1998 Volvo C70 convertible problems
The Volvo C70 is a two-door, four-passenger sports GT manufactured and marketed by Volvo Cars from 1996 to 2013 across two generations.
The first generation (1996–2005) was available as both a coupé (1996–2002) and softtop convertible (1997–2005). The second generation (2006–2013) was available as a retractable hardtop convertible.
First generation (1996–2005)
Volvo debuted the first generation C70 at the 1996 Paris Motor Show, and introduced it in Europe as a 1997 model, and a year later as a 1998 model in North America — with 2.0 (sold mostly in Italy), a low-pressure turbo (2.4L) and a high-pressure turbo (2.0L and 2.3L), 5-cylinder, turbocharged petrol engines and manual and automatic transmissions. Ian Callum designed the exterior and Mexican designer Jose Diaz de la Vega led the interior design team.
The C70 broke Volvo's decades-long styling tradition of boxy, rectilinear designs and was Volvo's first luxury coupe since the 780. According to a tongue-in-check remark made by Peter Horbury, Volvo's design chief from 1991 to 2002, with the C70, Volvo "kept the toy, and threw away the box!" "Our vision was to design a convertible that would meet the needs of a family of four looking for comfortable blue-sky motoring in a vehicle also providing stylish looks, performance and faultless driving and road-holding."
In a development program of 30 months and working with a Volvo 850-derived platform, Britain’s TWR (Tom Walkinshaw Racing) co-designed the car's basic design and suspension tuning with Volvo. Manufacture of the C70 was a joint venture until the two companies experienced disputes that threatened to interrupt production; TWR did not contribute to the second generation C70.
Volvo's first modern convertible, the C70 was manufactured in Uddevalla, Sweden on an assembly line separate from the 70-series sedan and station wagon. The four-passenger convertible featured an electrically heated glass rear window; automatic (pop-up) rollover hoops system, marketed as ROPS; seat belt pre-tensioners; A-pillars reinforced with boron steel; front and side airbags; and a safety cage — a horseshoe-like structure around the passenger compartment.
The cloth convertible top, initially available in four colors, was fully automatic, operated by a single, dashboard-mounted control. The top stored automatically under an integral rigid tonneau cover, using a system pioneered in modern convertibles with the fourth generation Mercedes SL.
The C70 convertible exhibited two negative traits endemic to convertibles: poor rear visibility and pronounced scuttle shake, a characteristic where the structural design of the bulkhead between the engine and passenger compartments of a convertible suffers sufficiently poor rigidity to negatively impact ride and handling — and allow noticeable vibration, shudder or chassis-flexing into the passenger compartment.
Early special editions featured two-tone leather interior with wood trim and a SC-901 (1998) Dolby Pro Logic I stereo with 3-disc integrated changer unit (via a cartridge) 400 watts of power and 11 high end Dynaudio speakers.
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Common 1998 Volvo C70 convertible problems
The Volvo C70 Convertible, first introduced in 1998, has been praised for its design and features. However, like any other car, it has its fair share of common problems that owners have reported over the years.
One of the most frequently reported issues with the 1998 Volvo C70 Convertible is related to the convertible top. Many owners have reported problems with the top not closing properly or getting stuck. This issue can be caused by a variety of factors, such as worn-out cables, broken hinges, or issues with the hydraulic system. In some cases, the problem can be resolved by replacing the faulty components, while in other cases, a more extensive repair or replacement of the entire top mechanism may be necessary.
Another common problem with the 1998 Volvo C70 Convertible is related to the engine management system. Some owners have reported issues with the check engine light coming on intermittently, which can be caused by a variety of factors, such as faulty sensors, loose connections, or issues with the catalytic converter. In some cases, the problem can be resolved by simply tightening a loose connection or replacing a faulty sensor, while in other cases, more extensive repairs may be necessary.
The air conditioning system is also a common source of problems for the 1998 Volvo C70 Convertible. Some owners have reported issues with the system not blowing cold air or not working at all. This problem can be caused by a variety of factors, such as low refrigerant levels, a faulty compressor, or issues with the electrical system. In some cases, the problem can be resolved by simply recharging the system with refrigerant, while in other cases, more extensive repairs may be necessary.
In addition to these common problems, some owners of the 1998 Volvo C70 Convertible have reported issues with the suspension and steering system. These problems can include noise during low-speed turning, poor comfort, and issues with the steering box. In some cases, these problems can be resolved by replacing worn-out components or repairing the steering box, while in other cases, more extensive repairs or replacements may be necessary.
Overall, while the 1998 Volvo C70 Convertible is a well-designed and feature-rich car, it is not without its common problems. Owners of this car should be aware of these issues and be prepared to address them as needed to ensure the safe and reliable operation of their vehicle.
Are Volvo C70 reliable?
The Volvo C70 Reliability Rating is 3.5 out of 5.0, which ranks it 9th out of 17 for luxury compact cars.
How many miles will a Volvo C70 last?
The estimated lifespan of a Volvo C70 is 150,000mi, before reaching the life expectancy upper limit. Fuel type is a major factor when looking into a vehicles lifespan/life expectancy. Don't just buy it, VehicleScore it.
Is Volvo C70 expensive to maintain?
The annual maintenance cost of a Volvo C70 is $818.
Why was the Volvo C70 discontinued?
The news shouldn't come as a big surprise since Volvo revealed back in 2011 plans to cease production of the C70 this year due to poor sales.
Are Volvo C70 reliable?
