YearToAvoid

2012 Volvo S60 Electrical System Problems

NHTSA lists 19 Electrical System complaints for the 2012 Volvo S60, 16% of all complaints that year, with a median mileage at failure of 66,000. A related recall (12V075000) covers a seat wire harness that may not be properly attached.

Electrical System complaints
19
16% of 121
Crashes reported
1
Fires reported
0
Injuries reported
0
Median mileage
66,000 mi
Related recalls
1

Typical electrical symptoms owners report

  • Vehicles stall or lose power unexpectedly while driving, sometimes with loss of steering control.
  • Ignition key can be removed while the engine remains running, or the car fails to shut down or start properly.
  • Infotainment and navigation (Sensus) system randomly loses Bluetooth, audio, or screen function.
  • Keyless entry and door handle sensors fail one by one, reportedly from water intrusion.
  • Low oil level or low oil pressure warnings fail to trigger, with owners discovering low oil only after other symptoms appear.
  • Backup camera flickers or fails in hot outdoor temperatures.

When 2012 Volvo S60 electrical complaints were filed

First complaint Jul 13, 2011, latest Jan 10, 2024.

2012 Volvo S60 electrical system complaints: complaints filed per month1Jul 2011Feb 2014Jun 2016Dec 2018Nov 2020Jan 2022Jan 2024
19 complaints filed with NHTSA from Jul 2011 to Jan 2024; peak Jul 2011 (1).

Electrical System recalls for the 2012 Volvo S60

  1. NHTSA 12V075000Feb 28, 2012Electrical System32,552 vehicles

    Electrical system:wiring

    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.

    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.

Electrical System complaints by S60 model year

Raw complaint counts per model year; newer years have had less time to accumulate complaints.

  1. 20110 (0%)
  2. 201219 (16%)
  3. 20138 (9%)
  4. 20143 (12%)
  5. 20159 (16%)
  6. 20165 (20%)
  7. 20170 (0%)
  8. 20181 (25%)
  9. 20198 (32%)
  10. 20203 (27%)
  11. 20214 (50%)
  12. 20224 (27%)
  13. 20230 (0%)
  14. 20246 (30%)
  15. 20250 (0%)

Frequently asked questions

How many electrical complaints does the 2012 Volvo S60 have?
NHTSA lists 19 Electrical System complaints for the 2012 Volvo S60, which is 16% of all 121 complaints filed for that model year.
Is there a recall for the 2012 Volvo S60 electrical system?
Yes. Recall 12V075000, reported February 28, 2012, covers a seat wire harness under the front seats that may not be properly attached; dealers inspect and secure it if needed.
At what mileage do 2012 S60 electrical problems typically show up?
The median mileage at failure for Electrical System complaints is 66,000 miles.
Did the 2012 S60 electrical issues cause any crashes or fires?
NHTSA records show 1 crash and 0 fires linked to Electrical System complaints for the 2012 S60.

Sources: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation complaint and recall databases; U.S. EPA fuel economy data; NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings. Complaints are unverified owner reports.

Data updated Sep 24, 2026. Read the methodology and data sources. The Complaint Index is based on NHTSA owner complaints and recalls; it is not a reliability rating.