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2012 Volvo XC70 Owner Complaints

Updated May 30, 2026
Ethan Miller
2012 Volvo XC70 Owner Complaints

Complaint Summary

The 2012 Volvo XC70 has 17 reported complaints.

  • Top issues involve visibility/wiper and structure:body.

Reliability Score

Reliability Score

8.3/ 10

Based on 17 complaints

Most Frequent Issues

VISIBILITY/WIPER

5 29.4%

STRUCTURE:BODY

3 17.6%

STEERING

2 11.8%

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

2 11.8%

TIRES

1 5.9%

Quick Insights

  • The top category is VISIBILITY/WIPER, accounting for 29.4% of all complaints.

  • Owners have reported issues across 9 distinct vehicle systems.

  • Note: Complaint data reflects owner reports and may not always indicate a verified defect. Compare with Recalls and TSBs for a complete picture.

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Complaint Summary

What owners keep reporting on the 2012 Volvo XC70

The 2012 Volvo XC70 has 17 owner complaints in this dataset. VISIBILITY/WIPER is the most common complaint category, representing about 29% of the reports shown here.

Most common complaint categories

The top complaint groups for the 2012 Volvo XC70 are VISIBILITY/WIPER (5), STRUCTURE:BODY (3), STEERING (2).

Are these complaints a serious red flag?

Potentially. 3 complaint reports involve higher-attention systems like brakes, steering, engine, powertrain, fuel, suspension, airbags, or electrical components, which is enough to justify a focused inspection.

What should buyers inspect on a used 2012 Volvo XC70?

Start with the top complaint systems, compare them against the recall report, then inspect service records for evidence that those same areas were already repaired or monitored.

Read the full buyer guideRecall report and remedy notesMaintenance costs and intervals2011 XC70 complaints2013 XC70 complaints2014 XC70 complaints

Detailed Complaint Log

Showing 9 of 9 systems

VISIBILITY/WIPER

5 Reports29% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

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. *TR

1/12/2013

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 DISTANCE TO OTHER VEHICLES AND ALSO ACT AS SAFETY DEVICES TO AVOID COLLISIONS WITH VEHICLES AND PEDESTRIANS. THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE SINCE THE AIRBAG PUSHES AGAINST THE INSIDE OF THE WINDSHIELD WHEN DEPLOYED AND AN UNBONDED WINDSHIELD WILL NOT SERVE TO HOLD PASSENGER IN PLACE. IF THE WINDSHIELD IS SEVERELY UNATTACHED IT COULD COME OUT OF THE VEHICLE DURING OPERATION.

3/29/2017

3 more complaints are available in this category.

STRUCTURE:BODY

3 Reports18% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

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 A RECALL FOR THIS PROBLEM. I QUICK INVESTIGATION OF THE INTERNET INDICATES THAT IT IS A GROWING PROBLEM.

12/10/2017

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.

12/27/2019

1 more complaint is available in this category.

STEERING

2 Reports12% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

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 MANUFACTURER'S SPECIFICATION, A FOUR WHEEL ALIGNMENT HAS BEEN DONE FOUR TIMES, THE STEERING RACK AND STRUTS HAVE BEEN REPLACED. THE TIRES HAVE APPROXIMATELY 4/16TH INCH OF TREAD REMAINING. THIS SITUATION OCCURS ON BOTH WET AND DRY SURFACES. VOLVO'S CORPORATE CUSTOMER SERVICE WAS CONTACTED. THEIR RESPONSE WAS "THEY WERE SORRY THAT I WAS HAVING THIS PROBLEM'. THEY OFFERED NO HELP/RESOLUTION. I TOLD THEM THAT I WANTED TO PUT A NARROWER TIRE WITH A HIGHER ASPECT RATIO. THEY THEN INFORMED THAT MY PRESENT TIRE SIZE WAS THE ONLY TIRE SIZE THAT THEY WOULD APPROVE TO BE USED ON THIS CAR. UNLESS THE DRIVER OF THIS CAR STAYS EXTREMELY ALERT, ----- IT IS A DEATH TRAP JUST WAITING TO HAPPEN. THIS IS AN ONGOING PROBLEM SINCE APRIL 2015 AND IS NOT THE RESULT ON AN INCIDENT/ACCIDENT/CRASH OR ANY OTHER PHYSICAL DAMAGE. PS: I HAVE A 1946 CHEVROLET PICKUP (STILL IN ITS ORIGINAL OEM CONFIGURATION) THAT IS EASIER TO CONTROL DRIVING THE SAME ROAD SURFACES. SO MUCH TO SAID FOR TECHNOLOGY AND SPACE-AGE ENGINEERING.

