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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.

About this comparison →

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

What owners actually said

121 reports
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

88,186 miles · Oct 27, 2018
Electronic Stability Control (esc)EngineFuel/propulsion System

IN OCTOBER 2018. WHILE DRIVING MY 2012 VOLVO ( 88,000 MILES)THE CAR STARTED TO HESITATE IN TRAFFIC THEN IT STOP. I HAD JUST EXIT THE EXPRESS HIGHWAY ON TO A CITY STREET. THERE WAS NO SENSOR LIGHTS OR ENGINE CHECK LIGHT THAT CAME ON AT ALL. TRIED TO CRANK THE CAR BACK UP. THE CAR WOULD NOT START. SUDDENLY THE OIL LIGHT AND THE AI…

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IN OCTOBER 2018. WHILE DRIVING MY 2012 VOLVO ( 88,000 MILES)THE CAR STARTED TO HESITATE IN TRAFFIC THEN IT STOP. I HAD JUST EXIT THE EXPRESS HIGHWAY ON TO A CITY STREET. THERE WAS NO SENSOR LIGHTS OR ENGINE CHECK LIGHT THAT CAME ON AT ALL. TRIED TO CRANK THE CAR BACK UP. THE CAR WOULD NOT START. SUDDENLY THE OIL LIGHT AND THE AIR BAG LIGHT CAME ON. A SEARS TECHNICAL CAME OUT TO JUMP START THE CAR THINKING IT WAS MY BATTERY TO TAKE CAR TO THERE SHOP. HE CHECK THE OIL BECAUSE THE LIGHT WAS ON. THE OIL WAS FINE NOT LOW. I HAD JUST HAD A OIL CHANGE SEPT 2018. THE CAR STILL WOULD NOT START. I HAD TO GET A TOW TO A SHOP FOR FOREIGN CARS. MY DIAGNOSIS ENGINE LOCKED UP. THE INJECTORS 5 AND 6 WAS WIDE OPEN (HYDRO LOCKING ) FUEL HAD BEEN LEAKING EVERYWHERE EVEN IN MY OIL. THE PRICE WAS $1400.00 TO REPAIR.

NHTSA ODI #11143317

73,114 miles · Aug 24, 2018
Engine

ON DECEMBER 24, 2015, OUR 2012 VOLVO S60 FWD T5 ENGINE BROKE DOWN ON A CITY STREET. THE BELT WAS REPLACED AT THE VOLVO DEALERSHIP WITH A STANDARD "VOLVO-BELT." MILEAGE ON THE CAR AT THE TIME WAS 43843. FAST FORWARD TO AUGUST 21, 2018, THE CAR BREAKS DOWN AGAIN ON CITY STREET. CURRENT MILEAGE IS 73114. THE BELT AGAIN BREAKS.…

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ON DECEMBER 24, 2015, OUR 2012 VOLVO S60 FWD T5 ENGINE BROKE DOWN ON A CITY STREET. THE BELT WAS REPLACED AT THE VOLVO DEALERSHIP WITH A STANDARD "VOLVO-BELT." MILEAGE ON THE CAR AT THE TIME WAS 43843. FAST FORWARD TO AUGUST 21, 2018, THE CAR BREAKS DOWN AGAIN ON CITY STREET. CURRENT MILEAGE IS 73114. THE BELT AGAIN BREAKS. HOWEVER, THIS TIME DEBRIS GOT INTO TIMING BELT GEARS. THIS CAUSED THE ENGINE TO JUMP TIME AND NOW VALVES ARE BENT. VOLVO DEALERSHIP QUOTED $~6000.00 TO REPAIR. IS THERE AN UNDERLYING ENGINE/BELT PROBLEM THAT NEEDS TO BE INVESTIGATED.

