2012 Volvo XC60Problems, recalls & complaints

NHTSA has logged 46 owner complaints about the 2012 Volvo XC60, most often about the visibility/wiper. It is covered by 3 safety recalls, and for recall 20V-378 the manufacturer reports only 65% of affected cars repaired.

2012 Volvo XC60

Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through July 9, 2025. Updated daily. Photo: OSX, Public domain.

Complaints by system

Where the 2012 Volvo XC60 has problems

46 complaints grouped by the system owners reported.

Box size = number of complaints naming that system. Darker = larger share. One complaint can name more than one system.
Complaints by system
SystemComplaintsCrash, fire or injury
Visibility/wiper190
Structure41
Electrical system40
Steering31
Visibility30
Wheels20
Engine20
Tires20
Air bags21
6 other systems62

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Complaints are submitted by the public and are not verified by NHTSA.

3 recalls

2012 Volvo XC60 recalls and how many were fixed

Each ring shows the share of affected cars repaired, from the manufacturer’s latest quarterly report to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.

65%repaired · 2022 Q3

Seat belts: front

Recall 20V-378 · Jun 30, 2020 · 308,260 vehicles · 199,654 repaired

Risk. An unsecured occupant has an increased risk of injury in the event of a crash.

Problem, fix and repair progress →

–no report yet

Structure: body

Recall 12V-101 · Mar 14, 2012 · 2,742 vehicles

Risk. IF THIS CONDITION EXISTS, THE UNDERBODY COATING MAY PENETRATE THE FUELS LINES AND CAUSE FUEL LEAKAGE, INCREASING THE RISK OF A FIRE.

Problem, fix and repair progress →

–no report yet

Electrical system: wiring

Recall 12V-075 · Feb 28, 2012 · 32,552 vehicles

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.

Problem, fix and repair progress →

Recalls apply to specific cars. To see whether a recall is still open on yours, enter the 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or with Volvo.

Best & worst years

2012 vs. every other XC60 year

Bars show complaints per model year. Colors show the CarFlaw verdict: complaints weighted for crashes, fires and injuries, adjusted for years on the road and compared with the XC60 median. How we score

'09'10'11'12'13'14'15'16'17'18'19'20'21'22'23'24'25
  • Avoid
  • Caution
  • Solid
  • Best
  • Not rated
NHTSA crash tests

2012 Volvo XC60 safety ratings

2012 Volvo XC60 SUV AWD in NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program. Photos are from NHTSA's crash tests.

★★★★★Overall rating
2012 Volvo XC60 frontal crash test, NHTSA
Frontal crash★★★★★
2012 Volvo XC60 side barrier test, NHTSA
Side barrier★★★★★
2012 Volvo XC60 side pole test, NHTSA
Side pole★★★★★
  • Rollover: 4 stars (17.6% risk)
  • Stability control: Standard
  • Forward collision warning: Optional
  • Lane departure warning: Optional
In owners' words

What XC60 owners report

Recent visibility/wiper complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.

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…
Complaint 11475160 · Jul 21, 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…
Complaint 11463555 · May 5, 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…
Complaint 11458849 · Mar 29, 2022

Own a 2012 XC60?

Decode your VIN to see the recalls for your exact car, then confirm open recalls with NHTSA.