Volvo · XC60 · 2012
2012 Volvo XC60
3
Recalls
46
Complaints
5/5
Safety Rating
The 2012 Volvo XC60 has 3 recalls and 46 owner-reported complaints on file with NHTSA. Overall safety rating: 5 out of 5 stars. Most reported issue: visibility/wiper (18 reports).
Source: NHTSA Public Records · Updated Apr 28, 2026
Research Context
The 2012 Volvo XC60 page works best as a research starting point. Complaint totals show how much owner-reported activity exists, while recalls and investigations help show whether any of that activity turned into formal safety action.
Because this is a newer-era vehicle page, it usually helps to compare this year against nearby model years before deciding whether a complaint pattern looks isolated or persistent. On this page, the most prominent complaint area is visibility/wiper with 18 reported complaints.
Best Research Moves
- Use the complaint log to understand what owners were actually reporting instead of relying only on the raw complaint total.
- Review the recall section even if the total is smaller, because a limited number of recalls can still point to meaningful safety actions.
- This page is primarily a complaints-and-recalls research surface, so compare nearby model years before treating the complaint total as a standalone verdict.
Key Takeaways
- The 2012 Volvo XC60 currently shows 3 NHTSA recalls listed on this page and 46 owner-reported complaints.
- This page currently shows no linked NHTSA investigations.
- This page reflects complaint volume, recall history, and NHTSA test data, but it does not diagnose causes or rank reliability by itself.
- Safety data currently shows 5/5 overall NHTSA safety rating.
- The most frequently reported complaint categories on this page are visibility/wiper (18), unknown or other (6), visibility (3).
- Vehicle
- 2012 Volvo XC60
- Recalls
- 3
- Complaints
- 46
- Safety Rating
- 5/5
How to Interpret This Page
This page combines three types of NHTSA data: recall campaigns (official manufacturer or government actions), owner complaints (unverified consumer reports), and crash test ratings (where available). A vehicle with many complaints is not necessarily less reliable — complaint volume correlates with sales volume and vehicle age. Recalls indicate identified defects, not overall quality. To compare this model year with others, use the year navigation in the sidebar or return to the model overview page.
If you are researching a used vehicle, start with the complaint categories, compare them against the recall list, and then check nearby model years to see whether the same issue profile repeats. That usually produces a better buying or research signal than treating the raw complaint total as a standalone safety ranking.
NHTSA Crash Test Performance
Frontal Crash Test
Side Crash Test
Overall Frontal Rating
Driver and Passenger Assessment
Driver Side
Passenger Side
Overall Side Rating
Side Barrier and Side Pole Tests
Driver Side
Passenger Side
Rollover Resistance
17.6% rollover risk in single-vehicle crash
Safety Features
ESC: StandardForward Collision Warning: OptionalLane Departure Warning: Optional
Recall Notices
NHTSANHTSA ID: 20V378000June 30, 2020
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.
Remedy Status
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.
NHTSA ID: 12V101000March 14, 2012
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.
Remedy Status
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.
NHTSA ID: 12V075000February 28, 2012
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.
Remedy Status
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.
Owner Complaints
46 totalTIRES
Jul 9, 2025
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.
VISIBILITY
May 13, 2024
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...
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UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Jan 1, 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?
VISIBILITY/WIPER
Dec 21, 2023
During rain, water is leaking inside the car from the driver’s side windshield while I’m driving, obstructing my vision.
AIR BAGS,SEAT BELTS,SEATS
May 12, 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 p...
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ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Oct 12, 2022
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 ...
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UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Oct 8, 2022
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...
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ENGINE
Aug 15, 2022
"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 Cu...
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VISIBILITY/WIPER
Jul 21, 2022
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 ...
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UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Jul 13, 2022
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 pi...
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Showing 10 recent complaints from 46 total
View Full Complaint LogCompare Related Vehicles
Why Compare These Pages
The strongest comparison flow is usually: exact vehicle-year page, then nearby years of the same model, then other 2012 Volvo models. That sequence helps separate one-off year spikes from broader make-wide patterns.
More Volvo XC60 Years
2013 Volvo XC60Compare this year against 2012 for complaint and recall shifts.3r65c2011 Volvo XC60Compare this year against 2012 for complaint and recall shifts.4r36c2014 Volvo XC60Compare this year against 2012 for complaint and recall shifts.2r16c2010 Volvo XC60Compare this year against 2012 for complaint and recall shifts.7r56c2015 Volvo XC60Compare this year against 2012 for complaint and recall shifts.1r45c2009 Volvo XC60Compare this year against 2012 for complaint and recall shifts.1r0c
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many recalls does the 2012 Volvo XC60 have?
The 2012 Volvo XC60 has 3 recalls recorded by NHTSA.
How many complaints have been filed for the 2012 Volvo XC60?
NHTSA has received 46 owner-reported complaints for the 2012 Volvo XC60.
What is the NHTSA safety rating for the 2012 Volvo XC60?
The 2012 Volvo XC60 received an overall safety rating of 5 out of 5 stars from NHTSA.
What are the most common problems with the 2012 Volvo XC60?
The most commonly reported complaint categories for the 2012 Volvo XC60 are visibility/wiper (18 reports), unknown or other (6 reports), visibility (3 reports).
Does the 2012 Volvo XC60 have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA has 3 recalls on record for the 2012 Volvo XC60. Scroll up to review the published recall summaries, consequences, and remedies. To check for unrepaired recalls on your specific vehicle, use your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Check Another Vehicle
Look up recalls and complaints for any year, make, and model.
This page summarizes publicly available data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Complaint counts reflect reports submitted to NHTSA by vehicle owners and do not by themselves prove defect severity or vehicle safety. Safety ratings may not be available for all vehicle-years. This site is not affiliated with NHTSA or any vehicle manufacturer. For official information, visit the official NHTSA page for this vehicle.