2012 Volvo XC70 Reliability Data: Problems & Recalls
Good The 2012 Volvo XC70 has a complaint index of 36, ranking 8th out of 12 model years, and earns a Good verdict. NHTSA lists 14 complaints and 2 recalls, with Visibility & Wipers issues making up 43% of complaints.
Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology
YearToAvoid Scorecard
- Complaint Index
- 36/100
- #8 of 12 XC70 years
- Verdict
- Good
- vs. other years of this model
- Complaints
- 14
- unique NHTSA reports
- Recalls
- 2
- distinct NHTSA campaigns
- Crashes
- 0
- reported in complaints
- Fires
- 0
- Injuries
- 0
- Top issue
- Visibility & Wipers
- NHTSA overall rating
- Not rated
- EPA combined MPG
- 20
- 18 city / 24 hwy
- Injuries / deaths
- 0 / 0
Top 2012 Volvo XC70 problems
Share of this year’s NHTSA complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.
- Visibility & Wipers6 (43%)
- Structure & Body3 (21%)
- Other2 (14%)
- Steering2 (14%)
- Suspension, Wheels & Tires2 (14%)
- Brakes1 (7%)
- Seat Belts1 (7%)
A complaint can list more than one component, so shares add up to more than 100%. Shares are % of complaints.
What owners report
- Windshield wipers on the highest setting fail to clear moderate to heavy rain.
- Windshield seals fail along the top edge, letting water drip inside the cabin during rain.
- Windshield separates from the frame at the top, allowing water intrusion after heavy rain.
- Continental tire sidewalls shredded and blew out at highway speed.
- Seat belt release buttons feel mushy and sometimes fail to release consistently.
- Steering wheel sticks or hesitates before turning, especially in cold weather.
2012 Volvo XC70 recalls
2 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 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 XC70 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 XC70 years
Frequently asked questions
- Is the 2012 Volvo XC70 reliable?
- Based on NHTSA owner complaints and recalls, the 2012 XC70 has a complaint index of 36 and a Good verdict, ranking 8th out of 12 model years.
- What are the most common problems with the 2012 Volvo XC70?
- Visibility & Wipers issues account for 43% of complaints, mostly windshield water leaks and wiper performance, followed by Structure & Body issues at 21%.
- Does the 2012 Volvo XC70 have any recalls?
- NHTSA lists 2 recalls for the 2012 XC70: a seat belt anchor cable replacement and an electrical wire harness inspection under the front seats.
- What is the median mileage for problems on the 2012 XC70?
- Across all reported issues, the median mileage at failure was 25,000 miles, though windshield seal issues showed a median of 41,000 miles.
- How does the 2012 XC70 compare to other years?
- The 2012 XC70 ranks better than years like 2008 (complaint index 100, Avoid) and 2010 (complaint index 91, Avoid), but not as well as 2015 and 2016, which earned Best verdicts.