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2012 Volvo S60 problems, recalls and owner complaints
What the 2012 Volvo S60 has been recalled for, how often it fails the UK MOT and what owners report, from official government data. Updated November 2, 2026.
- 8safety recalls
- 121owner complaints
- 8crash reports
- 0fire reports
- 31%fail the UK MOT
The most complained-about Volvo S60 year on file: 121 complaints, against an average of 25 for the other 12 model years.
Every Volvo S60 model year with its number of owner complaints. Pick a year to compare.
What goes wrong with the 2012 Volvo S60?
The components named most often in the 121 owner complaints. One complaint can name several, so the shares can add up to more than 100%.
What symptoms do 2012 Volvo S60 owners describe?
Found by reading the text of all 121 owner complaints. Tap a symptom for the answer, a real owner quote and any related recall.
- Why is my 2012 Volvo S60 burning or losing oil?28 owners · 23.1%
- Why does my 2012 Volvo S60 stall, lose power or shut off while driving?20 owners · 16.5%
- Has the 2012 Volvo S60 had engine failures?17 owners · 14%
- Why is the check engine light on in my 2012 Volvo S60?12 owners · 9.9%
- Why does my 2012 Volvo S60 smell of burning or smoke?7 owners · 5.8%
- Why won't my 2012 Volvo S60 start?4 owners · 3.3%
- Why is the airbag light on in my 2012 Volvo S60?4 owners · 3.3%
Fault codes 2012 Volvo S60 owners mention
Diagnostic trouble codes owners wrote in their complaints. Open a code to see what it meant on other cars and whether a recall names it.
Has the 2012 Volvo S60 been recalled?
8 U.S. safety recalls. Repairs are free at a franchised dealer; some are done over the air.
Seat Belts: Front 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.
Latches/Locks/Linkages: Doors: Latch 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.
Risk: A door that is not securely latched could open while the vehicle is in motion, increasing the risk of injury to a vehicle occupant.
Fix: Volvo will notify owners, and dealers will replace all four door latches, free of charge. The recall began April 9, 2020. Owners may contact Volvo customer service at 1-800-458-1552. Volvo's number for this recall is R89978.
Engine And Engine Cooling: Engine 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.
Risk: Without being warned of a low oil pressure situation, the driver may continue to drive the vehicle until it stalls, which increases the risk of a crash.
Fix: Volvo will notify owners, and dealers will update the vehicle's software so that the driver is alerted should there be a low oil pressure situation, free of charge. The recall began on January 10, 2014. Owners may contact Volvo at 1-800-458-1552. Volvo's number for this campaign is R29436.
Structure: Body 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 VEHICLE S UNDERCARRIAGE.
Risk: IF THIS CONDITION EXISTS, THE UNDERBODY COATING MAY PENETRATE THE FUELS LINES AND CAUSE FUEL LEAKAGE, INCREASING THE RISK OF A FIRE.
Fix: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE VEHICLE UNDERCARRIAGE, AND IF EXCESSIVE UNDERBODY COATING IS FOUND IN THE FUEL LINE AREA, IT WILL BE REMOVED. IF THE INSPECTION REVEALS THAT THE FUEL LINES ARE DAMAGED, THEY WILL BE REPLACED. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON APRIL 25, 2012. OWNERS MAY CONTACT VOLVO CUSTOMER CARE CENTER AT 1-800-458-1552.
Electrical System: Wiring 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.
Equipment: Other: Labels 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.
Risk: A MISPRINTED LABEL COULD LEAD TO IMPROPER TIRE INFLATION WHICH COULD RESULT IN A TIRE FAILURE, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
Fix: VOLVO WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE VEHICLE AND INSTALL THE LABEL AS NECESSARY, FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON FEBRUARY 23, 2012. OWNERS MAY CONTACT VOLVO AT 1-201-768-7300.
Fuel System, Gasoline: Delivery: Hoses, Lines/Piping, And Fittings 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.
Risk: IF A VEHICLE EXHIBITS THIS CONDITION, THE FUEL LINE QUICK CONNECTOR MAY DETACH AND THE ENGINE MAY STALL, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH. THE CUSTOMER MAY ALSO NOTICE A FUEL SMELL AND LEAKAGE. A FUEL LEAK IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE COULD RESULT IN A FIRE.
Fix: VOLVO DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE FUEL LINES FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON JUNE 24, 2011. OWNERS MAY CONTACT VOLVO AT 1-201-768-7300.
