2012 Volvo S80 Report
Known issues, recalls, running costs, and what to check before you buy.
Overall Score
Key Takeaways
- The 2012 Volvo S80 has a below-average reliability rating, necessitating a cautious approach to purchasing.
- A critical safety concern involves passenger doors opening unexpectedly at highway speeds, requiring immediate inspection of door latch integrity.
- Inspect the suspension, particularly rear link arms, for signs of failure, a serious issue reported by owners.
- Verify that the seat belt anchor cable recall has been addressed, as this is a significant safety component.
2012 Volvo S80
Critical Failure Risk
Reports indicate potential failure of rear suspension link arms, particularly on the driver's side. This can be a critical safety event, especially when occurring at highway speeds.
Early detection can help you avoid a $300-$700 repair.
Safety & Bulletins
Owner Complaints
Performance & Efficiency
Reliability
Practicality
The score is mainly limited by high fuel consumption.
Who This Car Is For
Best for
Buyers prioritizing comfort and a refined interior over long-term, trouble-free ownership.
+2 more buyer-fit notes in the full report
Avoid if
Drivers seeking a completely dependable, low-maintenance vehicle.
+2 more buyer-fit warnings in the full report
2012 Volvo S80 Reliability Analysis
Explore comprehensive reliability data including official safety recalls, consumer complaints, and common mechanical failures for the 2012 Volvo S80.
Vehicle Specs
- Fuel Type
- Regular
- Transmission
- Automatic (S6)
- Drivetrain
- All-Wheel Drive
- Body Style
- Sedan
- EPA Combined MPG
- 21
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Most Common Issues
1. TIRES:PRESSURE MONITORING AND REGULATING SYSTEMS
Most reportedUsage: 1 reports
2. Powertrain
Usage: 1 reports
First Service Interval
- Oil Change (5W-30 Synthetic) (Parts: 5W-30 Synthetic Oil, Oil Filter) - Tire Rotation and Inspection - Brake Inspection - Fluid Level Check (Coolant, Brake, Power Steering)
Est. shop cost: $120 - $180
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FAQ
Is the 2012 Volvo S80 reliable?
The CarFocal Reliability Score for the 2012 Volvo S80 is 8.9/10. Reliability score is 8.9/10. NHTSA recalls: 3. Owner complaints: 11.
How practical is the 2012 Volvo S80 for daily use?
Practicality score is 5.0/10. The score is mainly limited by high fuel consumption. EPA combined economy is 21 MPG.
What is the overall score for the 2012 Volvo S80?
The CarFocal Overall Score for the 2012 Volvo S80 is 6.8/10. Overall score is 6.8/10 (Good). Confidence 55%. Maintenance 8.9/10. Practicality 5.0/10.
What does it cost to own and maintain a 2012 Volvo S80?
Based on Carfocal's data, First listed service: - Oil Change (5W-30 Synthetic) (Parts: 5W-30 Synthetic Oil, Oil Filter) - Tire Rotation and Inspection - Brake Inspection - Fluid Level Check (Coolant, Brake, Power Steering) at 7,500 miles. Estimated first-year maintenance: $500 - $800. Repair prediction highlight: Suspension Link Arm (typical at 80,000 miles, estimated cost Min: $300 • Max: $700).
What engine is in the 2012 Volvo S80?
Engine specs list 6 • 3.0.
What transmission does the 2012 Volvo S80 use?
According to CarFocal's specs for the 2012 Volvo S80, transmission is Automatic (S6). The paired drivetrain is All-Wheel Drive.
What is the combined EPA MPG for the 2012 Volvo S80?
EPA combined estimate is 21 MPG.
What driver assistance and safety features are available on the 2012 Volvo S80?
1 standard driver assistance features. Key features include Tire Pressure Monitoring System.
What body style is the 2012 Volvo S80?
According to CarFocal's specs for the 2012 Volvo S80, body style is sedan.
What drivetrain does the 2012 Volvo S80 use?
According to CarFocal's specs for the 2012 Volvo S80, drivetrain is All-Wheel Drive. Transmission is Automatic (S6).
What are the most common tires:pressure monitoring and regulating systems problems on the 2012 Volvo S80?
Top complaint category: tires:pressure monitoring and regulating systems (1 reports, 9.1% of complaints).
Are there open safety recalls on the 2012 Volvo S80?
This model year has 3 official safety campaigns listed.
Should buyers consider alternatives to the 2012 Volvo S80?
Alternatives listed in this guide: 2012 Audi A6 and 2012 Lexus GS.