2012 Volvo XC60: problems, recalls and reliability
3 recalls and 46 owner complaints on record; the weakest area is visibility/wiper (49% of complaints); the 2014 model year looks more trouble-free.
Data updated weekly · latest recall Jun 2020
All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.
Common problems
Computed from 46 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“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.”Owner report · Tires · Jul 2025
“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.”Owner report · Visibility · May 2024
“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?”Owner report · Unknown Or Other · Jan 2024
Show 7 more owner reports
“During rain, water is leaking inside the car from the driver's side windshield while I'm driving, obstructing my vision.”Owner report · Visibility/Wiper · Dec 2023
“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.”Owner report · Seats · May 2023
“Lately my vehicle has been shutting off power when I hard right turn during parking everything shut off then I have to restart it again, but the scary part was what happened this morning I was driving on interstate and as I was charging lanes it almost powered off again but it picked up.”Owner report · Unknown Or Other · Jul 2022
“Manufacturers original windshield began leaking. On inspection windshield is not properly bonded or adhered to vehicle body and is able to be pushed off the body of the vehicle with little pressure from the inside of the cabin. Windshield repair company advised me to look for a recall notice they were so concerned. Didn't find one, so I wanted to report a safety concern”Owner report · Visibility/Wiper · May 2022
“Our 2012 Volvo XC60 has a problem with the seal along the top of the windshield, which allows water into the interior of the car. It can end up dripping onto my lap while driving, which is distracting and a potential safety issue, and it also can obstruct visibility as water runs down the inside of the glass.”Owner report · Visibility/Wiper · Mar 2022
“Original front windshield separating from frame of car. Leaking water during rain / melting snow. In cold weather forms ICE/FROST on INTERIOR posing visibility hazard! Autobody worker showed me how the windshield MOVED when he pushed on it with nothing more than his hand - warned me this is also a structural risk in case of crash. He stated he has personally seen hundreds of these on same model car for this year and the two following. Doesn't know why the company doesn't issue a recall!”Owner report · Visibility/Wiper · Mar 2022
“The windshield was not sealed properly during manufacturing because of a problem with the sealant used. This has caused a leak from the windshield on both the driver and passenger side from the top of the windshield when it rains. This creates lowered visibility when driving with water on the inside of the car, and also causes driving distractions while operating the vehicle. This improperly installed windshield also has caused malfunctions in electrical components in the windshield. There are no warning lights for this issue, but the windshield must be resealed by an auto glass technician.”Owner report · Visibility · Jan 2022
When filing, owners marked a crash in 2 of these complaints and injuries in 1 - self-reported to NHTSA, not verified accident statistics.
Recalls - 3 campaigns
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 VEHICLE'S UNDERCARRIAGE.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Specifications
Factory options offered for the 2012 model year, decoded from the NHTSA vPIC database. Individual vehicles have one of each.
How other years compare
Check your exact XC60 by VIN
Recalls and equipment differ between individual vehicles. Decode your VIN to see what applies to yours.
Open VIN decoderFrequently asked questions
Is the 2012 Volvo XC60 reliable?
NHTSA has 46 owner complaints and 3 recall campaigns on record for the 2012 Volvo XC60. The most complained-about area is visibility/wiper (49% of complaints).
At what mileage do 2012 Volvo XC60 problems usually appear?
Half of the complaints that mention mileage were filed at 66,087 miles or less.
Does the 2012 Volvo XC60 have open recalls?
3 recall campaigns have been issued, the latest concerning structure:body. Check your specific vehicle by VIN - recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
Source: NHTSA recall campaigns and owner complaints (public domain). Counts reflect reports on file and are not a defect rate.