🚗 AutoDefect IQ

2012 Volvo S60 problems, complaints & recalls

Most-reported problem areas: Engine (47) · Steering (8) · Seat Belts (7)

🧭 Reliability snapshot

53 /100
⚠ Known trouble spots — research carefully

Compared against other Volvo S60 model years — complaint volume vs the model's median year, recalls and severity. How we score →

🛣️ Complaints by mileage

<25k miles: 12 complaints <25k 25–50k miles: 12 complaints 25–50k 50–75k miles: 14 complaints 50–75k 75–100k miles: 20 complaints 20 75–100k 100–125k miles: 11 complaints 100–125k 125–150k miles: 8 complaints 125–150k 150k+ miles: 5 complaints 150k+

82 NHTSA complaints that reported an odometer reading.

121
Complaints
8
Recalls
268
Service bulletins
8
Crashes reported
0
Fires reported
0
Deaths

Safety recalls (8)

Seat Belts:front 2020-06-30 · campaign 20V378000 · 308,260 vehicles

Defect: 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.

Latches/Locks/Linkages:doors:latch 2019-11-26 · campaign 19V849000 · 144,937 vehicles

Defect: Volvo Car of USA LLC (Volvo) is recalling certain 2011-2017 S60, S60I, V60, S60CC and V60CC vehicles. A component within the door latches may break, making the doors difficult to latch and/or leading the driver or a passenger to believe a door is securely closed when, in fact, it is not.

Risk: A door that is not securely latched could open while the vehicle is in motion, increasing the risk of injury to a vehicle occupant.

Fix: Volvo will notify owners, and dealers will replace all four door latches, free of charge. The recall began April 9, 2020. Owners may contact Volvo customer service at 1-800-458-1552. Volvo's number for this recall is R89978.

Engine And Engine Cooling:engine 2013-11-22 · campaign 13V592000 · 30,929 vehicles

Defect: Volvo Cars of North America, LLC (Volvo) is recalling certain model year 2011-2012 S60 vehicles manufactured June 22, 2010, through May 14, 2012, and equipped with 5-cylinder B5254T5 (VIN code 62) engines. In the affected vehicles, the vehicle may not alert the driver of a low oil pressure situation.

Risk: Without being warned of a low oil pressure situation, the driver may continue to drive the vehicle until it stalls, which increases the risk of a crash.

Fix: Volvo will notify owners, and dealers will update the vehicle's software so that the driver is alerted should there be a low oil pressure situation, free of charge. The recall began on January 10, 2014. Owners may contact Volvo at 1-800-458-1552. Volvo's number for this campaign is R29436.

Structure:body 2012-03-14 · campaign 12V101000 · 2,742 vehicles

Defect: VOLVO IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2012 S60 AND XC60 PASSENGER VEHICLES. AN INCORRECT MIXTURE OF UNDERBODY COATING AND OVER-APPLICATION CAN RESULT IN RIGID, ICICLE-LIKE AREAS HANGING FROM VEHICLE’S UNDERCARRIAGE.

Risk: IF THIS CONDITION EXISTS, THE UNDERBODY COATING MAY PENETRATE THE FUELS LINES AND CAUSE FUEL LEAKAGE, INCREASING THE RISK OF A FIRE.

Fix: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE VEHICLE UNDERCARRIAGE, AND IF EXCESSIVE UNDERBODY COATING IS FOUND IN THE FUEL LINE AREA, IT WILL BE REMOVED. IF THE INSPECTION REVEALS THAT THE FUEL LINES ARE DAMAGED, THEY WILL BE REPLACED. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON APRIL 25, 2012. OWNERS MAY CONTACT VOLVO CUSTOMER CARE CENTER AT 1-800-458-1552.

Electrical System:wiring 2012-02-28 · campaign 12V075000 · 32,552 vehicles

Defect: 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.