7/7/2016

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.

3/16/2020

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

2 Reports12% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

RECENTLY, MY HUSBAND'S VOLVO XC70 BEGAN LEAKING WATER. WE TOOK IT TO OVERLAND PARK VOLVO FOR A DIAGNOSTIC CHECK. THEY STATE THE WINDSHIELD SEAL HAS BROKEN AND THAT IS WHY IT IS LEAKING WATER. IT IS A FACTORY INSTALLED WINDSHIELD. THEY STATED IT IS NOT COVERED UNDER WARRANTY AND THAT A GLASS REPAIR COMPANY WOULD NEED TO FIX IT. SO, WE TOOK IF TO SAFELITE. ALTHOUGH OUT INSURANCE IS COVERING REPLACING THE WINDSHIELD, BECAUSE THEY CANNOT SIMPLY RESEAL IT, SAFELITE STATES THEY DO NOT UNDERSTAND WHY VOLVO DIDN'T COVER IT UNDER THEIR WARRANTY DUE TO DEFECTIVE INSTALLATION. IN ADDITION, THE SERVICE ADVISOR AT THE VOLVO DEALERSHIP ADVISED US AND SAFELITE THAT THE SEALS ROUTINELY BREAK ON VOLVOS AND CAUSE WATER TO LEAK IN THE VEHICLE. THERE IS NO REASON WHY THE SEAL SHOULD NOT LAST THE LIFETIME OF THE WINDSHIELD OR LIFESPAN OF THE VEHICLE, BECAUSE THERE ARE PRODUCTS ON THE MARKET THAT GUARANTEE THIS WILL NOT HAPPEN. WHILE WE ARE FORTUNATE TO HAVE A $0 GLASS DEDUCTIBLE, OTHER VOLVO CUSTOMERS THAT DO NOT HAVE THIS DEDUCTIBLE WILL HAVE TO PAY OUT-OF-POCKET TO REPAIR VOLVO'S DEFECTIVE WORKMANSHIP. IN ADDITION, WATER LEAKING INTO A VEHICLE CAN CAUSE ALL TYPES OF CORROSIVE DAMAGE. IN OUR VEHICLE ALONE, THE WATER LEAKED ALL OVER THE FLOORBOARD, ALL OVER THE LEATHER SEATS, ALL OF THE GEAR SHIFTING MECHANISM, ETC. IF THE WATER WERE TO GO INTO THE GEAR SHIFTING MECHANISM, IT COULD COST THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS IN DAMAGES. SAME GOES FOR COMPONENTS THAT ARE LOCATED UNDER THE FLOOR BOARD. IT COULD ALSO POSE AS A SAFETY HAZARD ON THE HIGHWAY IF THE SEAL IS BROKEN OR IF THE VEHICLE MECHANICALLY FAILS DUE TO CORROSIVE PARTS.

3/24/2017

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.

12/10/2020

TIRES

1 Report6% of total

Previewing the first 1 complaint summaries.

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

6/30/2013

WHEELS

1 Report6% of total

Previewing the first 1 complaint summaries.

