2012 Volvo S60 problems
The Volvo S60 is a compact executive car manufactured and marketed by Volvo since 2000.
The first generation (2000–2009) was launched in autumn of 2000 in order to replace the S70 and was based on the P2 platform. It had a similar designed estate version called Volvo V70 and a high performance engine and sports-oriented suspension version called S60 R. Styling cues were taken from the ECC concept car and the S80.
The second generation (2010–2018) was released in 2010 for the 2011 model year and has its own estate version, known as the Volvo V60.
The third generation joined the Volvo line-up in 2018 for the 2019 model year. It is built on a shortened version of the Scalable Product Architecture platform, in America's first Volvo factory in Ridgeville, South Carolina. The US became the sole global source of the S60 sedan after production in China was phased out in early 2019.
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Common 2012 Volvo S60 problems
The Volvo S60, a luxury sedan produced by the Swedish automaker, has been reported to have several common problems by its owners. These issues range from engine and transmission problems to electrical and mechanical faults.
One of the most frequently reported problems is related to the engine, specifically the 2012 S60 T5 engine. Owners have reported excessive oil consumption, issues with oil pressure warnings, PCV issues, and piston ring issues.
Transmission problems are another common issue in the 2012 S60. Owners have reported severe jerking during upshifting or downshifting, which was resolved in some cases by a simple computer update provided by Volvo.
Electrical issues have also been reported by owners of the 2012 Volvo S60. Problems with the fuel gauge software have led to incorrect fuel level readings, with Volvo currently seeking a software update to correct the issue.
Mechanical faults include problems with the power steering system, where certain examples fitted with a five-cylinder engine had a problem with the high-pressure fuel lines not being installed correctly, causing a potential fire.
In summary, the 2012 Volvo S60 has been reported to have several common problems, including engine and transmission issues, electrical faults, and mechanical failures. These problems have led to dissatisfaction among some owners, with many reporting high repair costs and a perceived lack of response from Volvo in addressing these issues.
What is the common problem with Volvo S60?
If you are having performance problems with your S60, the ETM (Electronic Throttle Module) is known to get blocked by a carbon build up. The MAF (Mass Air Flow) sensor also gets a build up. Poor engine idling, bad starting and lack of power/acceleration are all symptoms of these issues.
Why not to buy Volvo S60?
In typical Volvo fashion, the ride is stiff. Handling is sound but unexceptional. The S60 is plagued with Volvo's unintuitive infotainment system, which requires too much swiping, tapping, and eyes-off-the-road time.
What is the problem with the 2012 Volvo T5?
What Owners Say. "Volvo was aware of issues with the 2012 S60 T5 engine and excessive oil consumption,issues with oil pressure warnings, PCV issues, piston ring issues. Volvo did not recall or fix these issues which leads to engine failure."
Is the Volvo S60 cheap to maintain?
A Volvo S60 will cost about $9,164 for maintenance and repairs during its first 10 years of service. This beats the industry average for luxury sedan models by $2,797. There is also a 26.81% chance that a S60 will require a major repair during that time. This is 12.75% better than similar vehicles in this segment.
What is the common problem with Volvo S60?
If you are having performance problems with your S60, the ETM (Electronic Throttle Module) is known to get blocked by a carbon build up. The MAF (Mass Air Flow) sensor also gets a build up. Poor engine idling, bad starting and lack of power/acceleration are all symptoms of these issues.
How many miles can a 2012 Volvo S60 last?
200,000 miles
Overall, expect to see your Volvo vehicle last for over 200,000 miles if you give it proper care each year.
Are Volvo S60's reliable?
Owners of the Volvo S60 report bringing the car in for unexpected fixes an average of . 5 times a year, lower than the average of . 6 for luxury vehicles. If there is a need to bring the vehicle in, there is an 8% chance it will be severe - lower than the 12% average for other luxury cars.
Are 2012 Volvo S60 T5 expensive to maintain?
The Volvo S60 Reliability Rating is 3.5 out of 5.0, which ranks it 11th out of 31 for luxury midsize cars. The average annual repair cost is $750 which means it has average ownership costs. The severity of repairs is low while frequency of those issues is average, so major issues are uncommon for the S60.
2012 Volvo S60 car problems categorized by type of issue
After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Volvo S60 problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:
- Engine problems
- Electrical system problems
- Unknown or other problems
- Seat belts problems
- Steering problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 2012 Volvo S60 vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
Latest 25 complaints 2012 Volvo S60
The NHTSA has received 117 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 2012 Volvo S60. Below are the 25 most recent complaints reported for 2012 Volvo S60 vehicles.
BACK OVER PREVENTION PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-06-10
- VIN: YV1902FH7C2
- Components: BACK OVER PREVENTION
- Summary: At temperatures around 90* and higher the rear camera flickers and is unusable. This happens without any warning and when vehicle attempting to reverse.
ENGINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2023-09-01
- VIN: YV1622FS5C2
- Components: ENGINE
- Summary: Discovered that my engine is burning oil. There was no warning from my vehicle or from Volvo (during regular maintenance) that this was happening. It was just sudden that the check engine light went on and I checked the oil and found that it was basically empty. Volvo confirmed that the engine is burning oil and that this model and make was discovered to have this engine issue. Volvo did not offer a solution other than to buy a new vehicle to replace this one. In my research online, this problem is common for this model and make 2012 S60 T5, may other have reported the same issue and it seems that there is a recall for this problem but my vehicle (VIN) does not report this to be a problem for my car. I’m not sure what to do.
ENGINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2023-02-01
- VIN: YV1622FS7C2
- Components: ENGINE
- Summary: The contact owns a 2012 Volvo S60. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle, an unknown belt fractured, and the vehicle failed to start. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact called the local dealer, who informed the contact about diagnostic testing, but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 80,000.
VISIBILITY PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-02-28
- VIN: YV1622FS1C2
- Components: VISIBILITY
- Summary: While driving or parked water is dripping down my window shield. This obstructs my view and distracts me from driving. It further distracts my driving if I have to wipe away the water which usually leads to smearing which causes further obstruction to my field of vision.
VISIBILITY PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-02-01
- VIN: YV1902FHXC2
- Components: VISIBILITY
- Summary: original windshield never replaced unglueing to the point where you can push the glass and have it move and minor seepage of water
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-02-02
- VIN: YV1622FS3C2
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: The contact owns a 2012 Volvo S60. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, she smelled a burning odor in the interior of the vehicle, after which the vehicle inadvertently lost motive power. The contact was able to coast to the shoulder of the roadway, where the vehicle failed to restart. After a visual inspection of the engine compartment, the contact became aware that the engine was without oil; however, the low oil warning light was not illuminated. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer nor an independent mechanic. The vehicle was not repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 13V592000 (Engine and Engine Cooling) but the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 137,000.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2023-06-06
- VIN: YV1622FS5C2
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE
- Summary: On June 2, 2023 I went to start my car and the engine would not turn over. The dashboard displayed a number of warning lights and messages (DSTC Service Required, SRS Airbag Service Urgent, Transmission Service Required, Coolant System Service Required). When the tow truck driver arrived later that day, they tried to jumpstart my car but reported the battery was completely dead. I had the car taken to a local shop that specialized in Volvo cars. A few days later the shop called to tell me that not only was the battery dead, but my car key was no longer responding, and that the Engine Control Module "exploded." None of the mechanics at the shop had seen such a thing before. The shop also told me that they could not figure out what had been draining the battery. I was advised to reach out to the dealership. I did and happened to meet with the general manager and a lead technician who happened to be on site. I was told that while rare, the Engine Control Module can "explode." I was willing to drop the matter until I started seeing "Low Battery" warnings in early Sept. of 2023. I was finally able to get the car into the dealership on 1/2/24. After talking with the mechanic, he suggested that the satellite radio in my car was continuously draining my battery and to resolve the problem all they would need to do is download new software. A few hours later the mechanic confirmed that my car needed an RDAR upgrade to stop the battery drainage. I do not understand how the dealership could sell me the car without checking to make sure the software had been upgraded in the first place. RDAR failure is not something that pops up as a recall or major safety concern. If the car had lost power while in motion, there could have been serious consequences.
ENGINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2023-10-02
- VIN: YV1622FSXC2
- Components: ENGINE
- Summary: Surpintine belt shredded due to faulty belt tensioner. Shreds of belt wedged between crankshaft timing sprocket on engine causing engine to jump timing while driving down highway and vehicle lost all power and very hard to steer due to all valves in motor bent because of poor design. Definitely a safety concern. Volvo is aware but does nothing. 11,000 dollars to replace engine.
ENGINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2023-11-20
- VIN: YV1622FS1C2
- Components: ENGINE
- Summary: The contact owns a 2012 Volvo S60. The contact stated while driving approximately 40 MPH, the vehicle lost motive power and stalled. The vehicle was later towed to the local dealer who diagnosed the vehicle and determined that the drive belt had failed, causing damage to the timing cover and other drive belts. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was offered. The failure mileage was 62,000.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER,ENGINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2023-06-01
- VIN: YV1622FS8C2
- Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER,ENGINE
- Summary: I bought used s60 and sent car to auto shop due to engine seize . I was told The engine needed to be replaced. I has replacement done. Car ran good and I was pleased. Months later, the vehicle made a clicking noise when I arrived home. When I checked the oil the following morning, there was no oil in car. I was never given a low oil level indication or warning. Now car is making crazy tapping sounds. i
EXTERIOR LIGHTING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2023-07-20
- VIN: YV1902FH7C2
- Components: EXTERIOR LIGHTING
- Summary: These headlight assemblies commonly develop significant water ingress problems as they age. Owners report issues in wet climates even when these cars were relatively new, resulting in bulb ignition problems as water finds it way into the ballasts, resulting in high-voltage shorting. The water in the headlight housings also "fogs" up the forward lens, resulting in a poor distribution of light out the front, both poor for the driver and dazzling for oncoming traffic. The headlights can work fine for weeks or months, and then a wet week comes along and 1 or both headlights fail to operate or work but poorly and blind oncoming traffic. If caught after dark in the rain the headlights often fail to function. If this could be solved with new headlight assemblies for a reasonable price, I would not consider this a major safety issue, unfortunately, they are difficult to source, astronomically priced (~$1100 per assembly), and replacing them doesn't seem to fix this problem for many owners of these cars. The way these assemblies are vented from the factory seems to be problematic for water ingress and the position of the ballasts ensures that any significant water ingress causes the ballast to short internally. I believe that the atmospheric vent on these must be positioned in such a way that they suck water in as they cool if its raining. The all-halogen assemblies for these cars work better, likely because there's no ballast for the water to leak into and more heat from the bulb to quickly evaporate the water out of the same assembly design. The poorly designed housing is "saved" by the simpler electronics and thermal output of the bulbs. Unfortunately, different factory programming is required to run the all-halogen assemblies. A recall should be issued to replace all of these gimmicky (and distracting) "steerable" xenon headlights with the halogen versions, with the reprogramming effort included in the recall.
SEAT BELTS,LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2023-08-09
- VIN: YV1622FS1C2
- Components: SEAT BELTS,LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES
- Summary: The contact owns a 2012 Volvo S60. The contact stated that while driving approximately 10 MPH, the driver’s side rear door opened unintendedly without the driver touching the door handle. The contact pulled over to the side of the road and inspected the vehicle. Additionally, the contact stated that on several occasions when the seat belt tongue was inserted inside the buckle, the seat belt failed to latch properly. The contact stated that the latch plate latched securely after several attempts. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 150,000.
STEERING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2023-06-12
- VIN: YV1622FS1C2
- Components: STEERING
- Summary: I have experienced the steering in my car to become looser over time. I have found the culprit to be a plastic tension cap on the steering rack itself. The cap appears to have stripped and backed out completely and is now resting against the subframe. There is no warning of this happening and very hard to pinpoint the cause. The effect is that there is about 10 degrees of play in the steering wheel. It appears that it only affects the left wheel as that one is loose and the right wheel is tight. I will be taking it to the dealer to see if there is a replacement or an upgraded version of this cap but feel this should be addressed further as this could happen without warning.
SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2014-06-15
- VIN: YV1902FH8C2
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: Our seat belts have been problematic because the passenger side is sticky and has to be moved around before it will disengage. When I took it to a dealer they said it was fine and just needed a little lubrication. Lubrication did not help the problem
STEERING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2022-08-14
- Number Of Injuries: 1
- VIN: YV1902FH7C2
- Components: STEERING
- Summary: The steering wheel trim peeled and created a razor sharp surface at the bottom which sliced through my finger and caused pain and bleeding. It is difficult to avoid touching the sharp part of the steering wheel especially at highway speeds. This startled me while driving and distracted me while I attempted to stop the bleeding. Volvo has agreed to replace the trim but will charge for labor if I choose to go into a dealer.
SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2022-07-29
- VIN: YV1622FS6C2
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: The drivers seat belt to lock in place or unlock gets stuck ! Makes it very difficult to ge try out of my vehicle daily. This is a major concern if i am ever in an emergency and cannot get out of my seat
VISIBILITY/WIPER PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2019-08-06
- VIN: YV1622FS6C2
- Components: VISIBILITY/WIPER
- Summary: The front windshield has a faulty gasket, I put sealant from Autozone but didn’t help. Water falls down the windshield causing skewed vision. I’m also afraid that there may be some type of short, which can cause damage either parked or driving.
ENGINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2021-12-01
- VIN: YV1622FS4C2
- Components: ENGINE
- Summary: On December 1, 2021 I was driving my 2012 Volvo S60 T5, that I purchased 3/2021 with 99,489 miles on it, on the highway and it stalled without warning after almost crashing. There were no warning alerts or check engine light that came on the dashboard and the car had 1,000 miles until the next oil change. After browsing the internet, we realized that the car had a recall because their vehicles were not warning the driver that there was low oil pressure allowing the driver to continue driving until the engine seized (Recall #R29436; National Highway Traffic Safety Administration campaign #13V592000). The recall was repaired by Prestige Auto on 1/2014. I contacted Volvo of North America who opened up a case and then had the car towed to Portland Volvo in Scarborough, Maine for an appointment on December 14, 2021. On December 15, 2021 Portland Volvo informed us that the vehicle’s engine was beyond repair because of an unfortunate mechanical failure due to lack of lubrication. Later that evening I received an email from Volvo of NA stating that they would cover $750 of the repairs. I emailed back asking to wait for a quote from Portland Volvo on how much it was going to be to repair the vehicle. On December 16, 2021 I was informed by Portland Volvo that she spoke with the district manager and that a used engine costs between $10-14,000. Volvo of North America has now decided to retract their $750 offer to help because the car is now out of warranty but it was due to a manufacturer's defect. I spoke with Prestige Auto (the dealership who fixed the repair) and was told that if the repair was actually fixed then it would have done its due diligence and alerted the driver that there wasn't any oil pressure. I have also read articles on these kinds of issues and it states that a recall is to be repaired until it fixes the issue, and obviously the issue wasn't fixed the first time. I asked for an appeal, was denied and now Volvo wont respond back to emails or calls.
SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2021-09-08
- VIN: YV1902FH1C2
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: I have a 2012 S60R. I just received the recall notice for the front seat belts last week. In September of 2021, the warning light on the dash board intermittently comes on with a warning sound stating that my rear seat belt is not in use. This happens while starting the car and driving. There are no passengers riding in the rear seats of my car when this happens. I have tried to fasten the rear seat belts, but they do not fasten. I can not have passengers in the car due to the malfunction of the rear seat belts which is a safety issue. My vehicle is available for inspection upon request.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2022-02-11
- VIN: YV1622FS2C2
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
- Summary: My wife and I were driving to BWI airport for a 10:30am flight from Virginia Beach in the Express Lane on I-95N going 75mph when all of a sudden at 8:30am the engine seized and I got a message telling me I would experience "Reduced Engine Performance" as my car puttered to a stop with white smoke pouring out of the exhaust. Prior to this message I had no warnings or messages on my dashboard. I got out of my car to check my oil and it was completely evaporated, so I called AAA. While we are 1 hour into waiting (it is now 9:30am) on the narrow shoulder of two Express Lanes for a tow truck to take our car to a shop at 11:40am and for a Lyft driver to figure out how to get to us, two VDOT employees told us we had to move our car by 11am otherwise the state police will tow us. I managed to call a local tow company who finally arrived by 10:55am, so we had been stranded in an Express Lane watching cars fly by at 85mph for almost 2 and a half hours before we were able to move. After the first shop took a look and told me the engine was damaged and that they couldn't replace it, I had it towed to a Volvo dealership. 5 days and a $375 diagnostic later, they find that the turbocharger has an internal oil leak and that this and the catalytic converter would have to be replaced for $6k. Aside from now being carless 4 hours from the dealership and missing my wife's birthday celebration without refund, I now have a $6,375 bill that I had no way of preventing due to a manufacturing design flaw in 2012 Volvo S60 T5. I SHOULD have been warned of a low oil situation so I could have at least pulled over and properly tended to it. I SHOULD NOT have to be liable for a Volvo design flaw that may involve faulty piston rings that has apparently affected countless others. This incident put both my wife and I in danger on an Express Lane on a very busy highway. Volvo needs to be accountable for this design flaw.
ENGINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2022-02-01
- VIN: Yv1622fs8c2
- Components: ENGINE
- Summary: It looks as if my car should have been included in the 62Vin recall for engine sensor not stating low oil. Car started to knock and shutoff with no warning for low oil pressure. Diagnostic show oil was issue but even when completely drained car still does not display low oil which caused motor to blow. Contacted volvo and they would not add vehicle to recalls even though car year manufactured period and engine vin matched recall.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,EXTERIOR LIGHTING,UNKNOWN OR OTHER PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2021-06-10
- VIN: YV1902FH0C2
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,EXTERIOR LIGHTING,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: When I first bought this Volvo there was condensation in both of the headlights then took it for a test drive and I really liked it and when I got back the dealer said if I was to buy it he would take care of both headlights so I assumed that he did but I bought it and left and was driving and then a code came on in the car saying low beam out I was like oh [XXX] so took it back to them they had me go buy $120 light bulb and that wasn't the problem they did some working and testing and said that it was the low beam ballast so I bought 1 for the drivers side and that fixed that problem but then not even a week later the same light came on saying low beam out, took it back and they said that it was the same thing on opposite side on passenger side so they said order the part and we'll fix it I did that took it back to them and they said it was fixed not even a day later and the light was back on swing low beam out I'm thinking that there is an issue that has to deal with some kind of recall with these lights cause there is no way that they should break that easy or quick so please get back to me and let me know thank you INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).
ENGINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2021-12-01
- VIN: yv1622fs4c2
- Components: ENGINE
- Summary: This in regards to a vehicle I purchased on March 30, 2021. It is a 2012 Volvo S60 T5 VIN #[XXX]. When I purchased the car it had 99,489 miles on the odometer and when the vehicle became an issue it was at 104,409 miles on the odometer. I purchased it on Craigslist from a physician in Maine. On December 1, 2021 my husband was driving the vehicle on the highway and it stalled without warning after almost crashing. He was able to pull over, start the car back up and drive it home. There were no warning alerts or check engine light that came on the dashboard. After browsing the internet, we realized that the car had a recall due to an oil consumption level issue in 2014 (Recall #R29436; National Highway Traffic Safety Administration campaign #13V592000). I contacted Volvo of North America who opened up a case (case #[XXX]) and then had the car towed to Portland Volvo in Scarborough, Maine for an appointment on December 14, 2021. On December 15, 2021 Portland Volvo informed us that the vehicle’s engine was beyond repair. Later that evening I received an email from [XXX] at Volvo of NA stating that they would cover $750 of the repairs. I emailed her back asking her to wait for a quote from Portland Volvo on how much it was going to be to repair the vehicle. On December 16, 2021 I was informed by [XXX] at Portland Volvo that she spoke with the district manager and that a used engine costs between $10-14,000 and that Volvo of North America has decided not to help because the car is now out of warranty but [XXX] from Portland Volvo admitted it was a manufacturer's defect. Not only has the car been seen periodically throughout its lifetime at Volvo dealerships and was seen in July 2021 due to two recalls that needed to be fixed at Volvo in Exeter, NH. They did a multi-point inspection on the car and everything passed and only 3,500 miles had been put on the car since. I have all the paperwork proving all of this. INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).
