2001 Volvo C70 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 2001 Volvo C70 problems
The Volvo C70 2001 is known for a few common problems that owners have reported over the years. One of the most frequently mentioned issues is related to the turbo engine, which can produce suspicious-looking blue or black smoke when revving a hot engine, indicating that the turbo is probably finished. Regular servicing can help prevent this issue, but if it occurs, it might be best to look for another car.
The hood of the Volvo C70 2001 is also prone to wear and tear, and it's essential to ensure that it folds without any problems. Replacements and parts for the hood are expensive, so it's crucial to check its condition before purchasing the car.
Another common problem with the Volvo C70 2001 is leaking door mirrors, which can be very difficult to fix. If the footwell carpets are wet, it might not be the roof causing the issue; instead, it could be leaking door mirrors. Therefore, it's essential to check the door mirrors for any signs of leaks before purchasing the car.
Checking the tyre wear is also crucial when buying a Volvo C70 2001. If the tyre wear is not even or there are signs of kerbing damage on the wheels, there could be a suspension problem, or even worse, driveshaft damage. Therefore, it's essential to check the suspension and driveshaft for any issues before purchasing the car.
Finally, it's essential to check that recall work on the airbags has been done. A Volvo dealer should be able to do this for you. The Volvo C70 2001 has a real problem with leaking door mirrors, which can be very difficult to fix. Therefore, it's crucial to check the door mirrors for any signs of leaks before purchasing the car.
In summary, the Volvo C70 2001 has some common problems related to the turbo engine, hood, tyre wear, suspension, driveshaft, and airbags. Therefore, it's crucial to check these issues before purchasing the car to ensure that it's in good condition and won't require expensive repairs in the future.
2001 Volvo C70 car problems categorized by type of issue
After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Volvo C70 problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:
- Vehicle speed control problems
- Tires problems
- Wheels problems
- Fuel system problems
- Gasoline problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 2001 Volvo C70 vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
2001 Volvo C70 complaints
The NHTSA has received 9 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 2001 Volvo C70.
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2012-12-24
- VIN: YV1NC53D01J
- Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
- Summary: CAR SUDDENLY LURCHES FORWARD, STUMBLES, STALLS, GOES INTO LIMP MODE, NEARLY REAR-ENDED ON THE FREEWAY WITH MY WIFE AND CHILD ON BOARD. VOLVO SAYS PREVIOUS OWNER HAD SOFTWARE UPDATED PER RECALL, SO NOTHING CAN BE DONE. "THAT PART PROBABLY NEEDS TO BE REPLACED". BOUGHT CAR AT CARMAX, WHO WILL NOT DO ANYTHING AS I HAVE OWNED THE CAR FOR TWO YEARS AND WARRANTY EXPIRED. *TR
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2012-05-08
- VIN: YV1NK53D71J
- Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
- Summary: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 VOLVO C70. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE ENGINE LOST POWER WHEN ATTEMPTING TO ACCELERATE. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO A MECHANIC AND WAS INFORMED THAT THE ELECTRONIC THROTTLE BODY FAILED. THE CONTACT ALSO NOTIFIED THE MANUFACTURER AND WAS INFORMED THAT THE RECALL ASSOCIATED WITH NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 06V411000 (VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL) WAS EXPIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 180,000. UPDATED 6/6/12 *CN
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2005-11-01
- VIN: YV1NK53D81J
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
- Summary: MY 2001 VOLVO C70 ETM MODULE MALFUNCTIONED....
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2005-08-01
- VIN: YV1NK53D81J
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: 1. ETS (ELECTRONIC THROTTLE CONTROL SYSTEM) WARNING LIGHT CAME ON WHILE DRIVING. THIS CAN AFFECT DRIVABILITY OF A VEHICLE. 2. THROTTLE BODY FOR VOLVO 2001 C70 HAD TO BE REPLACED AT A COST OF $1075. 3. THIS IS WIDE SPREAD PROBLEM WITH VOLVO CARS MADE FROM 1999 TO 2001 AFFECTING MODELS S70, V70, C70, S80 AND S60, BUT VOLVO REFUSES TO COMPENSATE FOR THE COST OF REPAIRS OR ISSUE A RECALL. *JB
