2012 Volvo S60 — Full Specifications
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The 2012 Volvo S60 is a saloon/sedan offered with 2 engines (2.5L 5-cyl turbo, 3L 6-cyl turbo). Its most fuel-efficient configuration returns around 28 mpg (UK) / 23 mpg (US EPA) combined, with 25–28 mpg (UK) across all configurations. Owners often keep a Volvo S60 workshop manual to hand for servicing and repairs.
Compared with the 2011 Volvo S60: Fuel economy improves from 25 to 28 mpg (UK) combined on the most efficient configuration. EPA lists new engine options for 2012: 2.5L 5-cyl turbo. It holds a 5★ overall NHTSA rating (none is on record for the 2011 model).
Full Specifications
| Engine (most efficient) | 2.5L 5-cyl turbo |
|---|---|
| Engine options | 2.5L 5-cyl turbo · 3L 6-cyl turbo |
| Transmission (most efficient) | Automatic (S6) |
| Fuel Type | Regular Gasoline |
| Powertrain | Conventional |
| Drive | Front-Wheel Drive |
| Body Style | Saloon/Sedan |
| Passenger Volume (EPA) | 92 cu ft (2,605 L) |
| Luggage Volume (EPA) | 14 cu ft (396 L) |
| Fuel Economy (UK) | 28 combined / 24 urban / 36 extra-urban mpg |
| Fuel Economy (US EPA) | 23 combined / 20 city / 30 highway mpg |
| CO₂ Emissions | 240 g/km |
| EPA Est. Annual Fuel Cost | $2,900 (15,000 mi/yr, US prices) |
Engine & Transmission Options
EPA lists 2 configurations for the 2012 Volvo S60 across 2 engines (2.5L 5-cyl turbo, 3L 6-cyl turbo). Combined fuel economy ranges from 21 to 23 mpg (US), or 25 to 28 mpg (UK), depending on engine, transmission and drive. The headline figures at the top of this page describe the most fuel-efficient configuration.
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG (UK) | MPG (US) | CO₂ g/km | Fuel cost / yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2.5L 5-cyl turbo | Automatic (S6) | Front-Wheel Drive | 28 | 23 (20/30) | 240 | $2,900 |
| 3L 6-cyl turbo | Automatic (S6) | All-Wheel Drive | 25 | 21 (18/26) | 263 | $3,200 |
MPG (US) shows combined, with city/highway in brackets. Highlighted row = the configuration used for the headline figures. Source: US EPA fueleconomy.gov.
EPA measures interior passenger volume at 92 cubic feet (about 2,605 litres) and luggage volume at 14 cubic feet (about 396 litres). These are US EPA interior-volume figures; they are measured differently from the boot capacity numbers UK manufacturers quote.
Owner Essentials for the 2012 Volvo S60
Running Costs: 2012 Volvo S60
Covering around 8,000 miles a year in a 2012 Volvo S60 at 28 mpg combined, expect roughly 1,299 litres of fuel annually — multiply by your local price per litre for a cost estimate. For US owners, the EPA estimates about $2,900 a year in fuel for the most efficient configuration (15,000 miles, national average prices). Work out exact fuel costs with the fuel cost calculator on 247Calculators.
Convert between MPG and L/100km with the unit converters on 247QuickTools. Not sure what tyre size fits? 247TyreCheck explains tyre sizing.
Only need this car occasionally? See our buy vs rent comparison.
2012 Volvo S60 Safety Ratings (NHTSA)
Recalls & Owner Complaints (NHTSA)
NHTSA lists 8 safety recall campaigns that include the 2012 Volvo S60 (as of 6 October 2026). Most affected areas: Fuel system (2), Seat belts (1), Latches/locks/linkages (1). A campaign often covers several model years or models, so check your own VIN to see whether your car is affected.
- Seat belts — campaign 20V378000, reported 30 June 2020. Risk: An unsecured occupant has an increased risk of injury in the event of a crash.
- Latches/locks/linkages — campaign 19V849000, reported 26 November 2019. 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.
- Engine and engine cooling — campaign 13V592000, reported 22 November 2013. 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.
