Model year record

2012 Volvo XC60 recalls & problems

The 2012 Volvo XC60 has 3 safety recalls and 46 owner complaints on file with NHTSA. The most-reported problem area is visibility/wiper (19 complaints).

Recalls3safety recalls

Complaints46filed by owners

Crashes · fires2 · 0reported in complaints

NHTSA overall5 ★crash-test stars

2012 Volvo XC60 in an NHTSA crash test — NHTSA crash test

Safety recalls

Seat beltsJun 30, 2020

Front

Recall 20V378000308,260 vehicles

Problem: 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.
Fix: 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.

StructureMar 14, 2012

Body

Recall 12V1010002,742 vehicles

Problem: 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 VEHICLEÂS UNDERCARRIAGE.
Risk: IF THIS CONDITION EXISTS, THE UNDERBODY COATING MAY PENETRATE THE FUELS LINES AND CAUSE FUEL LEAKAGE, INCREASING THE RISK OF A FIRE.
Fix: 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 systemFeb 28, 2012

Wiring

Recall 12V07500032,552 vehicles

Problem: 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.
Fix: 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 repairs are free at any authorised dealer. A recall listed here may already have been fixed on a particular car: enter its 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see open recalls.

Crash test ratings

2012 Volvo XC60 SUV AWD

Overall★★★★★

Frontal crash	★★★★★
Side crash	★★★★★
Rollover	★★★★★
Rollover risk	17.6%

Forward collision warning: Optional · Lane departure warning: Optional

2012 Volvo XC60 SUV FWD

Overall★★★★★

Frontal crash	★★★★★
Side crash	★★★★★
Rollover	★★★★★
Rollover risk	17.6%

Forward collision warning: Optional · Lane departure warning: Optional

2012 Volvo XC60 NHTSA side crash test — NHTSA side barrier crash test

2012 Volvo XC60 NHTSA side pole crash test — NHTSA side pole crash test

NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings (New Car Assessment Program). Ratings are comparable only between vehicles of similar size and weight, and ratings from 2011 on use tougher tests than earlier years. Photos: NHTSA.

Fuel economy

XC60 FWD

21mpg combined

City / highway	19 / 25 mpg
Fuel	Regular Gasoline

3.2 L · 6 cyl · Automatic (S6) · Front-Wheel Drive · about $3,200/year to fuel

XC60 AWD

20mpg combined

City / highway	17 / 23 mpg
Fuel	Regular Gasoline

3 L · 6 cyl · Automatic (S6) · All-Wheel Drive · about $3,350/year to fuel

XC60 AWD

20mpg combined

City / highway	18 / 24 mpg
Fuel	Regular Gasoline

3.2 L · 6 cyl · Automatic (S6) · All-Wheel Drive · about $3,350/year to fuel

EPA estimates from fueleconomy.gov for each engine and transmission sold. Annual cost is the EPA's estimate for 15,000 miles a year at its current fuel and electricity price assumptions. Your results will vary.

What owners report

Problem area	Complaints	Crashes	Injuries	Typical mileage*
Visibility/wiper	19	0	0	79,500 mi
Unknown or other	9	1	0	57,500 mi
Electrical systemSoftware	4	0	0	—
StructureBody	4	1	0	—
Steering	3	0	1	57,500 mi
VisibilityWindshield	3	0	0	—
TiresPressure monitoring and regulating systems	2	0	0	—
Engine	2	0	0	—
Air bags	2	1	0	—
Wheels	2	0	0	—
Vehicle speed control	1	1	0	—
Power train	1	1	0	—

*Median odometer reading when the problem happened, where owners gave one. One complaint can name several problem areas.

Recent owner complaints

Tires
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.
Jul 9, 2025
Visibility › Windshield
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.
May 13, 2024 · 61,174 miles
Unknown or other
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?
Jan 1, 2024
Visibility/wiper
During rain, water is leaking inside the car from the driverâs side windshield while Iâm driving, obstructing my vision.
Dec 21, 2023
Air bags
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.
May 12, 2023
Electrical system
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…
Oct 12, 2022
Unknown or other
A faulty radiator anti-tamper device caused loss of communication to the engine control computer. The check engine light turns on and âcharging failure-service urgentâ 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…
Oct 8, 2022
Engine
"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…
Aug 15, 2022

Owner complaints are submitted to NHTSA by the public and are not verified. Shown as filed (NHTSA removes personal details); long reports are shortened.