Fuel System, Gasoline: Delivery: Fuel Pump 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.
Risk: UNDER CERTAIN DRIVING CONDITIONS, THERE MAY BE ENGINE HESITATION AND POSSIBLE ENGINE STALL EVEN THOUGH THE FUEL GAUGE INDICATES UP TO 1/4 OF THE FUEL IS LEFT IN THE TANK. THIS CONDITION INCREASES THE RISK OF A VEHICLE CRASH.
Fix: VOLVO WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND DEALERS WILL UPGRADE THE ENGINE CONTROL MODULE SOFTWARE, FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 1, 2011. OWNERS MAY CONTACT VOLVO AT 1-201-768-7300.
Is the 2012 Volvo S60 recalled in the UK or Europe?
Recalls issued by the UK's DVSA and through the EU's Safety Gate system that cover this model and build period. European models can differ from U.S. ones, and "years estimated" means the recall gave no build dates, so confirm your own car with your registration or VIN.
UK DVSAThere is a risk for trapped air to be in the cooling system
Risk: There is a risk for trapped air to be in the cooling system which may result in insufficient cooling of engine components.
Fix: Add an extra degassing line (Bleeder Hose) between the cooling system radiator and the cooling system expansion tank which will evacuate the trapped air.
UK DVSAPotential breakage/fatigue of a flexible steel cable supporting the front seatbelt anchor point
Risk: Potential breakage/fatigue of a flexible steel cable supporting the front seatbelt anchor point.
Fix: Replace the seat belt fastener with a new designed seat belt fastening.
UK DVSAThe engine's plastic inlet manifold may melt and deform
Risk: The engines plastic inlet manifold may melt and deform
Fix: Update vehicles with improved soot reducing software cleaning of TMAP and EMAP. Fit additional hoses where necessary.
UK DVSACoolant leakage may result in a fire
Risk: It has been identified that during the engine warm-up process and under certain driving/climate conditions for instance periods of high acceleration or high engine load immediately after a cold start in cold climates there is the possibility for coolant leakage or oil seepage. This can lead to the possibility in a worst-case scenario of smoke or a slow developing fire in the engine compartment. However the driver will receive a warning message on the Driver's Information Module indicating a low coolant level.
Fix: Recall all affected vehicles to modify the coolant bypass valve and install a new exhaust manifold gasket.
UK DVSAParking brake may unintentionally release
Risk: Vehicles with manual gearboxes and start/stop functionality have Parking Brake Module (PBM) software that may allow the parking brake to unintentionally release. The unintended release of the parking brake can only occur when the engine is running and the gearstick moved so it will happen when the vehicle is attended.
Fix: Recall the vehicles that are likely to be affected to download upgraded Parking Brake Module (PBM) software.
UK DVSALoss of power steering assistanceYears estimated
Risk: The auxiliary drive belt tensioner can suffer from premature wear which may cause it to fail. This can lead to loss of steering power assistance and a slight possibility of loss of drive should the drive belt or tensioner invade the cambelt area.
Fix: Recall the vehicles that are likely to be affected to replace the auxiliary drive belt and tensioner.
UK DVSATrim panel may cause injury during collisionYears estimated
Risk: Volvo's quality follow-up procedures have identified an issue with a limited number of S60 & V60 Volvos (MY2013). The securing screws for the inner A-pillar panels may have been torqued incorrectly. This could cause the A-pillar panels to crack and this may affect the attachment of the trims during a collision should the inflatable curtain be activated. If the trims become detached they could cause injury to the occupants in the front seats. The corrective action is to replace both A-pillar trims as well as the securing screws.
Fix: Replace both trim panels and screws.
UK DVSAEngine may failYears estimated
Risk: There could be a sudden and unexpected failure of the bottom end of the engine because of a non-conformity during production of the connecting rods.
Fix: Recall the vehicles that are likely to be affected to replace the engine.
UK DVSAFuel may leak
Risk: Some vehicles may have had excessive underbody protection applied which when drying. could have formed small stalactite shaped formations. These formations may have formed close to the underbody fuel lines and could damage them and cause a fuel leak. Due to the positioning of the fuel lines escaping fuel or fuel vapour could potentially lead to a fire.
Fix: Inspect all vehicles and cut any stalactite shaped formations off. If the fuel line is damaged it will be replaced. Only 1% of vehicles are expected to have any damage to the fuel line.
UK DVSAAirbags may not deploy in a collisionYears estimated
Risk: It has been identified that the wiring harness for the SRS system may not have been correctly attached to the front seat frames. It is possible that continued adjustment of the seat position may cause the harness to become detached. If this should occur a warning light will illuminate on the instrument panel warning the driver of a fault with the SRS system. However in this condition the front and side airbags may not deploy if the vehicle is involved in a collision.
Fix: Recall all affected vehicles for an inspection of the wiring harnesses and ensure that it is correctly routed and secured. If not then reroute and securing of the wiring harness.
EU Safety GateExcessive carbon deposits could build up in the intake system of the engine.Additionally, the intake valve could leak. Consequently, the temperature of the intake air could rise, causing the engine intake manifold to melt and deform. This could lead to the engine to stop increasing the risk of accidents or even the engine bay to catch fire.
Measures: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Distributor; Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users; Date of entry into force: 27/09/2019
EU Safety GateThe handbrake may under certain conditions release inadvertently.
Measures: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Other; Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users; Date of entry into force: 26/02/2015
EU Safety GateThe mounting screws of the A-pillar trim may be set at a tightening torque which is too high.Years estimatedThis can cause cracks which could lead to the A-pillar trim detaching in the event that the head air bags are deployed.
Measures: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Other; Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users; Date of entry into force: Unknown
EU Safety GateThe wire harness under the driver and/or passenger seat may not have been properly affixed to the seat frame during vehicle assembly.As such, the harness may get caught by the audio and/or back-up camera amplifier (mounted under either of the front seats) when the seating position is adjusted. If this occurs, the harness connector may detach from the socket and, as a result, the airbags may not function as intended, causing the instrument panel Safety Restrain System (SRS) warning lamp to illuminate.
Measures: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Other; Category of measure(s): Voluntary corrective action taken by the manufacturer; Date of entry into force: Unknown
How often does the 2012 Volvo S60 fail its MOT?
Why they failed: the share of failed tests with at least one fault in each area (a test can fail on several). Cars first registered in 2012, tested in Great Britain in 2023; first registration is usually, but not always, the model year. Source: DVSA anonymised MOT tests and results, Open Government Licence v3.0.
What do 2012 Volvo S60 owners report?
12 of the 121 complaints, the most recent for the most-reported components, as the owners wrote them. NHTSA removes names and VINs; long reports are trimmed. CarHooq has not verified individual claims.
Brakes , and vacuum booster, speed control I experienced a sudden acceleration phenomenon and reached speeds of 100+ mph I manipulated the brakes and the gas in order to safe my life I eventually got my speeds down but it was too late I was ejected from the vehicle and nearly died my brakes scrubbed and I pressed my brakes as hard as I could and my car continued to acceleration. The police has the vehicle and there were no warnings signs . I had just bought the vehicle and was on my way home from the dealership never made it home
The driver's side seat airbag system failed. Specifically, diagnostic trouble code SRS-B002011 was retrieved, indicating a circuit short to ground in the left side airbag deployment control system. The technician found a broken clip on the airbag connector housing, causing an intermittent connection failure between the connector and the seat airbag itself. The airbag cannot be relied upon to deploy in a crash. The vehicle is available for inspection upon request. I purchased this vehicle on May 10, 2026, and drove it as my primary means of transportation. During that time, the driver's side…
I experienced an engine issue that I believe is related to excessive oil consumption and the lack of an oil pressure light warning. The car was driven out of town when a noise was heard coming from the engine. A visual inspection of the engine revealed smoke coming from the engine department when the oil cap was removed. The dipstick was checked and showed no visible oil on the stick. Later in that evening, 3 additional quarts of oil were added to the engine but the addition of oil did not remedy the noise from the engine. The final result was that the car was towed to a Volvo dealership in…
Engine has failed and is unrepairable. The car has been maintained well according to the manufacturer’s guidelines with regular oil changes. It has only 94,875 miles. The mechanic said that there is probably a piston gasket failure leading to oil leak into the engine. This appears to have been reported with this year/model vehicles. I would like Volvo to take ownership of poor manufacturing and fix the problem to my satisfaction.