EXTERIOR LIGHTING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2021-06-10
- VIN: YV1902FH0C2
- Components: EXTERIOR LIGHTING
- Summary: When I purchased the 2012 volvo S60 back in June we started to drive and it said low beam out and later found out that it was the drivers side low beam took it back and they tried a new headlight but didn't work but we found the problem it was the ballast to the hid bulb was bad changed it bam fixed 2 days later the light came back on and said low beam out but this time it was the passenger side took it back and they checked and said that it was the samething the low beam hid ballast so got that they changed it and bam fixed well left there and less than a week later the light comes back in saying low beam out and only its the same side again this time the passenger side, so my question and concern is I can't ve the only one having this issue with my headlights causing me to drive with high beams on which isn't safe so please get back to me with an answer I believe there is something faulty with these S60 r-design hid low beam headlights please help
ENGINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2021-06-30
- VIN: YV1622FS5C2
- Components: ENGINE
- Summary: The contact owns a 2012 Volvo S60. The contact stated while driving 35 mph, the oil pressure warning light was illuminated. The contact pulled over and parked on the side of the road and turned off the vehicle but it was unable to be restarted. The contact stated the vehicle was not drivable. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. A dealer was not contacted. Upon investigation, the contact associated the failure with NHTSA Campaign Number: 13V592000 (Engine and Engine Cooling) however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 133,000.
2012 Volvo S60 recalls
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 8 recalls for different components of the 2012 Volvo S60.
- Manufacturer: Volvo Car USA LLC
- Components: SEAT BELTS:FRONT
- Summary: 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.
- Manufacturer: Volvo Car USA LLC
- Components: LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:DOORS:LATCH
- Summary: 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.
- Manufacturer: Volvo Cars of N.A., LLC
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE
- Summary: 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.
- Manufacturer: VOLVO CARS OF N.A. LLC.
- Components: STRUCTURE:BODY
- Summary: 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 VEHICLES 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.
- Manufacturer: VOLVO CARS OF N.A. LLC.
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING
- Summary: 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.
- Manufacturer: VOLVO CARS OF N.A. LLC.
- Components: EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS
- Summary: 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.
- Manufacturer: VOLVO CARS OF N.A. LLC.
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS
- Summary: 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.
- Manufacturer: VOLVO CARS OF N.A. LLC.
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP
- Summary: 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.
Negative 2012 Volvo S60 car reviews
Positive 2012 Volvo S60 car reviews
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I bought this car used with 40000 miles on it in the fall of 2015 and have had no issues with it. I change the oil every 5000 miles. It's a safe, fun, and sporty car to drive with tight steering. The seats are very comfortable and the backup camera comes in very handy. The doors, trunk, and hood are very solid. I highly recommend this car. Before this, I had a Saab which I enjoyed very much, but this Volvo beats it hands down! On 10/6/2027, my Volvo was unfortunately totaled when it was T-boned on the passenger side by a driver that ran a red light. She was driving an Impala and I never saw it coming. Thanks to the airbags and safety features, I was kept from getting hurt or killed. I also had my seat belt on. Thank you, Volvo!
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I bought this S60 AWD new and I absolutely love the handling and ride. The car has good gas mileage and safety features. However, I have had some issues with the center console sound system. Despite having it replaced once, it still doesn't work properly. The AM reception is also quite poor. Sometimes the entire system, including the phone, just shuts down at random. I have raised these concerns and was informed that the system was replaced for newer models because the '12's thru '14's were problematic. Additionally, the leather seats wore out after just 20K miles.
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In April, I was involved in an accident while returning from Spring Break with my 2006 SAAB 9.3 2.0 turbo. Despite the fact that my car was totaled, I was very lucky to have only sustained minor injuries. I witnessed some major injuries of the two vehicles that crashed before me. After the accident, I went searching for a new vehicle and although I had initially considered getting an SUV or crossover, my heart was set on getting another luxury car like my SAAB. I test drove several cars, but ultimately fell in love with the Volvo S60.
