2003 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 2003 Volvo C70 problems
The Volvo C70 2003 is known for several common problems that owners have reported. One of the most significant issues is related to the turbo engines, which are quite highly stressed. If you notice suspicious-looking blue or black smoke when revving a hot engine, it's likely that the turbo has failed, and you should look for another car.
Another common problem with the Volvo C70 2003 is the hood. The hood of the car is known to wear and tear over time, and replacements and parts are expensive. Therefore, it's essential to check the hood for any signs of wear and tear and ensure that it folds without any problems before purchasing the car.
The C70 also has a real problem with leaking door mirrors, which can be challenging to fix. If the footwell carpets are wet, it might not be the roof, but rather the door mirrors that are causing the problem. Checking the door mirrors for leaks is crucial before purchasing the car.
Additionally, the Volvo C70 2003 is known to have issues with the suspension system. Checking the tyre wear is essential to ensure that the suspension is working correctly. 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.
Finally, it's essential to check that recall work on the airbags has been done. A Volvo dealer can do this for you, and it's crucial to ensure that the car is safe to drive.
In summary, the Volvo C70 2003 is known for several common problems, including issues with the turbo engines, hood, door mirrors, suspension system, and airbags. It's essential to check these issues before purchasing the car to ensure that it's in good working condition and safe to drive.
2003 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:
- Power train problems
- Electrical system problems
- Engine problems
- Steering problems
- Interior lighting problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 2003 Volvo C70 vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
2003 Volvo C70 complaints
The NHTSA has received 7 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 2003 Volvo C70.
POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2018-01-10
- Components: POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE
- Summary: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 VOLVO C70. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE EXPERIENCED INTERMITTENT FAILURES WHILE STARTING AND DRIVING THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT IN WARMER WEATHER, THE GEAR SHIFTER FAILED TO SHIFT AS DESIGNED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO LEIKIN MOTOR COMPANIES (38750 MENTOR AVE #1, WILLOUGHBY, OH 44094), TO BE DIAGNOSED. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE TRANSMISSION AND IGNITION NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 90,000. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.
STEERING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2012-08-29
- VIN: YV1NC63D33J
- Components: STEERING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: THE KEY WON'T TURN FOR THE IGNITION. THIS IS A KNOWN PROBLEM WITH THE DEALERSHIP BUT VOLVO WON'T RECOGNIZE THE PROBLEM. THE COST TO FIX THIS AT THE DEALERSHIP IS APPROX 800 DOLLARS. MY FEAR IS THAT THIS PROBLEM WILL LEAVE U STRANDED AND MORE IMPORTANTLY I FEAR THIS WILL PROGRESS AND LOCK THE STEERING WHEEL WHILE YOU ARE DRIVING. *TR
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,INTERIOR LIGHTING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2009-06-01
