2012 Volvo S80
Problems, Recalls & Reliability Report
Quick Summary
The 2012 Volvo S80 has 11 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — that's 1.0x the segment average of 11. The most common issue is other problems (18% of all complaints), specifically: 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 si. There are 3 recalls issued for this model year.
11
Total Complaints
3
Recalls Issued
—/5
Safety Stars
1.0x
vs Segment Avg
Known Problems(top 5 of 8)
OTHER
2 complaints- • 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 SI
- • 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
“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 SI”
— NHTSA complaint filing
Recalls (3)
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.
Fuel Cost Calculator for 2012 Volvo S80
Live EIA pricesBased on EPA fuel-economy ratings and EIA weekly retail prices (2026-07-20). Real-world cost varies with driving style, trim/engine, terrain, and traffic.
5-Year Gas Price History
EIA weekly retail data · 2021 → todaySource: US Energy Information Administration weekly retail gasoline prices.
Estimated Insurance Cost for 2012 Volvo S80
How this estimate is calculated
Coverage assumed: 100/300/100 liability + comprehensive/collision, $500 deductibles. Data sources: NAIC 2024 + HLDI loss studies.
Maintenance & Warranty
Recommended Volvo S80 Service Intervals
T5/T6/T8 all use 4-cylinder engines. T8 plug-in hybrids: battery cooling system serviced with engine coolant.
"Severe service" conditions (heavy towing, extreme temps, city stop-and-go) typically halve these intervals. Always consult your vehicle's owner's manual for the authoritative schedule.
Volvo New-Vehicle Warranty Coverage
Corrosion unlimited miles for 12 years
These are the terms for a new Volvo. If you're buying a used 2012 S80, remaining coverage is usually pro-rated from the vehicle's original in-service date. Not all coverage transfers between owners — check with a Volvo dealer for VIN-specific remaining warranty.
Estimated Repair Costs
Estimates based on average reported repair costs. Actual costs vary by location, shop, and severity.
🔍 Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist
Based on 11 owner complaints for this specific year, here's what to check or ask about:
- ☐OTHER: 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 SI
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
- ☐TIRES: 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 T
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
- ☐TRANSMISSION: 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 DI
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
- ☐SUSPENSION: 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
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
- ☐RECALLS: Verify all 3 recalls have been completed — free at any Volvo dealer
- ☐General: Get a pre-purchase inspection from an independent mechanic ($100-$200)
Volvo S80 — Year Comparison
How does 2012 compare to other years? Fewer complaints = more reliable.
NHTSA Safety Rating
No NHTSA safety rating available
At a Glance
- Complaints
- 11
- Recalls
- 3
- Fire reports
- 0
- Crash reports
- 1
- Injury reports
- 2
- Segment avg
- 11
Check a Specific VIN
See recalls for YOUR 2012 Volvo S80