On June 2, 2023 I went to start my car and the engine would not turn over. The dashboard displayed a number of warning lights and messages (DSTC Service Required, SRS Airbag Service Urgent, Transmission Service Required, Coolant System Service Required). When the tow truck driver arrived later that day, they tried to jumpstart my car but reported the battery was completely dead. I had the car taken to a local shop that specialized in Volvo cars. A few days later the shop called to tell me that not only was the battery dead, but my car key was no longer responding, and that the Engine Control…
The contact owns a 2012 Volvo S60. The contact stated that while driving approximately 10 MPH, the driver’s side rear door opened unintendedly without the driver touching the door handle. The contact pulled over to the side of the road and inspected the vehicle. Additionally, the contact stated that on several occasions when the seat belt tongue was inserted inside the buckle, the seat belt failed to latch properly. The contact stated that the latch plate latched securely after several attempts. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The…
I have experienced the steering in my car to become looser over time. I have found the culprit to be a plastic tension cap on the steering rack itself. The cap appears to have stripped and backed out completely and is now resting against the subframe. There is no warning of this happening and very hard to pinpoint the cause. The effect is that there is about 10 degrees of play in the steering wheel. It appears that it only affects the left wheel as that one is loose and the right wheel is tight. I will be taking it to the dealer to see if there is a replacement or an upgraded version of this…
Our seat belts have been problematic because the passenger side is sticky and has to be moved around before it will disengage. When I took it to a dealer they said it was fine and just needed a little lubrication. Lubrication did not help the problem
The steering wheel trim peeled and created a razor sharp surface at the bottom which sliced through my finger and caused pain and bleeding. It is difficult to avoid touching the sharp part of the steering wheel especially at highway speeds. This startled me while driving and distracted me while I attempted to stop the bleeding. Volvo has agreed to replace the trim but will charge for labor if I choose to go into a dealer.
My wife and I were driving to BWI airport for a 10:30am flight from Virginia Beach in the Express Lane on I-95N going 75mph when all of a sudden at 8:30am the engine seized and I got a message telling me I would experience "Reduced Engine Performance" as my car puttered to a stop with white smoke pouring out of the exhaust. Prior to this message I had no warnings or messages on my dashboard. I got out of my car to check my oil and it was completely evaporated, so I called AAA. While we are 1 hour into waiting (it is now 9:30am) on the narrow shoulder of two Express Lanes for a tow truck to…
When I first bought this Volvo there was condensation in both of the headlights then took it for a test drive and I really liked it and when I got back the dealer said if I was to buy it he would take care of both headlights so I assumed that he did but I bought it and left and was driving and then a code came on in the car saying low beam out I was like oh [XXX] so took it back to them they had me go buy $120 light bulb and that wasn't the problem they did some working and testing and said that it was the low beam ballast so I bought 1 for the drivers side and that fixed that problem but then…
RECALL NOTICE ON 11/2019 TO REPLACE ALL DOORS DUE TO A SAFETY ISSUE (RECALL #: R89978: DOOR LATCHES). RECENTLY ON 12/1/2019, 12/23/2019 AND 1/5/2020 I NOTICED THAT MY REAR RIGHT DOOR SLIGHTLY OPENED WHILE CITY DRIVING IN SUBURBAN NEIGHBORHOOD (LOTS OF STOPS) AND THE DOOR SIGNAL DID NOT INDICATE. THEY DID NOT FULLY OPEN BUT THE LATCH SEEMS TO HAVE AN ISSUE. HAVE BEEN REACHING OUT TO SERVICE AND VOLVO DOES NOT HAVE THE PARTS NEEDED.
2012 Volvo S60: questions owners ask
Is the 2012 Volvo S60 reliable?
NHTSA data alone cannot rate reliability, but it shows what owners reported. Owners filed 121 complaints with NHTSA about the 2012 Volvo S60; the most common categories were engine (61, 50.4%), electrical system (17, 14%), seat belts (9, 7.4%). There are 8 safety recalls. 8 complaints mention a crash, 13 injuries were reported.
What are the most common problems with the 2012 Volvo S60?
Across 121 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the categories mentioned most often are engine (50.4% of complaints), electrical system (14% of complaints), seat belts (7.4% of complaints), steering (6.6% of complaints), fuel/propulsion system (5.8% of complaints). One complaint can name several components.
Does the 2012 Volvo S60 have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 8 recalls for the 2012 Volvo S60; the most recent (campaign 20V378000, 2020-06-30) concerns Seat Belts: Front. Recall repairs are free at a franchised dealer; check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Why is my 2012 Volvo S60 burning or losing oil?
