2012 VOLVO XC60 Problems

Complaints Reported

Complaints by Component

VISIBILITY/WIPER

18 complaints

During rain, water is leaking inside the car from the driver’s side windshield while I’m driving, obstructing my vision.

Dec 22, 2023

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.

Jul 21, 2022

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

May 05, 2022

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!

Mar 29, 2022

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.

Mar 26, 2022

+ 13 more complaints for this component

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

6 complaints

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?

Jan 20, 2024

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.

Oct 08, 2022

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.

Jul 13, 2022

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.

Dec 29, 2021

DURING RAIN, THE DRIVER'S SIDE OF THE WINDSHIELD LEAKS. WITH RESEARCH OF THE ISSUE, MANY PEOPLE HAVE COMPLAINED. THE PROBLEM IS PRESENT DUE TO A PRIMER ON THE GLASS THAT IS FAILING. THIS BLACK PRIMER IS APPLIED IN A THIN LAYER TO THE WINDSHIELD. THE ADHESIVE BEING USED BY VOLVO, REQUIRES THIS PRIMER PROMOTE A PROPER BOND BETWEEN THE GLASS AND THE ADHESIVE (POLYURETHANE). HOWEVER, THIS PRIMER IS SEPARATING FROM THE GLASS. THE BIGGEST CONCERN VOLVO OWNERS SHOULD BE AWARE OF IS NOT THE POTENTIAL OF A WATER LEAK. THE WINDSHIELD IS A STRUCTURAL COMPONENT OF THE VEHICLE. IF THE WINDSHIELD IS NOT BONDED TO THE VEHICLE PROPERLY IT WILL COMPROMISE THE SAFETY OF THE OCCUPANTS IN THE EVENT OF AN ACCIDENT. THE WINDSHIELD SUPPORTS THE AIRBAGS UPON DEPLOYMENT, CRUMPLE ZONE FUNCTION DURING A COLLISION, AND THE ROOF IN THE EVENT OF A ROLLOVER.

Dec 16, 2019

+ 1 more complaint for this component

VISIBILITY

3 complaints

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.

May 31, 2024

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.

Jun 02, 2022

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 VOLVO XC60. WHILE OPERATING THE VEHICLE IN THE RAIN, WATER LEAKED FROM THE DRIVER'S SIDE WINDSHIELD AND MADE CONTACT WITH THE DRIVER. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER AND LOCAL DEALER WERE NOT NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 98,000. THE VIN WAS INVALID.

Apr 23, 2019

STRUCTURE

3 complaints

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.

Aug 13, 2021

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.

Jun 27, 2021

MY WINDSHIELD STARTED LEAKING ON THE DRIVER SIDE DURING A HEAVY RAIN STORM. WATER WAS DRIPPING IN STREAMS AND IMPEDED VISIBILITY. I HAD IT EVALUATED AND THERE IS A BREAK IN THE FACTORY SEAL. THE WINDSHIELD IS ORIGINAL EQUIPMENT. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN IN ANY ACCIDENTS OR HAD ANY INJURIES. I SEE THAT THIS HAS BEEN A PROBLEM WITH OTHER VOLVOS AS WELL.

Jan 04, 2019

TIRES

2 complaints

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.

