VolvoS602012Overview/volvo/s60/2012/base/

2012 Volvo S60

Factory specifications, fluid capacities, torque values, EPA fuel economy and the federal safety record for the 2012 S60.

Body PASSENGER CARTransmission Automatic (S6)

The 2012 Volvo S60 is a passenger car equipped with a six-speed automatic transmission and EPA fuel economy ratings of 18 city, 26 highway, and 21 combined miles per gallon, requiring 6.0 quarts of engine oil within the recommended 0W-30 to 5W-30 viscosity range. In terms of reliability within the S60's complaint history spanning 2000 through 2018, the 2012 model year recorded 121 owner complaints with engine-related issues as the primary concern, alongside eight recalls—placing it below the peak of 238 complaints logged in 2001 but notably elevated compared to the single complaint filed for the 2000 model year.

Model year202520242023202220212020201920182012

Quick specs

Fluid capacities, tune-up values and fuel economy at a glance.

Engine oil capacity6.0 qtOEM · verified
Engine oil type0W-30 / 0W-40 / 5W-30 APIOEM · verified
Lug nut torque103 ft-lbsOEM · verified
EPA fuel economy18/26/21 mpgEPA · verified

Fitment & sizes

Replacement part sizes and factory part numbers — battery, bulbs, filters and belts.

From the factory this vehicle uses a BCI With premium sound system: 92, Without premium sound system: 48 · With premium sound system: 700, Without premium sound system: 600 CCA battery, OE oil filter 8692305. Each part links to every other vehicle that shares it, so a part you already stock may fit more of your fleet than you'd expect.

Battery groupBCI With premium sound system: 92, Without premium sound system: 48 · With premium sound system: 700, Without premium sound system: 600 CCAOEM · verified
Tire size235-40R18OEM · verified
Wheel / rim8 inOEM · verified

OE service part numbers OEM · verified

Engine oil filter8692305 alt 30750013
Engine air filter30745344 alt 30757155
Fuel filter32242190
Battery31296299 alt 30772236
Front wiper blades32341318
Thermostat30650891 alt 31355151
Cabin air filter31390880 alt 31449209

Full specifications

Engine, drivetrain, dimensions and economy.

Engine & drivetrain NHTSA vPIC

TransmissionAutomatic (S6)

Dimensions & weight NHTSA vPIC

Overall length182.3 in
Overall width73.6 in
Overall height58.3 in
Wheelbase109.4 in
Curb weight3547 lb
Track (front / rear)61.8 / 61.4 in
Weight distribution (front / rear)62/38

Ratings & economy EPA / vPIC

EPA city / highway / combined18 / 26 / 21 mpg
DrivetrainAll-Wheel Drive
Passenger volume92 cu ft
Cargo volume14 cu ft
Recommended fuelRegular Gasoline

Performance & power Independent road tests

0–60 mph, quarter-mile, horsepower and torque from independent road tests.

Independent road tests for the S60 of this era, listed by trim and engine — this page spans more than one engine, so no single horsepower figure is shown.

5.2–6.2 sec0–60 mph (tested)quickest 5.20 sec — 2012 T6 R-Design
YearTrim / engine0–60¼ mileHPDrivetrain
2012T6 R-Design 3.0L Turbo I-65.20 sec13.60 sec325 hpAWD
2012T6 R-Design 3.0L Turbo I-65.30 sec13.90 sec325 hpAWD
2012T6 3.0L Turbo I-65.50 sec14.00 sec300 hpAWD
2012T6 3.0L Turbo I-65.70 sec14.20 sec300 hpAWD
2012T6 3.0L Turbo I-66.00 sec14.50 sec300 hpAWD
2012T5 2.5L Turbo I-56.20 sec14.70 sec250 hpFWD
2011T6 3.0L Turbo I-65.50 sec14.10 sec300 hpAWD
2013T6 R-Design 3.0L Turbo I-65.30 sec13.80 sec325 hpAWD

Service quick specs OEM factory data

Capacities, torques and tune-up values from the factory service manual.

This engine holds 6.0 qt of 0W-30 / 0W-40 / 5W-30 API engine oil, USE VOLVO PART NO. 1161620 OR EQUIVALENT in the differential. Torque lug nuts to 103 ft-lbs. The firing order is 1-5-3-6-2-4. Note the cylinder-head bolts finish on a torque angle (torque-to-yield) — they stretch permanently and should be replaced, not reused, during any head service.

