2012 Volvo S80 recalls and problems

3 recalls and 8 owner complaints on file with NHTSA for the 2012 Volvo S80.

3
recalls
8
owner complaints
1
complaints mentioning a crash
0
mentioning a fire

Recalls apply to specific production ranges. To see whether a particular car still has an open recall, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Repairs for safety recalls are free at authorised dealers.

2012 Volvo S80 recalls

Seat belts: front

NHTSA campaign 20V378000 · reported June 30, 2020 · Volvo Car USA LLC · 308,260 vehicles potentially affected

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

Power train: automatic transmission, control module (tcm/PCM/tecm)

NHTSA campaign 12V317000 · reported July 6, 2012 · VOLVO CARS OF N.A. LLC. · 1,469 vehicles potentially affected

The 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.
The risk
This may result in decreased engine rpms and possible engine stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
The 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.

Electrical system: wiring

NHTSA campaign 12V075000 · reported February 28, 2012 · VOLVO CARS OF N.A. LLC. · 32,552 vehicles potentially affected

The 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.
The 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.
The 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.

Most reported problems

Areas named in owner complaints to NHTSA. One complaint can name several areas.

What owners report

Recent complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. These are unverified accounts from owners, not findings.

Dec 18, 2024 · Air bags · crash reported

See attached document for complaint.

Mar 25, 2024 · Steering

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…

Mar 2, 2020 · Unknown or other · 1 miles

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…

Mar 11, 2019 · Wheels · 138,000 miles

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…

Dec 29, 2017 · Structure · 65,000 miles

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…

S80 model years compared

YearRecallsComplaintsCrashesFires
2009 51600
2010 52710
2011 4511
2012 3810
2013 3800
2014 1100
2015 2710

Across all years, the 2000 S80 has the most complaints (318). All Volvo S80 years →

Questions

Does the 2012 Volvo S80 have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 3 recalls for the 2012 Volvo S80, the most recent reported on June 30, 2020 (Seat belts: front). Check a specific car by its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common problems with the 2012 Volvo S80?
Owners have filed 8 complaints with NHTSA. The most frequently reported area is unknown or other (2 complaints), followed by air bags (1).
How many 2012 Volvo S80 complaints mention a crash or fire?
1 of 8 complaints report a crash and 0 a fire; 1 injuries were reported in total. Complaints are unverified reports from owners.

Source: NHTSA recall and complaint data, updated October 27, 2026. Latest complaint received December 18, 2024.