Jul 09, 2025

JUST BOUGHT THE CAR AND DROVE APPROXIMATELY 30 MILES AND THE TIRE PRESSURE MONITORING SYSTEM LIGHT CAME ON. DROVE ANOTHER 10 MILES HOME AND ARRANGED FOR AN APPOINTMENT WITH THE DEALER FOR CORRECTION/REPAIR. NOTICED THAT THE ERROR WARNING DID NOT COME ON INITIALLY AFTER VEHICLE WAS PARKED BUT, SEEMED IF I DROVE ABOUT 25 MILES OR MORE THE LIGHT WOULD COME ON AND STAY ON, AND THIS IS WHAT OCCURRED UNTIL I WENT TO HAVE IT SERVICED. DEALER GET ME FOR 4 HOURS AND TOLD ME THEY COULD NOT GET THE TIRES TO READ. THE DEALER THEN MADE AN APPOINTMENT WITH VOLVO FOR CORRECTION/SERVICE, AND THEY KEPT ME FOR 3 HOURS AND SAID THEY CHECKED THE TIRES AND RESET THE SENSORS, AND BELIEVED IT WAS THE BATTERY BECAUSE THE VOLTAGE WAS NOT HIGH ENOUGH. SO THEY WERE TRYING TO GET THE BATTERY TO FAIL...THIS DID NOT EVEN MAKES SENSE. ANYWAY THEY SAID, THEY CLEARED THE CODE AND DROVE IT AND IT WAS FINE. I LEFT AND GOT ABOUT 20 MILES AWAY AND THE LIGHT CAME ON AGAIN. THE THIRD TIME I TOOK MY CAR BACK TO WHERE I PURCHASED THE CAR (NOT VOLVO) WHO TOOK IT TO ANOTHER VOLVO DEALER AND IT ONE WEEK TO TELL ME, THE TIRE PRESSURE INDICATED ON THE DOOR PANEL WHICH IS 35PSI IS INCORRECT AND IT REALLY SHOULD 38PSI AND THE CODES WERE CLEARED AND THEY DROVE IT AND ALL WAS CORRECTED. I LEFT AND DROVE ABOUT 25 MILES AND THE TPMS ERROR LIGHT WAS ON AGAIN. NEEDLESS TO SAY THEY CANNOT DETECT WHAT WAS WRONG. *TR

Jun 01, 2014

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

2 complaints

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.

Nov 14, 2022

2012 VOLVO XC60. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO SOFTWARE PATCH. *LD THE CONSUMER STATED THE XM RADIO DRAINED THE VEHICLE'S BATTERY. THE COSUMER REQUESTED TO HAVE THE SOFTWARED UPDATE PERFORMED FOR FREE. THE DEALER DECLINED. *JS

Oct 19, 2020

ENGINE

2 complaints

"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.

Aug 15, 2022

THE CAR USES AN EXCESSIVE AMOUNT OF ENGINE OIL. CHECK OIL LIGHT COMES ON WILL DRIVING CAUSING A POTENTIAL SAFETY HAZARD WHILE I FIND A SAFE LOCATION TO STOP AND ADD ENGINE OIL.

Dec 12, 2015

WHEELS

2 complaints

MY ISSUE IS RELATED TO THE CONSTANT CORROSION PROBLEMS ON TPS THAT LEAD TO MULTIPLE REPLACEMENTS ON MY VEHICLE. IT WAS DISCOVERED DURING SEMI ANNUAL CHANGEOVER OF WINTER AND SUMMER TIRES, WHERE ONE OF THE WHEELS AND TIRES DEFLATED DUE TO CORROSION OF THE TPS. COSTLY PART THAT IS LIKELY DEFECTIVE IN DESIGN AND IF FAILED ON ROADWAY COULD HAVE RESULTED IN A FLAT TIRE AND VEHICLE ROADWAY INCIDENT. THIS IS A REPEATED PROBLEM...

Oct 12, 2018

THE AXLES ARE ALREADY NEEDING TO BE REPLACED ON THE FRONT WHEELS. THERE IS ONLY 68,000 MILES ON THEM. THE AUTO SHOP SAYS IT'S TOO EARLY FOR THAT TO BE HAPPENING. NOT TO MENTION THERE IS A WHOPPING PRICE TAG FOR THE PARTS!!

Oct 20, 2016

AIR BAGS,SEAT BELTS,SEATS

1 complaint

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.

May 19, 2023

UNKNOWN OR OTHER,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

1 complaint

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

Dec 10, 2020

STEERING,UNKNOWN OR OTHER,ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)

1 complaint

OVER A PERIOD OF THE LAST 45 DAYS ON TWO SEPARATE OCCASIONS,IN RAIN, AT HIGHWAY SPEED OF 55MPH+, THE OVERALL PERFORMANCE OF THE DRIVER INPUTS FAILED TO FUNCTION. WHEN DRIVING, TURNING THE WHEEL TO LEFT/RIGHT TO CHANGE LANES OR PULL TO THE SLOW LANE; MADE THE CAR FEEL AS IT WANTED TO SPIN OUT UNCONTROLLABLY.TO MOVE THE STEERING WHEEL LEFT, THE CAR WANTED TO GO RIGHT. WHEN GOING STRAIGHT THERE WAS A WOBBLY UNSTABLE FEELING, AND WAS NOTICEABLE TO PASSENGERS IN THE CAR. THE ISSUE DID NOT OCCUR AT LOWER SPEEDS AND CAR PERFORM NORMALLY. THE SENSATION WAS SIMILAR TO THE INPUT ON A BOAT. THE ONLY CORRECTION WHICH WORKED WAS TO SLOW DOWN TO 40-45 AND TAKE SIDE ROADS. AT LOWER SPEEDS BRAKE TESTING AND OTHER MANEUVERS WERE PERFORMED WITHOUT ISSUE.

Dec 16, 2019

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,VISIBILITY/WIPER

1 complaint

WATER DRIPS FROM TOP OF WINDSHIELD INTO CAR AS FAST AS IT COMES DOWN. DRAINS INTO LIGHTS FIXTURES AS WELL AS GEARS AND WHEEL. FOGGED UP GLASS ON HIGHWAY CAUSING SERIOUS SAFETY CONCERN. IN WINTER CAUSED GEARS TO FREEZE IN PARK. WATER POOLED IN BOTTOM OF CAR AND IN LIGHT FIXTURES. WATER IN SUNROOF CONTROL - CAUSED MALFUNCTION. WHEN GOING FROM STOP TO START WATER RAINS DOWN IN EYESIGHT CAUSE ANOTHER MAJOR SAFETY CONCERN. DEALER SAID WINDSHIELD WAS LOOSE. SERVICE SAID THEY HAD NOT SEEN THIS PROBLEM. SALES SAID THIS MODEL HAS THIS PROBLEM ALL THE TIME. INTERESTING CONFLICT... VOLVO FORUMS HAVE THIS ISSUE WELL DOCUMENTED.

Mar 18, 2019

AIR BAGS,STRUCTURE,UNKNOWN OR OTHER

1 complaint

I WAS IN AN ACCIDENT DRIVING ON A HIGHWAY DRIVING MY VOLVO XC60. I WAS TRAVELING AT APPROX 100KM/H AND RAN INTO THE BACK OF A SEMI THAT WAS TRAVELING AT AN APPROX SPEED OF 80KM/H. THE IMPACT WAS IN THE RIGHT FRONT (PASSENGER) SIDE OF MY XC-60 AND THE LEFT REAR OF THE SEMI. THE AIRBAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY ANYWHERE ON THE VOLVO. THANKFULLY, NOBODY WAS SERIOUSLY HURT AS ALL WERE WEARING SEATBELTS. BASED ON THE SEVERITY AND SPEED OF THE IMPACT, I AM VERY SUPRISED AND CONCERNED THE AIRBAG SYSTEM DIDN'T FUNCTION.

Jan 06, 2016

Crash: 1

STEERING

1 complaint

LAST EVENING WHEN TURNING A CORNER MY FINGER WAS CUT BY THE METAL PORTION OF THE STEERING WHEEL. WHEN I GOT HOME, I NOTICED THAT AT THE "6 O'CLOCK" POSITION THERE WAS SHARP METAL THAT HAS COME LOOSE AND THAT IS WHAT CUT MY FINGER. I DID SOME RESEARCH AND THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM WITH THIS CAR. ALSO, UPON CALLING THE DEALER THIS MORNING THEY SAID THEY KEEP A NUMBER OF THE REPLACEMENT PARTS IN INVENTORY BECAUSE IT HAPPENS ALL THE TIME. MUCH TO MY SURPRISE THERE HAS NOT BEEN A SAFETY RECALL. THE DEALER SAID THEY WILL WORK WITH ME ON THE PRICE, BUT WOULD NOT COVER IT BECAUSE MY CAR IS OUT OF WARRANTY. I REALLY THINK IF PEOPLE ARE GETTING CUT THIS SHOULD BE RAISED TO A RECALL LEVEL.

