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2012 Volvo S60

Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations

More warning signs than most S60 years

Owner complaints for the 2012 Volvo S60 are substantially higher than the model-year median of 20.5.

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When problems were reported

Mileage at the reported incident

82 reports with mileage · 39 unknown

NHTSA’s mileage field refers to the reported incident, not necessarily the filing date. This shows report counts, not the likelihood of a failure.

What to inspect

Issues worth paying extra attention to based on owner reports.

  • Engine. Review the 61 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Electrical System. Review the 17 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Seat Belts. Review the 9 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →

NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.

8 crash reports0 fire reports11 injury reports

Air Bags complaints

6 reports
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Mileage unknown · Jun 7, 2026
Air BagsUnknown Or Other

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…

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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 seat airbag was non-functional due to a circuit short to ground and a broken connector housing. Had I been involved in a collision during that period, the driver's side airbag may not have deployed, significantly increasing the risk of serious injury or death. I was not informed of this defect at the time of purchase and had no knowledge that the airbag system was compromised. I drove the vehicle believing it to be equipped with functioning safety systems. The defect was confirmed by Volvo Cars Tacoma (O'Brien Auto Group), a franchised manufacturer-certified Volvo dealership in Tacoma. Technician #2101608 performed a comprehensive inspection using Volvo's proprietary VIDA diagnostic system dated May 16–30, 2026. The inspection retrieved diagnostic trouble code SRS-B002011 confirming a circuit short to ground in the left side airbag deployment control system, and physically identified a broken clip on the airbag connector housing. The technician documented: "There is likely an intermittent failure at the connection between the airbag connector and the seat airbag itself. Need to start with replacement of airbag and repin connector." The check engine light illuminated within days of my purchase. This prompted me to bring the vehicle to Volvo Cars Tacoma on May 16, 2026 — six days after purchase. I personally did not observe an SRS warning light.

NHTSA ODI #11742523

1 miles · Aug 7, 2019
Air Bags

LIGHT ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL INDICATES I NEED TO SERVICE MY AIRBAG IMMEDIATELY. THE AIRBAG HAS NEVER BEEN DEPLOYED. VOLVO SERVICE SAYS I NEED TO PAY TO REPLACE IT WHEN ITS NEVER BEEN USED.

NHTSA ODI #11242307

Mileage unknown · Nov 6, 2018
Air BagsInjury

CPSC: ON SEPTEMBER 8, 2018 AROUND 4:30PM ON A SATURDAY, I WAS RUNNING ERRANDS AND SUDDENLY MY CURTAIN AIRBAGS ON MY 2012 VOLVO DEPLOYED. THERE WAS A HIGH PITCH, LOUD SCREECHING NOISE, A LOUD POP AND ALL THIS DEBRIS SPRAYED ALL OVER ME AND THE INSIDE OF MY CAR AND THESE WHITE PLASTIC AIRBAGS (CURTAINS) BUSTED THROUGH THE ROOF …

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CPSC: ON SEPTEMBER 8, 2018 AROUND 4:30PM ON A SATURDAY, I WAS RUNNING ERRANDS AND SUDDENLY MY CURTAIN AIRBAGS ON MY 2012 VOLVO DEPLOYED. THERE WAS A HIGH PITCH, LOUD SCREECHING NOISE, A LOUD POP AND ALL THIS DEBRIS SPRAYED ALL OVER ME AND THE INSIDE OF MY CAR AND THESE WHITE PLASTIC AIRBAGS (CURTAINS) BUSTED THROUGH THE ROOF OF MY CAR. *DT *JS

NHTSA ODI #11150508

29,000 miles · Nov 6, 2015
Air BagsCrashInjury

TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2012 VOLVO S60. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 40 MPH, ANOTHER VEHICLE CUT IN FRONT OF THE CONTACT. AS A RESULT, THE CONTACT CRASHED INTO A POLE ON THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THE LOCAL POLICE AND THE FIRE DEPARTMENT WERE AT THE SCENE. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED I…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2012 VOLVO S60. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 40 MPH, ANOTHER VEHICLE CUT IN FRONT OF THE CONTACT. AS A RESULT, THE CONTACT CRASHED INTO A POLE ON THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THE LOCAL POLICE AND THE FIRE DEPARTMENT WERE AT THE SCENE. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED INJURIES THAT REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. PRIOR TO THE CRASH, THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 12V075000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM) AND THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND STATED THAT THE AIR BAG SENSOR MAY NOT HAVE BEEN IMPACTED, HENCE NO DEPLOYMENT. THE VIN WAS NOT PROVIDED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 29,000.

