2012 Volvo S60 Engine Problems
- Complaints
- 61about this part
- Share
- 50%of 121 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 85,250miles
- Trend
- FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 61 complaints about the engine of the 2012 Volvo S60, 50% of the 121 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 85,250 miles. 1 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“As I approached a red light I began to slow down and my car started to shake and then it turned off I was unable to turn on my hazards to warn other drivers or pull over to the side, after a couple seconds the lights came back on and I put the car in p and started it again. It happened again later on the same day.”
NHTSA complaint #11383627, filed 2020-12, 136,000 miles“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 complaint #11063666, filed 2018-01, 51,000 miles“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 complaint #11075638, filed 2018-03, 104,000 miles“My 2012 S60 has less than 63k miles and it is burning oil. I've not seen any leaks or exhaust smoke, so I assumed all was well. Dealer ship advised it's normal for a Volvo to loss 1-2 quarts of oil between oil changes. Recently the engine failed with no warning, and warranty is out. Can't believe a 2012 veh. Would have such engine problems and Volvo customer service does not acknowledge the problem.”
NHTSA complaint #10908835, filed 2016-09, 62,785 miles“On april 12, 2016 I took my Volvo s-60 leased brand new from Volvo and the purchased at the end of the lease as a certified pre-owned car in for an oil change and a check oil light. Volvo had a recall on oil pressure censors (this had caused other car engines to seize something that the ntsb has reported on). The Volvo authorized dealer, herb gordon, claimed to have made this repair. However on june 21, 2016, the engine seized in the middle of a busy road. …”
NHTSA complaint #10943927, filed 2017-01, 52,000 milesRelated service bulletins
- 11032678Apr 23, 2026This is a Technical Journal: Text plus 2 PDFs and 1 .PNG Oil Consumption test. Perform the test. Follow service procedure Description and Service sections updated to clarify…
- 10157864Feb 9, 2019This is a Technical Journal: Oil in cooling system. New cleaning method developed.
- 10159079Mar 27, 2018This is a Technical Journal: In case of complaint of Noise, some "tools" have been created to help you to do a better and more precise fault tracing
- 10167921Mar 10, 2017Jason Guidi Manager - Warranty , Regulatory & Compliance March 24 , 2016 To : All U.S . and Canadian Volvo Retailers Subject : Service Campaign S29650 Volvo Car USA LLC and Volvo…
- 10167919Mar 10, 2017Jason Guidi Manager - Warranty , Regulatory & Compliance March 24 , 2016 To : All U.S . and Canadian Volvo Retailers Subject : Service Campaign S29650 Volvo Car USA LLC and Volvo…
Engine: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 1 | 5% |
| 2022 | 2 | 13% |
| 2021 | 1 | 13% |
| 2020 | 1 | 8% |
| 2019 | 1 | 4% |
| 2017 | 1 | 6% |
| 2016 | 10 | 37% |
| 2015 | 23 | 39% |
| 2014 | 12 | 48% |
| 2013 | 36 | 41% |
| 2012 | 61 | 50% |
| 2008 | 2 | 20% |
| 2007 | 2 | 10% |
| 2006 | 6 | 19% |
| 2005 | 3 | 7% |
| 2004 | 22 | 11% |
| 2003 | 5 | 4% |
| 2002 | 5 | 3% |
| 2001 | 2 | 1% |
Other parts of the 2012 Volvo S60
17 complaintsOther or unknown
15 complaintsSeat belts
9 complaintsFuel system
8 complaintsSteering
8 complaintsBody and structure
7 complaintsAir bags
6 complaintsBrakes
6 complaintsVehicle speed control
6 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
4 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
4 complaintsExterior lighting
3 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2012 Volvo S60
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 27, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology