2012 Volvo XC60 recalls and problems

The 2012 Volvo XC60 has 3 safety recalls and 46 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any Volvo dealer.

Recalls
3
Complaints
46
Crashes / fires
2 / 0
Injuries / deaths
1 / 0

Recalls may cover only some 2012 Volvo XC60 vehicles. Check your VIN at NHTSA ↗ to see open recalls for your exact car.

2012 Volvo XC60 recalls

Recall 20V-378: Seat Belts

Reported Jun 30, 2020 · 308,260 vehicles affected · Volvo Car USA LLC

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.

Recall 12V-101: Structure

Reported Mar 14, 2012 · 2,742 vehicles affected · VOLVO CARS OF N.A. LLC.

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 vehicleâ’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.

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.

Recall 12V-075: Electrical System

Reported Feb 28, 2012 · 32,552 vehicles affected · VOLVO CARS OF N.A. LLC.

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.

2012 Volvo XC60 problems reported by owners

Problem areaReports
Visibility/Wiper19
Unknown or Other9
Electrical System4
Structure4
Steering3
Visibility3
Tires2
Engine2
Air Bags2
Wheels2
Vehicle Speed Control1
Power Train1

Most reported parts

  • Structure › Body — 4
  • Visibility › Windshield — 2
  • Tires › Pressure Monitoring and Regulating Systems — 1
  • Electrical System › Software — 1

Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 61,174 miles (median of owner reports).

Problems that are not covered by a recall are paid repairs; labor rates follow local mechanic pay — see what auto mechanics earn in each state.

Recent 2012 Volvo XC60 complaints

Owner reports filed with NHTSA, as written (personal details removed). Complaints are not verified by NHTSA.

Tires · reported 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 · at 61,174 miles · reported May 31, 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 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 · reported Jan 20, 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 · reported Dec 22, 2023
During rain, water is leaking inside the car from the driver’s side windshield while I’m driving, obstructing my vision.
Air Bags · reported May 19, 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 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.

Other Volvo XC60 years

Compare all Volvo XC60 years · All Volvo models

Frequently asked questions

Does the 2012 Volvo XC60 have any recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 3 recalls for the 2012 Volvo XC60: 20V-378 (seat belts), 12V-101 (structure), 12V-075 (electrical system). Not every vehicle is affected, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

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

Owners report visibility/wiper problems most often (19 reports), followed by unknown or other (9). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 61,174 miles.

Are Volvo recall repairs free?

Yes. Safety recall repairs are free at authorized Volvo dealers, whether you are the first owner or bought the car used.