NHTSA ODI #11122049

62,000 miles · Jul 19, 2018
Engine

CONSUMING OIL BETWEEN OIL CHANGES AND NO WARNING LIGHT OF LOW OIL PRESSURE SHOWS UP. JUST LUCKY TO HAVE CHECKED THE DIP-STICK DURING MY ROUTINE CHECKUP AND FOUND OIL COMPLETELY DEPLETED. ADDED 5 QUARTS OF SYNTHETIC OIL AGAIN CHECKING IN THREE WEEKS I HAD TO ADD ANOTHER 2 QUARTS. THIS IS NOT GOOD AT ALL. THE MANUFACTURER NEEDS TO…

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CONSUMING OIL BETWEEN OIL CHANGES AND NO WARNING LIGHT OF LOW OIL PRESSURE SHOWS UP. JUST LUCKY TO HAVE CHECKED THE DIP-STICK DURING MY ROUTINE CHECKUP AND FOUND OIL COMPLETELY DEPLETED. ADDED 5 QUARTS OF SYNTHETIC OIL AGAIN CHECKING IN THREE WEEKS I HAD TO ADD ANOTHER 2 QUARTS. THIS IS NOT GOOD AT ALL. THE MANUFACTURER NEEDS TO BE NOTIFIED OF THIS PROBLEM WHICH IS VERY RAMPANT AND MANY PEOPLE HAVE HAD THEIR VEHICLES ENGINE SEIZE. A RECALL TO FIX THE PROBLEM IS NEEDED ASAP. THE VEHICLE HAS ONLY 62K

NHTSA ODI #11112498

80,560 miles · Jun 9, 2018
Engine

I TOOK MY CAR IN FOR A ROUTINE OIL CHANGE AND DISCOVERED WITHIN 45 MILES OF DRIVING THE CAR THAT THERE WAS NO OIL IN THE VEHICLE. THE OIL PRESSURE LIGHT NEVER CAME ON NOR DID THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT COME ON. IT WASN'T UNTIL AFTER I ADDED 4QUARTZ OF OIL AND THE ENGINE QUIETED DOWN THAT THE OIL PRESSURE LIGHT CAME ON FOLLOWED BY A …

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I TOOK MY CAR IN FOR A ROUTINE OIL CHANGE AND DISCOVERED WITHIN 45 MILES OF DRIVING THE CAR THAT THERE WAS NO OIL IN THE VEHICLE. THE OIL PRESSURE LIGHT NEVER CAME ON NOR DID THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT COME ON. IT WASN'T UNTIL AFTER I ADDED 4QUARTZ OF OIL AND THE ENGINE QUIETED DOWN THAT THE OIL PRESSURE LIGHT CAME ON FOLLOWED BY A CHECK ENGINE LIGHT AND A NOTIFICATION SAYING TO TURN OFF THE ENGINE IMMEDIATELY. THIS HAPPENED AS I WAS DRIVING MY CAR TO PEP BOYS TO SEE A MANAGER ABOUT THEM NOT PUTTING OIL IN THE CAR. I HAVE BEEN FIGHTING WITH PEP BOYS ON THE ISSUE FOR OVER A MONTH AND THE MECHANIC I HIRED HAS JUST POINTED OUT THAT THERE WAS A RECALL FOR THE ISSUE I AM HAVING WITH MY CAR. APPARENTLY VOLVO HAS HAD AN ISSUE WITH THE TIRE PRESSURE LIGHT NEVER COMING ON WHICH IS EXACTLY WHAT I TOLD PEP BOYS THAT THERE WAS ABSOLUTELY NO INDICATION THAT THERE WAS NO OIL IN THE CAR UNTIL A KNOCKING SOUND HAD STARTED.

NHTSA ODI #11100697

62,450 miles · May 11, 2018
Unknown Or Other

VEHICLE HAD A NO START, NO CRANK CONDITION WHILE PARKED. WAS TOWED TO DEALERSHIP. DEALER DETERMINED NO START, NO CRANK CONDITION WAS CAUSED BY OUTDATED SOFTWARE. I DO NOT THINK VOLVO SHOULD DESIGN A CAR TO NOT START IF SOFTWARE IS OUTDATED. HAD I NEEDED TO USE THE CAR TO DRIVE TO HOSPITAL OR SOME OTHER EMERGENCY THIS WOULD HAVE …

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VEHICLE HAD A NO START, NO CRANK CONDITION WHILE PARKED. WAS TOWED TO DEALERSHIP. DEALER DETERMINED NO START, NO CRANK CONDITION WAS CAUSED BY OUTDATED SOFTWARE. I DO NOT THINK VOLVO SHOULD DESIGN A CAR TO NOT START IF SOFTWARE IS OUTDATED. HAD I NEEDED TO USE THE CAR TO DRIVE TO HOSPITAL OR SOME OTHER EMERGENCY THIS WOULD HAVE BEEN AN ISSUE.

