Owners have filed 17 complaints
about the 2012 Volvo XC70 with NHTSA between 2013 and 2022.
The largest single group is the windows, mirrors & wipers.
Across this model's run it ranks 9 of 12 worst.
The letter says how bad. This says what kind — whether this year drew
an unusual number of complaints, unusually dangerous
ones, or failures that arrived unusually early.
The dashed ring is 50 — the national norm. Further out is worse.
Complaint volume — 21
Against the median year of the Volvo XC70. 50 means typical for this
model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 0
0% of these complaints
involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of
9.7%.
Early failure — 97
57% of failures with a mileage on record happened under
36,000 miles, against a national rate of
29%.
Complaints filed with NHTSA, by model year. Bar colour is the FaultScore grade:
A
B
C
D
F
ungraded
What breaks on a 2012 Volvo XC70
Every complaint is filed against a part. Follow any row for the complaints about that part alone.
Windows, Mirrors & Wipers
635.3%
Median failure at 41,000 miles
Body & Structure
317.6%
Median failure at 98,000 miles
Other & Unspecified
211.8%
Median failure at 24,000 miles
Steering
211.8%
Median failure at 12,512 miles
Seat Belts
15.9%
Median failure at 2,000 miles
Wheels
15.9%
Median failure at 25,000 miles
Tires
15.9%
Median failure at 14,114 miles
Brakes
15.9%
Median failure at 131,898 miles
When it fails
Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all
complaints include one.
Under 1,000 miles
17.1%
1,000 – 9,999 miles
214.3%
10,000 – 24,999 miles
321.4%
25,000 – 49,999 miles
214.3%
50,000 – 74,999 miles
321.4%
75,000 – 99,999 miles
17.1%
100,000 – 149,999 miles
17.1%
150,000+ miles
17.1%
NHTSA crash tests
The agency crash-tested this model year itself. These are its own
photographs and star ratings.
Configuration
Overall
Front
Side
Rollover
2012 Volvo XC70 SW AWD
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—
—
—
2012 Volvo XC70 SW FWD
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—
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When owners complained
A spike years after the car went on sale usually means a part wearing
out on schedule across the whole fleet — the kind of pattern no single
owner can see from inside their own car.
Jan 2013peak 2Jun 2022
Recalls on the 2012 Volvo XC70
A complaint is one owner's allegation. A recall is the point at which
the manufacturer or a regulator agreed the defect is real and dangerous
enough to fix for free — however old the car is.
Canada — Transport Canada
Canada runs its own recall programme, and its campaigns do not
always mirror the American ones.
Recall 202029824,089 units in Canada
Seats And Restraints
Issue: On certain vehicles, the flexible steel cable that attaches the seat belt to the outside of the front seats may weaken over time. As a result, the seat belt could detach. Safety Risk: A seat belt that detaches in a crash could create an increased risk of injury. Corrective Action: Volvo will notify owners by mail and instruct you to take your vehicle to a dealer to replace the front-outboard seat belt anchors.
Recall 20120823,424 units in Canada
Airbag
On certain vehicles, the 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 amplifier (mounted under the seat) when seating position is adjusted. If this occurs, the harness connector may detach from the socket and, as a result, the corresponding airbag may not function as intended, causing the instrument panel SRS warning lamp to illuminate. Failure of a frontal airbag to deploy during a crash (where deployment is warranted) could increase the risk of personal injury to the seat occupant. Correction: Dealers will inspect and, if necessary, secure the wire harness to the driver and/or passenger seat frame.
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
Hickory, NC
VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD
Windshield leaking for about 2 tears got worse and was found to be "loose windshield and mobile" and "hazardous" by technician.
NHTSA complaint #11471131 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Hamilton, MI
VISIBILITY/WIPER
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 water runs down the inside of the windshield. I now carry a small towel to wipe and dry the windshield. This is affecting the visibility and safety of driving the car.
NHTSA complaint #11442748 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 24,000 milesSaint Paul, MN
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
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.
NHTSA complaint #11382865 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 24,000 milesSaint Paul, MN
VISIBILITY/WIPER
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.
NHTSA complaint #11382865 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 150,000 milesDavisburg, MI
STRUCTURE:BODY
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 WARRANTY OR RECALL. I CONSIDER THIS A SAFETY ISSUE AND INSIST THIS IS A RESPONSIBILITY OF THE MANUFACTURER. I FOUND A RECALL FOR OTHER VOLVO MODELS WITH THE SAME ISSUE BUT THIS DOES NOT COVER MY VEHICLE.
NHTSA complaint #11362518 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 25 milesMansfield Center, CT
STEERING
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.
NHTSA complaint #11318336 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 63,000 milesPacific Grove, CA
STRUCTURE:BODY
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.
NHTSA complaint #11291627 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 63,000 milesPacific Grove, CA
VISIBILITY/WIPER
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.
NHTSA complaint #11291627 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 131,898 milesEllicott City, MD
SERVICE BRAKES
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.
NHTSA complaint #11210824 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 98,000 milesJacksonville, FL
STRUCTURE:BODY
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.
NHTSA complaint #11053749 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 58,000 milesWest Hartford, CT
VISIBILITY/WIPER
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.
NHTSA complaint #10969292 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Olathe, KS
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
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.
NHTSA complaint #10968345 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 2,000 milesBrookline, MA
SEAT BELTS
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.
NHTSA complaint #10936137 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 25,000 milesWasilla, AK
WHEELS
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.
NHTSA complaint #10883457 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 25,000 milesWasilla, AK
STEERING
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.
NHTSA complaint #10883457 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 14,114 milesLocust Grove, VA
TIRES
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.
NHTSA complaint #10522516 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 5,000 milesPhoenix, MD
VISIBILITY/WIPER
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 complaint #10492325 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.