Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (power windows, windshield, wipers, mirrors, sunroof).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2012 Volvo XC60 owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
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.
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.
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.
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!
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
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.
During heavy rains and movement there is water leaking into the vehicle along the top drivers inside of the windshield. It also drips onto the steering wheel which often startles me while actively driving. The windshield has no cracks and is the original windshield.
I bought my XC60 in 2012 from gerald jones Volvo in evans, ga. Approximately in 2017 my wife notice water coming inside the car from the windshield on the driver's side. At that time, I had the dealership look at the windshield and sunroof. They found nothing wrong. The water continued to leak in the car, but in July 2017, the navy transferred me to Japan and the car was stored in a military approved facility. I was not able to get the windshield repaired prior to leaving overseas. When we returned in July 2019, we were reminded of the leak when we took the car through a carwash. Finally, on 10 jan 2020 after I made the claim with my insurance company, I took it to safelite in fallschurch, va. The technicians checked the windshield and they commented that they have seen a lot of Volvo's with factory install issues with windshields. I checked your website for recalls and there were none. …
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.
The vehicle's windshield has been leaking water through the top of the dashboard. When it rains, the windshield leaks all over. I have been following forums and it is a common problem in this particular model of Volvo but has not been a recall. If this continues I'm afraid someone driving could loose visibility if its raining. Even through the carwash this Volvo models leak water. Something needs to be done.
Window & Wiper complaints in other XC60 years
Frequently asked questions
How common are window & wiper problems on the 2012 Volvo XC60?
NHTSA has 22 complaints about the windows, wipers & sunroof of the 2012 Volvo XC60, 48% of the model year's 46 complaints. The component named most often is windshield (2 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2012 Volvo XC60 window & wiper problems?
No. NHTSA lists no windows, wipers & sunroof recall for the 2012 Volvo XC60, though it has 3 recalls for other components. If the problem is widespread, a repair may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin — ask a dealer.
At what mileage do 2012 Volvo XC60 window & wiper problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 84,000 miles.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.