2004 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 2004 Volvo C70 problems
The Volvo C70 2004 is known for several common problems that owners have reported over the years. One of the most significant issues is related to the turbocharged engines, which are highly stressed and prone to failure if not serviced regularly. 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 2004 is related to the convertible top. The hood is prone to wear and tear, and replacements and parts are expensive. Therefore, it's essential to check the hood's condition and ensure it folds without any problems before purchasing the car.
The Volvo C70 2004 also has a 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 leaking door mirrors. Therefore, it's crucial to check the door mirrors and ensure they are not leaking before purchasing the car.
Another issue that some Volvo C70 2004 owners have reported is related to the suspension. Uneven tyre wear or signs of kerbing damage on the wheels could indicate a suspension problem or even worse, driveshaft damage. Therefore, it's essential to check the tyre wear and ensure that it's even before purchasing the car.
Finally, it's worth noting that Volvo issued a recall for the airbags in the C70 2004. Therefore, it's crucial to check that recall work has been done before purchasing the car. A Volvo dealer should be able to do this for you.
In addition to these common problems, some Volvo C70 2004 owners have reported issues with starting the car. The engine may run for a second and then shut off, repeating this at least two times before starting again. Volvo has reloaded new software and replaced the Ignition Satellite Ring twice to fix this issue, but it may still persist.
Overall, the Volvo C70 2004 is a reliable car, but it's essential to check for these common problems before purchasing one. Regular servicing and maintenance can help prevent some of these issues, but it's still crucial to ensure that the car is in good condition before buying it.
2004 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:
- Electrical system problems
- Power train problems
- Air bags problems
- Vehicle speed control problems
- Electronic stability control (esc) problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 2004 Volvo C70 vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
2004 Volvo C70 complaints
The NHTSA has received 15 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 2004 Volvo C70.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2019-11-05
- VIN: YV1NC62D24J
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: I WAS DRIVING DOWN THE HIGHWAY AND THE BATTERY LIGHT CAME ON AND THE CAR GOT A LITTLE SLUGGISH AND THEN ALL OF A SUDDEN IT WENT BLACK I WAS DRIVING AT NIGHT SO I NOTICED IMMEDIATELY BECAUSE THE HEADLIGHTS WENT OUT EVERYTHING ON THE DASH THAT WAS ILLUMINATED LOST LIGHT AND THE CAR STALLED AND THEN SPUTTER AND STALL IT JUST WAS NO LONGER RUNNING PULLED OVER TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD PUT IT IN PARK TURN THE KEY OFF WAITED ABOUT 2 MINUTES TURN THE KEY BACK ON TO SEE IF I HAD LIGHTS BECAUSE I THOUGHT IT WAS THE BATTERY AND I HAD LIGHTS AND THEN I TRIED AGAIN THE IGNITION AND IT STARTED SUPER RANDOM THAT HAD NEVER HAPPENED BEFORE I HAVE HAD SOME PROBLEMS WITH NEEDING A JUMP LEADING UP TO THIS BUT I HAVE A BRAND NEW BATTERY AND I SHOULD NOT BE HAVING THAT PROBLEM
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2018-03-01
- VIN: YV1NC62D04J
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: HARD SHIFTING BETWEEN 1ST & 2ND GEAR. CAUSES THE TIRES TO SKID FEELING LIKE THE VEHICLE HAS BEEN HIT FROM BEHIND. THIS HAPPENS AFTER THE VEHICLE WARMS UP AND IN A STOP AND GO ENVIRONMENT.
AIR BAGS,ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC) PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2015-06-19
- VIN: YV1NC62D34J
- Components: AIR BAGS,ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)
- Summary: THE AIRBAG SYMBOL APPEARS ON THE DASHBOARD ALSO CHECK ENGINE LIGHT STAYS ON AS WELL. EVEN WHEN I GET IT(ELECTRICAL) REPAIRED: IT REAPPEAR AFTER A COUPLE OF WEEKS.{WHILE DRIVING THESE SYMBOLS APPEAR STILL AS OF THIS DAY. PLEASE CAN YOU ADVICE ME WHERE I SHOULD HAVE IT FIX. I LIVE IN MARENGO, IOWA 52301
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2017-08-09
- Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
- Summary: I THOIGHT MY TRANMISSION WAS GOING AT FITST THE CSR WOULD BUCK. THE OTHER DAY THE CSR JUMPED FORWARD. RACED LIKE BRIEFLY. TODAY MY ETS LIGHT WENT ON. ELECTRONIC THROTTLE SERVICE LIGHT. READING UP ON THIS STATES PROBLEMS NOTED BUT DEALERSHIP SAYS I HAVE TO PAY REPLACEMENT PARTS AND LABOR. I FEEL IT SHOULD B A RECALL. THIS IS DADANGEROUS AND EXPENSIVE
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2015-05-17
- Number Of Injuries: 1
- VIN: YV1NC62D94J
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: I HAD ENTERED THE CAR, WHICH WAS IN PARK AND NOT TURNED ON, REACHED FOR MY SEAT BELT AND THE DRIVER SIDE AIRBAG SPONTANEOUSLY DEPLOYED. THERE WAS NO IMPACT OR REASON FOR THE DEPLOYMENT. THE DEPLOYMENT CAUSED A MINOR INJURY TO LEFT ARM.