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 MANUFACTURER'S SPECIFICATION, A FOUR WHEEL ALIGNMENT HAS BEEN DONE FOUR TIMES, THE STEERING RACK AND STRUTS HAVE BEEN REPLACED. THE TIRES HAVE APPROXIMATELY 4/16TH INCH OF TREAD REMAINING. THIS SITUATION OCCURS ON BOTH WET AND DRY SURFACES. VOLVO'S CORPORATE CUSTOMER SERVICE WAS CONTACTED. THEIR RESPONSE WAS "THEY WERE SORRY THAT I WAS HAVING THIS PROBLEM'. THEY OFFERED NO HELP/RESOLUTION. I TOLD THEM THAT I WANTED TO PUT A NARROWER TIRE WITH A HIGHER ASPECT RATIO. THEY THEN INFORMED THAT MY PRESENT TIRE SIZE WAS THE ONLY TIRE SIZE THAT THEY WOULD APPROVE TO BE USED ON THIS CAR. UNLESS THE DRIVER OF THIS CAR STAYS EXTREMELY ALERT, ----- IT IS A DEATH TRAP JUST WAITING TO HAPPEN. THIS IS AN ONGOING PROBLEM SINCE APRIL 2015 AND IS NOT THE RESULT ON AN INCIDENT/ACCIDENT/CRASH OR ANY OTHER PHYSICAL DAMAGE. PS: I HAVE A 1946 CHEVROLET PICKUP (STILL IN ITS ORIGINAL OEM CONFIGURATION) THAT IS EASIER TO CONTROL DRIVING THE SAME ROAD SURFACES. SO MUCH TO SAID FOR TECHNOLOGY AND SPACE-AGE ENGINEERING.

7/7/2016

SEAT BELTS

1 Report6% of total

Previewing the first 1 complaint summaries.

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.

12/19/2016

SERVICE BRAKES

1 Report6% of total

Previewing the first 1 complaint summaries.

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 THE VEHICLE. IN FEBRUARY OF 2019, THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO NATIONAL TIRE AND BATTERY TO HAVE THE PARTS REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 131,898.

5/30/2019

VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD

1 Report6% of total

Previewing the first 1 complaint summaries.

Windshield leaking for about 2 tears got worse and was found to be "loose windshield and mobile" and "hazardous" by technician.

6/27/2022

About This Data

Data and Methodology

MethodologyHow we score →

Scores are derived from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints, normalized by vehicle segment averages.

FAQ

What are the most common owner complaints for the 2012 Volvo XC70?

The most reported complaint category for the 2012 Volvo XC70 is VISIBILITY/WIPER, with 5 owner reports. That is about 29% of all complaints logged here. Other recurring themes include VISIBILITY/WIPER, STRUCTURE:BODY, STEERING.

Are complaints about the 2012 Volvo XC70 a serious warning sign?

Potentially. 3 complaint reports fall into higher-attention systems such as brakes, steering, engine, powertrain, fuel, suspension, airbags, or electrical components. That does not prove every vehicle has a defect, but repeated complaints in those systems justify a more careful pre-purchase inspection.

How should buyers use complaint data for the 2012 Volvo XC70?

Use complaints as an early pattern to investigate, not a standalone verdict. Start with the top complaint categories, compare those themes against the recall report and maintenance guide, then inspect service records for evidence that the same problem areas were already addressed. If the same issue appears repeatedly across complaints and recalls, treat it as a real ownership-risk flag.

Are complaints about the 2012 Volvo XC70 severe?

3 complaint reports involve higher-attention systems such as brakes, steering, engine, powertrain, fuel, suspension, airbags, or electrical components, which is enough to justify a focused inspection before purchase.

Complaint list entries are sourced from owner-submitted NHTSA ODI records.

Read complaint summaries

Volvo XC70: How should complaint data influence buying decisions?

Use complaint patterns together with recalls and maintenance guidance to estimate ownership risk and inspection priorities.

Carfocal links complaint data directly to recall and maintenance routes for the same model year.

Return to full vehicle report
Complaint entries
17
Top-topic view
5 grouped topics shown
Primary source
NHTSA ODI owner complaint records

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In this guide

  1. 01Overview
  2. 02Common Problems
  3. 03Owner Complaints
  4. 04Data and Methodology

Start here

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