2012 Volvo XC60 Reliability Data: Problems & Recalls
Good The 2012 Volvo XC60 has a complaint index of 38, ranking 11th out of 17 model years, and earns a Good verdict. Visibility & Wipers issues (48% of complaints) dominate, mainly windshield leaks, with 3 recalls covering seat belts, underbody coating, and wiring.
Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology
YearToAvoid Scorecard
- Complaint Index
- 38/100
- #11 of 17 XC60 years
- Verdict
- Good
- vs. other years of this model
- Complaints
- 46
- unique NHTSA reports
- Recalls
- 3
- distinct NHTSA campaigns
- Crashes
- 2
- reported in complaints
- Fires
- 0
- Injuries
- 1
- Top issue
- Visibility & Wipers
- NHTSA overall rating
- 5 / 5 ★
- EPA combined MPG
- 20
- 18 city / 24 hwy
- Injuries / deaths
- 1 / 0
Top 2012 Volvo XC60 problems
Share of this year’s NHTSA complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.
- Visibility & Wipers22 (48%)
- Other9 (20%)
- Structure & Body5 (11%)
- Electrical System4 (9%)
- Suspension, Wheels & Tires4 (9%)
- Engine3 (7%)
- Steering3 (7%)
- Airbags2 (4%)
- Brakes1 (2%)
- Fuel System1 (2%)
A complaint can list more than one component, so shares add up to more than 100%. Shares are % of complaints.
What owners report
- Windshields leak during rain, letting water stream in and impede visibility near the driver's side seal.
- Steering wheel rim can loosen and expose sharp metal edges that cut hands during turns.
- Power steering has failed suddenly while driving, cutting the engine and triggering alarms.
- Tire pressure monitoring sensors corrode and can cause sudden deflation or repeated warning lights.
- Some owners describe unexpected acceleration while shifting into park at low speed.
- Airbags have failed to deploy in at least one reported highway collision.
2012 Volvo XC60 recalls
3 NHTSA recall campaigns list this model year.
- NHTSA 20V378000Jun 30, 2020Seat Belts308,260 vehicles
Seat belts:front
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.
- NHTSA 12V101000Mar 14, 2012Structure & Body2,742 vehicles
Structure:body
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.
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.
- NHTSA 12V075000Feb 28, 2012Electrical System32,552 vehicles
Electrical system:wiring
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.
2012 Volvo XC60 fuel economy and fuel cost
- City
- 18 MPG
- Highway
- 24 MPG
- Combined
- 20 MPG
- Annual fuel cost (EPA)
- $3,250
- 15,000 mi/yr
- Fuel
- Regular
- Current regular gas
- $4.32/gal
- national avg.
EPA figures; median across configurations of this model year. Estimate your own cost with the fuel cost calculator.
2012 compared with other XC60 years
Frequently asked questions
- Is the 2012 Volvo XC60 reliable?
- Based on NHTSA owner complaints and recalls, the 2012 XC60 ranks 11th out of 17 model years with a complaint index of 38, giving it a Good verdict relative to other XC60 years.
- What is the most common problem with the 2012 Volvo XC60?
- Visibility & Wipers complaints make up 48% of all reports, mostly windshield water leaks, with a median failure mileage of 79,500 miles.
- Does the 2012 Volvo XC60 have any recalls?
- NHTSA lists 3 recalls for the 2012 XC60: a seat belt anchor cable replacement, an underbody coating issue near the fuel line, and a seat wire harness that may not have been properly attached.
- How does the 2012 XC60 compare to other years?
- The 2012 model's complaint index of 38 is lower than 2010 (69), 2015 (56), and the 2021-2025 Avoid years, but higher than 2011, 2014, and 2017, which rank as Best.