2002 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 2002 Volvo C70 problems
Based on the complaints from owners of the 2002 Volvo C70, several common problems have been reported:
- Transmission Problems:
Owners have reported issues with the transmission of the 2002 Volvo C70. The exact nature of these problems may vary, but transmission issues can significantly impact the driving experience and safety of the vehicle. - Interior Accessories Problems:
Complaints regarding interior accessories problems have been noted. These issues could involve components inside the car such as the dashboard, seats, or other interior features that may affect comfort and convenience. - Electrical Problems:
Electrical problems have been reported by owners of the 2002 Volvo C70. Electrical issues can manifest in various ways, affecting components like lights, power windows, or the vehicle's overall electrical system. - Engine Problems:
Some owners have experienced engine-related problems with the 2002 Volvo C70. Engine issues can range from performance issues to more serious mechanical failures that require attention from a qualified mechanic. - Cooling System Problems:
Complaints have been made about the cooling system of the 2002 Volvo C70. Issues with the cooling system can lead to overheating, which is a critical problem that needs to be addressed promptly to prevent engine damage. - Body / Paint Problems:
Owners have reported problems related to the body or paint of the 2002 Volvo C70. These issues could include rust, paint peeling, or other cosmetic defects that may affect the vehicle's appearance and value. - Steering Problems:
Steering problems have been noted by some owners. Steering issues can impact the handling and safety of the vehicle, making it crucial to address any problems promptly to ensure safe driving. - Drivetrain Problems:
Complaints regarding drivetrain problems have been reported. Drivetrain issues can affect the vehicle's performance and drivability, requiring attention to maintain the car's functionality.
These common problems reported by owners of the 2002 Volvo C70 highlight the importance of regular maintenance and prompt attention to any issues that arise to ensure the vehicle's reliability and longevity.
2002 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
- Power train problems
- Engine and engine cooling problems
- Structure problems
- Steering problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 2002 Volvo C70 vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
2002 Volvo C70 complaints
The NHTSA has received 9 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 2002 Volvo C70.
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2016-03-01
- VIN: YV1NC56D82J
- Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
- Summary: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 VOLVO C70 CONVERTIBLE. WHILE DRIVING 25 MPH, THE VEHICLE FAILED TO ACCELERATE WHEN THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED. THE ELECTRONIC THROTTLE CONTROL LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE FAILURE OCCURRED CONSTANTLY. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED NOR REPAIRED. THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 06V441000 (VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL). THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 64,877.
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2011-11-01
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 VOLVO C70. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT SHIFT PROPERLY. SPORADICALLY, IT WOULD SEEM TO SHIFT INTO PARK WHILE ACCELERATING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSIS BUT EVENTUALLY, THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A PERSONAL MECHANIC WHERE THE TRANSMISSION WAS REBUILT. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 70,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 78,000. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2007-02-20
- VIN: YV1SZ58D021
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 VOLVO C70. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE NEEDED A NEW TRANSMISSION AT 60,000 MILES. THE VEHICLE FAILS TO SHIFT INTO SECOND GEAR. WHEN IT FINALLY SHIFTS INTO GEAR, THE VEHICLE JERKS. THE CONTACT DISCOVERED NUMEROUS COMPLAINTS OF CONSUMERS EXPERIENCING THE SAME FAILURES. THE DEALER HAS NOT YET BEEN NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 57,000 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 60,000.