NHTSA ODI #11093399

103,000 miles · Apr 24, 2018
Electrical SystemEngine

CAR DID NOT INDICATE LOW OIL PRESSURE AT ANY TIME. ENGINE SEIZED AND STALLED ON FREEWAY CREATING DRIVING HAZZARD. CAR WAS IN MOTION AT APPROX. 65 MPL, STARTED SHAKING AS IF A TIRE HAD BLOWN. CAR STARTED TO SMELL LIKE BUNED OIL, STALLED AND WOULD NOT RESTART. THE ONLY ALERT THAT CAME ON WAS THE LOW BATTERY ICON AFTER THE MOTO…

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CAR DID NOT INDICATE LOW OIL PRESSURE AT ANY TIME. ENGINE SEIZED AND STALLED ON FREEWAY CREATING DRIVING HAZZARD. CAR WAS IN MOTION AT APPROX. 65 MPL, STARTED SHAKING AS IF A TIRE HAD BLOWN. CAR STARTED TO SMELL LIKE BUNED OIL, STALLED AND WOULD NOT RESTART. THE ONLY ALERT THAT CAME ON WAS THE LOW BATTERY ICON AFTER THE MOTOR SEIZED.

NHTSA ODI #11089975

125,000 miles · Apr 17, 2018
Engine

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 VOLVO S60. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE ENGINE SEIZED WITHOUT WARNING WHILE DRIVING 45 MPH. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO MCGRATH VOLVO CARS BARRINGTON (300 MN HOUGH ST, BARRINGTON, IL) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE ENGINE FAILED DUE TO THE OIL BEING FOUR QUARTS LOW. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE F…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 VOLVO S60. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE ENGINE SEIZED WITHOUT WARNING WHILE DRIVING 45 MPH. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO MCGRATH VOLVO CARS BARRINGTON (300 MN HOUGH ST, BARRINGTON, IL) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE ENGINE FAILED DUE TO THE OIL BEING FOUR QUARTS LOW. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND DID NOT ASSIST. THE CONTACT REFERENCED NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 13V592000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING) AS A POSSIBLE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 125,000.

NHTSA ODI #11088658

104,000 miles · Mar 1, 2018
Engine

VOLVO HAS AN INTERNAL SERVICE RECALL FOR THEIR ENGINE OIL SENSORS. THE INFORMATION CAN BE FOUND HERE: THEY HAVE STATED THAT THEY FIXED THE SENSOR IN MY VEHICLE; HOWEVER, I STILL EXPERIENCED THE EXACT PROBLEM DESCRIBED IN THE SERVICE RECALL. MY CAR SHOWED 0 ENGINE OIL LIGHT READINGS, BUT MY ENGINE SEIZED UP IN THE MIDDLE OF T…

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VOLVO HAS AN INTERNAL SERVICE RECALL FOR THEIR ENGINE OIL SENSORS. THE INFORMATION CAN BE FOUND HERE: THEY HAVE STATED THAT THEY FIXED THE SENSOR IN MY VEHICLE; HOWEVER, I STILL EXPERIENCED THE EXACT PROBLEM DESCRIBED IN THE SERVICE RECALL. MY CAR SHOWED 0 ENGINE OIL LIGHT READINGS, BUT MY ENGINE SEIZED UP IN THE MIDDLE OF THE INTERSTATE. HAD OTHER VEHICLES BEEN AROUND, I WOULD HAVE SURELY BEEN IN AN ACCIDENT.

NHTSA ODI #11075638

51,000 miles · Jan 19, 2018
Engine

AT AROUND 51,000 MILES, THE OIL PRESSURE LIGHT BLINKED. WE CHECKED THE OIL AND FOUND THAT WE HAD TO ADD 5 QUARTS ON 11/5/2017. VOLVO ADDED ANOTHER QUART ON 12/26/2017. WE ARE CONCERNED ABOUT THE OIL USAGE AND SAFETY, AND ARE KEEPING IN CONTACT WITH OUR VOLVO DEALER TO SEE IF THIS CONTINUES.

NHTSA ODI #11063666

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.