2012 Volvo S80 Problems, Recalls & Reliability
Verdict
CautionComplaint Index
50/100
#4 most-complained of 7 S80 years
The 2012 Volvo S80 has a Complaint Index of 50, ranking 4th worst of 7 model years, with a Caution verdict. It logged 8 complaints, 3 recalls, and a top problem area of Suspension, Wheels & Tires (38% of complaints).
- Complaints
- 8
- Recalls
- 3
- Crashes / fires
- 1 / 0
- Injuries / deaths
- 1 / 0
- NHTSA overall rating
- Not rated
- EPA combined MPG
- 22
- 19 city / 27 hwy
Top 2012 Volvo S80 problems
NHTSA owner complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.
- Suspension, Wheels & Tires3 (38%)
- Other2 (25%)
- Structure & Body2 (25%)
- Airbags1 (13%)
- Engine1 (13%)
- Steering1 (13%)
- Transmission & Powertrain1 (13%)
What owners report
- Tire pressure warning lights activate without any detectable loss of pressure in the tires.
- Drivers report the vehicle jerking violently during acceleration near 40 mph, accompanied by tachometer fluctuation.
- A rear suspension link arm has failed while driving straight at highway speed with no prior impact or debris strike, with median failure mileage of 56,763.
- Passenger doors have opened on their own at highway speeds despite the automatic door-lock feature being engaged.
- Wheel studs have fractured while driving at lower speeds, causing the vehicle to slide and the fender to tear off.
- Steering wheel trim metal has worn down at the base and developed sharp edges that can cut fingers during normal turning.
2012 Volvo S80 recalls
3 NHTSA recall campaigns list this model year.
- NHTSA 20V378000Jun 30, 2020Seat Belts308,260 vehicles
Seat belts:front
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.
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 12V317000Jul 6, 2012Transmission & Powertrain1,469 vehicles
Power train:automatic transmission:control module (TCM/PCM/tecm)
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.
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.
- 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.
2012 Volvo S80 fuel economy and fuel cost
- City
- 19 MPG
- Highway
- 27 MPG
- Combined
- 22 MPG
- Annual fuel cost (EPA)
- $2,950
- 15,000 mi/yr
- Fuel
- Regular
- Current regular gas
- $4.32/gal
- national avg.
EPA figures; median across configurations of this model year. Estimate your own cost with the fuel cost calculator.
2012 compared with other S80 years
Frequently asked questions
- Is the 2012 Volvo S80 reliable?
- Based on NHTSA complaints and recalls, the 2012 S80 carries a Complaint Index of 50 and a Caution verdict, ranking 4th worst among the 7 model years with available data.
- What are the main problems with the 2012 Volvo S80?
- NHTSA data shows Suspension, Wheels & Tires issues make up 38% of complaints, followed by Structure & Body problems at 25%, including a reported case of a passenger door opening at highway speed.
- Does the 2012 Volvo S80 have any recalls?
- NHTSA lists 3 recalls for the 2012 S80, covering seat belt anchor cables, a transmission software error preventing proper downshifting, and an improperly secured seat wire harness.
- How does the 2012 S80 compare to other Volvo S80 years?
- The 2012 model's Complaint Index of 50 is better than the 2010 (100, Avoid) and 2013 (83, Avoid) model years, but worse than the 2015 (33, Good) and 2016 (17, Best) model years.
- What mileage do 2012 S80 problems typically show up at?
- NHTSA complaint data shows a median mileage at failure of 51,281.5 miles for the 2012 S80, with suspension issues reported at a median of 56,763 miles.