The 2012 S60 is Volvo's P3 platform sedan with multiple powertrain options, most commonly the T5 2.5L I5 turbo and T6 3.0L I6 turbo. These cars suffer from serious engine internal failures on the T6, problematic PowerShift dual-clutch transmissions, and electrical gremlins that are expensive to chase down.
T6 3.0L I6 Turbo Catastrophic Engine Failure
Occasional · high severity
Typical onset: 60,000-120,000 mi
Symptoms: sudden metal-on-metal knocking from bottom end, loss of oil pressure, check engine light with misfire codes, milky oil indicating coolant intrusion from failed head gaskets
Fix: Complete engine rebuild or replacement required. Connecting rod bearings fail prematurely, often taking pistons, crank, and block with them. Head gaskets also fail allowing coolant into cylinders. Job requires 25-35 labor hours for proper rebuild with machine work, or 18-22 hours for used/reman longblock swap.
Symptoms: harsh shifting or lurching at low speeds, transmission slipping in gear, burning smell from transmission, inability to engage gears, transmission overheat warnings
Fix: The dry dual-clutch design overheats and wears clutch packs prematurely, especially in stop-and-go traffic. Transmission oil cooler also fails frequently, accelerating damage. Repair requires clutch pack replacement (12-15 hours) or full transmission replacement (14-18 hours). Oil cooler replacement adds 3-4 hours.
Estimated cost: $4,500-7,500
Turbocharger Failure
Occasional · medium severity
Typical onset: 80,000-140,000 mi
Symptoms: excessive blue smoke on acceleration, whistling or whining noise under boost, severe loss of power, oil consumption increases dramatically, check engine light with boost pressure codes
Fix: Turbos fail from oil starvation (often related to poor PCV system maintenance) or bearing wear. Requires turbo replacement plus thorough inspection of intake system for oil contamination. 6-9 hours labor depending on model (T6 requires more disassembly).
Estimated cost: $2,200-3,800
PCV System and Oil Trap Clogging
Common · medium severity
Typical onset: 60,000-100,000 mi
Symptoms: excessive oil consumption (quart every 1,000 mi), rough idle, oil leaks from various seals, turbo oil contamination in intake, hissing sounds from engine bay
Fix: Volvo's PCV system uses an oil trap that clogs with sludge, creating crankcase pressure that blows seals and pushes oil past rings. Requires oil trap, PCV hoses, and often valve cover gasket replacement. 3-5 hours labor. Critical preventive maintenance item.
Estimated cost: $600-1,200
Angle Gear Failure (AWD models)
Occasional · high severity
Typical onset: 80,000-130,000 mi
Symptoms: grinding or whining noise from rear of vehicle, vibration during acceleration, AWD warning light, complete loss of AWD function, metal shavings in differential fluid
Fix: The angle gear (transfer case) fails from bearing wear or internal damage, often from running low on fluid or mismatched tire sizes. Requires angle gear replacement, sometimes damaging rear driveshaft or Haldex unit. 5-7 hours labor.
Estimated cost: $2,500-4,000
Control Arm Bushings and Ball Joints
Common · low severity
Typical onset: 70,000-110,000 mi
Symptoms: clunking over bumps, wandering steering feel, uneven tire wear, vibration at highway speeds
Fix: Front lower control arm bushings deteriorate, and ball joints develop play. Volvo uses pressed-in bushings that require specialized tools or complete arm replacement. Front suspension overhaul typically 4-6 hours.
Estimated cost: $1,200-2,000
CEM (Central Electronic Module) Failures
Occasional · medium severity
Symptoms: random electrical gremlins, windows/locks operating on their own, instrument cluster going dark, car won't start despite good battery, multiple systems failing simultaneously
Fix: The CEM controls most electrical functions and fails from water intrusion (often through sunroof drains) or internal solder joint failures. Requires module replacement and programming, sometimes needs dealer involvement. 2-4 hours labor plus programming.
Estimated cost: $1,500-2,800
Owner tips
Replace PCV oil trap and hoses every 60k miles religiously—this prevents turbo failure and oil leaks
On AWD models, always replace all four tires together and check angle gear fluid every oil change
Avoid PowerShift transmission models entirely if buying used; manual or Aisin 6-speed auto only
T6 engines are ticking time bombs after 80k—stick with T5 2.5L I5 for reliability
Keep sunroof drains clear to prevent water damage to CEM—check quarterly
Skip the T6 and PowerShift transmission versions completely; a T5 manual or Aisin auto can be decent if PCV maintenance was done, but expect $3,000-5,000 in catch-up repairs on any 100k+ mile example.
AI-assisted summary drawn from NHTSA recall data, our labor-times database, and platform knowledge. Not a substitute for a pre-purchase inspection on a specific vehicle.
Be the first to unlock repairs for the 2012 Volvo S60
Procedures haven't been generated for this vehicle yet. Become the founding sponsor and we'll generate expert-grade, step-by-step repair walkthroughs for every common job on it — free for every mechanic and DIYer who looks it up after, forever.
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: 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.
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:DOORS:LATCH · 19V849000
2019-11-26
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: 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.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE · 13V592000
2013-11-22
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: 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.
STRUCTURE:BODY · 12V101000
2012-03-14
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 VEHICLES UNDERCARRIAGE.
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.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING · 12V075000
2012-02-28
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: 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.
EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS · 11V508000
2011-10-18
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: 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.
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS · 11V311000
2011-06-06
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: 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.
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: 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.
Building an app?
Free API access to all this data — 50 requests/day, no card required.