POWER TRAIN,ENGINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2012-09-20
- VIN: YV1NC63D14J
- Components: POWER TRAIN,ENGINE
- Summary: THE TRANSMISSION BEGAN TO SHIFT HARD. NOW AT LESS THAN 125, IT NEEDS A NEW ONE. *TR
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2014-04-08
- VIN: YV1NC63D34J
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: HARD UP SHIFTING FROM 1ST TO 2ND AND DOWN SHIFTING WHEN CAR IS WARM. DRIVES FINE AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS. *JS
AIR BAGS,STRUCTURE,WHEELS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2012-08-08
- Crash: 1
- Components: AIR BAGS,STRUCTURE,WHEELS
- Summary: I WAS DRIVING MY 2004 VOLVO C70 WHEN I DRIFTED OFF INTO A HIGH CURB. THIS CAUSED MY PASSENGER AIRBAG TO DEPLOY.THE LOUD AND DISRUPTING NOISE THEN CAUSED ME TO LOOSE ALL CONTROL OF THE CAR. AS I THEN RAN THROUGH A FENCE AND TREES BEFORE I CAME TO A STOP. I WAS THE ONLY ONE IN THE CAR. SO WHY DID THE EMPTY PASSENGER SEAT BAG DEPLOY. AND WHY DID THE DRIVERS AIRBAG NOT DEPLOY. *TR
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2007-01-29
- VIN: YV1NC62D04J
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
- Summary: VEHICLE START THEN DIE OR JUST CRANK AND NO START. AT THE TIME PROBLEM THOUGHT TO BE FUEL PUMP RELAY. IMMOBILIZER WAS CHECKED BUT NOTHING DONE. IMMOBILIZER CONTINUED TO BE A PROBLEM (AFTER WARRANTY EXPIRED); KEYS HAVE BEEN REPLACED/RECODED, IMMOBILIZER CONTROL MODULE FOUND FAULTY AND REPLACED, ANTENNA RING FOUND FAULTY AND REPLACED. THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE BECAUSE THERE IS NO WARNING PRIOR TO THIS OCCURRING; IT JUST WILL NOT START WHEN THE KEY IS PUT INTO THE IGNITION (COULD BE DAY OR NIGHT - YOU ARE JUST STUCK!) RECENTLY, ON 7-16-2012 THE VEHICLE REPEATED THIS ACTION THREE (3) TIMES ON THE SAME DAY. IN THE LAST TWO (2) MONTHS I HAVE RECORDED NOT LESS THAN TEN (10) INCIDENTS. HAD I CALLED FOR A ROAD ASSIST EACH TIME I WOULD NOT HAVE ANY MORE AVAILABLE CALLS. FOR SOME REASON THE TRANSMITTER AND RECEIVER (TRANSPONDER) ARE NOT IN SYNCH (ANTI-THEFT DEVICE IS OVERDOING ITS JOB). VOLVO.COM WAS CONTACTED BUT SO FAR HAVE NOT DONE ANYTHING TO ADDRESS THIS. THIS IS DEFINITELY A SAFETY RELATED DEFECT AND A PRICEY ONE. *TR
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2011-07-01
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: TRANSMISSION FAILURE WITH UNDER 90K MILES AND VEHICLE RECEIVING REGULAR SERVICE FROM VOLVO DEALERSHIPS. THIS APPEARS TO BE A FREQUENT OCCURRENCE AMONG C70 VOLVO OWNERS. *TT
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2011-01-12
- VIN: YV1NT62D54J
- Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
- Summary: TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 VOLVO C70. THE CONTACT STATED THAT UPON STARTING THE VEHICLE, THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT WOULD ILLUMINATE ON THE INSTRUMENTAL PANEL. AS HE DROVE, HE FELT A VIOLENT SHUTTER AND THE VEHICLE WOULD APPEAR AS IF IT WOULD STALL. THE VEHICLE WAS INSPECTED BY AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THE "ETM" OR ELECTRONIC THROTTLE MODULE FAILED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 118,000.
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2009-01-01
- VIN: YV1NC63D14J
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
- Summary: INTERMITTEN PROBLEM WITH FUEL PUMP/FUEL PRESSURE. NO FUEL PRESSURE SOMETIMES DURING IDLE AND START UP. VERY SIMILAR TO THE PROBLEM THAT WE HAD WITH OUR 2003 VOLVO S80 WHICH IS NOW UNDER RECALL.
