See attached document for complaint.
The worst 2012 Volvo S80 problems
Ranked by number of owner complaints. Mileage and cost come from what owners wrote.
- Acceleration1
- Airbags1
- Body1
- Seats1
- Steering1
Problems by type
Tap a problem to see which part fails, at what mileage and in which other years.
- Acceleration1
- Airbags1
- Body1
- Seats1
- Steering1
- Suspension1
- Tires1
- Transmission1
- Wheels1
Recalls 3
Seat belts: front
- What is wrong
- 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.
Recall number 20V378000 · Recall details
Power train: automatic transmission: control module (TCM/PCM/tecm)
- What is wrong
- 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.
Recall number 12V317000 · Recall details
Electrical system: wiring
- What is wrong
- 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.
Recall number 12V075000 · Recall details
Technical service bulletins for the 2012 Volvo S80 259
Bulletins tell dealers how to fix known problems. A warranty extension means the manufacturer pays for that repair for longer.
- This is a Technical Journal: Text plus 2 PDFs and 1 .PNG Oil Consumption test
- This is a TJ text only
- This is a Technical Journal
- This is a Technical Journal: Remote connection, BOMGAR application
- Volvo Cars USA LLC and Volvo Car Canada LTD on behalf of the Volvo Car Corporation has decided to launch...
- This is a Technical Journal: Vehicle/Connectivity report checklist
- Information about valid Software partnumbers to order and download Software for "PDS" Pre-Delivery Service
- This is a Technical Journal: 12V Battery Testing Method
- Complimentary upgrade C00009 description.
- Rubber cushion
2012 Volvo S80 fuel economy
Official EPA estimates in miles per gallon (MPGe for electric). Ranges cover trims that share the same engine.
| Engine | Drive | City | Highway | Combined |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.2L 6‑cyl | FWD | 20 | 28 | 23 |
| 3.0L 6‑cyl | AWD | 18 | 26 | 21 |
What 2012 Volvo S80 owners say
Most recent owner complaints, unedited.
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 confirmed by the dealer. There is no prior warning when this issue suddenly occurs.
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 .
Tl* the contact owns a 2012 volvo s80. While driving 35 MPH, the contact stated that the wheel studs fractured from the tire. As a result, the vehicle slid onto the road shoulder and the fender was ripped off. There was no crash. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic and then taken to demondtrond volvo (volvo building, 14101 north fwy, houston, tx 77090, (281) 607-0382). The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and did not assist. The failure mileage was 138,000.
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.
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.
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 diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The VIN was not included in the federal safety agency campaign number: 12v317000 (power train). The approximate failure mileage was 45,800.
Tires:pressure monitoring and regulating systems 21 jul 2013 - sunday evening the tire low pressure warning light came on when I parked my car in the garage. I looked at all four tires and found nothing wrong. 22 jul 2013 - monday as safety precaution I took the vehicle in for service and had the sensor checked. The volvo service department stated; they check the pressure in all tires for leaks, proper inflation and the light went out. 23 jul 2013 - tuesday morning on my way to work the light came back on. Again; I looked at all four tires and found nothing wrong.
Compare the 2012 Volvo S80
Other model years
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Questions about the 2012 Volvo S80
Is the 2012 Volvo S80 reliable?
Owners have filed 8 complaints about the 2012 Volvo S80, fewer than a typical S80 model year.
What is the 2012 Volvo S80 year score?
The 2012 Volvo S80 scores 85 out of 100 (good). The score compares it with the other model years of the Volvo S80: 75 is a typical year, 50 means twice the usual complaints, and serious complaints and recalls lower it.
What is the most common problem with the 2012 Volvo S80?
Acceleration and speed control, with 1 complaint. Next is airbags (1).
How many recalls does the 2012 Volvo S80 have?
3 recalls, covering seat belts, power train and electrical system.
What gas mileage does the 2012 Volvo S80 get?
Official estimates for the 2012 Volvo S80 range from 21 to 23 mpg combined. The most efficient version (3.2L 6-cyl, FWD) gets 20 city and 28 highway.
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