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2012 Volvo S60: complaints, problems and recalls

Explore the records behind recurring owner reports.

Key facts

121 owner complaints analyzed

8 distinct recall campaigns

78,500 mi median reported failure mileage

Scope: 2012 model year. Data snapshot: . 82 complaints include usable failure mileage.

Owner-reported patterns

Most common problems

Engine is the most frequently named component, appearing in 61 of 121 complaints (50.4%). A complaint can name multiple components.

Recurring terms in complaint narratives
TopicMatching reportsShare of complaints
Engine operation1613.2%
Braking behavior108.3%
Electrical and battery issues97.4%
Steering behavior97.4%
Transmission and shifting21.7%
Fuel system concerns10.8%

Topic matches use published keyword rules. They describe mentions, including negations or comparisons, and do not confirm a diagnosis. Read the matching rules.

Component breakdown

Number of unique complaints naming each component. Top eight shown.

Engine
61
Electrical System
15
Unknown Or Other
15
Seat Belts
9
Steering
8
Fuel/Propulsion System
7
Air Bags
6
Structure:Body
6
Component breakdown data
CategoryCount
Engine61
Electrical System15
Unknown Or Other15
Seat Belts9
Steering8
Fuel/Propulsion System7
Air Bags6
Structure:Body6

Engine: 61; Electrical System: 15; Unknown Or Other: 15; Seat Belts: 9; Steering: 8; Fuel/Propulsion System: 7; Air Bags: 6; Structure:Body: 6

Reported problems by failure mileage

Complaint counts in mileage bands. These are not failure rates per vehicle or mile.

Under 25,000
12
25,000 to 49,999
12
50,000 to 74,999
14
75,000 to 99,999
20
100,000 to 149,999
19
150,000 and above
5
Reported problems by failure mileage data
CategoryCount
Under 25,00012
25,000 to 49,99912
50,000 to 74,99914
75,000 to 99,99920
100,000 to 149,99919
150,000 and above5

Under 25,000: 12; 25,000 to 49,999: 12; 50,000 to 74,999: 14; 75,000 to 99,999: 20; 100,000 to 149,999: 19; 150,000 and above: 5

75,000 to 99,999 miles has the most reports with usable mileage (20). 39 complaints have missing, zero or invalid mileage.

Complaints over time

Year the complaint was filed, not the vehicle model year or incident year. The snapshot year is partial.

2011
1
2012
4
2013
5
2014
5
2015
7
2016
11
2017
8
2018
12
2019
12
2020
14
2021
16
2022
8
2023
7
2024
7
2025
1
2026
3
Complaints over time data
CategoryCount
20111
20124
20135
20145
20157
201611
20178
201812
201912
202014
202116
20228
20237
20247
20251
20263

2011: 1; 2012: 4; 2013: 5; 2014: 5; 2015: 7; 2016: 11; 2017: 8; 2018: 12; 2019: 12; 2020: 14; 2021: 16; 2022: 8; 2023: 7; 2024: 7; 2025: 1; 2026: 3

Pattern summary

Engine leads the component reports. Engine operation appears in 16 complaint narratives. Braking behavior appears in 10 complaint narratives. Electrical and battery issues appears in 9 complaint narratives. Use these patterns to inspect individual reports and prepare questions for a mechanic.

Calculated from recorded counts. An AI narrative has not been published for this selection.

Examples from the source records

Examples provide context, not a representative sample or a verified diagnosis.

Owner report 10412165 · 2011-07-13 (July 13, 2011)

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 VOLVO S60 T5. THE CONTACT STATED THAT IN THE ATTEMPT TO TURN THE VEHICLE OFF AND TAKE THE KEY OUT OF THE IGNITION, THE VEHICLE REMAIN ON. THE DEALER NOR MANUFACTURER WERE CONTACTED IN REFERENCE TO THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS UNAVAILABLE.

Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 10412165 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10454695 · 2012-04-10 (April 10, 2012)

THE ACTIVE CRUISE CONTROL STOPS FOR NO REASON. THIS PROBLEM IS INTERMITTENT. ON A NUMBER OF OCCASIONS (~20 TIMES SINCE I PICKED UP THE CAR), THE CAR SLOWS DOWN AS THE TRAFFICS SLOWS DOWN. THE CAR IS ALMOST AT A STOP (5-10 MPH) AND THE EMERGENCY BRAKES COMES ON, THE CARS BRAKES HARD & STOPS AND THE PARKING BRAKE TURNS ON. THE ALERT "CRUISE CONTROL UNAVAILABLE" SHOW IN THE DISPLAY. THEREAFTER THE CRUISE WILL NOT ENGAGE. AFTER I SHUT OFF THE CAR AND RESTART IT, THE CRUISE AGAIN WORKS AGAIN. IN ADDITION TO NOT PERFORMING AS ADVERTISED, THIS R…

Owner-reported narrative. 5 miles reported. Look up ODI 10454695 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10462673 · 2012-06-21 (June 21, 2012)

THIS IS THE SECOND OCCASION ON WHICH THIS DEFECT HAS APPEARED, THE PRIOR INCIDENT HAPPENING IN APPROXIMATELY MARCH 2012, AT A MILEAGE OF APPROXIMATELY 5000 MILES. I HAVE OWNED THE CAR FOR JUST UNDER SIX MONTHS. I LIVE IN A SOUTHEASTERN US STATE AND TRAVELLED TO MY SECOND HOME IN FLORIDA. THE CAR HAS BEEN PARKED IN FLORIDA FEWER THAN 20 TOTAL DAYS. ON BOTH OF THE LAST TWO OCCASIONS DURING WHICH THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED IN FLORIDA, AN ANIMAL WAS APPARENTLY ABLE TO CLIMB DEEP INTO THE UNDERBODY OF THE CAR AND CHEW ON WIRES CONTROLLING THE DYNAMI…

Owner-reported narrative. 7,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 10462673 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10466894 · 2012-07-21 (July 21, 2012)

THE ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL IN MY VEHICLE HAS BEEN OCCASIONALLY MALFUNCTIONING (ABOUT 10-15 TIMES SINCE PURCHASING MY VEHICLE IN MAY) CAUSING IT TO APPLY THE PARKING BRAKE AT SPEEDS OF ABOUT 5 MPH. THIS CAUSES MY VEHICLE TO ABRUPTLY STOP WITHOUT THE BRAKE LIGHTS BEING ACTIVATED. I THEN HAVE TO DEPRESS THE BRAKE PEDAL AND RELEASE THE PARKING BRAKE. THEN MY CRUISE CONTROL IS INOPERATIVE UNTIL I RESTART THE VEHICLE. I WAS NEARLY REAR ENDED AFTER THE MOST RECENT OCCURRENCE. I'VE TAKEN MY VEHICLE TO THE NEAREST VOLVO REPAIR CENTER FOUR TIMES TO BE R…

Owner-reported narrative. 7,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 10466894 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10487759 · 2012-12-08 (December 8, 2012)

PLEASE, PLEASE BACK OFF ON YOUR HEAD REST REQUIREMENTS FOR SAFETY. PLEASE ALLOW THE CONSUMER TO CHOOSE THE POSITION OF THE HEAD REST. NOT ONLY HONDA, BUT FORD, GM, CHRYSLER, ALL MANUFACTURERS ARE CREATING VERY PAINFUL CAR SEATS SINCE 2009 DUE TO THIS AWFUL HEADREST REQUIREMENT. SEATBELTS ARE A LAW, BUT I CHOOSE TO WEAR THEM. MOTORCYCLE HELMETS ARE NO LONGER A LAW, BUT I CHOOSE TO WEAR THEM. NOW LET ME CHOOSE MY HEADREST POSITION. I THINK THESE NEW DESIGNS ARE GOING TO CAUSE FAR MORE INJURIES AND INSURANCE CLAIMS FROM PEOPLE HAVING THEIR…

Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 10487759 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10493485 · 2013-01-19 (January 19, 2013)