VISIBILITY,EQUIPMENT PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2008-11-03
- VIN: YV1NC63D04J
- Components: VISIBILITY,EQUIPMENT
- Summary: THE SUN VISORS IN MY CAR HAVE FAILED MULTIPLE TIMES, TYPICALLY THROUGH BREAKAGE OF THE PLASTIC PIVOT SHAFT. THIS MAKES IT DIFFICULT TO MOVE THE VISOR TO THE DOWN POSITION, AND CAN PREVENT THE DRIVER FROM REDUCING GLARE WHEN DRIVING INTO THE SUN. THIS IS A SAFETY HAZARD ISSUE. FURTHER, THE SHAFT BREAKAGE USUALLY CAUSES WIRING SHORTS THAT CAN DISCHARGE THE BATTERY, OR AT THE VERY LEAST RENDER THE MIRROR LIGHTS INOPERATIVE. I HAVE HAD REPAIRS MADE BY THE DEALER, BUT THE REPLACEMENT PARTS HAVE FAILED AS, OR EVEN MORE QUICKLY IN SOME CASES THAN THE ORIGINALS. *TR
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2004-09-17
- VIN: YV1NC63D64J
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: MY WIFE AND I LEASED THIS CAR IN APRIL 2004 . SINCE THAT TIME WE HAVE HAD IT TO DEALER FOR SERVICE EIGHT TIMES FOR STARTING PROBLEMS. THE CAR CAN BE HOT OR COLD. IT WILL NOT STALL WHILE RUNNING THIS IS JUST WHEN YOU GO TO START IT. *AK SO FAR, THEY HAVE REPLACEED AN IMMOBILIZER TWO TIMES,AN ENGINE SPEED SENSOR THREE TIMES, REPLACED AN ENGINE IMMOBILZER ANTENNA RING TWO TIMES, A MAIN RELAY ONCE,TOTALLY RELOADED THE COMPUTER SYSTEM ONCE,AND REPLACED AN RPM SENSOR ONCE. THIS IS BY FAR THE WORSE CAR I'VE EVER HAD. I STILL HAVE ONE YEAR TO GO ON THE LEASE AND WE DON'T EVEN FEEL LIKE DRIVING IT. I DEFIANTLY WANT TO PURSUE THE FLORIDA LEMON LAW ON THIS CAR I WANT VOLVO TO TAKE THIS INFERIOR PRODUCT BACK NOW. MY WIFE IS A FORD RETIREE AND WE LEASED THIS CAR MAINLY BECAUSE FORD OWNS VOLVO. WHAT A MISTAKE.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2006-03-08
- VIN: YV1NC63DX4J
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: THE 2004 C70 HAS MAJOR ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS. WE PURCHASED OUR VEHICLE NEW. SINCE OWNERSHIP THIS CAR HAS BEEN WELL MAINTAINED. OVER THE PAST 14 MONTHS OUR CAR HAS STALLED SIX TIMES AS OF 3-8-06. EACH OCCASION HAS HAPPENED IF THE VEHICLE HASN'T BEEN DRIVEN WITHIN FOUR TO FIVE DAYS. EACH SITUATION HAS BEEN DISCOVERED AFTER ITS SAT OVER-NIGHT. THE FIRST SEVERAL TIMES THE DEALER BLAMED IT ON A FAULTY SUN-VISOR WIRE. AS OF THIS DATE, BOTH SUN-VISOR WIRES HAVE BEEN REPLACED, THEY'VE REPLACED OUR BATTERY THREE TIMES... AND THE PROBLEM STILL EXIST. THE DEALER ALSO CLAIMS THAT DO TO THE ON BOARD COMPUTER WHICH RUNS EVEN WHEN THE VEHICLE IS NOT RUNNING, THIS WILL CONTINUOUSLY DRAIN THE BATTERY... CAUSING THIS EXPERIENCE. I HAVE THREE REAL CONCERNS: 1. DOES THIS MEAN THAT THE CONSUMER CAN'T LEAVE THEIR CAR AT THE AIRPORT FOR A WEEK TO GO ON A BUSINESS TRIP...? 2. THIS ELECTRICAL SITUATION IS NOT MENTIONED IN ANY OF THE VOLVO AD LITERATURE... MAINTENANCE BOOKS, MAGAZINES OR COMMERCIALS... OR AT TIME OF PURCHASE!!!! ARE THE CONSUMERS EXPECTED TO ABSORB THIS DEFECTIVE PRODUCT? 3. MY WIFE IS DISABLED. BECAUSE OF THE NUMEROUS REPAIR NON-CONFORMITY.... WE NO LONGER HAVE FAITH IN THIS PRODUCT. WE HAVE WRITTEN THE MANUFACTURER WHO WAS SUPPOSEDLY INVOLVED WITH THIS LAST REPAIR. WE'RE NOW CONVINCED THAT THERE IS A HORRIBLE ELECTRICAL PROBLEM WITH THIS VEHICLE, AND VOLVO IS NOW TRYING TO PLAY DAMAGE CONTROL... AT THE CONSUMER'S EXPENSE... AND POSSIBLE LIVES... AN UNRELIABLE VEHICLE PUTS MY WIFE'S SAFETY AT RISK.. WE ARE PURSUING REQUESTING THAT THIS VEHICLE BE REPLACED. DON'T BUY THE CONVERTIBLE C70... YOU'LL HAVE PROBLEMS... *JB
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