2012 Volvo XC60

Routine

Owners filed 46 complaints about this vehicle with federal regulators, most often about the visibility/wiper. It has been recalled 3 times.

What fails
ComponentReportsCrashesFiresInjuries
Visibility/Wiper18
000
Unknown or Other6
000
Structure › Body3
000
Wheels2
000
Visibility › Windshield2
000
Steering2
001
Engine2
000
Electrical System2
000
Air Bags2
100
Visibility1
000

3 safety recalls

Part 573 reports
Seat Belts › Front20V378000
Filed Jun 30, 2020308,260 vehiclesVolvo Car Usa Llc

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.

Risk. 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.

Structure › Body12V101000
Filed Mar 14, 20122,742 vehiclesVolvo Cars Of N.a. Llc.

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.

Risk. 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.

Electrical System › Wiring12V075000
Filed Feb 28, 201232,552 vehiclesVolvo Cars Of N.a. Llc.

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.

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. 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.

What owners reported

Newest filings
Tires
Filed Jul 9, 2025WV

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 › Windshield
Filed May 31, 202461,174 milesTN

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.

Unknown or Other
Filed Jan 20, 2024GA

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
Filed Dec 22, 2023CA

During rain, water is leaking inside the car from the driver’s side windshield while I’m driving, obstructing my vision.

Air Bags
Filed May 19, 2023TX

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.

Electrical System
Filed Nov 14, 2022VA

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 was able to make it to my house and made an appointment to service my Volvo. My Volvo was towed to GT Peace Automotive on November 6. The three-week delay was due to their backlog of work. They are a trusted repair service and have provided service to all my vehicles over the past four years. The attached document indicates their assessment. Highlights include that the Volvo was a fire hazard in its current condition, the ignition coils were melted, and the circuits are shorted. GT Peace provided an estimate of $3,500 for repairs as a starting point to fully replace the engine harness. Their evaluation concluded that, based on other findings, the cost would easily go north of $3,500, possibly to $5,500. Based on this assessment and the CARFAX History Based Value of my vehicle (private party value of $10,170), it was in my best interest to donate the vehicle. I gave it to the Auto Tech program at Centreville High School on November 9, 2022.

Unknown or Other
Filed Oct 8, 2022NJ

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. I was told to change battery everytime. But my battery and alternator were both tested fine. The message could pop up right after full charged battery. There are many complains at Volvo forums. Volvo knows the issue, but they decided not to recall it. The check engine light and messages pops up on and off by itself. The DTC codes are normally U0286 and/or B1087. I am already changed one battery. The problem is still there. It could cause accident because the message pops up during driving on highway and cause unnecessary worry and panic.

Engine
Filed Aug 15, 2022CA

"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 Culver City Volvo for 1000 miles check-up and annual oil change and check-up for 5 years under warranty and requested software update and reported the engine stalling during the first month. The "failure charging" or "engine check" or "dangerous" "immediate" repair needed signs came on sometimes and did not come on other time. When the "failure charging" sign comes on and the engine is turned off and restarted the warning would go away sometimes. I believe this is a Volvo vehicle computer software malfunction. I reported this problem to the dealer for 5 years during annual service appointments. This problem was not solved and I have lived with this, stupidly patient for 10 years. Today, problem light came on during biennial smog check for vehicle license renewal and failed the smog test. So, I informed the mechanic and tried a second test several minutes later and passed the second time because the software problem did not surface this time. So, my question is: has this Volvo software problem been reported by others as I have heard by word of mouth that this software problem is found on Volvo cars? And, has there been a recall to fix this Volvo software problem? When this "failure charging" sign comes o

Visibility/Wiper
Filed Jul 21, 2022NH

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 would be a safety issue. I brought it to the Volvo dealer and they just said I had to have it replaced but they do not provide that service. I brought it to a windshield service center and the technician was able to push on the windshield with only his hand and confirm that it was not sealed and showed movement. They also mentioned that have seen this issue many times with these cars. There were no warnings other than the leak which started a few months ago.

Unknown or Other
Filed Jul 13, 2022IN

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.

Visibility › Windshield
Filed Jun 2, 2022WI

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.

Visibility/Wiper
Filed May 5, 2022OR

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

Visibility/Wiper
Filed Mar 29, 2022MA

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!

Visibility/Wiper
Filed Mar 26, 2022GA

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.

Visibility/Wiper
Filed Jan 7, 2022WA

During heavy rains and movement there is water leaking into the vehicle along the top drivers inside of the windshield. It also drips onto the steering wheel which often startles me while actively driving. The windshield has no cracks and is the original windshield.

Unknown or Other
Filed Dec 29, 2021IN

There is a steady leak in the top left (driver side) of the windshield. Heard from the Tom Wood service and collision department that this is a common problem with these vehicles.

Visibility/Wiper
Filed Dec 16, 2021CA

When it rains or I go through the car wash the windshield leaks water that runs down the inside of the glass and has stained the headliner

Visibility/Wiper
Filed Aug 14, 2021TX

When it rains or when getting a car wash, the windshield leaks water into car.

Structure › Body
Filed Aug 13, 2021NJ

The rain water leaking through windshield. It could cause rust in the frame, then cause the failure of whole structure. I checked the Volvo forums, seems there are many Volvo owners have similar issues. I owned other cars, it’s the first time I had leaking water through perimeter of windshield.

Visibility/Wiper
Filed Aug 6, 2021CT

My volvo windshield started leaking from the top seal. When it rains water runs down the entire inside of the front windshield.

20 of 46 complaints, reproduced as filed.

Across model years

Worst on record: 2022
YearComplaintsRecallsFiresDeathsAssessment
202533300Routine
202423200Routine
202351500Routine
202273600Routine
202146500Routine
202022600Routine
201936800Routine
201836500Routine
201716410Routine
201638310Routine
201547120Routine
201416200Routine
201366320Routine
2012 — this page46300Routine
201136400Routine
201056710Routine
20090100Routine

Compare every XC60 year →

Reading this record

No unusual pattern of severe incidents in the complaint record.

Complaint counts track how many cars were sold and how long they have been on the road as much as they track quality. A common model from 2013 has had a decade to accumulate reports; a rare one from last year has not. The signal worth weighing is in the severity columns, in whether the same component keeps appearing, and in whether the manufacturer eventually opened a recall for it.

Recall repairs are free for as long as the recall stands. Check whether a specific car still has open work at NHTSA's VIN lookup.

Most recent recall on file: Jun 30, 2020. Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation.