Recall Alert: 2012 Volvo S60

Volvo is recalling 448 S60 sedans from the 2012 model year over a fault with the fuel system, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

Due to an improperly manufactured fuel link quick connector, the fuel line may detach from the engine. Vehicles that experience this will end up stalling, increasing the risk of a crash. Customers may also notice fuel smells or leakage, which could result in a car fire. This issue is separate from another fuel system defect we reported on earlier this month.

Volvo will replace the fuel lines free of charge. The recall begins this month. For additional info, owners can call Volvo at 201-768-7300 or NHTSA’s hotline at 888-327-4236.

Recall Alert: 2012 Volvo S60

Volvo is recalling 7,558 S60 sedans — the recently redesigned model — because the engine may hesitate or stall, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

In the affected vehicles, the software for the fuel pump may not be compatible with all fuel pumps and their components. As a result, fuel may not sufficiently transfer in the pump unit. If this happens, the engine may hesitate or stall even though the fuel gauge shows the tank at one-quarter full.

The vehicles affected by the recall are equipped with five-cylinder engines and were built between Nov. 18, 2010, and May 5. You can check the vehicle’s build date on a sticker on the driver-side doorjamb.

The recall is expected to begin June 17. Dealers will upgrade the engine control module software for free. For more info, owners can call Volvo at 201-768-7300 or NHTSA’s vehicle safety hotline at 888-327-4236.

Recall Alert: 2010-11 Volvo XC90

Volvo is recalling about 350 V-8-equipped XC90 crossovers from the 2010 and 2011 model years because the vehicles could experience a sudden loss of power steering, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

In the affected vehicles, the power-steering fluid may leak from the oil pipe connection at the steering gear valve housing. This could cause a loss of power steering and increase the risk of a crash. The vehicles in the recall were built were built between Jan. 29 and Aug. 16, 2010. You can check the build date on a sticker on the driver-side doorjamb.

The recall is expected to begin on or before May 31. Dealers will replace the oil pipes on the power-steering rack at no charge. Owners can call Volvo at 800-458-1552 or NHTSA’s vehicle safety hotline at 888-327-4236.

Volvo Boosts Power With R-Design S60, XC60

Volvo is increasing the power in the R-Design-trimmed S60 and XC60 for the 2012 model year. Both vehicles now have a power rating of 325 horsepower and 354 pounds-feet of torque. The turbocharged inline-six-cylinder in both models is the same one found on each trim’s T6 model, but here the engine produces an additional 25 horsepower to better match the sporting aspirations of the more expensive R-Design trim level.

Each model comes with standard all-wheel drive and a six-speed automatic transmission. The S60 R-Design will have a starting price of $42,275 and the XC60 R-Design will start at $43,150 when they both go on sale this summer.

The R-Design trim is new for the second-generation S60; the last time it was available on the model was in 2007. It's essentially a sportier, more aggressive-looking S60 T6. The suspension has been lowered on the model, and the chassis has been stiffened with a front strut brace and rear monotube dampers.

Exterior changes on the S60 include a new lowered front end design. The rear bumper gets the same treatment. Unique 18-inch alloy wheels and dual exhaust designs are also included. On the inside, there are front seats with larger bolsters and unique color combinations.

We already thought the S60 T6 had enough performance for the casual driver for a lower starting price of $37,700. It’ll be interesting to see whether these changes can help the model better compete with the BMW 3-Series for performance buyers.

Check out our shots of the two models from the New York International Auto Show. Tell us in the comment section below if you think the changes are worth the cash.

2012 Volvo XC70, S80: Ch-Ch-Changes

For the 2012 model year, the Volvo XC70 and S80 gain new safety and convenience features and some appearance upgrades.

Both vehicles now have a Pedestrian Detection system as an available option. This system first debuted on the S60. It uses radar and a camera to detect people in the car's path and trigger alerts or, if necessary, applies full braking. Volvo’s City Safety system is now standard on both vehicles: The system can lessen or avoid low-speed rear-end collisions automatically, up to 19 mph. We found both systems to be disappointing when we tested them in the Volvo S60; hopefully, Volvo has made some changes.

Recall Alert: 2011 Volvo S40

Volvo has issued a recall for seven 2011 Volvo S40s over a production error, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. On the affected seven units, a crack may have formed on the top side of the passenger side support member in the engine compartment. The crack could reduce the S40’s crash performance. The structural crack isn’t evident, so it’s imperative to have the vehicle inspected. We’ve provided the affected VINs below.

Volvo dealers will inspect for cracks in the engine compartment for free. If cracks are revealed, the vehicle will be replaced free of charge.

The recall is expected to begin April 15.. For more info, owners may call Volvo at 800-458-1552 or NHTSA’s hotline at 888-327-4236.

2011-12 Volvo S60 Earns IIHS Top Safety Pick

The 2011-12 Volvo S60 received the Top Safety Pick designation in the midsize luxury/near-luxury category from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety.

To earn the award, a vehicle must receive the top rating of Good in front, side, rear and rollover crash tests. The vehicle also must have electronic stability control, which is standard on the S60.

Measurements taken during the S60’s testing show a low risk of significant injury in a 40-mph frontal-offset crash. Head movement was well-controlled during the crash — reducing the possibility of a neck injury. During side-impact testing, the driver’s and rear passenger’s heads were protected from the 3,300-pound deformable barrier traveling at 31 mph (shown above).

To pass IIHS’ roof-strength test, a vehicle’s roof must be able to withstand the force of four times the vehicle’s weight.

The S60 can withstand 4.95 times its own weight. The 2005-09 Volvo S60 also had Good ratings in front and rear crash tests, but it only had the second-best Acceptable rating in the side crash test. The previous model did not go through the roof-strength test.

The S60 joins four other Top Safety Picks from Volvo, the XC60, XC90, C30 and S80.

Volvo V60 Plug-in Diesel Hybrid Coming to Geneva

The world has asked for diesel hybrids for a long time. It seems Volvo is not only answering their prayers with a V60 hybrid, but its adding even more efficiency by making it a plug-in hybrid as well.

The redesigned V60 (standard European version shown above) will house the new hybrid system that packs a turbocharged 2.4-liter five-cylinder diesel engine, putting 215 horsepower and 324 pounds-feet of torque to the front wheels. A 70-hp electric motor will power the rear wheels using a lithium-ion battery pack.
 
While Volvo isn’t importing the V60 wagon to the U.S. in its standard gasoline variations, there are rumors that this hybrid version will be sold in the U.S. We’ll hopefully get definitive word on March 1 when it debuts at the Geneva International Motor Show.

Volvo S60 Gets New, Cheaper Base Trim

Volvo said its redesigned Volvo S60 would get a more affordable version when the car first went on sale in September with just a top-of-the-line trim available. This month, the automaker delivered on that promise with a new 2012 base model that sucks nearly $7,000 out of the sedan’s original asking price.

The new 2012 T5 trim starts at $30,975, excluding an $875 destination fee; that’s $450 less than what Volvo originally quoted for the model.

Cars.com Reviews the 2011 Volvo S60

Volvo calls its newest compact sedan “the naughty Volvo” because it's sporty to drive and exciting to look at — I guess that tells you a bit about Volvo's overall self-esteem as it relates to the rest of its lineup. Claims are one thing, but out on the open road, the S60 is a solid performer, according to Cars.com senior editor Joe Wiesenfelder. The Volvo has a rich-looking interior, but the backseat is fairly snug. The Volvo also features some new, fancy safety technology, including the Swedish automaker’s new City Safety and Pedestrian Detection system. But this new safety system is where this agile Volvo starts acting, well, naughty.

2011 Volvo S60 Review