2012 Volvo XC70
Only 14 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict.
This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.
Only 14 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict. The data below is complete but unranked.
COMPLAINTS PER YEAR
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 2001 | 66 |
| 2002 | 35 |
| 2003 | 24 |
| 2004 | 101 |
| 2005 | 27 |
| 2006 | 18 |
| 2007 | 24 |
| 2008 | 39 |
| 2009 | 15 |
| 2010 | 15 |
| 2011 | 15 |
| 2012 | 14 |
| 2013 | 8 |
| 2014 | 2 |
| 2015 | 6 |
| 2016 | 7 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
Only 14 complaints on file for this model year -- too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.
5 of 14 total reports mention: visibility/wiper.
Show complaint excerpts
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.
NHTSA ODI report, 20130112
3 of 14 total reports mention: structure.
Show complaint excerpts
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.
NHTSA ODI report, 20191227
I NOTICED WATER INTRUSION WHILE VIA THE TOP DRIVER SIDE EDGE OF THE WINDSHIELD DURING A HEAVY RAIN.
NHTSA ODI report, 20171210
2 of 14 total reports mention: steering.
Show complaint excerpts
THE PROBLEM IS THAT THE VEHICLE WANTS TO "CLIMB OR STEER" INTO THE HIGH SIDE OF LONGITUDNAL GROOVES ON THE DRIVING SURFACE.
NHTSA ODI report, 20160707
1 of 14 total reports mentions: wheels.
1 of 14 total reports mentions: visibility.
SAFETY TIMELINE
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
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
Campaign 12V075000 — check if this car was fixed
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.
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.
Campaign 20V378000 — check if this car was fixed
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
2012 Volvo XC70 — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for visibility/wiper issues (5 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for structure issues (3 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for steering issues (2 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 12V075000 (electrical system) has been completed.
- Verify recall 20V378000 (seat belts) has been completed.
FAQ
Is the 2012 Volvo XC70 reliable?
There isn't enough NHTSA complaint data on file yet to give this model year a verdict.
What are the most common problems with the 2012 Volvo XC70?
The most-reported component is visibility/wiper, accounting for 36% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2012 Volvo XC70 have?
2 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.