- The 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.
- The risk
- An unsecured occupant has an increased risk of injury in the event of a crash.
- The 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.
Vehicle safety record
2012 Volvo S80 Problems, complaints & recalls
Owners have filed 8 complaints about the 2012 Volvo S80 with NHTSA, most often about the wheels & tires (2) and the seats & seat belts (1). Those complaints describe 1 crash and 1 injury. It is covered by 3 recalls, the latest in June 2020 for the front. For comparison, the 2011 has 5 and the 2013 has 8.
NHTSA data checked
BFewer problems than a typical S80 year, for its age
#212 most complained-about 2012 vehicle
- Complaints
- 8
- Recalls
- 3
- Crashes
- 1
- Fires
- 0
- Injuries
- 1
- Deaths
- 0
Most common 2012 Volvo S80 problems
Share of all 8 complaints. One complaint can name more than one area. Tap an area for its complaints and recalls.
2012 Volvo S80 recalls 3
Recall repairs are free. Your dealer fixes them whether or not you bought the car there - check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see if yours is done. What to do
- The 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.
- The risk
- This may result in decreased engine rpms and possible engine stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
- The 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.
- The problem
- Volvo is recalling certain model year 2012 s60, xc60, s80 and xc70 vehicles manufactured from may 16, 2011, through october 6, 2011. In these vehicles, the wire harness under the front seats may have not been attached properly to the seat frame. As a result, when the seats are moved to adjust the seating position, the wire harness may get pulled, causing it to disconnect.
- The risk
- In the event of crash, the front and/or side impact air bags may deploy improperly or not at all, increasing the risk of injury. Also, the lap belt pretensioner may not deploy.
- The fix
- Volvo will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and, if necessary, secure the seat wire harness. This service will be performed free of charge. The safety recall began on april 12, 2012. Owners may contact volvo cars at 1-800-458-1552.
What owners say
Problems or none - your experience is exactly what the next buyer is looking for. Write it now
8 complaints about the 2012 Volvo S80
Newest first, as filed with NHTSA by owners.
See attached document for complaint.
A batch of metal used for the steering wheel trim prematurely wears down at the base of the steering wheel in 2 locations out of sight with normal use and becomes razor sharp. When turning the wheel, the spinning razor edge can cause the driver to lose control due to sudden pain due to slicing into the fingers. The metal slices into the skin drawing blood much like that of a papercut. I have experienced sudden cuts in turning on 2 separate occasions recently having to re-grab the steering wheel due to involuntary pain reflex release to prevent total loss of control and the problem has not been confirmed by the dealer. There is no prior warning when this issue suddenly occurs.
My wife karen was on her way to work on february 24, 2020 when the driver side-view mirror detached, hit the pavement and shattered. The incident occurred at about 7:45 am. The vehicle had been parked in our driveway at 140 statesir place for 60 hours without being used and the mirror showed no sign of damage prior to being driver. The incident occurred about 800 feet from our residence as she was turning from statesir place onto pine street nearer to the corner .
Tl* the contact owns a 2012 volvo s80. While driving 35 mph, the contact stated that the wheel studs fractured from the tire. As a result, the vehicle slid onto the road shoulder and the fender was ripped off. There was no crash. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic and then taken to demondtrond volvo (volvo building, 14101 north fwy, houston, tx 77090, (281) 607-0382). The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and did not assist. The failure mileage was 138,000.
The passenger door continues to open at highway speeds. I have the option for doors to lock when car begins to move. The lock remains "locked" however door opens with interior lights and dashboard warning. I have contacted volvo to no end... I see a multitude of door opening issues on volvo forum sites, and mechanic states common problem with volvo.
Drivers side rear suspension link arm failure. Vehicle traveling straight ahead on expressway at posted speed, 70mph, road conditions dry and clear. No impacts or sudden maneuvers prior to failure, i.E. Chuck hole or debris. No tire or wheel damage sustained prior to or after suspension failure. No impact evidenced underneath vehicle.
Tl* the contact owns a 2012 volvo s80. The contact stated that while driving at 40 mph, the vehicle would jerk violently when accelerating to a high speed. In addition, the tachometer fluctuated causing the vehicle to jerk violently. The failure occurred on numerous occasions. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The vin was not included in nhtsa campaign number: 12v317000 (power train). The approximate failure mileage was 45,800.
Tires:pressure monitoring and regulating systems 21 jul 2013 - sunday evening the tire low pressure warning light came on when I parked my car in the garage. I looked at all four tires and found nothing wrong. 22 Jul 2013 - monday as safety precaution I took the vehicle in for service and had the sensor checked. The volvo service department stated; they check the pressure in all tires for leaks, proper inflation and the light went out. 23 Jul 2013 - tuesday morning on my way to work the light came back on. Again; I looked at all four tires and found nothing wrong. *Tr
Volvo S80: every year compared
All S80 years2012 Volvo S80 vs rivals
| Vehicle | Complaints | Recalls | Grade | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2012 Volvo S80 | 8 | 3 | B | |
| 2012 Volvo S60 | 121 | 8 | F | Compare |
| 2012 Volvo C70 | 23 | 1 | D | Compare |
| 2012 Volvo C30 | 10 | 0 | C | Compare |
| 2012 Volvo VNL | 5 | 14 | F | Compare |
| 2012 Volvo VT | 1 | 1 | B | Compare |
More sales usually means more complaints, so compare similar vehicles of the same year. The grade compares each vehicle with its own model's other years.
Questions about the 2012 Volvo S80
Does the 2012 Volvo S80 have any recalls?
Yes - NHTSA lists 3 recalls for the 2012 Volvo S80: front (June 2020); control module (tcm / pcm / tecm) (July 2012); wiring (February 2012). Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer. Enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see whether yours has been fixed.
What are the most common problems with the 2012 Volvo S80?
By the complaints owners filed with NHTSA, the most common problem areas are the wheels & tires (2), seats & seat belts (1), transmission & drivetrain (1).
How many complaints has the 2012 Volvo S80 had?
8 complaints have been filed with NHTSA, the first on July 23, 2013 and the latest on December 18, 2024. Of these, 1 describe a crash and 0 a fire, and together they report 1 injury and 0 deaths.
Is the 2012 Volvo S80 a reliable vehicle?
Its Safety Index is 72 out of 100 (grade B: fewer problems than a typical Volvo S80 year, for its age). The index weighs complaints, crashes, fires, injuries, deaths and recalls against how long the vehicle has been on the road, compared with the same model's other years. It is not a measure of every repair - read the complaints and owner experiences, and have any used vehicle inspected before you buy.
Which Volvo S80 years have the most complaints?
2000 (342), 1999 (210), 2001 (179). See every Volvo S80 year compared.
What should I do if my 2012 Volvo S80 has a problem?
If it is a safety problem, stop driving it if it is unsafe and contact your dealer. Report it to NHTSA at nhtsa.gov/report-a-safety-problem - enough reports start investigations and recalls - and share your experience here so other owners know what to look for.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) complaints and recalls, checked . Complaints are owners' own reports and are not verified. How we use the data