THE CAR WAS PURCHASED NEW FROM AN AUTHORIZED VOLVO DEALER. AFTER LITTLE OVER 12K MILES, THERE IS SEVER PAINT DAMAGE ON THE ENTIRE SURFACE OF THE CAR. THE PAINT APPEARS TO BE BUBBLING FROM UNDERNEATH. REQUIRES $8609.66 TO REPAIR. VOLVO ONLY WARRANTY THE PAINT FOR 12K MILES BUT ADVERTISES THE CAR HAVING 48 MONTH 50K MILES WARRANTY. VOLVO STATES THAT THE CAR MUST BE DRIED EVERY TIME IT GETS WET (INCLUDING WIPING THE CAR DRY AFTER IT RAINS). THEY HAVE GIVEN ME THE FOLLOWING EXCUSES FOR WHY THE PAINT IS DAMAGED: 1) WATER (E.G. RAIN) 2) SPRINKLER…

Owner-reported narrative. 12,775 miles reported. Look up ODI 10493485 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10494430 · 2013-01-23 (January 23, 2013)

BRAKES COMPLETELY GAVE OUT WHILE I WAS DRIVING ON RT. 85 IN ATLANTA. FORTUNATELY I WAS ABLE TO GET OVER TO THE SHOULDER AND I DIDN'T HIT ANYONE. CALLED VOLVO ROADSIDE ASSISTANCE AND THEY SENT A TOWING COMPANY. CAR IS STILL IN SHOP AND NOT YET DIAGNOSED. I'M TERRIFIED TO GET BACK INTO THAT CAR! *TR

Owner-reported narrative. 11,997 miles reported. Look up ODI 10494430 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10503380 · 2013-03-18 (March 18, 2013)

THE STEERING WHEEL BEZEL DELAMINATES ON THE BOTTOM OF THE STEERING WHEEL AND BECOMES VERY SHARP CAUSING CUTS ON HANDS. DEALER REPLACED THE BEZEL AND WE HAVE THE SAME PROBLEM AGAIN. IT APPEARS TO BE A DEFECT IN THE DESIGN OR MANUFACTURE OF THE BEZEL. THERE SHOULD BE NO SHARP CUTTING EDGES ON THE STEERING WHEEL! *TR

Owner-reported narrative. 3,500 miles reported. Look up ODI 10503380 at NHTSA ↗

Recall history

8 distinct campaigns affect this selection. Announcement dates below are different from vehicle model years. A campaign may cover multiple years.

11V303000 · Fuel System, Gasoline:Delivery:Fuel Pump

Reported: 2011-06-01 (June 1, 2011)

VOLVO IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2012 S60 PASSENGER CARS MANUFACTURED FROM NOVEMBER 18, 2010, THROUGH MAY 5, 2011. THE SOFTWARE FOR THE FUEL PUMP UNITS MAY NOT BE COMPATIBLE WITH ALL FUEL PUMPS AND COMPONENTS RESULTING IN INSUFFICIENT FUEL TRANSFER IN THE PUMP UNIT.

Consequence: UNDER CERTAIN DRIVING CONDITIONS, THERE MAY BE ENGINE HESITATION AND POSSIBLE ENGINE STALL EVEN THOUGH THE FUEL GAUGE INDICATES UP TO 1/4 OF THE FUEL IS LEFT IN THE TANK. THIS CONDITION INCREASES THE RISK OF A VEHICLE CRASH.

Remedy: VOLVO WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND DEALERS WILL UPGRADE THE ENGINE CONTROL MODULE SOFTWARE, FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 1, 2011. OWNERS MAY CONTACT VOLVO AT 1-201-768-7300.

NHTSA campaign record ↗
11V311000 · Fuel System, Gasoline:Delivery:Hoses, Lines/Piping, And Fittings

Reported: 2011-06-06 (June 6, 2011)

VOLVO IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2012 S60 PASSENGER CARS MANUFACTURED FROM JANUARY 18, 2011, THROUGH JANUARY 28, 2011. THE MALE PART OF THE FUEL LINE QUICK CONNECTOR END SHAPE WAS PRODUCED WITH DIMENSIONS OUT OF SPECIFICATION, LEADING TO EXCESSIVE ASSEMBLY FORCE ON THE FEMALE CONNECTOR ASSEMBLY AND THE POSSIBILITY THAT THE LOCKING FUNCTION MAY NOT BE ENGAGED.