Equipment:other:labels 2011-10-18 · campaign 11V508000 · 20,611 vehicles

Defect: VOLVO IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2006-2012 C70 VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM NOVEMBER 15, 2005, THROUGH JULY 31, 2011, AND MODEL YEAR 2011-2012 S60 VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM JULY 14, 2010, THROUGH APRIL 16, 2011, THAT WERE EQUIPPED WITH OPTIONAL ACCESSORY SPARE TIRE KIT. THESE VEHICLES FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NUMBER. 110, "TIRE SELECTION AND RIMS." THESE VEHICLES DO NOT CONTAIN THE CORRECT INFORMATION FOR VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH THE OPTIO

Risk: A MISPRINTED LABEL COULD LEAD TO IMPROPER TIRE INFLATION WHICH COULD RESULT IN A TIRE FAILURE, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Fix: VOLVO WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE VEHICLE AND INSTALL THE LABEL AS NECESSARY, FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON FEBRUARY 23, 2012. OWNERS MAY CONTACT VOLVO AT 1-201-768-7300.

Fuel System, Gasoline:delivery:hoses, Lines/Piping, And Fittings 2011-06-06 · campaign 11V311000 · 448 vehicles

Defect: VOLVO IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2012 S60 PASSENGER CARS MANUFACTURED FROM JANUARY 18, 2011, THROUGH JANUARY 28, 2011. THE MALE PART OF THE FUEL LINE QUICK CONNECTOR END SHAPE WAS PRODUCED WITH DIMENSIONS OUT OF SPECIFICATION, LEADING TO EXCESSIVE ASSEMBLY FORCE ON THE FEMALE CONNECTOR ASSEMBLY AND THE POSSIBILITY THAT THE LOCKING FUNCTION MAY NOT BE ENGAGED.

Risk: IF A VEHICLE EXHIBITS THIS CONDITION, THE FUEL LINE QUICK CONNECTOR MAY DETACH AND THE ENGINE MAY STALL, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH. THE CUSTOMER MAY ALSO NOTICE A FUEL SMELL AND LEAKAGE. A FUEL LEAK IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE COULD RESULT IN A FIRE.

Fix: VOLVO DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE FUEL LINES FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON JUNE 24, 2011. OWNERS MAY CONTACT VOLVO AT 1-201-768-7300.

Fuel System, Gasoline:delivery:fuel Pump 2011-06-01 · campaign 11V303000 · 8,179 vehicles

Defect: VOLVO IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2012 S60 PASSENGER CARS MANUFACTURED FROM NOVEMBER 18, 2010, THROUGH MAY 5, 2011. THE SOFTWARE FOR THE FUEL PUMP UNITS MAY NOT BE COMPATIBLE WITH ALL FUEL PUMPS AND COMPONENTS RESULTING IN INSUFFICIENT FUEL TRANSFER IN THE PUMP UNIT.

Risk: UNDER CERTAIN DRIVING CONDITIONS, THERE MAY BE ENGINE HESITATION AND POSSIBLE ENGINE STALL EVEN THOUGH THE FUEL GAUGE INDICATES UP TO 1/4 OF THE FUEL IS LEFT IN THE TANK. THIS CONDITION INCREASES THE RISK OF A VEHICLE CRASH.

Fix: VOLVO WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND DEALERS WILL UPGRADE THE ENGINE CONTROL MODULE SOFTWARE, FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 1, 2011. OWNERS MAY CONTACT VOLVO AT 1-201-768-7300.

Service bulletins (268)

Technical service bulletins are repair instructions manufacturers send dealers for known issues. Unlike recalls, the fix is not automatically free — but naming the bulletin at the service desk can save diagnosis time and support goodwill repairs.

Engine 2026-04-23 · 35526.1.8 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions

this is a technical journal: text plus 2 pdfs and 1 .png oil consumption test. perform the test. follow service procedure&#13; description and service sections updated to clarify that vehicle reports are not required.&#13;

Unknown Or Other 2026-04-07 · 37809.1.1 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions

this is a tj text only - the purpose of this tj is to be a master reference list to easily identify any components that are on prior approval. this tj will be regularily updated as items are added or removed from prior approval.&#13; current items under prior approval are listed in the "service" sec

Unknown Or Other 2025-12-06 · 19245 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions

this is a technical journal. vehicle type and platform identification.

