2012 Volvo XC60 problems, complaints & recalls
Updated from NHTSA data · How we count
Owners have filed 28 complaints with NHTSA about the 2012 Volvo XC60, most often about visibility & wipers. There are 3 recalls for this model year.
- Complaints
- 28
- Recalls
- 3
- Crashes
- 0
- Fires
- 0
- Injuries
- 0
- Median mileage
- 81,587 mi at time of problem
Key facts
- Visibility & Wipers is the most-reported problem area, named in 16 of 28 complaints (57%).
- Body & Structure (2) and electrical system (2) follow.
- Half of the complaints that list mileage happened before 81,587 mi.
- The 2012 Volvo XC60 has 3 recalls on file.
- It ranks 12th of 16 Volvo XC60 model years by our severity-weighted complaint score (1st = worst).
- That is 180% more complaints than the 2011 model year (10).
2012 Volvo XC60 problems by category
- Visibility & Wipers16 complaints
- Other / Unknown5 complaints
- Body & Structure2 complaints
- Electrical System2 complaints
- Seats & Seat Belts1 complaints
- Wheels & Tires1 complaints
- Engine1 complaints
- Fuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion1 complaints
- Airbags1 complaints
A complaint can mention more than one problem area, so categories add up to more than the total.
Most-reported components
| Component (as filed with NHTSA) | Complaints |
|---|---|
| Visibility/wiper | 14 |
| Unknown or other | 5 |
| Structure:body | 2 |
| Visibility:windshield | 2 |
| Fuel/propulsion system | 1 |
| Seat belts | 1 |
| Air bags | 1 |
| Tires | 1 |
When problems happen (mileage)
2012 Volvo XC60 recalls (3)
- SEAT BELTS:FRONT
Volvo Cars of N.A., LLC (Volvo) is recalling certain 2008-2016 V70 and XC70, 2007-2016 S80, 2011-2018 S60 and V60, 2016-2018 S60 Cross Country, 2014-2020 S60L, 2009-2015 S80L, 2009-2016 XC60 and 2015-2018 V60 Cross Country vehicles. The flexible steel cable that connects the seat belt to the front outboard seating positions may fatigue over time, causing the seat belt to not secure the occupant in the event of a crash.
Risk: An unsecured occupant has an increased risk of injury in the event of a crash.
Remedy: Volvo will notify owners, and dealers will replace the seat belt anchor cable for both front seats. The recall began December 10, 2020. Owners may contact Volvo customer service at 1-800-458-1552. Volvo's number for this recall is R10029.
- STRUCTURE:BODY
Volvo is recalling certain model year 2012 s60 and xc60 passenger vehicles. An incorrect mixture of underbody coating and over-application can result in rigid, icicle-like areas hanging from vehicles undercarriage.
Risk: If this condition exists, the underbody coating may penetrate the fuels lines and cause fuel leakage, increasing the risk of a fire.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect the vehicle undercarriage, and if excessive underbody coating is found in the fuel line area, it will be removed. If the inspection reveals that the fuel lines are damaged, they will be replaced. The safety recall began on april 25, 2012. Owners may contact volvo customer care center at 1-800-458-1552.
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING
Volvo is recalling certain model year 2012 s60, xc60, s80 and xc70 vehicles manufactured from may 16, 2011, through october 6, 2011. In these vehicles, the wire harness under the front seats may have not been attached properly to the seat frame. As a result, when the seats are moved to adjust the seating position, the wire harness may get pulled, causing it to disconnect.
Risk: In the event of crash, the front and/or side impact air bags may deploy improperly or not at all, increasing the risk of injury. Also, the lap belt pretensioner may not deploy.
Remedy: Volvo will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and, if necessary, secure the seat wire harness. This service will be performed free of charge. The safety recall began on april 12, 2012. Owners may contact volvo cars at 1-800-458-1552.
Recent 2012 Volvo XC60 complaints
Excerpts of the newest owner complaints, lightly cleaned of personal details. Complaints are unverified owner reports.
- Filed Jul 9, 2025WVWheels & Tires
Four tires purchased June 2022. As of July 2025 with 17,500 miles on the tires there is ozone/weather cracking on the entire tire and the sidewall near the rim is failing with the cord visible on one tire.
NHTSA complaint #11672211 · source - Filed May 31, 202461,174 miTNVisibility & Wipers
The contact owns a 2012 Volvo XC60. The contact stated that while it was raining, water seeped through the driver's side front windshield and onto the steering wheel. The contact placed a towel on top of the steering wheel to prevent water from damaging the electrical system. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 61,174.
NHTSA complaint #11591814 · source - Filed Jan 20, 2024GAOther / Unknown
The windshield leaks constantly. I'm worried about the windshield blowing out or electrical components being damaged. This seems to be a constant complaint according to internet search. Why hasn't this been addressed as a safety issue and a recall ordered?
NHTSA complaint #11566639 · source - Filed May 19, 2023TXAirbagsSeats & Seat Belts
It was explained to me that since the Back rear seat in the Volvo XC60 seatbelt had a fault that it alerted the SRS airbag system. In event of a crash the airbags in my car would not deploy and that the only remedy was to replace the entire seatbelt in the Volvo. To prove this point I took my car in to a Volvo dealership and the technicians offered the fix as the only way my cars airbags would work if i got it fixed.
NHTSA complaint #11522879 · source - Filed Nov 14, 2022VAElectrical System
On October 12, 2022 while driving home from the Schar Cancer Center in Fairfax, my 2012 Volvo XC60 experienced an end of life event. My check engine light came on when I entered my neighborhood. The car began sputtering and the gas pedal was delayed and at times, unresponsive. I was able to make it to my house and made an appointment to service my Volvo. My Volvo was towed to GT Peace Automotive on November 6. The three-week delay was due to their backlog of work. They are a…
NHTSA complaint #11493444 · source - Filed Oct 8, 2022NJOther / Unknown
A faulty radiator anti-tamper device caused loss of communication to the engine control computer. The check engine light turns on and “charging failure-service urgent” message pops up during driving. Which cause the drivers worry even panic. I talked to local dealer several times. I was told to change battery everytime. But my battery and alternator were both tested fine. The message could pop up right after full charged battery. There are many complains at Volvo forums.…
NHTSA complaint #11488496 · source - Filed Aug 15, 2022CAEngine
"Failure Charging" warning advisory light came on the dashboard. This problem has been going on for the whole ten years I have owned this vehicle. I am the original owner of this Volvo and had some engine warning on the dashboard since the first month. I took vehicle in to the Culver City Volvo for 1000 miles check-up and annual oil change and check-up for 5 years under warranty and requested software update and reported the engine stalling during the first month. The…
NHTSA complaint #11479461 · source - Filed Jul 21, 2022NHVisibility & Wipers
The front windshield was not properly sealed during manufacturing and is now leaking when it rains. Water drips down the inside of the windshield in front of the driver resulting in distraction and poor visibility. I also fear that in an accident the windshield would not perform as it should and would be a safety issue. I brought it to the Volvo dealer and they just said I had to have it replaced but they do not provide that service. I brought it to a windshield service…
NHTSA complaint #11475160 · source
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Other 2012 Volvo models
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Office of Defects Investigation public data, as of Oct 10, 2026. Complaints are submitted by owners and are not verified by NHTSA or by us; a complaint does not prove a defect exists. View this vehicle on NHTSA.gov Methodology