2012 Volvo XC70
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
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Vehicles › Volvo › XC70 › 2012
These records cover every 2012 Volvo XC70. To see whether one car still needs a recall repair, decode its VIN or check it with NHTSA.
Recalls
2 recalls name the 2012 Volvo XC70. 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, 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
14 complaints
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- Visibility › Windshield
Windshield leaking for about 2 tears got worse and was found to be "loose windshield and mobile" and "hazardous" by technician.
- Visibility/wiper
Windshield seal leaking at top. This started a few weeks ago, I noticed water drips run down the inside of the windshield in front of the driver. I took a 4-hour trip last week and it rained for 30 minutes, the leak became worst causing me to need to wipe the inside of the windshield. Yesterday, I…
Windshield seal leaking at top. This started a few weeks ago, I noticed water drips run down the inside of the windshield in front of the driver. I took a 4-hour trip last week and it rained for 30 minutes, the leak became worst causing me to need to wipe the inside of the windshield. Yesterday, I went through the car wash and water pour down onto the dashboard, instrument cluster, steering wheel, and airbag. I have to get paper towels and dry things before I could drive. Today, I drove to the grocery in light rain, not a big problem when driving at speed however when going slower or braking water runs down the inside of the windshield. I now carry a small towel to wipe and dry the windshield. This is affecting the visibility and safety of driving the car.
- Unknown or other · Visibility/wiper
The seal for the windshield has failed along the top passenger side. From the inside of the vehicle, one can push the windshield enough to see a gap. Water enters when raining; I believe this IS also a safety issue IS the seal completely fails. It started at about 55 months after delivery and 24,000 miles.
- Structure › Body
While driving, the front passenger door has unlatched and the door opens slightly on at least 5 occasions. this has occurred once when driving on the highway and 4 occasions while driving on city streets. The automatic locking system tries to lock all door and the system signals the door IS open.…
While driving, the front passenger door has unlatched and the door opens slightly on at least 5 occasions. this has occurred once when driving on the highway and 4 occasions while driving on city streets. The automatic locking system tries to lock all door and the system signals the door IS open. I stop the car as soon a possible, park and walk around to the passenger door to find the door handle locked. The locking system seems to be working but the latch IS failing. I took the car to the dealership and they had me order a part # 31253662-lock. the dealer stated this was not covered by warranty or recall. I consider this a safety issue and insist this IS a responsibility of the manufacturer. I found a recall for other volvo models with the same issue but this does not cover my vehicle.
- Steering
The steering wheel sticks and hesitates and won't turn. Then it finally does. Sometimes it seems worse when cold. It has happened many times. I have taken it to many dealers and mechanics and they can't figure it out. just recently pulling out of my driveway, I was using the gas, and it would not…
The steering wheel sticks and hesitates and won't turn. Then it finally does. Sometimes it seems worse when cold. It has happened many times. I have taken it to many dealers and mechanics and they can't figure it out. just recently pulling out of my driveway, I was using the gas, and it would not turn and I thought I was going to hit a tree. another time while driving n a rotary it froze. many times while turniing into a parking place it locks up.
- Structure › Body · Visibility/wiper
TL* the contact owns a 2012 volvo XC70. While the contact was driving in the rain, water was entering the vehicle. The contact discovered the windscreen failed and caused the front windshield to become unsecured. The vehicle was taken to volvo of monterey in seaside, ca where it was diagnosed that…
TL* the contact owns a 2012 volvo XC70. While the contact was driving in the rain, water was entering the vehicle. The contact discovered the windscreen failed and caused the front windshield to become unsecured. The vehicle was taken to volvo of monterey in seaside, ca where it was diagnosed that the window seal was faulty. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 63,000.
- Service brakes
TL* the contact owns a 2012 volvo XC70. While driving 30 mph and approaching a stop light, the contact heard a loud abnormal noise before she depressed the brake pedal and the vehicle failed to stop. The contact stated that the vehicle slowed down a bit, but continued to move forward. The contact…
TL* the contact owns a 2012 volvo XC70. While driving 30 mph and approaching a stop light, the contact heard a loud abnormal noise before she depressed the brake pedal and the vehicle failed to stop. The contact stated that the vehicle slowed down a bit, but continued to move forward. The contact had to depress the brake pedal to the floorboard to stop the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to volvo cars silver spring (located at 3121 automobile blvd, silver spring, md 20904, (301) 890-6200) where it was diagnosed that both rear brake rotors and both rear calipers were not the correct parts for the vehicle. In february of 2019, the vehicle was taken to national tire and battery to have the parts replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was not notified. The failure mileage was 131,898.
- Structure › Body
I noticed water intrusion while via the top driver side edge of the windshield during a heavy rain. At stop and upon investigation I noticed when applying pressure to the underside of the windshield the windshield was separating from the frame along the top of the windshield. in discussing this…
I noticed water intrusion while via the top driver side edge of the windshield during a heavy rain. At stop and upon investigation I noticed when applying pressure to the underside of the windshield the windshield was separating from the frame along the top of the windshield. in discussing this problem with a auto glass replacement specialist (glassdoctors) they informed me that they been fixing many of these issues for the local volvo dealership. The concern from a safety standpoint IS the integrity of the windshield in the event of a front end collision. it seems that volvo IS not indicating a recall for this problem. I quick investigation of the internet indicates that it IS a growing problem.
- Visibility/wiper
Water streaking was noticed on the inside of the windshield in front of the driver's seat. We cleaned the window in case the streak was left from a previous cleaning. During a rainstorm a fresh drip of water was moving down the inside of the windshield. I researched the problem and saw that there…
Water streaking was noticed on the inside of the windshield in front of the driver's seat. We cleaned the window in case the streak was left from a previous cleaning. During a rainstorm a fresh drip of water was moving down the inside of the windshield. I researched the problem and saw that there are issues with the bonding of windshields on volvo cars so I pushed on the window lightly from the inside and saw the windshield move about 1/16 inch on both sides. There was little resistance to movement. the car IS equipped with sensors mounted to the windshield which serve to maintain following distance to other vehicles and also act as safety devices to avoid collisions with vehicles and pedestrians. this IS a safety issue since the airbag pushes against the inside of the windshield when deployed and an unbonded windshield will not serve to hold passenger in place. If the windshield IS severely unattached it could come out of the vehicle during operation.
- Unknown or other
Recently, my husband's volvo XC70 began leaking water. We took it to overland park volvo for a diagnostic check. They state the windshield seal has broken and that IS why it IS leaking water. It IS a factory installed windshield. They stated it IS not covered under warranty and that a glass repair…
Recently, my husband's volvo XC70 began leaking water. We took it to overland park volvo for a diagnostic check. They state the windshield seal has broken and that IS why it IS leaking water. It IS a factory installed windshield. They stated it IS not covered under warranty and that a glass repair company would need to fix it. So, we took if to safelite. although out insurance IS covering replacing the windshield, because they cannot simply reseal it, safelite states they do not understand why volvo didn't cover it under their warranty due to defective installation. In addition, the service advisor at the volvo dealership advised us and safelite that the seals routinely break on volvos and cause water to leak in the vehicle. There IS no reason why the seal should not last the lifetime of the windshield or lifespan of the vehicle, because there are products on the market that guarantee this will not happen. While we are fortunate to have a $0 glass deductible, other volvo customers that do not have this deductible will have to pay out-of-pocket to repair volvo's defective workmanship. In addition, water leaking into a vehicle can cause all types of corrosive damage. In our vehicle alone, the water leaked all over the floorboard, all over the leather seats, all of the gear shifting mechanism, etc. If the water were to go into the gear shifting mechanism, it could cost thousands of dollars in damages. Same goes for components that are located under the floor board. It could also pose as a safety hazard on the highway if the seal IS broken or if the vehicle mechanically fails due to corrosive parts.
- Seat belts
Seat belt won't release consistently. Pressing the release button in feels "mushy" and there IS no release click. I had the release replaced, but same issue. Later models (2014) worked crisply. I asked if they could install a later model release in my car, but told that IS "illegal". Worried I might have trouble exiting the car in an accident.
- Steering · Wheels
The problem IS that the vehicle wants to "climb or steer" into the high side of longitudnal grooves on the driving surface. considerable force has to be maintained on the steering wheel to prevent the car from steering/running off the driving surface either into oncoming traffic or off the…
The problem IS that the vehicle wants to "climb or steer" into the high side of longitudnal grooves on the driving surface. considerable force has to be maintained on the steering wheel to prevent the car from steering/running off the driving surface either into oncoming traffic or off the roadway or into another lane of traffic. while the vehicle IS in motion driving straight ahead, the incident can occur on a street or on a highway. this situation occurs on street and highway surfaces that are worn/grooved due to the use of studded tires and heavy loads. the tires are inflated to the manufacturer's specification, a four wheel alignment has been done four times, the steering rack and struts have been replaced. the tires have approximately 4/16th inch of tread remaining. this situation occurs on both wet and dry surfaces. volvo's corporate customer service was contacted. their response was "they were sorry that I was having this problem'. they offered no help/resolution. I told them that I wanted to put a narrower tire with a higher aspect ratio. they then informed that my present tire size was the only tire size that they would approve to be used on this car. unless the driver of this car stays extremely alert, ----- it IS a death trap just waiting to happen. this IS an ongoing problem since april 2015 and IS not the result on an incident/accident/crash or any other physical damage. ps: I have a 1946 chevrolet pickup (still in its original oem configuration) that IS easier to control driving the same road surfaces. so much to said for technology and space-age engineering.
- Tires
This IS second occurrence with continental tires on my 2012 volvo XC 70. Side wall shredded while my wife was driving 35 mph causing blowout at 14,000 miles first blowout occurred when vehicle was only a few months old. Volvo replaced tire and charged me $270 saying defective tires were not…
This IS second occurrence with continental tires on my 2012 volvo XC 70. Side wall shredded while my wife was driving 35 mph causing blowout at 14,000 miles first blowout occurred when vehicle was only a few months old. Volvo replaced tire and charged me $270 saying defective tires were not covered under warranty. These are the continental 4X4 contact tires and I am now replacing all 4 tires with only 14,000 miles with another brand. *tr
- Visibility/wiper
Windshield wiper speed on highest setting IS unable to keep up with moderate to heavy rain. called dealership this morning and was told that numerous other customers had called as well and that it IS a volvo issue that affects nearly all models. *tr
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.
- 11007925Information about valid Software partnumbers to order and download Software for "PDS" Pre-Delivery Service
- 10249398Left front LED flickers after turning car off - Check outer position bulbs
- 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
- 10234735Front brake pads, early or uneven wear on right side on 16" and 16.5" brakes
- 10234685Wind deflector net clogged
- 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
- 10203167Volvo Chassis 2008 And Up LED Headlight Conversion Programming Procedure
- 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.
- 10182731VOLVO CARS SERVICE AND PARTS BUSINESS Technical Journal TITLE : Leather dashboard , leather comes loose REF NO : ISSUING DEPARTMENT : CAR MARKET : United States and Canada TJ 29012 Technical Service PARTNER : ISSUE DATE : 3 US 7510 Volvo Cars North America YEAR MONTH DAY 2015 06 26 FUNC GROUP : FUNC DESC : 8811 Instrument panel Page 1 of 3 Attachment File Name File Size Leather dashboard.jpg 1.2691 MB Vehicle Type Eng Struc Week Type Eng Sales Body Gear Steer Model Year Plant Chassis range Desc Range 124 2012 - 2015 0151101 - 0182120 201120 - 201402 136 2012 - 2015 0118101 - 0191314 201120 - 201402 156 2014 - 2015 0500127 - 0755266 201320 - 201416 542 2012 - 2013 0123001 - 0144301 201146 - 201325 CSC Customer Symptom Codes Code Description L9 Instrument panel / dashboard / Loose , poor fit , warped , wrinkled N2 Instrument panel / dashboard / Blistered / bubbled / peeled VST Operation Number VST Operation Number Description 88107 - 2 Dashboard replace . ? Right first time in 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 . 2015 VOLVO CARS OF NORTH AMERICA , LLC Technical Journal 29012 DTC Diagnostic Trouble Codes Rows beginning with * are modified Note ! If using a printed copy of this Technical Journal , first check for the latest online version . Text DESCRIPTION : Leather on dashboard may come loose on small areas . PRODUCT MODIFICATION : The amount of glue used for fastening the leather has been increased and * finetuned . Process has been optimized and more measurements introduced . MATERIAL RETURN : Material for analysis can be requested in Vehicle Report . In other cases , follow normal routines . Vehicle Report : When submitting a Vehicle Report for a condition described in this TJ , use concern area ? Vehicle Report and sub concern area ? Support Not Needed ? with function group 8811 . Service : I
- 10182703This is a Technical Journal: It has been noticed on requested materials that PAS sensors are analyzed without finding any fault on the parts. As a help to the troubleshooting on parking assistance system, we have developed some points of possible actions in case of problems. False detection may be caused by various reason explained in this Technical Journal.
- 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
- 10178520This is a Service Manager Bulletin: Volvo Lithium-ion Hybrid Battery Packs shipping and handling to Volvo Reman
- 10178516This is a Service Manager Bulletin: Volvo Lithium-ion Hybrid Battery Packs shipping and handling to Volvo Reman
- 10178503Mandatory 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.
- 10177392Effective immediately, all 12V batteries may be tested using the hand held battery tester 9513030 (BT3300). The VIDA test is still available but no longer required. For battery replacements under warranty, the code generated by the BT3300 must be manually copied into the repair order text. It must also be printed and attached to the hard copy of the repair order.
- 10177386Service Manager Bulletin: Vehicle Type and Platform Information
- 10175785This is a Technical Journal: Unusual noise while driving from sealing ring. check first if the sealing ring is displaced, if so, proceed with replacement of the sealing ring
- 10173760This is a Service Manager Bulletin: Service 2.0 Software & Total Upgrade Reminder
- 10172464This is a Service Journal: Coolant Filling Equipment Tool
- 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
Every Volvo XC70 model year
Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.