STRUCTURE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2008-10-20
- VIN: YV1NK53D72J
- Components: STRUCTURE
- Summary: DURING SUN ROOF RETRACTION A 30" METAL BRACE FELL FROM THE INTERNAL ROOF SLOT FOR THE SUN ROOF ON MY HEAD. THE METAL MEMBER APPEARS TO BE A STURDY CROSS BRACE HELD IN PLACE BY SOME TYPE OF ADHESIVE. I WAS IMMENSELY DISTRACTED AND WAS ALMOST INVOLVED IN A ACCIDENT. *TR
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2005-07-16
- VIN: YV1VS29552F
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: IT HAS BEEN 4 TIMES ALREADY (SINCE AUGUST 2002) THAT MY CAR'S ENGINE HAS STALLED WHILE DRIVING. IN ALL INSTANCES THE ENGINE STARTS BACK UP AGAIN. I NOTICE RIGHT AWAY BECAUSE I LOOSE THE POWER STEERING. FIRST TIME [AUGUST 2, 2002]: THE FIRST DAY I BOUGHT THE CAR (BRAND NEW) I WAS AT A RED LIGHT AND THE CAR TURNED OFF. SECOND TIME: THIS WAS LIKE SEVERAL MONTHS AFTER. I WAS DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY AND THE ENGINE TURNED OFF. THIRD TIME [JUNE 7, 2005]: I LEFT MY CAR AT THE DEALER FOR AN OIL CHANGE. THE DEALER TOOK MY CAR FOR A TEST DRIVE AND THE ENGINE STALLED ON HIM. I TOLD THEM THAT I HAS HAPPENED TO ME 2 TIMES PREVIOUSLY. THEY REPLACED THE STARTER SWITCH FOR THAT REASON. FOURTH TIME [JULY 16, 2005:] I WAS DRIVING UPHILL ON A ZONE WITH TIGHT CURVES AND THE CAR STALLED AGAIN. THIS TIME I ALMOST HAD AN ACCIDENT CAUSE THE TURNS WERE TIGHT AND I HAD NO POWER STEERING. *JB
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2005-08-04
- VIN: YV1SZ58D921
- Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
- Summary: I WAS DRIVING MY CAR YESTERDAY AUGUST 4TH, 2005 AND ALL OF A SUDDEN THE ACCELERATOR WOULD NOT WORK. I WAS IN THE MIDDLE OF AN INTERSECTION AND HAD TO COAST THE CAR TO THE SHOULDER OF THE ROAD. VERY SCARY WITH A 1 MONTH OLD INFANT IN MY BACK SEAT AND A VERY BUSY INTERSECTION. I TOOK THE CAR TO THE VOLVO DEALER OF PLEASANTON YESTERDAY WHO SAID HE WOULD HAVE TO REPLACE THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL ASSEMBLY. THE SAME THING HAPPENED ONCE BEFORE ABOUT 2 MONTHS AGO IN WALNUT CREEK ON A SIDE STREET. AFTER I COASTED TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD, I RESTARTED THE CAR WITHOUT A PROBLEM. *JB
STEERING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2004-01-14
- VIN: YV1NC53D82J
- Components: STEERING
- Summary: VOLVO C70 - 2002 -- LEAKS POWER-STEERING FLUID SO FAST I CANNOT DRIVE THE CAR. I HAVE HAD IT TOWED TO THE VOLVO DEALER THREE TIMES FOR THE SAME PROBLEM AND IT STILL HAS NOT BEEN FIXED. IT IS UNDRIVEABLE. THE VOLVO COMPANY REFUSES TO GIVE ME ANY ASSISTANCE AS FAR AS REPURCHASING THE CAR. THE DEALER THAT HAS WORKED ON IT HAD NOT GIVEN VOLVO HEADQUARTERS THE REASONS FOR THE CAR BEING IN THEIR SHOP.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,EQUIPMENT PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2002-10-31
- VIN: VEHICLE IN
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,EQUIPMENT
- Summary: COOLANT WARNING LIGHT CAME ON VOLVO DEALER NOTIFIED. APPOINTMENT SCHEDULED NEXT DAY. OWNERS' MANUAL INSTRUCTS DO NOT USE COOLANT OTHER THAN VOLVO COOLANT. NEITHER MANUAL NOR DEALER ADVISE NOT TO DRIVE CAR. THAT DAY WHILE DRIVING, OIL LIGHT FLICKERS WHILE STOPPED AT TRAFFIC LIGHT. IMMEDIATELY PULLED OVER. ENGINE SEIZED AND DESTROYED. CAR HAD ONLY 2250 MILES AND ONLY 60 DAYS OLD. VOLVO DISCLAIMS RESPONSIBILITY. DT
SEATS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: UNKNOWN
- Components: SEATS
- Summary: THE THIRD SEAT LATCH MALFUNCTIONED AND BROKE, THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHO PROVIDED NOT REMEDY. NLM
2002 Volvo C70 recalls
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 1 recalls for different components of the 2002 Volvo C70.
- 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.
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