Lubricants & capacities

Automatic Transmission FluidVolvo part number 31256774
Automatic Transmission Fluid Capacity7.0-7.4
Differential Gear OilUSE VOLVO PART NO. 1161620 OR EQUIVALENT
Differential Gear Oil Capacity1.5 Pints
Engine Oil0W-30 · 0W-40 · API · 5W-30 · 5W-40
Engine Oil Capacity6.0 qt
Engine Oil0W-30 · 0W-40 · API · 5W-30 · 5W-40
Engine Oil Capacity7.2 qt

Engine torques

Crankshaft Pulley and/or Damper Bolts133 ft-lbs
Engine Flywheel Bolts59 ft-lbs
Intake Manifold to Engine BoltsLower: 14 ft-lbs; Upper: 7.4 ft-lbs
Exhaust Manifold to Cylinder Head Bolts17.7 ft-lbs
Intake Manifold to Engine Bolts12.5 ft-lbs
Exhaust Manifold to Cylinder Head Bolts17.7 ft-lbs
Oil Pump to Cylinder BLock Bolts/Studs84 ft-lbs

Chassis torques

Lug Nuts103 ft-lbs
Transfer Case Fill Plug27.0 ft-lbs
Transfer Case Drain Plug27.0 ft-lbs
Front Wheel Hub26 ft-lbs
Rear Wheel Hub26 ft-lbs

Ignition

Cylinder Firing Order1-2-4-5-3
Cylinder Firing Order1-5-3-6-2-4
Curb Idle Speed (No Load)720 rpm
Curb Idle Speed (No Load)650 rpm
Curb Idle Speed Variance (No Load)50 rpm
Ignition Coil Primary Resistance0.98 ohms

Battery & A/C

RefrigerantR134a
Refrigerant Capacity1.70 lbs
Oil GroupPAG

Service checks

Fuel Pump Pressure Minimum68 psi
Fuel Pump Pressure Maximum70 psi
Injector Primary Resistance12 ohms
Injector Primary Resistance12 ohms

Brakes

Torque Caliper to Bracket26 ft-lbs / 21 ft-lbs
Torque to Knuckle81 ft-lbs / 148 ft-lbs
Minimum Pad ThicknessFront: 0.079; Rear: 0.079 in
Rotor Max Parallel Variation0.0003 in
Rotor Runout Limit0.0014 in / 0.0007 in
Rotor Nominal Thickness From0.472 in / 0.433 in / 0.866 in / 1.102 in
Rotor Nominal Thickness To0.472 in / 0.433 in / 0.866 in / 1.102 in
Rotor Minimum Machining0.421 in / 0.381 in / 0.814 in / 1.043 in

Multi-step torque procedures OEM · verified

Connecting Rod (Large End) Bearings — tightening sequence 1 stages
111 ft. lbs., Step 2: 18 ft. lbs., Step 3: 10011 ft. lbs
Connecting Rod (Large End) Bearings — tightening sequence 1 stages
122 ft. lbs., Step 2: 9022 ft. lbs
Cylinder Head — tightening sequence 3 stages
115 ft. lbs.15 ft. lbs
244 ft. lbs.44 ft. lbs
3130 degrees.130 degrees
Cylinder Head — tightening sequence 4 stages
133 ft. lbs.33 ft. lbs
233 ft. lbs.33 ft. lbs
390 degrees.90 degrees
4180 degrees.180 degrees
Engine Flywheel Bolts — tightening sequence 1 stages
133 ft. lbs., Step 2: 5033 ft. lbs
Main Bearings — tightening sequence 1 stages
14 ft. lbs., Step 2: 22 ft. lbs., Step 3: 1054 ft. lbs

Factory maintenance schedule OEM · verified

Normal service, condensed from the factory interval matrix.

Under the factory schedule, replace the spark plugs every 75,000 mi.

Every 7,500 miBrake Hydraulic System (inspect fluid level) · Brake Linings (inspect) · Brake Rotor (inspect) · CV Joint Boot (inspect) · Driveshaft (inspect) · Driveshaft Support Bearing (inspect)
Every 15,000 miCabin Air Filter (replace) · Engine Coolant System (inspect fluid level) · Parking Brake System (inspect) · Underbody (inspect)
Every 30,000 miBrake Line (inspect) · Fuel Line (inspect)
Every 37,500 miEngine Air Filter Element (replace)
At 60,000 miCV Joint Boot (inspect) · Driveshaft (inspect) · Driveshaft Support Bearing (inspect) · Driveshaft U-Joint (inspect) · Exhaust System (Complete) (inspect) · Steering System (inspect)
Every 75,000 miSpark Plugs (replace)
At 120,000 miTiming Belt (replace)
At 150,000 miDrive Belt (replace) · Vehicle Wiring Harnesses (inspect)

Reliability & federal safety record

Owner-reported issues, recalls, investigations and service bulletins on record with NHTSA — an unfiltered look at what owners actually experience.