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2005-06-27
- VIN: YV1NK53D61J
- Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
- Summary: DT: VOLVO WAS STALLING AT IDLING AT LOW SPEEDS AS IT WERE ABOUT TO DIE . ENGINE CHECK LIGHT CAME ON/OFF. CONSUME RTOOK VEHICLE TO DEALER, WHO REPLACED ELECTRICAL THROTTLE BODY. *AK
TIRES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2004-02-23
- VIN: YV1NC53D21J
- Components: TIRES
- Summary: LTR FM [XXX] (NY) ON BEHALF OF HER MOTHER-IN-LAW [XXX] RE DEFECTIVE TIRES ON A 2001 VOLVO (VIN #[XXX]), REQUEST A DEFECT INVESTIGATION TO NEW YORK, NY OFC. *PH TIRE EQUIPMENT HAS SUFFERED NUMEROUS BLOW OUTS.*MR INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR
TIRES,WHEELS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2001-06-08
- Components: TIRES,WHEELS
- Summary: CONSUMER FEELS THAT THERE IS A COMPATIBILITY DEFECT WITH THE 17 INCH RIMS AND THE 17 INCH TIRES, TWO TIRES AND ONE RIM HAD TO BE REPLACED AFTER HITTING A VERY SMALL POT HOLE, A FEW THOUSAND MILES LATER, 3 MORE RIMS WERE FOUND TO BE BENT INCLUDING THE ONE THAT HAD BEEN REPLACED ONLY EIGHT WEEKS PRIOR, CONSUMER STATES NO DIPS, POTHOLES, OR BUMPS WERE HIT FOR THE RIMS TO BEND AND NEED REPLACEMENT AGAIN. *SLC
TIRES,WHEELS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2001-06-08
- Components: TIRES,WHEELS
- Summary: CONSUMER FEELS THAT THERE IS A COMPATIBILITY DEFECT WITH THE 17 INCH RIMS AND THE 17 INCH TIRES, TWO TIRES AND ONE RIM HAD TO BE REPLACED AFTER HITTING A VERY SMALL POT HOLE, A FEW THOUSAND MILES LATER, 3 MORE RIMS WERE FOUND TO BE BENT INCLUDING THE ONE THAT HAD BEEN REPLACED ONLY EIGHT WEEKS PRIOR, CONSUMER STATES NO DIPS, POTHOLES, OR BUMPS WERE HIT FOR THE RIMS TO BEND AND NEED REPLACEMENT AGAIN. *SLC
TIRES,WHEELS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2001-06-08
- Components: TIRES,WHEELS
- Summary: CONSUMER FEELS THAT THERE IS A COMPATIBILITY DEFECT WITH THE 17 INCH RIMS AND THE 17 INCH TIRES, TWO TIRES AND ONE RIM HAD TO BE REPLACED AFTER HITTING A VERY SMALL POT HOLE, A FEW THOUSAND MILES LATER, 3 MORE RIMS WERE FOUND TO BE BENT INCLUDING THE ONE THAT HAD BEEN REPLACED ONLY EIGHT WEEKS PRIOR, CONSUMER STATES NO DIPS, POTHOLES, OR BUMPS WERE HIT FOR THE RIMS TO BEND AND NEED REPLACEMENT AGAIN. *SLC
2001 Volvo C70 recalls
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 3 recalls for different components of the 2001 Volvo C70.
- Manufacturer: CARDONE INDUSTRIES, INC.
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:MASTER CYLINDER
- Summary: CERTAIN CARDONE MASTER CYLINDERS WITH PART NUMBERS 10-2925, 10-2987, 10-2987MZA, 10-3083, 11-3015, 11-3042, 11-3044, 11-3045, 11-3047, 11-3064, AND 11-3156, AND WITH DATE CODES LOWER THAN DCA7078 SOLD AS REPLACEMENT EQUIPMENT FOR USE ON THE VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. THE SEAL ON MASTER CYLINDER CAN FAIL AND LEAK BRAKE FLUID.
- Consequence: LOSS OF BRAKE FLUID CAN RESULT IN POOR BRAKING PERFORMANCE, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
- Remedy: CARDONE WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER TO REPURCHASE ANY DEFECTIVE MASTER CYLINDERS. THE RECALL BEGAN DURING APRIL 2007. OWNERS CAN CONTACT CARDONE AT 1-800-777-4780.
- Manufacturer: VOLVO CARS OF N.A. LLC.
- Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
- Summary: ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, A COMBINATION OF THROTTLE POSITIONING SENSOR IRREGULARITIES, A DIRTY THROTTLE HOUSING, AND/OR INEFFICIENT SOFTWARE CALIBRATION MAY CAUSE A WARNING LAMP TO LIGHT AND THE SUBSEQUENT ONSET OF LIMP HOME MODES.
- Consequence: THIS RESULTED IN A HIGH NUMBER OF VEHICLES GOING INTO THE LIMP HOME MODE WITHOUT NEED.
- Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL THE CURRENT SOFTWARE UPGRADE ONTO THE INVOLVED VEHICLES. THE RECALL BEGAN ON DECEMBER 29, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT VOLVO AT 1-800-458-1552.
- Manufacturer: VOLVO CARS OF NA, INC.
- Components: EXTERIOR LIGHTING:TURN SIGNAL
- Summary: VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. THERE COULD BE INADEQUATE CONTACT BETWEEN THE BULB AND SOCKET WHICH COULD CAUSE THE FRONT TURN SIGNAL NOT TO FUNCTION AS DESIGNED.
- Consequence: THIS WOULD FAIL TO WARN AN APPROACHING DRIVER THAT THE VEHICLE IS TURNING AND COULD LEAD TO A CRASH.
- Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE LEFT AND RIGHT FRONT TURN SIGNAL BULB AND SOCKET.
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