler/lines; $3,500-6,000+ for contaminated transmission
Angle Gear Failure (AWD Models)
Occasional · high severity
Typical onset: 80,000-130,000 mi
Symptoms: Grinding or whining noise from rear, Vibration during acceleration, AWD warning light, Complete loss of AWD function, Metal shavings in differential fluid
Fix: The angle gear (Haldex rear differential coupling) fails due to inadequate fluid changes or internal bearing wear. Requires angle gear replacement and sometimes rear differential work (6-10 hours). Volvo's service interval for this fluid was criminally long—should be every 30k miles.
Estimated cost: $2,000-3,500
Electronic Throttle Module (ETM) Failure
Occasional · medium severity
Typical onset: 90,000-140,000 mi
Symptoms: Reduced engine power message, Limp mode activation, Stalling at idle or in traffic, Throttle response lag or surge, Check engine light with throttle position codes
Fix: The electronic throttle body accumulates carbon and the internal motor/sensors fail. Cleaning helps temporarily, but replacement is the long-term fix (2-3 hours labor). Common on all turbocharged Volvos of this era.
Estimated cost: $600-1,200
Turbocharger Wastegate Rattle and Failure
Occasional · medium severity
Typical onset: 100,000-150,000 mi
Symptoms: Rattling sound on cold start that fades when warm, Loss of boost pressure, Poor acceleration and reduced power, Check engine light with underboost codes, Excessive smoke under load
Fix: The wastegate actuator arm bushing wears out, causing rattle and eventually sticking. Can rebuild the actuator (4-6 hours) or replace the turbo assembly (6-8 hours). The 3.0T I6 models are particularly prone. Catch it early or risk turbo shaft damage.
Symptoms: Clunking over bumps, Steering wheel vibration, Uneven tire wear on inside edges, Wandering or loose steering feel
Fix: The front lower control arm bushings tear and separate. Volvo doesn't sell bushings separately—you replace the entire control arms (2-3 hours per side). Alignment required after. Not dangerous but makes the car feel sloppy and destroys tires.
Estimated cost: $800-1,400 both sides with alignment
Owner tips
Change PCV system components at 60k miles as preventive—don't wait for oil consumption
Timing belt service at 75k-80k miles or 7 years, whichever comes first—no exceptions on interference engines
AWD models: change angle gear fluid every 30k miles, not Volvo's 50k+ recommendation
Use proper Volvo/AISIN ATF in the TF-80SC transmission—aftermarket fluid kills these
Monitor oil level religiously—these engines can consume oil even when healthy
Buy one only if you have complete service records showing PCV work and timing belt done—otherwise budget $3,000-5,000 immediately for deferred maintenance that WILL grenade the engine.
AI-assisted summary drawn from NHTSA recall data, our labor-times database, and platform knowledge. Not a substitute for a pre-purchase inspection on a specific vehicle.
Fitment notes: AGM battery required; located in trunk; vented system
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Every control module on the 2011-2018 Volvo S60 — where it lives, replacement time, and what it takes to program a replacement. Modules marked dealer / factory tool won't work after a part swap alone — budget for programming.
⚠️ Not separate module; key programming through CEM; all keys must be present
Aftermarket tool coverage varies by software version and vehicle build — treat "aftermarket tool" rows as "usually possible" and verify against your tool maker's coverage list before promising a customer. Spot a wrong location or hour? Tell us — corrections ship fast here.
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.
Consequence: An unsecured occupant has an increased risk of injury in the event of a crash.
Remedy: 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.
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:DOORS:LATCH · 19V849000
2019-11-26
Volvo Car of USA LLC (Volvo) is recalling certain 2011-2017 S60, S60I, V60, S60CC and V60CC vehicles. A component within the door latches may break, making the doors difficult to latch and/or leading the driver or a passenger to believe a door is securely closed when, in fact, it is not.
Consequence: A door that is not securely latched could open while the vehicle is in motion, increasing the risk of injury to a vehicle occupant.
Remedy: Volvo will notify owners, and dealers will replace all four door latches, free of charge. The recall began April 9, 2020. Owners may contact Volvo customer service at 1-800-458-1552. Volvo's number for this recall is R89978.
EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS · 13V084000
2013-03-05
Volvo is recalling certain model year 2013 S60 and XC60 vehicles, manufactured on January 7, 2013. The product identification labels were printed with the incorrect manufacture year. Thus, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of 49 CFR Part 567, "Certification Regulation."
Consequence: With an incorrect date of manufacture on the certification label, the vehicle owner may not be to determine if they are affected by future vehicle recalls, increasing their risk of a crash of injury.
Remedy: Volvo has quarantined the affected vehicles and will install correct labels prior to sale. The recall began during March 2013. Owner notification letters will not be sent.
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:SENSOR/CONTROL MODULE-INACTIVE · 12V439000
2012-09-10
Volvo is recalling certain model year 2013 S60 and XC60 vehicles. A manufacturing defect within the Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) control unit may lead to an inadvertent deployment of the seat belt pretensioner and/or inflatable curtain.
Consequence: If the seat belt pretensioner and/or inflatable side curtain deploy without cause, the driver could be distracted and the driver's visibility could be reduced, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: These vehicles have not been sold and the SRS control unit will be replaced prior to the cars being sold. Owners may contact Volvo at 1-800-458-1552.
Size-standard part numbers — verify your connector type before buying. Rear blades are model-specific; check the package's vehicle list.
Fuel economy figures are EPA data via fueleconomy.gov (median across matching trims). Performance figures are compiled estimates for the 2013 Volvo S60 3.0L I6 Turbo and can vary by trim.
🔧 Database maintained under the daily editorial review of Chris Hackleman · Master Technician · 20+ years and Jeff Moore · Master Lexus & Toyota Mechanic · 20+ years.