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Campaign 12V101 Posted March 14, 2012 2,742 units

2012 Volvo S60/XC60 Recall 12V101: Fuel Leak Fire Risk

Recall 12V101 affects 2,742 2012 Volvo S60 and XC60 vehicles because excess coating can damage fuel lines. Free repair at any franchised Volvo dealer.

Volvo is recalling 2,742 2012 S60 and XC60 passenger vehicles because underbody coating was mixed or applied incorrectly and can form rigid, icicle-like areas under the vehicle. If that coating penetrates the fuel lines, fuel can leak and raise the risk of fire; the Volvo dealer repair will be free once available.

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What's wrong?

The underbody coating on the 2012 Volvo S60 and XC60 is a protective material applied to the underside of the vehicle body. Its normal job is to cover exposed metal and shield it from road spray, salt, and debris. It should cure as a uniform layer, close to the undercarriage.

On affected vehicles, the coating mixture was incorrect and too much material was applied. Instead of forming a smooth protective layer, the coating can harden into rigid, icicle-like pieces that hang below the vehicle. Those hardened areas are part of the body structure coating problem, not a normal feature of the S60 or XC60 underside.

There is no warning sign before failure. An owner looking under the vehicle can see hanging, hardened coating, but the recall filing does not identify a driver warning, dashboard light, sound, or handling symptom that appears first.

Who's affected?

Includes the S60 sedan and XC60 crossover, each listed for body structure.

2012 Volvo S60 body structure
2012 Volvo XC60 body structure
Units affected2,742

The year and model narrow the scope, but the VIN decides. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific vehicle is included.

What's the safety risk?

Underbody coating that reaches the fuel lines can damage them and cause fuel leakage, increasing the risk of a fire. Until the recall inspection is complete, watch for fuel odor or visible leakage and keep the vehicle away from ignition sources. Repair will be free at any franchised Volvo dealer once available.

What should I do?

  1. Check your VIN to confirm your 2012 Volvo S60 or XC60 is included in this recall.
  2. Contact a franchised Volvo dealer and reference recall number 12V101 when you call.
  3. Schedule the undercarriage inspection and coating removal; Volvo removes excess underbody coating near the fuel lines and replaces damaged fuel lines.
  4. Bring the recall notice if Volvo has mailed one, plus any fuel-line repair paperwork you already have.
  5. Avoid parking near heat sources if you smell fuel, and ask the dealer about towing before driving the vehicle in.

What happens at the repair

At the dealer, a Volvo technician inspects the undercarriage near the fuel lines. If excessive underbody coating is hanging near that area, the technician removes it. If the inspection shows damaged fuel lines, the technician replaces them. Parts and labor are covered under the recall once the dealer repair is available. The goal is to clear the rigid coating from the fuel line area and replace any fuel lines already damaged by the coating.

Timeline

March 14, 2012 NHTSA published the recall
April 25, 2012 Owner notification mailed

Frequently asked questions

What is recall 12V101?

Recall 12V101 covers 2,742 2012 Volvo S60 and XC60 vehicles with underbody coating that can form rigid, icicle-like areas under the vehicle. If the coating penetrates the fuel lines, fuel leakage can increase the risk of a fire. Volvo dealers inspect and repair the area for free.

What should I do if my 2012 Volvo S60 or XC60 is on this recall?

Check your VIN to confirm your specific vehicle is included in recall 12V101. If it is, contact a franchised Volvo dealer to schedule the undercarriage inspection. The dealer removes excessive coating near the fuel lines and replaces damaged fuel lines for free.

Is the recall repair free?

Yes. Federal recall law requires manufacturers to repair safety defects at no cost, and Volvo dealers perform the inspection and any needed underbody coating removal or fuel line replacement free of charge. Reference recall 12V101 when you call the dealer.

What is the safety risk?

The safety risk is fuel leakage and fire. Volvo reported that excessive underbody coating can hang from the undercarriage and penetrate the fuel lines. If fuel leaks, the fire risk increases. A Volvo dealer can inspect the area and complete the covered repair.

When did Volvo start this recall repair?

Volvo began the safety recall on April 25, 2012. Owners with an included 2012 S60 or XC60 can contact a franchised Volvo dealer for the undercarriage inspection and any needed repair. Volvo Customer Care is also listed at 1-800-458-1552.

More information

NHTSA campaign pagenhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/12V101000
Volvo customer service1-800-458-1552
NHTSA recall #12V101
NHTSA recall # (full)12V101000

Source documents

This article is generated from NHTSA's primary recall filings and reviewed against the source on June 2, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →