Problems owners report
Complaints filed with NHTSA about the 2012 Volvo S60, by the system named in each complaint. One complaint can name several.
- Engine61
- Electrical system17
- Unknown or other15
- Seat belts9
- Steering8
- Fuel/propulsion system7
- Structure7
- Vehicle speed control6
- Air bags6
- Service brakes5
NHTSA ODI complaints (public domain) · updated 23 Oct 2026 · 13 injuries and 0 deaths reported
Compared with other years
NHTSA ODI complaints by model year
Fatal crashes in the US
From 2020 to 2023, 7 2012 S60 vehicles were involved in crashes on US public roads in which someone died; 3 people died inside them, and 1 of the vehicles rolled over. This is a count, not a crash rate: it grows with the number of cars on the road.
NHTSA Fatality Analysis Reporting System (FARS), crash years 2020–2023 (public domain)
New York safety inspections
At its first New York inspection the 2012 Volvo S60 failed the safety check 1.96% of the time — 22% less often than the average 2012 passenger car (2.52%). Median odometer at inspection: 108,694 miles.
NY DMV Vehicle Inspections (vezn-fmmk), initial inspections since Aug 2021 · how we count
Registered new in Europe in 2012
14,252 new Volvo S60 cars were registered in the EU, Norway and Iceland in 2012; the largest markets were the United Kingdom (2,532), Sweden (1,841), Germany (1,707).
- Average mass
- 1,624 kg
- Average power
- 126 kW
- Fuel type recorded
- Diesel 84% · Petrol 16% · E85 ethanol 0.7%
European Environment Agency, CO₂ emissions from new passenger cars · averages weighted by registrations; CO₂ is the type-approval value; fuel type as recorded at registration, where many non-plug-in hybrids appear as petrol · re-use permitted with acknowledgement
Engines
The most common engines in 2012 Volvo S60 cars on Dutch roads are the 1.6 petrol (110 kW, 148 hp), 1.6 diesel (84 kW, 113 hp) and 2.0 diesel (120 kW, 161 hp), out of 5 versions with at least 20 cars.
| Engine | Power | Cars |
|---|---|---|
| 1.6 petrol | 110 kW 148 hp | 273 |
| 1.6 diesel | 84 kW 113 hp | 130 |
| 2.0 diesel | 120 kW 161 hp | 102 |
| 1.6 petrol | 132 kW 177 hp | 75 |
| 2.4 diesel | 158 kW 212 hp | 20 |
RDW Open Data (CC0): registered passenger cars and their fuel data · engine size rounded to 0.1 litre, net maximum power · versions with at least 20 cars
In the Netherlands
659 first registered in 2012 are on Dutch roads; 18% arrived later as imports. Median list price when new: €39,899.
Most common APK defects
- Bandenspanning niet op juiste waarde284
- Band onvoldoende profiel242
- Band(en) aanwezig met een profieldiepte van 1,6 t/m 2,5 mm110
- Dimlicht onjuist afgesteld108
- Kentekenplaatverlichting werkt niet (goed) / ontbreekt98
- Overmatige vloeistoflekkage overige vloeistoffen85
- Mechanische delen van het remsysteem vertonen slijtage82
- Band beschadigd71
Colours
RDW Open Data: registered vehicles and APK defects (CC0) · defect descriptions in the RDW's Dutch wording
In the United Kingdom
1,643 cars built in 2012 were licensed for the road at the end of 2025, and 121 more were declared off the road (SORN).
Department for Transport and DVLA, vehicle licensing statistics (table VEH0124, year of manufacture) · Open Government Licence v3.0
MOT test results in Great Britain
In 2023, 1,836 of these cars first registered in 2012 took their annual MOT test. 69% passed first time; among all cars first registered in 2012 the figure was 66%.
| Failed on | These cars | All cars from 2012 |
|---|---|---|
| Suspension | 10.1% | 12.2% |
| Lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment | 8.4% | 14.3% |
| Tyres | 8.4% | 7.0% |
| Brakes | 6.9% | 7.7% |
| Visibility | 5.2% | 5.0% |
| Steering | 4.8% | 2.3% |
DVSA anonymised MOT tests and results, 2023 (Department for Transport) · Open Government Licence v3.0 · first tests only; a fix made at the test station within the hour still counts as a fail
In Finland
660 of these cars first registered in 2012 were in use in Finland on 30 Jun 2026, with an average of 239,000 km on the odometer at their last inspection.
Traficom (Finnish Transport and Communications Agency), open data on vehicles in use · CC BY 4.0
In New Zealand
193 2012 cars are on the New Zealand register; 85% arrived as used imports, 13% were sold new in New Zealand.
NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi, Motor Vehicle Register (March 2026) · CC BY 4.0
Crash-test ratings
NHTSA 5-star results for 2 variants; 2 of 2 rated variants score five stars overall. Rollover risk is the estimated chance of rolling over in a single-vehicle crash.
| Variant | Overall | Rollover risk |
|---|---|---|
| 2012 Volvo S60 4 DR AWD | ★★★★★ | 10.0 % |
| 2012 Volvo S60 4 DR FWD | ★★★★★ | 10.0 % |
- Electronic stability control
- Standard
- Forward collision warning
- Optional
- Lane departure warning
- Optional
- Best overall rating
- 5 / 5
NHTSA New Car Assessment Program (5-Star Safety Ratings), api.nhtsa.gov · US federal work, public domain
Fuel consumption
Official Canadian test results for 2 variants: combined 10.1–11.1 L/100 km (about 21–23 mpg US), CO₂ 232–255 g/km.
| Variant | City | Highway | Combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| S60 T5 · Compact · Regular gasoline | 11.9 | 7.9 | 10.1 |
| S60 T6 AWD · Compact · Regular gasoline | 12.8 | 9.1 | 11.1 |
Litres per 100 km. Natural Resources Canada, Fuel consumption ratings (open.canada.ca) · Open Government Licence – Canada
Recalls in Canada
7 Transport Canada recalls for the 2012 Volvo S60.
| 2020298 30 Jun 2020 | Seats And Restraints Issue: On certain vehicles, the flexible steel cable that attaches the seat belt to the outside of the front seats may weaken over time. As a result, the seat… |
| 2013419 26 Nov 2013 | Lights And Instruments Certain vehicles may not comply with the requirements of Canada Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 101 - Controls and Displays. The oil pressure sensor is not activa… |
| 2012101 14 Mar 2012 | Fuel System On certain vehicles, the underbody coating may have been incorrectly formulated and excessively applied during the vehicle assembly process. This can result in… |
| 2012082 28 Feb 2012 | Airbag On certain vehicles, the wire harness under the driver and/or passenger seat may not have been properly affixed to the seat frame during vehicle assembly. As s… |
| 2011388 4 Nov 2011 | Label On certain vehicles equipped with a dealer-installed optional accessory spare tire and wheel kit, the Tire and Loading Information label may not contain correct… |
| 2011218 6 Jun 2011 | Fuel System On certain vehicles, a fuel line quick connector may have been incorrectly manufactured and could fail. Should the connector detach, it could cause engine stal… |
| 2011211 31 May 2011 | Fuel System On certain vehicles, the fuel system software may not be compatible with the fuel pump assembly. Insufficient fuel transfer could cause engine hesitation or st… |
Transport Canada Vehicle Recalls Database · Contains information licensed under the Open Government Licence – Canada
Recalls
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.
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.
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.
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 VEHICLES UNDERCARRIAGE.
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.
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 OPTIONAL ACCESSORY SPARE TIRE AND WHEEL KIT.
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.
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.
Whether a recall was fixed on a particular car is known only to the manufacturer: check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
NHTSA recalls · summaries in NHTSA's own words
Service bulletins
What Volvo told its dealers about the 2012 Volvo S60: known faults, fixes and updates.
| Bulletin | Summary |
|---|---|
| 11007925 | Information about valid Software partnumbers to order and download Software for "PDS" Pre-Delivery Service |
| 10249191 | This is a Technical Journal: 12V Battery Testing Method |
| 10241661 | COMPLIMENTARY UPGRADE C00009 DESCRIPTION. |
| 10241651 | Rubber cushion |
| 10234826 | Left front LED flickers after turning car off |
| 10234736 | Sensus screen freezes/system locks up |
| 10234735 | Front brake pads, early or uneven wear on right side on 16" and 16.5" brakes |
| 10234685 | Wind deflector net clogged |
| 10234675 | SiriusXM Tuner Replacement Process |
| 10234674 | Engine oil specification upgrade |
| 10234655 | Volvo Car USA LLC and Volvo Car Canada Limited (Volvo) on behalf of Volvo Car Corporation, has decided to launch Service Campaign S29650 for model year 2012 S60 vehicles with engine code 62. Volvo has identified that upgrading the oil specification to ACEA A5/B5 Full Synthetic will help reduce carbon build up in the engine, and better align with the oil specification used in newer Volvo?s. |
| 10234642 | Volvo Car USA LLC and Volvo Car Canada Limited (Volvo) on behalf of Volvo Car Corporation, has decided to launch Service Campaign S29650 for model year 2012 S60 vehicles with engine code 62. Volvo has identified that upgrading the oil specification to ACEA A5/B5 Full Synthetic will help reduce carbon build up in the engine, and better align with the oil specification used in newer Volvo?s. |
| 10224584 | Expendable Items Parts List. |
| 10219421 | Engine Control Module (EMS) Software (MSW) Information August 2022; Improvement List (Change Log) - US21+OBD22 (13L VGT, TC) And US17+OBD22 (11L) Emissions |
| 10219302 | Part information for AMT input shaft repair kits and the shim kit that is required for repair. |
| 10213887 | Center wheel caps, removal instruction |
| 10213885 | The Deutronic DBL-1200 is an advanced battery maintainer/charger with the flexibility to be updated as products and repair methods evolve. |
| 10213883 | ICUP/Google Built-In Diagnostic Operations |
| 10213882 | Battery Charger/maintainer requirement |
| 10212892 | Shipping and Handling of Volvo Lithium-ion 48V Mild Hybrid Battery to Global Battery Solutions (GBS) |
| 10212891 | VIDA QR Scanner Mobile App |
| 10205687 | Service Campaign S29650: Engine Oil Specification Upgrade. |
| 10205655 | Washer system layout for identifying leakeage points |
| 10205636 | Serive Campaign |
| 10205634 | Engine oil specification upgrade |
NHTSA manufacturer communications (public domain)