NHTSA ODI #10788882

30,000 miles · Jun 20, 2014
Air BagsCrashInjury

ON JUNE 1ST ANOTHER CAR FAILED TO YIELD THE RIGHT OF WAY AND PULLED INTO THE PATH OF MY CAR WHILE I WAS GOING APPROX. 45MPH. I HIT THE BRAKES HARD AND TURNED TO THE LEFT TO TRY AND AVOID THE CAR AND COLLIDED WITH THE OTHER CAR. I ESTIMATE THE SPEED OF AT LEAST 35MPH AT IMPACT. THE RIGHT FRONT OF THE CAR TOOK MOST OF THE IMPAC…

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ON JUNE 1ST ANOTHER CAR FAILED TO YIELD THE RIGHT OF WAY AND PULLED INTO THE PATH OF MY CAR WHILE I WAS GOING APPROX. 45MPH. I HIT THE BRAKES HARD AND TURNED TO THE LEFT TO TRY AND AVOID THE CAR AND COLLIDED WITH THE OTHER CAR. I ESTIMATE THE SPEED OF AT LEAST 35MPH AT IMPACT. THE RIGHT FRONT OF THE CAR TOOK MOST OF THE IMPACT. THE DRIVER'S SIDE AIRBAG DEPLOYED AND BURNED MY ARM. HOWEVER, DESPITE THE PASSENGER SIDE OF THE CAR TAKING THE BRUNT OF THE IMPACT, THE PASSENGER AIRBAG DID NOT DEPLOY. THE PASSENGER (MY FIANC) WAS DIAGNOSED WITH A CONCUSSION DUE TO THIS ACCIDENT. I BELIEVE THE CONCUSSION MAY HAVE BEEN AVOIDED HAD HER AIRBAG DEPLOYED. VOLVO INSPECTED THE VEHICLE AND CLAIMS FOR SOME REASON THE AIRBAG SHOULD NOT HAVE DEPLOYED IN THIS ACCIDENT. I SUSPECT THEY ARE COVERING UP A PRODUCT FAILURE. I HAVE PICTURES OF THE ACCIDENT AVAILABLE FOR YOUR REVIEW. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10604730

15,000 miles · Jan 21, 2014
Air BagsSeat BeltsStructureCrashInjury

ON AUGUST 24, 2013, I WAS INVOLVED IN A CAR ACCIDENT. A CAR STOPPED SHORT ON THE HIGHWAY. THE CAR IN FRONT OF ME HIT THAT CAR. I THEN HIT THE CAR IN FRONT OF ME. I HAD ONLY A FEW SECONDS TO REACT. ANOTHER CAR THEN RE-ENDED ME. MY AIRBAG NOR SEATBELT PRETENTIONERS DEPLOYED. I HAD DIFFICULTY TURNING THE CAR OFF. THE CAR WAS TOTALE…

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ON AUGUST 24, 2013, I WAS INVOLVED IN A CAR ACCIDENT. A CAR STOPPED SHORT ON THE HIGHWAY. THE CAR IN FRONT OF ME HIT THAT CAR. I THEN HIT THE CAR IN FRONT OF ME. I HAD ONLY A FEW SECONDS TO REACT. ANOTHER CAR THEN RE-ENDED ME. MY AIRBAG NOR SEATBELT PRETENTIONERS DEPLOYED. I HAD DIFFICULTY TURNING THE CAR OFF. THE CAR WAS TOTALED. WITHIN A FEW WEEKS OF THE INCIDENT, I REPORTED THE MATTER TO VOLVO. THEY SENT AN INVESTIGATOR OUT. VOLVO CLAIMS THAT SENSORS WERE NOT ACTIVATED SINCE THE DAMAGE WAS ABOVE THEM, AND THERE WAS NOT ANY PROBLEM. HOWEVER, AT THE SPEED I HIT, THERE IS NO EXCUSE FOR WHY THE AIRBAGS SHOULD NOT HAVE DEPLOYED. EITHER THE CAR IS DESIGNED IMPROPERLY IN TERMS OF WHERE THE SENSORS ARE PLACED OR THERE IS A MANUFACTURING DEFECT. AS I UNDERSTAND IT, OTHER S60S (NOT MY VID#) HAVE BEEN RECALLED FOR AN ELECTRICAL PROBLEM THAT COULD CAUSE AIRBAGS NOT TO DEPLOY. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10560896

Official recalls

8

20V378000 · Seat Belts:front

Jun 30, 2020

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.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: 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.

19V849000 · Latches/locks/linkages:doors:latch

Nov 26, 2019

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.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: A door that is not securely latched could open while the vehicle is in motion, increasing the risk of injury to a vehicle occupant.

Remedy: 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.

13V592000 · Engine And Engine Cooling:engine

Nov 22, 2013

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.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: 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.

Remedy: 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.

12V101000 · Structure:body

Mar 14, 2012

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.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: IF THIS CONDITION EXISTS, THE UNDERBODY COATING MAY PENETRATE THE FUELS LINES AND CAUSE FUEL LEAKAGE, INCREASING THE RISK OF A FIRE.

Remedy: 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.

12V075000 · Electrical System:wiring

Feb 28, 2012

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.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: 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.

11V508000 · Equipment:other:labels

Oct 18, 2011

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.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: A MISPRINTED LABEL COULD LEAD TO IMPROPER TIRE INFLATION WHICH COULD RESULT IN A TIRE FAILURE, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Remedy: 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.

11V311000 · Fuel System, Gasoline:delivery:hoses, Lines/piping, And Fittings

Jun 6, 2011

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.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: 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.

Remedy: 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.

11V303000 · Fuel System, Gasoline:delivery:fuel Pump

Jun 1, 2011

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.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: 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.

Remedy: 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.

Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗

NHTSA investigations

0

No exact-year investigations in this snapshot.