Exterior Lighting 2025-04-10 · 8501 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions

this is a technical journal: remote connection, bomgar application. before joining a remote session:&#13; •connect a suitable battery maintainer/charger and verify that the battery voltage indicated in vida is between 12.5v and 14.9v.&#13; •connect to the vehicle over a wired connection using a voe

Unknown Or Other 2025-02-21 · S10303 · Service Campaign

volvo cars usa llc and volvo car canada ltd on behalf of the volvo car corporation has decided to launch service action s10303 on certain model year 2025 ex90 vehicles.&#13; volvo car investigations have identified that there is a pairing issue with the key fob.&#13; as a result, there is a possibil

Unknown Or Other 2025-02-13 · S10303 · Service Campaign

volvo cars usa llc and volvo car canada ltd on behalf of the volvo car corporation has decided to launch service action s10303 on certain model year 2025 ex90 vehicles.&#13; volvo car investigations have identified that there is a pairing issue with the key fob.&#13; as a result, there is a possibil

Showing the 6 most recent of 268 bulletins. Search all of them free at nhtsa.gov.

What owners report

2026-06-23 · Vehicle Speed Control · 💥 crash

“brakes , and vacuum booster, speed control i experienced a sudden acceleration phenomenon and reached speeds of 100+ mph i manipulated the brakes and the gas in order to safe my life i eventually got my speeds down but it was too late i was ejected from the vehicle and nearly died my brakes scrubbed and i pressed my brakes as hard as i could and m…”

2026-06-07 · Unknown Or Other

“the driver's side seat airbag system failed. specifically, diagnostic trouble code srs-b002011 was retrieved, indicating a circuit short to ground in the left side airbag deployment control system. the technician found a broken clip on the airbag connector housing, causing an intermittent connection failure between the connector and the seat airbag…”

2026-04-22 · Engine

“i experienced an engine issue that i believe is related to excessive oil consumption and the lack of an oil pressure light warning. the car was driven out of town when a noise was heard coming from the engine. a visual inspection of the engine revealed smoke coming from the engine department when the oil cap was removed. the dipstick was checked an…”

2025-02-22 · Engine

“engine has failed and is unrepairable. the car has been maintained well according to the manufacturer’s guidelines with regular oil changes. it has only 94,875 miles. the mechanic said that there is probably a piston gasket failure leading to oil leak into the engine. this appears to have been reported with this year/model vehicles. i would like vo…”

2024-08-14 · Back Over Prevention: Warnings

“at temperatures around 90* and higher the rear camera flickers and is unusable. this happens without any warning and when vehicle attempting to reverse. …”

2024-07-07 · Engine

“discovered that my engine is burning oil. there was no warning from my vehicle or from volvo (during regular maintenance) that this was happening. it was just sudden that the check engine light went on and i checked the oil and found that it was basically empty. volvo confirmed that the engine is burning oil and that this model and make was discove…”

2024-05-21 · Engine · 80,000 mi

“the contact owns a 2012 volvo s60. the contact stated that upon starting the vehicle, an unknown belt fractured, and the vehicle failed to start. there were no warning lights illuminated. the contact called the local dealer, who informed the contact about diagnostic testing, but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. the manufacturer was contac…”

2024-02-28 · Visibility:windshield

“while driving or parked water is dripping down my window shield. this obstructs my view and distracts me from driving. it further distracts my driving if i have to wipe away the water which usually leads to smearing which causes further obstruction to my field of vision. …”

2024-02-21 · Visibility:windshield

“original windshield never replaced unglueing to the point where you can push the glass and have it move and minor seepage of water …”

2024-02-07 · Engine And Engine Cooling · 137,000 mi

“the contact owns a 2012 volvo s60. the contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, she smelled a burning odor in the interior of the vehicle, after which the vehicle inadvertently lost motive power. the contact was able to coast to the shoulder of the roadway, where the vehicle failed to restart. after a visual inspection of the engi…”

Excerpts of consumer complaints filed with NHTSA, lightly truncated. They are owner statements, not verified findings.

Other Volvo S60 years