2012 Volvo S80: problems, recalls and reliability
3 recalls and 8 owner complaints on record; most reports concern tires; the 2011 model year looks more trouble-free.
Data updated weekly · latest recall Jun 2020
All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.
Common problems
Computed from 8 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“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.”Owner report · Steering · Mar 2024
“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 .”Owner report · Unknown Or Other · Feb 2020
“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.”Owner report · Wheels · Mar 2019
Show 4 more owner reports
“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.”Owner report · Structure · Dec 2017
“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.”Owner report · Suspension · Aug 2016
“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.”Owner report · Power Train · Mar 2016
“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”Owner report · Tires · Jul 2013
When filing, owners marked a crash in 1 of these complaints and injuries in 1 - self-reported to NHTSA, not verified accident statistics.
Recalls - 3 campaigns
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.
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.
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.
Remedy: 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.
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.
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.
Specifications
Factory options offered for the 2012 model year, decoded from the NHTSA vPIC database. Individual vehicles have one of each.
How other years compare
Check your exact S80 by VIN
Recalls and equipment differ between individual vehicles. Decode your VIN to see what applies to yours.
Open VIN decoderFrequently asked questions
Is the 2012 Volvo S80 reliable?
NHTSA has 8 owner complaints and 3 recall campaigns on record for the 2012 Volvo S80. The most complained-about area is tires.
Does the 2012 Volvo S80 have open recalls?
3 recall campaigns have been issued, the latest concerning seat belts:front. Check your specific vehicle by VIN - recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
Source: NHTSA recall campaigns and owner complaints (public domain). Counts reflect reports on file and are not a defect rate.