2012 Volvo XC70: problems, recalls and reliability
2 recalls and 14 owner complaints on record; most reports concern visibility/wiper.
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 14 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“Windshield leaking for about 2 tears got worse and was found to be "loose windshield and mobile" and "hazardous" by technician.”Owner report · Visibility · Jun 2022
“The steering wheel sticks and hesitates and won't turn. Then it finally does. Sometimes it seems worse when cold. It has happened many times. I have taken it to many dealers and mechanics and they can't figure it out. Just recently pulling out of my driveway, I was using the gas, and it would not turn and I thought I was going to hit a tree. Another time while driving n a rotary it froze. Many times while turniing into a parking place it locks up.”Owner report · Steering · Mar 2020
“Tl* the contact owns a 2012 volvo xc70. While the contact was driving in the rain, water was entering the vehicle. The contact discovered the windscreen failed and caused the front windshield to become unsecured. The vehicle was taken to volvo of monterey in seaside, ca where it was diagnosed that the window seal was faulty. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 63,000.”Owner report · Structure · Dec 2019
Show 4 more owner reports
“The seal for the windshield has failed along the top passenger side. From the inside of the vehicle, one can push the windshield enough to see a gap. Water enters when raining; I believe this is also a safety issue is the seal completely fails. It started at about 55 months after delivery and 24,000 miles.”Owner report · Unknown Or Other · Jun 2016
“This is second occurrence with continental tires on my 2012 volvo xc 70. Side wall shredded while my wife was driving 35 mph causing blowout at 14,000 miles first blowout occurred when vehicle was only a few months old. Volvo replaced tire and charged me $270 saying defective tires were not covered under warranty. These are the continental 4x4 contact tires and I am now replacing all 4 tires with only 14,000 miles with another brand. *tr”Owner report · Tires · Jun 2013
“Windshield wiper speed on highest setting is unable to keep up with moderate to heavy rain. Called dealership this morning and was told that numerous other customers had called as well and that it is a volvo issue that affects nearly all models. *tr”Owner report · Visibility/Wiper · Jan 2013
“Seat belt won't release consistently. Pressing the release button in feels "mushy" and there is no release click. I had the release replaced, but same issue. Later models (2014) worked crisply. I asked if they could install a later model release in my car, but told that is "illegal". Worried I might have trouble exiting the car in an accident.”Owner report · Seat Belts · Dec 2012
Recalls - 2 campaigns
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 XC70 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 XC70 reliable?
NHTSA has 14 owner complaints and 2 recall campaigns on record for the 2012 Volvo XC70. The most complained-about area is visibility/wiper.
Does the 2012 Volvo XC70 have open recalls?
2 recall campaigns have been issued, the latest concerning seat belts:front. 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.