VehicleVerdict

2012 Volvo XC60 problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

A typical year for this model

The 2012 Volvo XC60 sits mid-pack among XC60 years: 56 NHTSA complaints against a model median of roughly 55, with 3 recalls and no defect investigations.

Visibility & Wipers leads the complaint categories with 22 reports (39% of the total). In government crash testing it earned 5 of 5 NCAP stars overall.

56

NHTSA complaints

3

Recalls

0

Investigations

5

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

1

Injuries

0

Deaths

5

NCAP overall · of 5 stars

How does 2012 compare to other XC60 years?

XC60 NHTSA complaints by model year, 2012 highlighted113 complaints2009: 0 complaints2010: 79 complaints2011: 50 complaints2012: 56 complaints2013: 81 complaints2014: 26 complaints2015: 67 complaints2016: 45 complaints2017: 21 complaints2018: 55 complaints2019: 62 complaints2020: 28 complaints2021: 74 complaints2022: 113 complaints2023: 74 complaints2024: 34 complaints2025: 38 complaints
XC60 NHTSA complaints by model year, 2012 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all XC60 years to avoid →

What are the most common 2012 Volvo XC60 problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Visibility & Wipers2239%
Other916%
Electrical System59%
Body & Structure47%
Tires & Wheels47%
Steering35%
Airbags24%
Engine24%
Speed Control12%
Seats12%
Seat Belts12%
Transmission12%
Fuel System12%

Does the 2012 Volvo XC60 have recalls?

3 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

20V378000Seat BeltsJune 30, 2020 · 308,260 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

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.

12V101000Body & StructureMarch 14, 2012 · 2,742 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

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.

12V075000Electrical SystemFebruary 28, 2012 · 32,552 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

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.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“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…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Visibility & Wipers · May 5, 2022

“I WAS IN AN ACCIDENT DRIVING ON A HIGHWAY DRIVING MY VOLVO XC60. I WAS TRAVELING AT APPROX 100KM/H AND RAN INTO THE BACK OF A SEMI THAT WAS TRAVELING AT AN APPROX SPEED OF 80KM/H. THE IMPACT WAS IN THE RIGHT FRONT (PASSENGER) SIDE OF MY XC-60 AND THE LEFT REAR OF THE SEMI. THE AIRBAGS FAILED TO…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Other · December 19, 2015 · crash

“2012 VOLVO XC60. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO SOFTWARE PATCH. *LD THE CONSUMER STATED THE XM RADIO DRAINED THE VEHICLE'S BATTERY. THE COSUMER REQUESTED TO HAVE THE SOFTWARED UPDATE PERFORMED FOR FREE. THE DEALER DECLINED. *JS”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · October 19, 2020

“I WAS IN AN ACCIDENT DRIVING ON A HIGHWAY DRIVING MY VOLVO XC60. I WAS TRAVELING AT APPROX 100KM/H AND RAN INTO THE BACK OF A SEMI THAT WAS TRAVELING AT AN APPROX SPEED OF 80KM/H. THE IMPACT WAS IN THE RIGHT FRONT (PASSENGER) SIDE OF MY XC-60 AND THE LEFT REAR OF THE SEMI. THE AIRBAGS FAILED TO…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Body & Structure · December 19, 2015 · crash

“MY ISSUE IS RELATED TO THE CONSTANT CORROSION PROBLEMS ON TPS THAT LEAD TO MULTIPLE REPLACEMENTS ON MY VEHICLE. IT WAS DISCOVERED DURING SEMI ANNUAL CHANGEOVER OF WINTER AND SUMMER TIRES, WHERE ONE OF THE WHEELS AND TIRES DEFLATED DUE TO CORROSION OF THE TPS. COSTLY PART THAT IS LIKELY DEFECTIVE IN…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Tires & Wheels · October 11, 2018

2012 Volvo XC60 — common questions

Is the 2012 Volvo XC60 reliable?

It is close to typical for the XC60: 56 NHTSA complaints, 3 recalls, and no investigations on file.

What are the most common 2012 XC60 problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are visibility & wipers (22 complaints), other (9 complaints), electrical system (5 complaints).

Does the 2012 Volvo XC60 have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns affecting the 2012 Volvo XC60. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Which Volvo XC60 years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the XC60 years to avoid are 2022. The cleanest record among XC60 years belongs to 2009.

How safe is the 2012 Volvo XC60?

In NHTSA's NCAP crash testing, the 2012 Volvo XC60 earned an overall rating of 5 out of 5 stars.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.