- Structure — campaign 12V101000, reported 14 March 2012. Risk: IF THIS CONDITION EXISTS, THE UNDERBODY COATING MAY PENETRATE THE FUELS LINES AND CAUSE FUEL LEAKAGE, INCREASING THE RISK OF A FIRE.
Showing the 4 most recent of 8 campaigns.
Owners have filed 121 complaints with NHTSA about the 2012 Volvo S60. The most-reported areas are Engine (61), Electrical system (17), Unspecified (15). Complaints include 8 reported crashes, 13 reported injuries. That is well above the median of 18 complaints across the 14 Volvo S60 model years in our data.
Used-buyer checklist for the 2012 Volvo S60
Based on where NHTSA recalls and owner complaints cluster for this model year, these are the areas worth checking before you buy:
- Engine (61 owner complaints) — Listen for unusual noise on a cold start, check for warning lights and ask for the service records.
- Seat belts (1 recall campaign · 9 owner complaints) — Check every belt latches and retracts properly and that any restraint recalls were completed.
- Electrical system (17 owner complaints) — Test every switch, window, light and warning lamp on a test drive, and ask about battery or alternator replacements.
- Fuel system (2 recall campaigns) — Ask whether any fuel-pump or fuel-system recalls were completed, and watch for hard starting or stalling.
Source: US NHTSA recall and consumer-complaint databases, retrieved 6 October 2026. Complaints are unverified owner reports, not confirmed defects. Check any vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls, and see our guide to checking a used car for recalls.
How It Compares
Volvo models in our database average about 30 mpg (UK) combined on their most efficient configuration; the 2012 Volvo S60's 28 mpg is 2 mpg below that make average. Its 240 g/km CO₂ figure is 32 g/km higher than the 208 g/km Volvo average.
Of the 15 Volvo S60 model years we cover, the 2012 ranks 14th for combined fuel economy on its best configuration (28 mpg UK combined, against a high of 37 mpg). See every Volvo S60 year side by side.
Last updated: · Data: US EPA (fueleconomy.gov) and NHTSA safety ratings 18 July 2026; NHTSA recalls and complaints 6 October 2026; Wikidata & curated EU catalogue 18 July 2026; European generation and engine data from Wikipedia 7 October 2026
Vehicle data sourced from manufacturer specifications. Always verify with your vehicle handbook or a qualified mechanic. This is a reference tool, not professional advice.
Recommended Accessories for the 2012 Volvo S60
Frequently Asked Questions
What engine does the 2012 Volvo S60 have?
EPA lists 2 engines for the 2012 Volvo S60: 2.5L 5-cyl turbo, 3L 6-cyl turbo. The most fuel-efficient configuration pairs the 2.5L 5-cyl turbo with a automatic (s6).
What is the fuel economy of the 2012 Volvo S60?
The most efficient configuration returns around 28 mpg (UK) combined, or 23 mpg on the US EPA cycle. Across all configurations the UK combined figure runs from 25 to 28 mpg.
How much does the 2012 Volvo S60 cost to fuel per year?
The US EPA estimates about $2,900 a year in fuel for the most efficient configuration, based on 15,000 miles of mixed driving and national average fuel prices. Your own cost will depend on mileage and local prices.
Does the 2012 Volvo S60 have a good safety rating?
It holds an overall NHTSA rating of 5 stars, with 5 stars for frontal crash protection.
Does the 2012 Volvo S60 have any recalls?
NHTSA lists 8 safety recall campaigns that include the 2012 Volvo S60 (as of 6 October 2026). Most affected areas: Fuel system (2), Seat belts (1), Latches/locks/linkages (1). A campaign often covers several model years or models, so check your own VIN to see whether your car is affected.
What are the most common problems reported for the 2012 Volvo S60?
Among the 121 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported areas are Engine (61 complaints), Electrical system (17 complaints), Unspecified (15 complaints). Complaints are unverified owner reports, not confirmed defects, and raw counts rise with how many cars were sold.
How much interior and luggage space does the 2012 Volvo S60 have?
EPA measures interior passenger volume at 92 cubic feet (about 2,605 litres) and luggage volume at 14 cubic feet (about 396 litres). These are US EPA interior-volume figures, which are measured differently from the UK boot-capacity numbers manufacturers quote.