The 2012 S60 marks a sharp inflection point in the modern generation, with 121 complaints — a twenty-four-fold jump from the 5 recorded for the 2011 debut year and the highest annual total since the early-2000s — while recalls peak at eight, the most of any model year in the 2011–2018 span. Engine-related complaints dominate at 43, accounting for over one-third of the total, with Steering, Electrical System, and Unknown/Other each contributing six; the data does not specify root causes for these categories. Crash-involved complaints reach eight, though no fire reports appear. Complaints then decline to 85 in 2013 and 25 in 2014, suggesting the 2012 surge reflects typical first-year-teething severity rather than a sustained defect trend, while TSB volume remains elevated (268) through 2016, indicating ongoing service activity. The 2012 model year carries the highest complaint and recall burden of the generation, making it the least attractive vintage for a used purchase unless a thorough pre-purchase inspection confirms all eight recall campaigns and the prevalent engine concerns have been resolved.

8
Open recalls
NHTSA campaigns
268
Service bulletins
Manufacturer communications
0
ODI investigations
Office of Defects Investigation
121
Owner complaints
8 involved a crash · 0 a fire
NHTSA crash-test rating federal NCAP · out of 5 stars
Overall★★★★★
Frontal★★★★★
Side★★★★★
Rollover★★★★★
Owner complaints by model year NHTSA · this generation & adjacent

Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component

All 121 complaints on record, top 8 components.

Engine43
Steering6
Unknown Or Other6
Electrical System6
Seat Belts5
Electrical System,Engine4
Structure4
Air Bags4

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation complaint database.

Recalls NHTSA · verified

Showing 2 of 8 campaigns on record for this vehicle.

11V508000Equipment:Other:LabelsReported 18/10/2011

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… 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…

11V303000Fuel System, Gasoline:Delivery:Fuel PumpReported 01/06/2011

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… 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…

Technical service bulletins NHTSA · verified

Showing 5 of 268 bulletins on record with NHTSA.

BulletinDateComponentSummary
35526.1.82026-04-23EngineThis is a Technical Journal: Text plus 2 PDFs and 1 .PNG Oil Consumption test. Perform…
37809.1.12026-04-07Unknown Or OtherThis is a TJ text only - The purpose of this TJ is to be a master reference list to…
192452025-12-06Unknown Or OtherThis is a Technical Journal. Vehicle type and platform identification.
85012025-04-10Exterior LightingThis is a Technical Journal: Remote connection, BOMGAR application. Before joining a…
S103032025-02-21Unknown Or OtherVolvo Cars USA LLC and Volvo Car Canada LTD on behalf of the Volvo Car Corporation has…

Common OBD-II trouble codes

The most common OBD-II codes for this vehicle's emissions system. These are standardized SAE J2012 definitions, not vehicle-specific fault reports.

P0420
Catalyst system efficiency below threshold — Bank 1
P0300
Random / multiple cylinder misfire detected
P0171
System too lean — Bank 1
P0455
Evaporative emission system leak detected — large leak
P0128
Coolant thermostat below regulating temperature
P0442
Evaporative emission system leak detected — small leak

VIN tools

Decode factory build data for a specific vehicle by VIN.

VIN
Decode a VIN to confirm the transmission and build data for a specific S60. OEM
Build data
Plant, GVWR class, engine and body data for any 17-character VIN.
Recalls
Check open recall campaigns against a specific vehicle by VIN.

Vehicles with shared specs

Find every vehicle that shares this one's battery, bulbs, oil capacity, platform or parts.

Reference guides

Cross-vehicle references for the kinds of data on this page.

Frequently asked

How much oil does the 2012 S60 take?

6.0 qt of BELOW 104 degrees F,: 0W-30 OR 0W-40 API SL, -22 degrees F TO 104 degrees F: 5W-30 API SL, -13 degrees F TO 104 degrees F: 5W-40 API SL, per the factory manual.

Does the 2012 S60 have open recalls?

NHTSA lists 8 recall campaign(s) for this model year. Check your specific vehicle by VIN.

What gas mileage does the S60 get?

EPA figures are 18 city / 26 highway / 21 combined mpg.