Recall 12V317 affects 1,469 2011-2013 Volvo S80 vehicles for transmission software that prevents downshifts. Repair is free at any franchised Volvo dealer.
Volvo is recalling 1,469 2011-2013 S80 vehicles under recall 12V317 because a software error can stop the transmission from downshifting while coasting, such as from fifth to fourth gear. Lower engine RPMs can lead to an engine stall and raise crash risk, and the Volvo dealer repair will be free once available.
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What's wrong?
The transmission control module in a 2011-2013 Volvo S80 is the computer that tells the automatic transmission when to shift. It reads vehicle speed, throttle position, and other signals, then commands the transmission to move between gears so the engine and wheels stay in the right range.
On affected S80 vehicles, a software error interferes with that shift command while the vehicle is coasting. Instead of downshifting from fifth gear to fourth gear when needed, the transmission can stay in the higher gear. That leaves the car in a gear that does not match the driving condition, so acceleration or driveline response feels different from what the driver expects.
There is no warning sign before failure. The issue shows up as the transmission staying in the higher gear during coasting, instead of making the expected downshift.
Who's affected?
Spans 3 model years for the S80, all tied to the automatic transmission control module.
| 2011 Volvo S80 | automatic transmission |
|---|---|
| 2012 Volvo S80 | automatic transmission |
| 2013 Volvo S80 | automatic transmission |
| Units affected | 1,469 |
A matching year and model does not confirm inclusion. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific sedan is included.
What's the safety risk?
Reduced engine RPMs can cause an engine stall, which increases the risk of a crash. If the S80 loses engine speed or stalls, move out of traffic, stop in a safe place, and arrange service. Repair will be free at any franchised Volvo dealer once available.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2011-2013 Volvo S80 is included in this recall.
- Contact Volvo customer service at 1-800-458-1552 if you never received the owner notice, and reference recall number 12V317.
- Ask a franchised Volvo dealer about the free transmission-control-module software upgrade that corrects the downshift error and reduces stall risk.
- Bring the recall notice to the dealer if you have it.
- Drive cautiously until the software update is complete, and pull over safely if the engine stalls.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Volvo technician upgrades the software in the transmission control module at no charge. That update addresses the software error that can stop the transmission from downshifting as expected while coasting. The source notice says the safety recall began on August 10, 2012, and Volvo directed dealers to perform the software upgrade free of charge. Parts and labor are covered under the recall.
Timeline
| July 6, 2012 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| August 10, 2012 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 12V317?
Recall 12V317 covers 1,469 2011-2013 Volvo S80 sedans with a transmission control module software error. The error can prevent a downshift while coasting, lowering engine RPMs and creating engine stall risk. Volvo dealers upgrade the transmission software for free.
What should I do if my 2011-2013 Volvo S80 is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific S80 is included in recall 12V317. If it is, contact a franchised Volvo dealer and ask for the transmission control module software upgrade. Reference recall number 12V317 when you call. The repair is free.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires manufacturers to repair safety defects at no cost. Volvo dealers will upgrade the transmission control module software free of charge for vehicles included in recall 12V317.
What is the safety risk?
The safety risk is engine stall while driving. Volvo says the software error can prevent the transmission from downshifting, including from fifth gear to fourth gear while coasting. That can reduce engine RPMs and increase crash risk.
What if I bought my Volvo S80 used?
The free recall repair still applies. Recall eligibility follows the VIN, not the current owner. Check your VIN to confirm whether your S80 is included, then contact a franchised Volvo dealer and reference recall 12V317.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/12V317000 |
|---|---|
| Volvo customer service | 1-800-458-1552 |
| NHTSA recall # | 12V317 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 12V317000 |
Source documents
-
Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF) - Download Recall Investigation Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Owner Notification Letter (PDF)
- Download Defect / Noncompliance Notice (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Recall Acknowledgement (PDF)
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 →