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Car problem report
2012 Volvo XC70 problems, recalls and owner complaints
What the 2012 Volvo XC70 has been recalled for, how often it fails the UK MOT and what owners report, from official government data. Updated November 2, 2026.
- 2safety recalls
- 14owner complaints
- 0crash reports
- 0fire reports
- 29%fail the UK MOT
The most complained-about Volvo XC70 year on file: 14 complaints, against an average of 6 for the other 4 model years.
Every Volvo XC70 model year with its number of owner complaints. Pick a year to compare.
What goes wrong with the 2012 Volvo XC70?
The components named most often in the 14 owner complaints. One complaint can name several, so the shares can add up to more than 100%.
Has the 2012 Volvo XC70 been recalled?
2 U.S. safety recalls. Repairs are free at a franchised dealer; some are done over the air.
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.
Fix: 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.
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.
Fix: 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.
Is the 2012 Volvo XC70 recalled in the UK or Europe?
Recalls issued by the UK's DVSA and through the EU's Safety Gate system that cover this model and build period. European models can differ from U.S. ones, and "years estimated" means the recall gave no build dates, so confirm your own car with your registration or VIN.
UK DVSAThere is a risk for trapped air to be in the cooling system
Risk: There is a risk for trapped air to be in the cooling system which may result in insufficient cooling of engine components.
Fix: Add an extra degassing line (Bleeder Hose) between the cooling system radiator and the cooling system expansion tank which will evacuate the trapped air.
UK DVSAPotential breakage/fatigue of a flexible steel cable supporting the front seatbelt anchor point
Risk: Potential breakage/fatigue of a flexible steel cable supporting the front seatbelt anchor point.
Fix: Replace the seat belt fastener with a new designed seat belt fastening.
UK DVSAThe engine's plastic inlet manifold may melt and deform
Risk: The engines plastic inlet manifold may melt and deform
Fix: Update vehicles with improved soot reducing software cleaning of TMAP and EMAP. Fit additional hoses where necessary.
UK DVSAParking brake may unintentionally release
Risk: Vehicles with manual gearboxes and start/stop functionality have Parking Brake Module (PBM) software that may allow the parking brake to unintentionally release. The unintended release of the parking brake can only occur when the engine is running and the gearstick moved so it will happen when the vehicle is attended.
Fix: Recall the vehicles that are likely to be affected to download upgraded Parking Brake Module (PBM) software.
UK DVSALoss of power steering assistanceYears estimated
Risk: The auxiliary drive belt tensioner can suffer from premature wear which may cause it to fail. This can lead to loss of steering power assistance and a slight possibility of loss of drive should the drive belt or tensioner invade the cambelt area.
Fix: Recall the vehicles that are likely to be affected to replace the auxiliary drive belt and tensioner.
UK DVSAReduced braking performanceYears estimated
Risk: Investigations have identified the wiper arm mechanism may chafe against the brake booster vacuum line. If this chafing occurs it could lead to a gradual reduction of the power assisted braking and more effort would need to be applied to the brake pedal than usual to slow the vehicle down. In a worst case the reduction of braking assistance could occur suddenly without any prior warning
Fix: Inspect the brake booster vacuum line. If it is chafed then it should be replaced and routed correctly. If the line is not chafed it should re-routed to ensure no issues going forward.
UK DVSAEngine may failYears estimated
Risk: There could be a sudden and unexpected failure of the bottom end of the engine because of a non-conformity during production of the connecting rods.
Fix: Recall the vehicles that are likely to be affected to replace the engine.
UK DVSAAirbags may not deploy in a collisionYears estimated
Risk: It has been identified that the wiring harness for the SRS system may not have been correctly attached to the front seat frames. It is possible that continued adjustment of the seat position may cause the harness to become detached. If this should occur a warning light will illuminate on the instrument panel warning the driver of a fault with the SRS system. However in this condition the front and side airbags may not deploy if the vehicle is involved in a collision.
Fix: Recall all affected vehicles for an inspection of the wiring harnesses and ensure that it is correctly routed and secured. If not then reroute and securing of the wiring harness.
EU Safety GateThe handbrake may under certain conditions release inadvertently.
Measures: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Other; Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users; Date of entry into force: 26/02/2015
EU Safety GateThe wiper-arm mechanism may chafe against the brake booster vacuum line.Years estimatedIf this occurs, it could lead to a gradual reduction of the power-assisted braking and more effort would need to be applied to the brake pedal than usual to slow the vehicle down. In the worst cases, the reduction of braking assistance could occur suddenly without any prior warning.
EU Safety GateThe wire harness under the driver and/or passenger seat may not have been properly affixed to the seat frame during vehicle assembly.As such, the harness may get caught by the audio and/or back-up camera amplifier (mounted under either of the front seats) when the seating position is adjusted. If this occurs, the harness connector may detach from the socket and, as a result, the airbags may not function as intended, causing the instrument panel Safety Restrain System (SRS) warning lamp to illuminate.
Measures: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Other; Category of measure(s): Voluntary corrective action taken by the manufacturer; Date of entry into force: Unknown
How often does the 2012 Volvo XC70 fail its MOT?
Why they failed: the share of failed tests with at least one fault in each area (a test can fail on several). Cars first registered in 2012, tested in Great Britain in 2023; first registration is usually, but not always, the model year. Source: DVSA anonymised MOT tests and results, Open Government Licence v3.0.
What do 2012 Volvo XC70 owners report?
12 of the 14 complaints, the most recent for the most-reported components, as the owners wrote them. NHTSA removes names and VINs; long reports are trimmed. CarHooq has not verified individual claims.
Windshield leaking for about 2 tears got worse and was found to be "loose windshield and mobile" and "hazardous" by technician.
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…
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.
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…
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.
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.
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…
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…
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…
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.
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…
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
2012 Volvo XC70: questions owners ask
Is the 2012 Volvo XC70 reliable?
NHTSA data alone cannot rate reliability, but it shows what owners reported. Owners filed 14 complaints with NHTSA about the 2012 Volvo XC70; the most common categories were visibility/wiper (5, 35.7%), structure (3, 21.4%), steering (2, 14.3%). There are 2 safety recalls.
What are the most common problems with the 2012 Volvo XC70?
Across 14 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the categories mentioned most often are visibility/wiper (35.7% of complaints), structure (21.4% of complaints), steering (14.3% of complaints), seat belts (7.1% of complaints), service brakes (7.1% of complaints). One complaint can name several components.
Does the 2012 Volvo XC70 have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 2 recalls for the 2012 Volvo XC70; the most recent (campaign 20V378000, 2020-06-30) concerns Seat Belts: Front. Recall repairs are free at a franchised dealer; check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Check your own XC70
Counts are a starting point, not a verdict: popular models collect more complaints because more of them are on the road, and NHTSA does not verify individual reports. To see whether a recall is still open on your car, enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls (U.S.) or your registration at check-vehicle-recalls.service.gov.uk (UK). Had a safety problem? Report it to NHTSA; complaints are what trigger investigations and recalls.
Data: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation recall and complaint databases (public domain), DVSA anonymised MOT results (Open Government Licence v3.0), DVSA vehicle recalls (Open Government Licence v3.0), EU Safety Gate alerts (© European Union), retrieved November 2, 2026. Model year 2012 only. How these reports are made.
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