2012 Volvo XC60
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
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Vehicles › Volvo › XC60 › 2012
These records cover every 2012 Volvo XC60. To see whether one car still needs a recall repair, decode its VIN or check it with NHTSA.
Recalls
3 recalls name the 2012 Volvo XC60. Newest first.
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…
Risk and remedy
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.
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 vehicles undercarriage.
Risk and remedy
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.
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…
Risk and remedy
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.
Owner complaints
46 complaints2 involved a crash1 injuries
What owners report most
Latest 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.
- 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…
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
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
During rain, water is leaking inside the car from the driver’s side windshield while I’m driving, obstructing my vision.
- Air bags · Seat belts · Seats
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…
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
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…
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
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…
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
"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…
"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.
- Visibility/wiper
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…
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
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
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…
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
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
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…
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
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
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
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
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
When it rains or when getting a car wash, the windshield leaks water into car.
- Structure › Body
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
My volvo windshield started leaking from the top seal. When it rains water runs down the entire inside of the front windshield.
- Structure › Body
My left front door failed to open using the outside handle. I have tried unsuccessfully to fix the problem by removing the inside door panel, the door window, and the surrounding hardware and electrical components. I contend that this is a safety hazard because a)a rescuer would fail to get the…
My left front door failed to open using the outside handle. I have tried unsuccessfully to fix the problem by removing the inside door panel, the door window, and the surrounding hardware and electrical components. I contend that this is a safety hazard because a)a rescuer would fail to get the driver out of the vehicle in case of an accident and b)the door could open while driving because the latch contains a defective part. Other Volvo models have been recalled because of this problem, but my Vin number is currently not included in the recall. I contend that it should be recalled for my vehicle.
- Visibility/wiper
Windshield seal failed causing water to leak into car
- Visibility/wiper
Severe interior water leak from top of windshield whenever it rains, during a carwash, etc. - creating visibility problems for the driver & a resulting safety hazard since the windshield IS not suitably sealed. The vehicle has been garage parked, never been in any type of collision, and never been…
Severe interior water leak from top of windshield whenever it rains, during a carwash, etc. - creating visibility problems for the driver & a resulting safety hazard since the windshield IS not suitably sealed. The vehicle has been garage parked, never been in any type of collision, and never been damaged in any way. windshield leakage IS a common issue with volvos, even though the manufacturer and local dealerships continue to deny there IS a problem.
- Fuel/propulsion system · Unknown or other
The fuel gauge shows no fuel even when full or at times shows about 1/3 full even when full. And does not decrease - allowing for possible running out of gas- causing a road hazard
- Visibility/wiper
Windshield sealing problem. water IS leaking thru top of the windshield.
Service bulletins
Technical service bulletins and other communications the manufacturer sent dealers about this vehicle. Ask a dealer for the full document by its number.
- 11009811This is a Technical Journal: Software Upgrade / Download Guide. If one control unit is upgraded and not all, it may result in various problems.
- 11007925Information about valid Software partnumbers to order and download Software for "PDS" Pre-Delivery Service
- 10249191This is a Technical Journal: 12V Battery Testing Method
- 10241661Complimentary upgrade c00009 description.
- 10241651Rubber cushion
- 10234826Left front LED flickers after turning car off
- 10234736Sensus screen freezes/system locks up
- 10234704SPA Brake noise
- 102346984 Cylinder VEP engine: Castrol Edge Professional V 0W-20 Synthetic oil.
- 10234675SiriusXM Tuner Replacement Process
- 10224584Expendable Items Parts List.
- 10219421Engine Control Module (EMS) Software (MSW) Information August 2022; Improvement List (Change Log) - US21+OBD22 (13L VGT, TC) And US17+OBD22 (11L) Emissions
- 10219302Part information for AMT input shaft repair kits and the shim kit that is required for repair.
- 10213887Center wheel caps, removal instruction
- 10213885The Deutronic DBL-1200 is an advanced battery maintainer/charger with the flexibility to be updated as products and repair methods evolve.
- 10213883ICUP/Google Built-In Diagnostic Operations
- 10213882Battery Charger/maintainer requirement
- 10212892Shipping and Handling of Volvo Lithium-ion 48V Mild Hybrid Battery to Global Battery Solutions (GBS)
- 10212891VIDA QR Scanner Mobile App
- 10205651News Letter 70
- 10203167Volvo Chassis 2008 And Up LED Headlight Conversion Programming Procedure
- 10202436New Software Products (SP) have been developed to convert a Care Key to a standard key.
- 10197371This is a Service Manager Bulletin : Volvo Electric Vehicle Technical De-Energization Permit to Work Form
- 10192877There is a new process for upgrading maps on cars with Sensus (IAM2.1) navigation. Map updates for Sensus navigation systems in MY2011-2015A cars (identified as shown in attached picture) can now be downloaded online and transferred to the car via a USB flash drive in the same way as current models. Updating via DVDs is no longer possible.
- 10190794Create PB with attached word doc.
- 10190559This is to inform you that we have procured Rebuilders Automotive Supply (RAS) to handle the returns of the recalled Front Seat Belt Fastener Pretensioner for Recall R10029. RAS has created instructions for the pretensioner shipping procedures. You MUST review and inform your staff as to the requirements for handling the returns. There are specific measures as these pretensioners are classified as hazardous materials. A Parts Bulletin with this same information has also been created to ensure your Parts Department will receive these instructions in case they will be handling the returns.
