2014 Volvo S80 Sedan: What's Changed

• Most significant changes: Wider, lower exterior design; a new touch-screen multimedia interface; enhanced safety technology.
• Price change: TBA
• On sale: This summer
• Which should you buy, 2013 or 2014? If the lower profile and touch-screen technology suit your fancy, the 2014 is looking good so far.

An exterior makeover and new touch-screen multimedia interface top the list of changes to the 2014 Volvo S80, set to debut next month at the 2013 Geneva International Motor Show.

Volvo says its flagship sedan gets new exterior design features for 2014 that will bring it visually closer with its crossover cousin, the XC70. New front and rear bumpers create a "stretched" effect making the car appear wider and lower. Rectangular daytime running lights in front give the S80 an updated look, Volvo says, while the rounded-off rear lights enhance the lower-to-the-ground aesthetic. Buyers can now choose 19-inch wheels with the Lowered Sport chassis, one of two including the Comfort Chassis.

"We have created a wider proportion on the front grille and added more detail, such as chrome exterior headlights, to give the car an elegant feel," said Fedde Talsma, exterior design director for Volvo, in a statement.

Recall Alert: 2013 Volvo S80 and XC70

Volvo is recalling 300 model-year 2013 versions of the S80 sedan and XC70 wagon because of problems with the tire pressure monitoring system, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

A software error may prevent the tire pressure warning system from alerting the driver when a tire is low on air. Underinflated tires could result in a blowout and possible crash.

Volvo has not yet provided an owner notification schedule, but dealers will replace the affected parts for free. Owners can call Volvo at -800-458-1552 or NHTSA's vehicle safety hotline at 888-327-4236 for more info.

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Recall Alert: 2011-2013 Volvo S80

Volvo is recalling 1,469 model-year 2011-13 versions of the S80 sedan due to problems with the automatic transmission, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

In the affected vehicles, a software error could prevent the transmission from downshifting. This could lead to an engine stall and an increased risk of a crash.

Volvo will notify owners starting Thursday, and dealers will replace the affected parts free of charge. Owners can call Volvo at 800-458-1552 or NHTSA's vehicle safety hotline at 888-327-4236 for more info.

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NHTSA Fines Volvo $1.5 Million

The automaker who worked to make its name synonymous with "safety" is being fined for not reporting safety recalls in a timely manner. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, Volvo Cars North America has agreed to pay a $1.5 million penalty to settle the charge.

NHTSA's investigation found that in 2010 Volvo failed to issue six safety recalls within the amount of time required by law, as was the case with a seventh recall reported in 2012. Under the National Traffic and Motor Vehicle Safety Act, automakers have five business days to notify NHTSA after determining a defect exists.

Volvo Incentive Offers Two Months of Free Payments

During its summer sales event, Volvo is offering longer free-maintenance plans on its 2013 models and is allowing buyers to waive the first two months of finance or lease payments on its 2012 models.

There's a catch, though. The waived payments have a cash limit and must be financed through U.S. Bank. Also, Volvo's longer maintenance schedule for its 2013 models includes fewer, more spread out service intervals than were offered on its 2012 and 2011 models.

Recall Alert: 17,000 2012 Volvo Vehicles

Volvo is recalling 17,000 model-year 2012 Volvo S60, XC60, S80 and XC70 vehicles because the driver-side airbag may not deploy properly, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

On the affected vehicles, which were manufactured from May 16 through Oct. 6, 2011, the wiring harness underneath the driver's seat may not be attached properly. If the wires are loose and are hanging low, they could get caught in the seat track when the seat is adjusted by the driver, potentially causing the wires to disconnect.

If the wires disconnect, the Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) warning light could illuminate on the instrument cluster. In the event of a crash, the driver-side airbag and side curtain airbags may not deploy correctly, or not at all, increasing the risk of injury. The wiring harness may cause an issue with the seat-belt pretensioner as well, Volvo says.

Volvo will start notifying owners by March 30, and dealerships will secure the faulty seat wire harness for free. Owners can call Volvo at 800-458-1552 or NHTSA's vehicle safety hotline at 888-327-4236 for more info.

Recall Alert: 2007 Volvo S80

Volvo is recalling 8,406 S80 sedans from the 2007 model year because of an improperly installed steering hose that could burst, leading to a loss of power steering, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

S80s involved in the recall were manufactured between March 8, 2006 and May 16, 2007. You can check to see when your car was made on a label affixed to the driver-side doorjamb.

Volvo says the recall will begin in August. Dealers will inspect the hose and make the necessary repairs free of charge. Concerned owners can call Volvo at 201-768-7300 or NHTSA at 888-327-4236.

2012 Volvo Lineup: Ch-Ch-Changes

For the 2012 model year, Volvo has discontinued the S40 and V50, which reported in an earlier post. The Swedish automaker is also no longer offering any V-8s across its lineup after the company axed its sole V-8 engine in the XC90 for 2012. V-8s were once offered in the S80 and XC90.

Overall, most models get more standard features and new trim offerings while maintaining similar prices to last year’s models.

2012 Volvo XC70, S80: Ch-Ch-Changes

For the 2012 model year, the Volvo XC70 and S80 gain new safety and convenience features and some appearance upgrades.

Both vehicles now have a Pedestrian Detection system as an available option. This system first debuted on the S60. It uses radar and a camera to detect people in the car's path and trigger alerts or, if necessary, applies full braking. Volvo’s City Safety system is now standard on both vehicles: The system can lessen or avoid low-speed rear-end collisions automatically, up to 19 mph. We found both systems to be disappointing when we tested them in the Volvo S60; hopefully, Volvo has made some changes.

Recall Alert: 2011 Volvo S80, S60, XC70 and XC60

Volvo is recalling 6,046 vehicles from the 2011 model year due to potential engine stalling, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

On the 2011 Volvo S80, S60, XC70 and XC60, the engine software that controls fuel cutoff function has been programmed to be too sensitive. In affected vehicles, the engine idle speed may drop, resulting in a sudden engine stall when braking or coasting in stop-and-go traffic. This could increase the risk of a crash.

All recalled vehicles will get updated software from Volvo to correct the problem free of charge. The recall is expected to begin on Dec. 10, and Volvo will send recall notices to affected owners.

For more info, owners can call Volvo at 800-458-1552 or NHTSA’s hot line at 888-327-4236.