2012 Volvo XC90
Only 3 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 3 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 |
|---|---|
| 2003 | 93 |
| 2004 | 462 |
| 2005 | 223 |
| 2006 | 53 |
| 2007 | 38 |
| 2008 | 29 |
| 2009 | 7 |
| 2010 | 12 |
| 2011 | 19 |
| 2012 | 3 |
| 2013 | 11 |
| 2014 | 4 |
| 2015 | 0 |
| 2016 | 197 |
| 2017 | 76 |
| 2018 | 50 |
| 2019 | 41 |
| 2020 | 31 |
| 2021 | 33 |
| 2022 | 29 |
| 2023 | 39 |
| 2024 | 35 |
| 2025 | 27 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
Only 3 complaints on file for this model year -- too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.
1 of 3 total reports mentions: steering.
Show complaint excerpts
ON MORNING OF 2/15/2020, I WAS DRIVING MY XC90 (2012, BASE, AUTO TRANSMISSION) ON A CITY STREET WHEN I REALIZED THE STEERING WHEEL WAS NO LONGER IN CONTROL. IT CAUSED THE VEHICLE TO SWING LEFT AND RIGHT BETWEEN THE 2 LANES.
NHTSA ODI report, 20200305
Also filed under UNKNOWN OR OTHER
1 of 3 total reports mentions: power train.
1 of 3 total reports mentions: equipment, most commonly citing navigational system(global positioning system).
Show complaint excerpts
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 VOLVO XC90. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE REAR BACK UP CAMERA AND GPS SYSTEM WORKED INTERMITTENTLY. THE FAILURE OCCURRED WITHOUT WARNING.
NHTSA ODI report, 20160502
Also filed under ELECTRICAL SYSTEM and BACK OVER PREVENTION
1 of 3 total reports mentions: electrical system.
1 of 3 total reports mentions: back over prevention, most commonly citing camera system.
SAFETY TIMELINE
No recalls on file for this model year.
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
2012 Volvo XC90 — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for steering issues (1 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for power train issues (1 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for equipment issues (1 reports on file for this year).
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST YEARS
FAQ
Is the 2012 Volvo XC90 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 XC90?
The most-reported component is steering, accounting for 33% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2012 Volvo XC90 have?
No recalls are on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-09-16 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.