- 10190558This is to inform you that we have procured Rebuilders Automotive Supply (RAS) to handle the returns of the recalled Front Seat Belt Fastener Pretensioner for Recall R10029. RAS has created instructions for the pretensioner shipping procedures. You MUST review and inform your staff as to the requirements for handling the returns. There are specific measures as these pretensioners are classified as hazardous materials. A Parts Bulletin with this same information has also been created to ensure your Parts Department will receive these instructions in case they will be handling the returns.
- 10188881Volvo?s Warranty Department tracks Retailer warranty spending by utilizing the Warranty Retailer Counseling Process (WRCP). The WRCP is used to gauge individual retailer performance on objective measures over time. By setting clear performance expectations and parameters and assisting retailers in focusing on individual processes and procedures, all retailers are provided with adequate tools to help achieve the ultimate goal of qualifying for self-authorization status.
- 10182494This is a Service Manager Bulletin : Volvo Electric Vehicle Technical De-Energization Permit to Work Form
- 10182493This is a Service Manager Bulletin : Volvo Electric Vehicle Technical De-Energization Permit to Work Form
- 10181041Mandatory Tool List bulletin: Volvo mandatory Special Tools are necessary for technicians to properly diagnose and repair Volvo cars. They are used in development of Volvo labor operations and repair methods, and promote safety and quality repairs in a timely manner. Tools are classified as mandatory because associated repairs and/or diagnostics cannot be completed properly without them.
- 10179681This is a Service Manager Bulletin: Service 2.0 Software & Total Upgrade Reminder
- 10173760This is a Service Manager Bulletin: Service 2.0 Software & Total Upgrade Reminder
- 10172464This is a Service Journal: Coolant Filling Equipment Tool
- 10171682This is a Service Manager Bulletin: Windshield Cleaning Operation Service Interval Change. Will only be performed at 20k
- 10171676Mandatory Tool List bulletin: Volvo mandatory Special Tools are necessary for technicians to properly diagnose and repair Volvo cars. They are used in development of Volvo labor operations and repair methods, and promote safety and quality repairs in a timely manner. Tools are classified as mandatory because associated repairs and/or diagnostics cannot be completed properly without them.
- 10170147Service Manager Bulletin TITLE : Service Action Notification Re - Mails GROUP : NO : ISSUING DEPARTMENT : CAR MARKET : Product Safety & Compliance United States and Canada 00 325 REFERENCE BULLETINS : DATE : SMB00 - 323 and SMB00 - 323A YEAR MONTH DAY SERVICE SERVICE WARRANTY 2013 02 15 MANAGER WRITER ADMINISTRATOR Service Personnel : Read and initial Page 1 of 1 Volvo monitors completion rates for all service actions and will complete notification re - mails to vehicle owners when necessary . Listed below are the latest notification re - mails . Please refer to SMB 00 - 323 and SMB 00 - 323A for information on how and where to find the related Service Action documents in VRC2 and TIE . FEBRUARY RE - MAILS Action Description # of Re - Mails Service Campaign 236 Washer Reservoir Sensor Canada ? 295 Recall 129 Brake Vacuum Pump U.S . ? 3,430 Recall 245 Replace Fuel Lines U.S . ? 48 MARCH RE - MAILS Action Description # of Re - Mails Recall 246 Inspect P / S Return Hose U.S . ? 1,367 Recall 246 Inspect P / S Return Hose Canada ? 95 Recall 251 Inspect Underbody Coating Canada ? 54 Recall 255 TCM Software Upgrade U.S . ? 499 Recall 256 TPMS Warning Message U.S . ? 123 Please be prepared to accommodate vehicle owners that may contact you regarding these actions . ? Fixed Right ? First Time ? Produced in the USA and available as an electronic document . Hard copy documents are printed in USA on recycled paper containing a minimum of 50 % wastepaper and 10 % post - consumer waste . 2013 VOLVO CARS OF NORTH AMERICA , LLC
- 10169394This is a Technical Journal: Swapping control modules from vehicle to vehicle for diagnostics should be avoided. Swapping control modules may result in consequential damage to the swapped control module and in certain cases several other control modules in the vehicle. Swapping the Driver Information Module (DIM) is strictly forbidden as the DIM it is the main carrier of the odometer function, and will, in case of swapping, result in manipulated odometer value. Service: Please do NOT swap any control modules from vehicle to vehicle for testing, unless instructed to do so in a Vehicle Report by the Technical Helpdesk
- 10169393This is a Technical Journal: Swapping control modules from vehicle to vehicle for diagnostics should be avoided. Swapping control modules may result in consequential damage to the swapped control module and in certain cases several other control modules in the vehicle. Swapping the Driver Information Module (DIM) is strictly forbidden as the DIM it is the main carrier of the odometer function, and will, in case of swapping, result in manipulated odometer value. Service: Please do NOT swap any control modules from vehicle to vehicle for testing, unless instructed to do so in a Vehicle Report by the Technical Helpdesk
- 10169391Software Installation Policy changes.
Every Volvo XC60 model year
Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.