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,INTERIOR LIGHTING
- Summary: 2003 C70 CONV. CAR BATTERY GOES DEAD MULTIPLE TIMES. CHANGED BATTERY AND IT CONTINUES TO HAPPEN. DETAILED CHECK DISCOVERED A SHORT IN THE PASSENGER SUN VISOR. PLASTIC PIVOT SHAFT HAS TORQUED OFF AND CAUSED A SHORT IN THE WIRES EMBEDDED IN THE SHAFT THAT POWER THE VISOR LIGHT. REPLACEMENT SUN VISOR COSTS AROUND $200 AND THE WEAK SHAFT IS THE SAME, SO FAILURE WILL MOST LIKELY HAPPEN AGAIN. SHAFT NEEDS TO BE REDESIGNED TO ALLOW FOR GREATER TORQUE WHEN LOWERING THE SUN VISOR. REMOVAL OF THE BULB IN THE AFFECTED VISOR ELIMINATED THE BATTERY DRAIN. POTENTIAL FIRE HAZARD. *TR
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2009-02-17
- VIN: YV1NC63D43J
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,POWER TRAIN
- Summary: TRANSMISSION/RADIATOR FAILURE. COOLANTS MIXING WITH EACH OTHER AND CAUSING TRANSMISSION TO SLIP IN AND OUT OF GEAR AT LOWER SPEEDS. DEALER SAYS $5000.00 TO REPAIR/REPLACE BOTH TRANNY AND RADIATOR. I HAD TAKEN MY 2003 VOLVO C-70 CONVERTIBLE IN 6 MONTHS PRIOR COMPLAINING OF A LOW WHIRRING NOISE WHICH THEY COULD NOT DETECT OR WOULD NOT DETECT. I ASKED ABOUT WARRANTY/OR SECRET WARRANTY AND THEY SAID THERE WERE NONE AND THAT VOLVO WOULDN'T PAY FOR REPAIR, THEY ALSO STATED THAT THIS HAS BEEN HAPPENING QUITE A BIT. CONSUMERS ARE FOOTING THE BILL FOR THIS MANUFACTURE DEFECT. *TR
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2007-12-21
- VIN: YV1CZ59H931
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: ANGLE GEAR REPLACEMENT ON A 2003 VOLVO XC90 AWD. *TR
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2007-08-20
- VIN: YV1CZ91H831
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: 1. THERE IS A WHOOPING CRANE SOUND WHEN I STEP ON THE FOOT FEED AND THEN RELEASE. THE DEALER SAID IT WAS REPAIRED AND THEN WHEN I DROVE IT HOME IT WAS STILL MAKING THE NOISE. AFTER NO RESPONSE FROM MY COMPLAINT TO THEM I STOPPED THE PAYMENT VIA AE AND HAVE STILL HEARD NOTHING. I THINK I PUT THE WRONG YEAR OF MY VEHICLE IN THE BEGINNING AND IF I TRY TO GO BACK I LOOSE EVERYTHING. IT IS A 2003 XC90 PURCHASED IN 12/02. THANK YOU FOR ANY HELP YOU CAN GIVE. IF YOU CAN'T HELP, PLEASE AT LEAST SEND ME AN EMAIL AND TELL ME SO. THANKS. 2. ANOTHER PROBLEM THAT STARTED IN JULY 2006 IS A KNOCKING NOISE COMING FROM UNDERNEATH THE VEHICLE. AFTER NUMEROUS TRIPS TO THE DEALER I WAS TOLD A NEW BOX FOR THAT PARTICULAR ITEM AND IT WOULD COST $2800.00 TO REPAIR. BUT THEY COULD NOT GUARANTEE THAT WOULD FIX THE PROBLEM. MY XC90 HAD A 4 YR OR 50,000 WARRANTY. THIS PROBLEM STARTED IN JULY 2006 WITH 41800 MILES. I TOOK POSSESSION OF THE CAR IN 12/02 SO MY MATH SAYS THE WARRANTY EXPIRED 12/06 AND THAT MEANS IT WAS STILL UNDER WARRANTY WHEN THIS WAS FIRST NOTICED. I HAVE HAD THE VEHICLE IN AT LEAST EVERY 4 MONTHS FOR SERVICE AND EACH TIME COMPLAINED ABOUT IT. ALSO I HAD IT IN AT LEAST 5 TIMES FROM JUNE THRU JULY 2007 WITH NO SATISFACTION. NOW THEY DON'T EVEN ANSWER MY EMAILS OR RETURN MY PHONE CALLS. I HAVE CONTACTED THE CONSUMER COMPLAINT DEPARTMENT OF VOLVO AND THEY HAVE NEVER ANSWERED ME. I AM AT A LOSS AS TO WHAT TO DO. THIS CAR WAS PURCHASED AT POWER VOLVO OF CERRITOS (THEN IT WAS CALLED VOLVO OF CERRITOS) PLEASE HELP ME! *TR
VISIBILITY PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2003-03-31
- Components: VISIBILITY
- Summary: THE SIDE MIRRORS FAILED TO STAY IN THE POSITION THEY WERE SET IN, WHICH MADE IT DIFFICULT TO SEE WHILE DRIVING. *JB
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