Makes›Volvo›S60›2012

2012 Volvo S60

Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2012 models.

Volvo S60
Pictured: Volvo S60 (3rd generation) IMG 8468. Photo: Alexander-93, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Class
Compact Cars
Body styles
4 Dr Sedan T5 FWD, 4 Dr Sedan T6 AWD/R-Design
Engines
2.5L 5-cyl turbo, 3.0L 6-cyl turbo
Drivetrain
Front-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
Fuel
Regular Gasoline
MPG (best)
23 combined · 20 city / 30 hwy
Length
182.3 in
Curb weight
3,547–3,772 lb
NHTSA rating
Not rated
Recalls
8 campaigns

Pros & cons

What's good

  • AWD / 4WD available

Watch out for

  • Many owner complaints106 complaints filed with NHTSA versus about 21 for similar models — most often about the engine.
  • 8 recallsMore than similar models (about 2). Confirm repairs with the VIN.

Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 19 similar 2012 models — not a review. How we calculate this →

Overview

The 2012 Volvo S60 is a compact car offered with 2 engines (2.5L 5-cyl turbo and 3.0L 6-cyl turbo) and front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive.

It measures about 182 inches long and 74 inches wide on a 109-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 3,547 lb (4 Dr Sedan T5 FWD).

EPA rates its most efficient version at 23 MPG combined (20 city / 30 highway), 10% worse than the 2012 compact car average of 25.6 MPG, for an estimated $2,900 a year in fuel.

NHTSA has not published a 5-Star overall rating for this model year.

It has 8 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 106 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the engine.

What changed for 2012

  • Engine added: 2.5L 5-cyl turbo
  • Best combined MPG up from 21 to 23
  • Lightest version 225 lb lighter

Compared with 2011; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2011 S60 →

Dimensions & weight

BodyLengthWidthHeightWheelbaseTrack F / RCurb weightWeight F/R
4 Dr Sedan T5 FWD182.3 in73.6 in58.3 in109.4 in61.8 / 61.4 in3,547 lb62/38
4 Dr Sedan T6 AWD/R-Design182.3 in73.6 in58.3 in109.4 in61.8 / 61.4 in3,772 lb62/38

Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.

Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →

Engines, MPG & running costs

VersionEngineTransmissionDriveCity / Hwy / Combvs. classFuel / yrCO₂ g/mi
S60 FWD2.5L 5-cyl turboAutomatic (S6)Front-Wheel Drive20 / 30 / 23-10%$2,900386
S60 AWD3.0L 6-cyl turboAutomatic (S6)All-Wheel Drive18 / 26 / 21-18%$3,200423
Spend $2,500Fuel over 5 years vs. average new car
25.6 MPG2012 Compact Cars average

EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2012 EPA class average. How we calculate this →

Safety ratings & technology

NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2012 Volvo S60.

Similar 2012 compact cars

ModelBest MPG / rangeNHTSA overallRecalls
2012 Volvo S60 (this car)23 MPGNot rated8
2012 BMW 3 Series27 MPGNot rated3
2012 Mercedes-Benz E-Class23 MPGNot rated0
2012 Lexus IS24 MPGNot rated5
2012 Audi A425 MPGNot rated0
2012 Mercedes-Benz C-Class25 MPGNot rated0
2012 Audi A525 MPGNot rated2

Recalls (8)

Seat Belts › Front · Jun 30, 2020

NHTSA campaign 20V378000 · 308,260 vehicles

Problem
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 · Nov 26, 2019

NHTSA campaign 19V849000 · 144,937 vehicles

Problem
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 · Nov 22, 2013

NHTSA campaign 13V592000 · 30,929 vehicles

Problem
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 · Mar 14, 2012

NHTSA campaign 12V101000 · 2,742 vehicles

Problem
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 · Feb 28, 2012

NHTSA campaign 12V075000 · 32,552 vehicles

Problem
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 · Oct 18, 2011

NHTSA campaign 11V508000 · 20,611 vehicles

Problem
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 · Jun 6, 2011

NHTSA campaign 11V311000 · 448 vehicles

Problem
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 · Jun 1, 2011

NHTSA campaign 11V303000 · 8,179 vehicles

Problem
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.
Check your VIN for open recalls at NHTSA ↗

Not every 2012 Volvo S60 is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.

Owner-reported problems

106Complaints to NHTSA since 2015
5Involved a crash
0Involved a fire
7Injuries reported
81,300 miTypical mileage at failure
Engine60
Unknown Or Other15
Electrical System12
Seat Belts8
Fuel/Propulsion System7
Steering5
Structure › Body5
Air Bags4
Complaints received per month (last 24 months with reports)
21/04: 421/06: 221/07: 321/12: 222/01: 122/02: 322/03: 122/06: 122/07: 122/09: 123/02: 123/06: 123/08: 123/09: 123/10: 123/12: 224/01: 124/02: 324/05: 124/07: 124/08: 125/02: 126/04: 126/06: 221/0421/1222/0322/0923/0823/1224/0525/02max 4

Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.

Used 2012 Volvo S60 buyer's checklist

  1. Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 8 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
  2. Engine — 60 owner reports. Cold-start the engine, listen for knocking, and watch for warning lights or hesitation on acceleration.
  3. Electrical System — 12 owner reports. Test every window, lock, light, screen and USB port; check the battery age.
  4. Seat Belts — 8 owner reports. Confirm the airbag warning light turns off after start-up and any airbag recall was completed.
  5. Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 81,300 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
  6. Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.

Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2012 Volvo S60. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.

Other S60 years

Compare all years →
YearMPG (best)LengthOverallRecallsComplaints
2025 S6031188.2 inNot rated30
2024 S6031188.2 inNot rated422
2023 S6031188.2 inNot rated73
2022 S6031187.4 inNot rated415
2021 S6030187.4 inNot rated38
2020 S6030187.4 inNot rated612
2019 S6031187.4 inNot rated525
2018 S6029182.7 in★★★★★14
2017 S6029182.7 in★★★★★618
2016 S6030182.7 inNot rated429
2015 S6029182.3 inNot rated260
2014 S6024182.3 inNot rated321

Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Volvo. How we calculate this →