Consequence: IF A VEHICLE EXHIBITS THIS CONDITION, THE FUEL LINE QUICK CONNECTOR MAY DETACH AND THE ENGINE MAY STALL, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH. THE CUSTOMER MAY ALSO NOTICE A FUEL SMELL AND LEAKAGE. A FUEL LEAK IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE COULD RESULT IN A FIRE.

Remedy: VOLVO DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE FUEL LINES FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON JUNE 24, 2011. OWNERS MAY CONTACT VOLVO AT 1-201-768-7300.

NHTSA campaign record ↗
11V508000 · Equipment:Other:Labels

Reported: 2011-10-18 (October 18, 2011)

VOLVO IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2006-2012 C70 VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM NOVEMBER 15, 2005, THROUGH JULY 31, 2011, AND MODEL YEAR 2011-2012 S60 VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM JULY 14, 2010, THROUGH APRIL 16, 2011, THAT WERE EQUIPPED WITH OPTIONAL ACCESSORY SPARE TIRE KIT. THESE VEHICLES FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NUMBER. 110, "TIRE SELECTION AND RIMS." THESE VEHICLES DO NOT CONTAIN THE CORRECT INFORMATION FOR VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH THE OPTIONAL ACCESSORY SPARE TIRE AND WHEEL KIT.

Consequence: A MISPRINTED LABEL COULD LEAD TO IMPROPER TIRE INFLATION WHICH COULD RESULT IN A TIRE FAILURE, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Remedy: VOLVO WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE VEHICLE AND INSTALL THE LABEL AS NECESSARY, FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON FEBRUARY 23, 2012. OWNERS MAY CONTACT VOLVO AT 1-201-768-7300.

NHTSA campaign record ↗
12V075000 · Electrical System:Wiring

Reported: 2012-02-28 (February 28, 2012)

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.

Consequence: 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.

Remedy: 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.

NHTSA campaign record ↗
12V101000 · Structure:Body

Reported: 2012-03-14 (March 14, 2012)

VOLVO IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2012 S60 AND XC60 PASSENGER VEHICLES. AN INCORRECT MIXTURE OF UNDERBODY COATING AND OVER-APPLICATION CAN RESULT IN RIGID, ICICLE-LIKE AREAS HANGING FROM VEHICLE’S UNDERCARRIAGE.

Consequence: IF THIS CONDITION EXISTS, THE UNDERBODY COATING MAY PENETRATE THE FUELS LINES AND CAUSE FUEL LEAKAGE, INCREASING THE RISK OF A FIRE.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE VEHICLE UNDERCARRIAGE, AND IF EXCESSIVE UNDERBODY COATING IS FOUND IN THE FUEL LINE AREA, IT WILL BE REMOVED. IF THE INSPECTION REVEALS THAT THE FUEL LINES ARE DAMAGED, THEY WILL BE REPLACED. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON APRIL 25, 2012. OWNERS MAY CONTACT VOLVO CUSTOMER CARE CENTER AT 1-800-458-1552.

NHTSA campaign record ↗
13V592000 · Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine

Reported: 2013-11-22 (November 22, 2013)

Volvo Cars of North America, LLC (Volvo) is recalling certain model year 2011-2012 S60 vehicles manufactured June 22, 2010, through May 14, 2012, and equipped with 5-cylinder B5254T5 (VIN code 62) engines. In the affected vehicles, the vehicle may not alert the driver of a low oil pressure situation.

Consequence: Without being warned of a low oil pressure situation, the driver may continue to drive the vehicle until it stalls, which increases the risk of a crash.

Remedy: Volvo will notify owners, and dealers will update the vehicle's software so that the driver is alerted should there be a low oil pressure situation, free of charge. The recall began on January 10, 2014. Owners may contact Volvo at 1-800-458-1552. Volvo's number for this campaign is R29436.

NHTSA campaign record ↗
19V849000 · Latches/Locks/Linkages:Doors:Latch

Reported: 2019-11-26 (November 26, 2019)

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.

NHTSA campaign record ↗
20V378000 · Seat Belts:Front

Reported: 2020-06-30 (June 30, 2020)

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.

NHTSA campaign record ↗