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I test drove a lot of cars, and I mean a LOT of cars. My husband thought I was crazy as this became a weekly thing for me to go out and test drive something. After owning the first-gen Lexus RX for 12 years, I felt like a kid in a candy store with so many cool features to explore. Since I was planning to keep the ute for bad weather and hauling stuff, I finally narrowed down my search to sporty 4-door cars. I almost bought a Volt, then I almost bought a new 3 series. And then I went all the way back to one of the very first cars I tested in January 2011. I wound up with a gorgeous sapphire black S60-T5. It's fantastic! UPDATE: 10 years with my awesome little Swede! I’ve owned my Volvo S60 for 10 years and loved every minute, except for the minutes waiting for a tow truck on the side of I-95 when my tire was ripped up by a hunk of concrete on the road. No spare tire is a bummer. But otherwise, I ADORE this car. When it was tested against other sedans (when it first came out), only the 3 series beat it out, but not by much. I tested a 3 series and found it too small. The S60 has been a perfect size for everything. And the fact that the back seats fold down adds to the flexibility and hauling capacity. NOT ONE ISSUE with this car, ever! There have been a couple of minor recalls, but it’s been solid. It's easy to drive, operate, and has simple straight-forward controls. The fabulous comfortable seats make it a joy to drive, and it’s FUN to drive. I wish they’d re-issue this car. I’d buy another in a heartbeat!
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I've been a happy owner of my Volvo for over a year now. The car handles beautifully and is very well built. However, I have had some issues with the navigation system. It can be unreliable and has led me astray on more than one occasion. As a backup, I've started using my iPhone GPS. Additionally, the process for updating the navigation system is outdated and time-consuming. It took over 6 hours to load the CD update while the car was running. I believe there must be a more efficient way to update the system in this day and age. I hope that Volvo will take note of these issues and make improvements in the future. Despite these concerns, I still love my Volvo and would recommend it to others.
Additional sources
More sources of information about 2012 Volvo S60 problems:
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Oct 28, 2020 ... You may have one of the engines which are known to have premature wear issues on the pistons/rings. The repair would be to replace the short ...
2012 Volvo S60 Reliability - Consumer Reports
What Owners Say. Head gasket. "Volvo was aware of issues with the 2012 S60 T5 engine and excessive oil consumption,issues with oil pressure warnings, PCV issues ...
Other years of Volvo S60
Are you having problems with your 2012 Volvo S60?
Deangelo Adams 2024-09-07
I purchased my 2012 s60 in 2012, but unfortunately, I have had a lot of issues with it. It has been burning oil consistently, even after Volvo replaced the engine in 2014. I have to add about 2 quarts of oil between oil changes. In 2019, the entire a/c compressor had to be replaced after it stopped working. Recently, my car stopped working at an intersection and mechanics are still trying to diagnose the issue. These are just a few of the major problems I have experienced, not to mention the back passenger door that won't lock and other issues. Today, I decided to purchase an Accord while we wait to see if we can get the Volvo working and sold for whatever we may get for it. It's disappointing because we were hoping to get at least 15 years out of the car, but we didn't even make it to 10. Update: Unfortunately, we had to sell the car for scraps and buy a Honda.
Dejon Torphy 2024-04-10
My 2012 Volvo S60, which I bought brand new last year, has been a disappointment. Despite owning it for only a year, I have had to take it to the shop four times for various issues. The Volvo symbol on the front came off, the silver part on the steering wheel peeled off and cut me, the mp3 player connection within the armrest had to be replaced, and I had to replace the windshield wipers after only two weeks of owning the car due to poor visibility in the rain. Although I was initially concerned that there was something wrong with the windshield, the Volvo dealership mechanics assured me that it was the wipers. For a luxury vehicle at this price, I did not expect to have to return to the shop and use my own gas. However, I am confident that these issues can be resolved and that my Volvo S60 will live up to its reputation as a high-quality luxury vehicle.
Alexie Block 2024-02-28
Hi there! I hope you're doing well. I just wanted to share my experience with my Volvo. I've always been a fan of the brand and decided to purchase this vehicle for my daily commute. Unfortunately, I did experience some issues with the engine that required a replacement, which was quite costly. After doing some research, I found that the coils and pistons tend to have issues around 140K miles, which is something to keep in mind if you plan on driving a lot. Just wanted to share my experience and give you a heads up. Take care!
Cullen McGlynn 2024-02-13
I strongly advise against purchasing a used 2012 with 34K miles on it, even if it is still under warranty. In this particular case, the engine is shot and requires piston rings, as it burns through 1.5 times its oil every 1000 miles. Despite my local Volvo dealer's suggestions for unnecessary repairs, it is clear that the engine needs to be fixed.