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2012 Volvo XC60 problems

The most common problem on the 2012 Volvo XC60 is windows, wipers and visibility, typically around 84,000 miles. Its complaint count is close to a typical XC60 model year.

Typical yearClose to a typical year
Year score
74/100
Owner complaints
46
Recalls
3
Service bulletins
254
Worst area
Visibility
Fuel economy
20-21mpg

The worst 2012 Volvo XC60 problems

Ranked by number of owner complaints. Mileage and cost come from what owners wrote.

Problems by type

Tap a problem to see which part fails, at what mileage and in which other years.

  • Visibility
    22
  • Body
    4
  • Electrical
    4
  • Steering
    3
  • Airbags
    2
  • Engine
    2
  • Tires
    2
  • Wheels
    2
  • Acceleration
    1
  • Driver assistance
    1
  • Fuel system
    1
  • Seat belts
    1
  • Seats
    1
  • Transmission
    1

Specific symptoms reported on the 2012 Volvo XC60

Water leak 12

Recalls 3

Seat belts: frontReported June 30, 2020 · 308,260 vehicles affected
What is wrong
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.

Recall number 20V378000 · Recall details

Structure: bodyReported March 14, 2012 · 2,742 vehicles affected
What is wrong
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.

Recall number 12V101000 · Recall details

Electrical system: wiringReported February 28, 2012 · 32,552 vehicles affected
What is wrong
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.

Recall number 12V075000 · Recall details

See all 3 recalls for the 2012 Volvo XC60

Technical service bulletins for the 2012 Volvo XC60 254

Bulletins tell dealers how to fix known problems. A warranty extension means the manufacturer pays for that repair for longer.

See all 254 bulletins for the 2012 Volvo XC60

2012 Volvo XC60 fuel economy

Official EPA estimates in miles per gallon (MPGe for electric). Ranges cover trims that share the same engine.

EngineDriveCityHighwayCombined
3.2L 6‑cylFWD192521
3.0L 6‑cylAWD172320
3.2L 6‑cylAWD182420

What 2012 Volvo XC60 owners say

Most recent owner complaints, unedited.

Filed Jul 9, 2025 · Tires · WV

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.

Filed May 31, 2024 · Visibility · 61,174 miles · TN

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.

Filed Jan 20, 2024 · GA

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?

Filed Dec 22, 2023 · Visibility · CA

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

Filed May 19, 2023 · Airbags, Seat belts · TX

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.

Filed Nov 14, 2022 · Electrical · VA

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.

Filed Oct 8, 2022 · NJ

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.

Filed Aug 15, 2022 · Engine · CA

"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 on, it is very worrisome and makes me feel the vehicle may stop on the road.

Filed Jul 21, 2022 · Visibility · NH

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.

Filed Jul 13, 2022 · IN

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.

Used buying checklistWhat to check on a 2012 Volvo XC60 before you buy

Compare the 2012 Volvo XC60

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Other model years

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Questions about the 2012 Volvo XC60

Is the 2012 Volvo XC60 reliable?

Owners have filed 46 complaints about the 2012 Volvo XC60, close to a typical XC60 model year.

What is the 2012 Volvo XC60 year score?

The 2012 Volvo XC60 scores 74 out of 100 (average). The score compares it with the other model years of the Volvo XC60: 75 is a typical year, 50 means twice the usual complaints, and serious complaints and recalls lower it.

What is the most common problem with the 2012 Volvo XC60?

Windows, wipers and visibility, with 22 complaints, typically around 84,000 miles. Next is body (4).

How many recalls does the 2012 Volvo XC60 have?

3 recalls, covering seat belts, structure and electrical system.

What year does the Volvo XC60 have the most visibility problems?

The Volvo XC60 model years with the most visibility complaints are 2013 (29 complaints), 2012 (22 complaints) and 2010 (12 complaints).

Is there a class action lawsuit over the Volvo XC60?

Yes. New class action says Volvo's Google-based infotainment screens freeze and take climate and rearview camera with them (November 9, 2026).

What gas mileage does the 2012 Volvo XC60 get?

Official estimates for the 2012 Volvo XC60 range from 20 to 21 mpg combined. The most efficient version (3.2L 6-cyl, FWD) gets 19 city and 25 highway.

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