2012 Volvo S80 Reliability Data: Problems & Recalls
Good The 2012 Volvo S80 has a complaint index of 45, ranking 7th out of 12 model years, and earns a Good verdict. It has 8 complaints and 3 recalls, well below the 2008 and 2010 model years.
Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology
YearToAvoid Scorecard
- Complaint Index
- 45/100
- #7 of 12 S80 years
- Verdict
- Good
- vs. other years of this model
- Complaints
- 8
- unique NHTSA reports
- Recalls
- 3
- distinct NHTSA campaigns
- Crashes
- 1
- reported in complaints
- Fires
- 0
- Injuries
- 1
- Top issue
- Suspension, Wheels & Tires
- NHTSA overall rating
- Not rated
- EPA combined MPG
- 22
- 19 city / 27 hwy
- Injuries / deaths
- 1 / 0
Top 2012 Volvo S80 problems
Share of this year’s NHTSA 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%)
A complaint can list more than one component, so shares add up to more than 100%. Shares are % of complaints.
What owners report
- Rear suspension link arm can fail while driving straight at highway speed, with no prior impact or road hazard involved.
- Tire pressure warning lights have triggered even when all four tires measured normal pressure.
- At around 40 mph, some vehicles jerk violently during acceleration while the tachometer fluctuates.
- Wheel studs have fractured while driving at lower speeds, causing the vehicle to slide and the fender to tear off.
- The passenger door has reportedly opened on its own at highway speed despite the auto-lock feature being engaged.
- Steering wheel trim metal can wear down at the base and develop sharp edges that cut the driver's fingers during turns.
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 owner complaints and recalls, the 2012 S80 has a complaint index of 45 and ranks 7th of 12 model years, earning a Good verdict relative to other S80 years.
- What are the most common problems with the 2012 Volvo S80?
- Suspension, wheels, and tires issues make up 38% of complaints, followed by structure and body issues at 25%. A rear suspension link arm failure and a wheel stud fracture are among the reported problems.
- Does the 2012 Volvo S80 have any recalls?
- NHTSA lists 3 recalls for the 2012 S80: a seat belt anchor cable replacement, a transmission control module software update to fix a downshifting error, and a seat wire harness inspection.
- How does the 2012 S80 compare to other bad years like 2008 or 2010?
- The 2012 S80 has a complaint index of 45, much lower than the 2008 model's index of 100 and the 2010 model's index of 91, both rated Avoid.
- What is the fuel economy of the 2012 Volvo S80?
- The 2012 S80 is EPA-rated at 22 mpg combined (19 city / 27 highway), with an estimated annual fuel cost of $2,950.