2012 Volvo S80 recalls and problems

The 2012 Volvo S80 has 3 safety recalls and 8 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any Volvo dealer.

Recalls
3
Complaints
8
Crashes / fires
1 / 0
Injuries / deaths
1 / 0

Recalls may cover only some 2012 Volvo S80 vehicles. Check your VIN at NHTSA ↗ to see open recalls for your exact car.

2012 Volvo S80 recalls

Recall 20V-378: Seat Belts

Reported Jun 30, 2020 · 308,260 vehicles affected · Volvo Car USA LLC

Problem: 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.

Recall 12V-317: Power Train

Reported Jul 6, 2012 · 1,469 vehicles affected · VOLVO CARS OF N.A. LLC.

Problem: 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.

Fix: 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.

Recall 12V-075: Electrical System

Reported Feb 28, 2012 · 32,552 vehicles affected · VOLVO CARS OF N.A. LLC.

Problem: 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.

2012 Volvo S80 problems reported by owners

Problem areaReports
Unknown or Other2
Tires1
Power Train1
Suspension1
Structure1
Wheels1
Steering1
Air Bags1
Vehicle Speed Control1
Seats1

Most reported parts

  • Tires › Pressure Monitoring and Regulating Systems — 1
  • Structure › Body — 1

Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 56,763 miles (median of owner reports).

Problems that are not covered by a recall are paid repairs; labor rates follow local mechanic pay — see what auto mechanics earn in each state.

Recent 2012 Volvo S80 complaints

Owner reports filed with NHTSA, as written (personal details removed). Complaints are not verified by NHTSA.

Steering · reported Mar 25, 2024
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…
Unknown or Other · at 1 miles · reported Mar 2, 2020
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 .
Structure · at 65,000 miles · reported Dec 29, 2017
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.
Suspension · at 56,763 miles · reported Sep 7, 2016
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.
Power Train · at 45,800 miles · reported Mar 8, 2016
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.

Other Volvo S80 years

Compare all Volvo S80 years · All Volvo models

Frequently asked questions

Does the 2012 Volvo S80 have any recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 3 recalls for the 2012 Volvo S80: 20V-378 (seat belts), 12V-317 (power train), 12V-075 (electrical system). Not every vehicle is affected, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What is the most common problem with the 2012 Volvo S80?

Owners report unknown or other problems most often (2 reports), followed by tires (1). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 56,763 miles.

Are Volvo recall repairs free?

Yes. Safety recall repairs are free at authorized Volvo dealers, whether you are the first owner or bought the car used.