28 of the 121 owner complaints NHTSA has on file for the 2012 Volvo S60 (23.1%) describe excessive oil consumption or oil leaks. One owner wrote: "Engine has failed and is unrepairable. The car has been maintained well according to the manufacturer’s guidelines with regular oil changes. It has only 94,875 miles." (NHTSA complaint 11644323, February 2025). If it happens to your car, check your VIN for open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls and report the problem to NHTSA; complaints are what trigger investigations.
Why does my 2012 Volvo S60 stall, lose power or shut off while driving?
20 of the 121 owner complaints NHTSA has on file for the 2012 Volvo S60 (16.5%) describe the engine stalling, losing power or shutting off while driving. One owner wrote: "Surpintine belt shredded due to faulty belt tensioner. Shreds of belt wedged between crankshaft timing sprocket on engine causing engine to jump timing while driving down highway and vehicle lost all power and very hard to steer due to all valves in motor…" (NHTSA complaint 11560890, December 2023). If it happens to your car, check your VIN for open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls and report the problem to NHTSA; complaints are what trigger investigations.
Has the 2012 Volvo S60 had engine failures?
17 of the 121 owner complaints NHTSA has on file for the 2012 Volvo S60 (14%) describe complete engine failure or a replaced engine. One owner wrote: "Surpintine belt shredded due to faulty belt tensioner. Shreds of belt wedged between crankshaft timing sprocket on engine causing engine to jump timing while driving down highway and vehicle lost all power and very hard to steer due to all valves in motor…" (NHTSA complaint 11560890, December 2023). If it happens to your car, check your VIN for open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls and report the problem to NHTSA; complaints are what trigger investigations.
Why is the check engine light on in my 2012 Volvo S60?
12 of the 121 owner complaints NHTSA has on file for the 2012 Volvo S60 (9.9%) describe the check engine light coming on. One owner wrote: "Vehicle burned through all oil causing engine failure with no warning from vehicle electronics (check engine light came on as engine began to fail; was able to travel to closest mechanic)." (NHTSA complaint 10949277, February 2017). If it happens to your car, check your VIN for open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls and report the problem to NHTSA; complaints are what trigger investigations.
Why does my 2012 Volvo S60 smell of burning or smoke?
7 of the 121 owner complaints NHTSA has on file for the 2012 Volvo S60 (5.8%) describe a burning smell or smoke. One owner wrote: "My 2012 s60 has less than 63k miles and it is burning oil. i've not seen any leaks or exhaust smoke, so i assumed all was well. dealer ship advised it's normal for a volvo to loss 1-2 quarts of oil between oil changes." (NHTSA complaint 10908835, September 2016). If it happens to your car, check your VIN for open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls and report the problem to NHTSA; complaints are what trigger investigations.
Why won't my 2012 Volvo S60 start?
4 of the 121 owner complaints NHTSA has on file for the 2012 Volvo S60 (3.3%) describe the car failing to start. One owner wrote: "Vehicle had a no start, no crank condition while parked. was towed to dealership. dealer determined no start, no crank condition was caused by outdated software. i do not think volvo should design a car to not start if software is outdated." (NHTSA complaint 11093399, May 2018). If it happens to your car, check your VIN for open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls and report the problem to NHTSA; complaints are what trigger investigations.
Why is the airbag light on in my 2012 Volvo S60?
4 of the 121 owner complaints NHTSA has on file for the 2012 Volvo S60 (3.3%) describe airbag warning lights or airbag faults. One owner wrote: "The driver's side seat airbag system failed. Specifically, diagnostic trouble code SRS-B002011 was retrieved, indicating a circuit short to ground in the left side airbag deployment control system." (NHTSA complaint 11742523, June 2026). If it happens to your car, check your VIN for open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls and report the problem to NHTSA; complaints are what trigger investigations.
Check your own S60
Counts are a starting point, not a verdict: popular models collect more complaints because more of them are on the road, and NHTSA does not verify individual reports. To see whether a recall is still open on your car, enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls (U.S.) or your registration at check-vehicle-recalls.service.gov.uk (UK). Had a safety problem? Report it to NHTSA; complaints are what trigger investigations and recalls.
Data: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation recall and complaint databases (public domain), DVSA anonymised MOT results (Open Government Licence v3.0), DVSA vehicle recalls (Open Government Licence v3.0), EU Safety Gate alerts (© European Union), retrieved November 2, 2026. Model year 2012 only. How these reports are made.