The Volvo C70 Reliability Rating is 3.5 out of 5.0, which ranks it 9th out of 17 for luxury compact cars.
Is Volvo C70 expensive to maintain?
The annual maintenance cost of a Volvo C70 is $818.
Why was the Volvo C70 discontinued?
The news shouldn't come as a big surprise since Volvo revealed back in 2011 plans to cease production of the C70 this year due to poor sales.
How many miles will a Volvo C70 last?
The estimated lifespan of a Volvo C70 is 150,000mi, before reaching the life expectancy upper limit. Fuel type is a major factor when looking into a vehicles lifespan/life expectancy. Don't just buy it, VehicleScore it.
1998 Volvo C70 convertible car problems categorized by type of issue
After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Volvo C70 convertible problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:
- Engine and engine cooling problems
- Electrical system problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 1998 Volvo C70 convertible vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
1998 Volvo C70 convertible complaints
The NHTSA has received 1 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1998 Volvo C70 convertible.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1999-05-20
- Number Of Injuries: 1
- Crash: 1
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: I BOUGHT MY 1998 VOLVO C70 CONVERTIBLE IN JAN 1999. ON MAY 20, 1999 AT APPROX 11:45 PM, I WAS DRIVING IN THE LEFT-HAND LANE ON RT.175-W IN COLUMBIA, MD, APPROX. 1 MILE FROM MY HOME. STOPPED AT RED TRAFFIC LIGHT AT DOBBIN RD/RT.175 INTERSECTION. NO OTHER CARS. LIGHT TURNED GREEN. PROCEEDED FORWARD. I WAS ACCELERATING FORWARD THEN RPMS DROPPED. I PRESSED ON THE PEDAL AND HAD NO RESPONSE. THE HEADLIGHTS FADED OUT AND THE RPMS DROPPED TO 5 MPH. NO CARS AROUND ME, I STOPPED THE CAR, PUT INTO PARK AND TRIED TO RESTART IT TWICE. NOTHING HAPPENED ?? NO SOUNDS FROM THE ENGINE. I IMMEDIATELY PUT MY HAZARD LIGHTS ON. THEN A CAR PASSED ME ON THE RIGHT. I SAW HEADLIGHTS OF A CAR APPROX. 200 FEET BEHIND ME IN THE SAME LANE. I SAID OUT LOUD, "PLEASE DON'T HIT ME. GET IN THE OTHER LANE. PLEASE DON'T HIT ME." THAT IS THE LAST THING I REMEMBER UNTIL WAKING UP IN SHOCK TRAUMA EMERGENCY ROOM AT U OF MD MEDICAL CENTER IN BALTIMORE, MD LYING ON A GURNEY - 2 POLICEMEN AT MY FEET AND MY PARENTS ON MY LEFT. SOMEWHAT AWARE THAT I HAD A NECK BRACE ON, BUT MORE CONCERNED AT THE TIME THAT MY HEAD WAS KILLING ME. I HAD A LARGE GASH IN THE BACK OF MY HEAD THAT REQUIRED 8 STAPLES. I FRACTURED 2 VERTEBRAE IN MY NECK, (C4, C5). THE DOCTORS DECIDED ON NATURAL HEALING INSTEAD OF SURGERY. I WAS REQUIRED TO WEAR A SUMI NECK BRACE FOR 12 WEEKS. I WAS ADMITTED TO THE ORTHOPEDIC CRITICAL CARE FLOOR FOR 6 DAYS. I RECEIVED MORPHINE AND PERCOCET. AFTER 6 DAYS, I WAS RELEASED TO MY PARENTS CARE TO CONT. ROUND THE CLOCK CARE GIVING. I WAS UNABLE TO TAKE CARE OF MYSELF - REQUIRED ASSISTANCE TO TAKE A BATH AND SUPERVISED WHEN USING THE TOILET, EATING, AND SLEEPING. MY MOTHER DROVE ME TO MY DOCTOR DURING THE 12 WK. PERIOD. THE SUMI NECK BRACE WAS REMOVED ON AUGUST 12, 1999. AFTER WHICH I WORE THE CUSHION WHIPLASH BRACE FOR ANOTHER 4-WEEK PERIOD. DID NOT RETURN TO WORK UNTIL MID-SEPT 1999. *NM
Additional sources
More sources of information about 1998 Volvo C70 convertible problems:
List of C70 Problems | SwedeSpeed - Volvo Performance Forum
Dec 27, 2014 ... I had my 02 C70 convertible checked out at a place that specializes in maintaining volvos since the check engine light joined the service ...
Volvo C70 Convertible Top Problems - Page 2 — Car Forums at ...
Oct 26, 2006 ... And he couldn't believe that I had only 900 miles and these problems.) So he started the roof open cycle and stopped it only after the trunk lid ...
C70 Reliability | SwedeSpeed - Volvo Performance Forum
Jan 26, 2010 ... 2003 C70 T5M Convertible - Eibachs, Koni ... 1998 Volvo C70 - Mystic Silver/Charcoal, Stage III ... 1998 C70 HPT M, Saffron on Charcoal, built ...
2004 Volvo C70 convertible - Maintenance/Repairs - Car Talk ...
Oct 8, 2010 ... If they all went up, it would cost about $2000. But the problems are infrequent enough that they still give the C70 a good reliability rating.
1998 Volvo C70 Repair: Service and Maintenance Cost
Get 1998 Volvo C70 repair and maintenance costs, common problems, recalls, and more ... C70 problem is: Convertible Tops May Have Problems ... 2012 Volvo C70 · 2011 ...
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