Jun 19, 2015

Injuries: 1

STEERING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

1 complaint

SUDDEN FAILURE OF THE POWER STEERING, AMONGST OTHERS, RIGHT IN THE MIDDLE OF A CROSSROADS. VERY DANGEROUS EMERGENCY STOPPING OF THE CAR, ENGINE STOPPED, ALL ALARMS ON, STEERING NEARLY IMPOSSIBLE TO USE WITHOUT POWER. HAD TO TOW THE VEHICLE TO SERVICE CENTER. VOLVO CLAIMS THIS IS NOTHING MORE THAN A COMMON PLACE ALTERNATOR FAILURE (THERE HAS BEEN A RECALL CAMPAIGN FOR SIMILAR PROBLEMS WITH AUXILIARY BELT TENSIONER). POWER STEERING FAILED ALTHOUGH BATTERY WAS FULLY CHARGED. FOUND ON THE INTERNET THIS OCCURRING SEVERAL TIMES TO OTHER XC60 DRIVERS. AS ALTERNATOR FAILURES WITHOUT ANY WARNING ARE SO "COMMON PLACE" AND AS THEY CAN HAVE SUCH VERY NEGATIVE IMPACT ON SAFETY, WHY ISN'T THERE ANY BATTERY-BASED POWER STEERING SURVIVABILITY AS ON MOST OTHER VEHICLES?

Aug 04, 2012

POWER TRAIN,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

1 complaint

UNCONTROLLABLE ACCELERATION, OVERRIDING BRAKE: UNEXPLAINED ACCIDENT OCCURRED AS I HAD PULLED INTO ANGLE PARKING SLOT, FOOT ON BRAKE READY TO SHIFT TO "PARK" . SUDDENLY THE CAR UNEXPECTEDLY ACCELERATED FORWARD ABOUT 5 FEET AND LURCHED INTO THE WOODEN PARKING BARRIER THAT DELINEATES THE EDGE OF THE PARKING LOT, CRACKING IT. ENGINE WAS REVVING. I SHIFTED INTO REVERSE TO GET BACK INTO PARKING SPOT (FOOT ON BRAKE NECESSARY TO SHIFT INTO REVERSE) AND CAR ACCELERATED BACKWARD TOTALLY OUT OF MY CONTROL, ONLY STOPPED AFTER BACKING INTO CAR PARKED ON OPPOSITE SIDE. PASSERBY SAID HE HEARD THE ENGINE REVVING FROM THE OTHER SIDE OF THE LOT! AT THIS POINT I SHIFTED INTO "DRIVE" AND, WITH CAR NOW UNDER MY CONTROL, RETURNED TO ORIGINAL SPOT. I REFUSED TO DRIVE CAR AGAIN WHEN POLICE ASKED ME TO SHOW WHAT HAD HAPPENED- HAD IT TOWED, VOLVO USA TECHNICIAN REPORTEDLY FOUND NOTHING WRONG WITH THE CAR, ( THE REPORT IS AN INTERNAL VOLVO DOCUMENT NOT AVAILABLE TO ME). THIS WAS A FRIGHTENING, HORRIFYING INCIDENT, WITH RAPID ACCELERATION OCCURRING BOTH FORWARD AND IN REVERSE, DESPITE FOOT ON BRAKE. CAR IS EQUIPPED WITH MULTIPLE SAFETY FEATURES. PEOPLE COULD HAVE BEEN HURT- LUCKILY NO ONE WAS. OVER NEXT COUPLE OF WEEKS, I WENT OVER EVERY POSSIBILITY, BUT MUST CONCLUDE IT WAS A MALFUNCTION OF THE CAR. *TR

Apr 05, 2012

Crash: 1

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4.9/5.0

68 reviews

Frequently Asked Questions

How many problems does the 2012 VOLVO XC60 have?

The 2012 VOLVO XC60 currently has 46 owner-reported complaints according to NHTSA database. These complaints are organized by component to help identify common issues.

What are the most common problems with 2012 VOLVO XC60?

The most common problems reported for the 2012 VOLVO XC60 are organized by component above. Each component section shows owner-reported issues, crash reports, and fire incidents to help identify patterns and problem areas.

Where does this 2012 VOLVO XC60 problem data come from?

All problem and complaint data for the 2012 VOLVO XC60 comes directly from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) database. These are real complaints submitted by actual vehicle owners.