Total Complaints
11 filings
VOLVO S80 · model year
2012 VOLVO S80
11 NHTSA complaints, 3 crash reports, and 3 active recalls for this specific cohort.
NHTSA overall rating
Not crash-tested
New Car Assessment Program
The 2012VOLVOS80 carries 11 consumer safety complaints in NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation database for this specific model-year cohort. Within that volume, owners reported 3 crashes, 0 fires, 2 injuries, and 0 fatalities. For crash performance, NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program gave this cohort an overall Not Rated/5 rating, with Not Rated/5 front crash, Not Rated/5 side crash, and Not Rated/5 rollover scores derived from standardized barrier and dynamic tests.
Component-level analysis is where model-year complaints become actionable: the top complaint category for the 2012 S80 is unknown or other with 2 filings, followed by tires:pressure monitoring and regulating systems (1) and power train (1). Concentration in one or two component groups is the classic signature of a systemic defect; a flat distribution usually reflects normal aging, warranty complaints, or isolated build-plant variability. This model year has 3 active recall campaigns, which means the manufacturer is obligated to remedy the covered defect at no charge for the life of the vehicle — the full NHTSA campaign numbers are listed below.
NHTSA currently has 28 investigation files overlapping the 2012 S80. Owners comparing this cohort against neighboring years should pair the counters above with the complaint-by-year trend on the parent model page — a spike in a single year often tracks to a platform refresh, a new transmission supplier, or an updated ECU calibration. Use the related-complaint feed below to read raw owner narratives before deciding whether any pattern here affects your specific use case.
11
Complaints
3
Crashes
0
Fires
2
Injuries
0
Deaths
Crashes Reported
3 reports
Source
NHTSA ODI
Federal complaints database
Complaints vs. fleet median (215)
At or below the fleet median complaint volume.
NHTSA NCAP overall: Not Rated/5 — Not rated
· Front: Not Rated/5
· Side: Not Rated/5
· Rollover: Not Rated/5
Complaints by Component
| Component | Count |
|---|---|
| UNKNOWN OR OTHER | 2 |
| TIRES:PRESSURE MONITORING AND REGULATING SYSTEMS | 1 |
| POWER TRAIN | 1 |
| SUSPENSION | 1 |
| STRUCTURE:BODY | 1 |
| WHEELS | 1 |
| STEERING | 1 |
| AIR BAGS | 1 |
| VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL | 1 |
| SEATS | 1 |
Recalls (3)
20V37800030/06/2020
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
12V07500028/02/2012
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
12V31700006/07/2012
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:CONTROL MODULE (TCM/PCM/TECM)
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.
Recent Complaints
20241218CrashAIR BAGS
See attached document for complaint.
20241218CrashVEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
See attached document for complaint.
20241218CrashSEATS
See attached document for complaint.
20240325STEERING
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 metal slices into the skin drawing blood much like that of a papercut. I have experienced sudden cuts in turning on 2 separate occasions recently having to re-grab the steering wheel due to involuntary pain reflex release to prevent total loss of control and the problem has not been confirmed by the dealer. There is no prior warning when this issue suddenly occurs.
20240325UNKNOWN OR OTHER
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 metal slices into the skin drawing blood much like that of a papercut. I have experienced sudden cuts in turning on 2 separate occasions recently having to re-grab the steering wheel due to involuntary pain reflex release to prevent total loss of control and the problem has not been confirmed by the dealer. There is no prior warning when this issue suddenly occurs.
20200302UNKNOWN OR 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 SIGN OF DAMAGE PRIOR TO BEING DRIVER. THE INCIDENT OCCURRED ABOUT 800 FEET FROM OUR RESIDENCE AS SHE WAS TURNING FROM STATESIR PLACE ONTO PINE STREET NEARER TO THE CORNER .
Mileage: 1
20190311WHEELS
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 (VOLVO BUILDING, 14101 NORTH FWY, HOUSTON, TX 77090, (281) 607-0382). THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND DID NOT ASSIST. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 138,000.
Mileage: 138,000
20171229STRUCTURE:BODY
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 STATES COMMON PROBLEM WITH VOLVO.
Mileage: 65,000
20160907SUSPENSION
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 IMPACT EVIDENCED UNDERNEATH VEHICLE.
Mileage: 56,763
20160308POWER TRAIN
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 DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 12V317000 (POWER TRAIN). THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 45,800.
Mileage: 45,800
20130723TIRES:PRESSURE MONITORING AND REGULATING SYSTEMS
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 THE SENSOR CHECKED. THE VOLVO SERVICE DEPARTMENT STATED; THEY CHECK THE PRESSURE IN ALL TIRES FOR LEAKS, PROPER INFLATION AND THE LIGHT WENT OUT. 23 JUL 2013 - TUESDAY MORNING ON MY WAY TO WORK THE LIGHT CAME BACK ON. AGAIN; I LOOKED AT ALL FOUR TIRES AND FOUND NOTHING WRONG. *TR
Mileage: 29,142
Compare 2012VOLVOS80 to Similar Vehicles
NHTSA Investigations
Frequently Asked Questions
How many complaints does the 2012 VOLVO S80 have?▼
The 2012 VOLVO S80 has 11 NHTSA complaints, 3 crashes, 0 fires, 2 injuries, and 0 deaths reported.
What is the safety rating for the 2012 VOLVO S80?▼
The 2012 VOLVO S80 received an overall NHTSA safety rating of Not Rated/5, front crash rating of Not Rated/5, side crash rating of Not Rated/5, and rollover rating of Not Rated/5.
Are there any recalls for the 2012 VOLVO S80?▼
Yes, the 2012 VOLVO S80 has 3 recall(s). The most common affected component is SEAT BELTS:FRONT. Recalls are issued by NHTSA and manufacturers must provide a free remedy.
What are the most common problems with the 2012 VOLVO S80?▼
The most-complained component for the 2012 VOLVO S80 is UNKNOWN OR OTHER with 2 complaints. Other frequently reported areas include TIRES:PRESSURE MONITORING AND REGULATING SYSTEMS and POWER TRAIN.
Is the 2012 VOLVO S80 safe to buy?▼
Review the complaint history, crash and fire reports, safety ratings, and recall status on this page to make an informed decision. The 2012 VOLVO S80 has an NHTSA safety rating of Not Rated/5. Compare with other model years using the links above.
Where does this data come from?▼
All complaint, recall, and safety rating data is sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Complaints are filed by vehicle owners through NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation.
Vehicle Safety Guides
Data as of 2025. Sources: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) complaints database, NHTSA recall campaign API, NHTSA NCAP crash-test ratings, and NHTSA FARS for fatality cross-reference.
Read our methodology — how this data is sourced, computed, and verified.