2012 Volvo S80 Problems, Complaints & Recalls

Source: NHTSA · Updated Dec 18, 2024 · 8 owner complaints analyzed

Compared with other S80 years
Not enough data 13th of 18 for complaints
NHTSA crash rating
Not rated

Owners have filed 8 complaints with NHTSA about the 2012 Volvo S80. That ranks 13th out of 18 S80 model years for complaints. The most reported problem area is unknown or other (2 complaints, 25%), typically at around 1 miles. Complaints mention 1 crash, 1 injury. There are 3 safety recalls covering this model year.

Volvo S80
Volvo S80 (TS) Washington DC, USA. Representative photo; appearance varies by model year. Photo: OWS Photography, CC BY 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons.

Complaints are unverified owner reports and are not adjusted for sales volume.

Compare with another car

Most common 2012 Volvo S80 problems

Complaints grouped by the part of the car owners reported, with the median mileage when the problem happened.

Unknown or Other2 · ~1 mi
Air Bags1
Power Train1 · ~45,800 mi
Seats1
Steering1
Structure1 · ~65,000 mi
Suspension1 · ~56,763 mi
Tires1 · ~29,142 mi
Vehicle Speed Control1
Wheels1 · ~138,000 mi
Problem areaComplaintsShareMedian milesOwners mention mostTypical repair cost
Unknown or Other225%1——
Air Bags113%———
Power Train113%45,800——
Seats113%———
Steering113%———
Structure113%65,000——
Suspension113%56,763——
Tires113%29,142——
Vehicle Speed Control113%———
Wheels113%138,000——

One complaint can list several problem areas, so shares can add up to more than 100%.

Complaints by year received

Peak: 2016, with 2 complaints
2013: 1201312016: 2201622017: 1201712019: 1201912020: 1202012024: 220242

n = 8 complaints · Source: NHTSA

2012 Volvo S80 recalls (3)

Tap a recall to see the problem, the risk and the fix.

Seat belts:frontJun 30, 2020 · NHTSA campaign 20V378000 · 308,260 vehicles

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.

Risk: An unsecured occupant has an increased risk of injury in the event of a crash.

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.

Power train:automatic transmission:control module (tcm/pcm/tecm)Jul 6, 2012 · NHTSA campaign 12V317000 · 1,469 vehicles

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.

Risk: This may result in decreased engine rpms and possible engine stall, increasing the risk of a crash.

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.

Electrical system:wiringFeb 28, 2012 · NHTSA campaign 12V075000 · 32,552 vehicles

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.

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.

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.

To see whether a specific car still has an open recall, enter its VIN on NHTSA's official recall lookup. You can also decode a VIN here.

Recent owner reports

Short excerpts of the latest complaints filed with NHTSA, with personal details removed. Full reports can be searched on NHTSA.gov.

See attached document for complaint.

Air Bags · received Dec 18, 2024 · NHTSA complaint 11631489

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…

Steering · received Mar 25, 2024 · NHTSA complaint 11579271

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…

Unknown or Other · received Mar 2, 2020 · NHTSA complaint 11315577

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…

Wheels · received Mar 11, 2019 · NHTSA complaint 11185921

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…

Structure · received Dec 29, 2017 · NHTSA complaint 11057458

Other Volvo S80 years

← 2011 S80 · 2013 S80 →

See all Volvo S80 problems by year, every Volvo model, or the Volvo VIN decoder.

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Frequently asked questions

What are the most common problems with the 2012 Volvo S80?

Owners most often report unknown or other, air bags, power train problems. The top one, unknown or other, accounts for 2 complaints.

Was there a recall on the 2012 Volvo S80?

Yes, 3 safety recalls. Enter your VIN at NHTSA.gov to check whether the repairs were done on your car.

Was the 2012 Volvo S80 a good year?

Complaint data can't fully answer that, because counts aren't adjusted for sales. Compared with other S80 model years, the 2012 has too little data to compare. Always get a pre-purchase inspection and check the VIN for open recalls.