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2012 Volvo S80Problems, recalls & complaints

NHTSA has logged 8 owner complaints about the 2012 Volvo S80, most often about the power train. It is covered by 3 safety recalls, and for recall 20V-378 the manufacturer reports only 65% of affected cars repaired.

2012 Volvo S80
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CarFlaw IndexNot enough dataHigher is better (0–100)
Safety recalls3Lowest repair rate 65%Owner complaints82 with a crash, fire or injuryTypical failure mileage46kPower train, median miles

Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through December 18, 2024. Updated daily. Photo: IFCAR, Public domain.

Complaints by system

Where the 2012 Volvo S80 has problems

8 complaints grouped by the system owners reported.

Box size = number of complaints naming that system. Darker = larger share. One complaint can name more than one system.
Complaints by system
SystemComplaintsCrash, fire or injury
Power train10
Seats11
Steering11
Structure10
Suspension10
Tires10
Vehicle speed control11
Air bags11
Wheels10

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Complaints are submitted by the public and are not verified by NHTSA.

3 recalls

2012 Volvo S80 recalls and how many were fixed

Each ring shows the share of affected cars repaired, from the manufacturer’s latest quarterly report to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.

65%repaired · 2022 Q3

Seat belts: front

Recall 20V-378 · Jun 30, 2020 · 308,260 vehicles · 199,654 repaired

Risk. An unsecured occupant has an increased risk of injury in the event of a crash.

Problem, fix and repair progress →

–no report yet

Automatic transmission: control module (tcm/pcm/tecm)

Recall 12V-317 · Jul 6, 2012 · 1,469 vehicles

Risk. THIS MAY RESULT IN DECREASED ENGINE RPMS AND POSSIBLE ENGINE STALL, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Problem, fix and repair progress →

–no report yet

Electrical system: wiring

Recall 12V-075 · Feb 28, 2012 · 32,552 vehicles

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.

Problem, fix and repair progress →

Recalls apply to specific cars. To see whether a recall is still open on yours, enter the 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or with Volvo.

Best & worst years

2012 vs. every other S80 year

Bars show complaints per model year. Colors show the CarFlaw verdict: complaints weighted for crashes, fires and injuries, adjusted for years on the road and compared with the S80 median. How we score

'99'00'01'02'03'04'05'06'07'08'09'10'11'12'13'14'15'16
  • Avoid
  • Caution
  • Solid
  • Best
  • Not rated
NHTSA crash tests

2012 Volvo S80 safety ratings

2012 Volvo S80 4 DR AWD in NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program. Photos are from NHTSA's crash tests.

  • Stability control: Standard
  • Forward collision warning: Optional
  • Lane departure warning: Optional
In owners' words

What S80 owners report

Recent power train complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.

TL* 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…
Complaint 10845524 · Mar 8, 2016 · 45,800 miles

Own a 2012 S80?

Decode your VIN to see the recalls for your exact car, then confirm open recalls with NHTSA.