2006 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 2006 Volvo C70 problems
The Volvo C70 2006 is known for several common problems that owners have reported. One of the most prevalent issues is the occurrence of squeaks and rattles, which can range from minor annoyances to severe distractions.
The folding roof mechanism itself can also pose problems, as it can jam while in use, requiring removal, repair, and refitting, which can be time-consuming and potentially expensive.
Another common problem with the Volvo C70 2006 is complete electrical failure, which can be a significant inconvenience and potentially dangerous if it occurs while driving.
The car's suspension system can also cause issues, particularly with the soft front suspension, which may not handle large wheels well, causing the car to go where it wants, especially when hitting a rut
. Furthermore, uneven tire wear or signs of kerbing damage on the wheels can indicate suspension problems or even worse, driveshaft damage.
In addition to these mechanical issues, the Volvo C70 2006 can suffer from fuel pump and injector problems in diesel engines, resulting in poor performance and high fuel consumption.
It is worth noting that the Volvo C70 2006's underpinnings are shared with other models from the manufacturer, including the S40 saloon and V50 estate, and the car's architecture is similar to these models. This shared design can affect the car's performance and reliability, as issues with these models may also affect the C70.
In summary, the Volvo C70 2006 is known for several common problems, including squeaks and rattles, folding roof mechanism issues, electrical failure, suspension problems, and diesel engine issues. While the car is generally reliable, these issues can affect its performance and convenience, and potential buyers should be aware of them before making a purchase.
2006 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:
- Wheels problems
- Air bags problems
- Electrical system problems
- Exterior lighting problems
- Structure problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 2006 Volvo C70 vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
2006 Volvo C70 complaints
The NHTSA has received 9 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 2006 Volvo C70.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,EXTERIOR LIGHTING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2022-09-22
- VIN: YV1MC68256J
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,EXTERIOR LIGHTING
- Summary: About 6 months ago I was driving at night and my left headlight went out and about 3 minutes later my other headlight went out? I had to pull over there and wait till day light. When I got home I took the headlights out to find bare wires on both of them? They were just disintegrated!?!? I called Volvo took find out about a new wire harness and was told I have to buy the whole engine wire assembly, costing over $3000.00. I bought 2 more headlight assemblies online and had the same problem!?!? When I tried to change the bulb the coating on the wire just fell off!?!?!? I have heard in other Volvo Forums other people have had this problem with Volvo's headlight wiring problem!?!? It needs to be recalled before someone gets killed if they haven't already!?!?? I can send pics.
STRUCTURE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2018-02-01
- VIN: YV1MC68236J
- Components: STRUCTURE
- Summary: DRIVER DOOR OPENS WHILE DRIVING. IT HAPPENS WHILE LOCKED OR UNLOCKED, TOP UP, WINDOWS UP. IT HAS HAPPENED IN CITY AND ON HIGHWAY. TRAVELING AT HIGH SPEEDS AS WELL AS LOW SPEEDS. IT COMES AJAR AND THE INTERIOR LIGHT COMES ON AND MESSAGE THAT DRIVER DOOR IS OPEN.. IT HAPPENS INTERMITTENTLY BUT IS BECOMING MORE AND MORE FREQUENT UNTIL NOW IT IS ALMOST DAILY. IT BEGAN PROBABLY 2 YEARS AGO
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2014-06-07
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: THE VOLVO HAS A PROBLEM ON VALVE BODY ON TRANSMISSION, IT IS A COMMON PROBLEM FOR VOLVO AND IT DOESN'T MATTER IS LOW MILEAGE OR HIGH MILEAGE AFTER THIS PROBLEM HAPPEND FOR MY CAR, BY RESEARCH ABOUT THE ISSUE I FOUND, IS COMMON PROBLEM AND I THINK VOLVO HAS TO RECALL THE CARS FOR TRANSMISSION VALVE BODY ISSUE!!! *JS
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2013-05-01
- Number Of Injuries: 1
- VIN: YV1MC682163
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: MY CAR WAS NOT IN AN ACCIDENT. I CAME OUT TO GET IN MY CAR AND UPON STARTING MY CAR THE AIRBAG WARNING URGENT LIGHT CAME ON. I IMMEDIATELY TOOK MY CAR TO THE VOLVO DEALERSHIP WHERE I PURCHASED THE CAR. VOLVO OF WINTER PARK. I LEFT MY CAR. THEY KEPT MY CAR A FEW DAYS AND I PICKED MY CAR UP ON A THURSDAY. I DROVE MY CAR TO MY SISTERS PROPERTY ON SATURDAY. THE CAR DID NOT MOVE ON SUNDAY AND UPON GETTING INTO THE CAR ON MONDAY MY AIRBAG URGENT LIGHT ONCE AGAIN CAME ON. THIS HAS HAPPENED 3 WEEKS IN A ROW. EACH TIME I WOULD RETURN THE CAR TO THE DEALERSHIP AND PICK IT UP ON THURSDAY AND MONDAY THE LIGHT WOULD BE BACK ON. TODAY MY CAR HAD BEEN AT THE DEALERSHIP OVERNIGHT FOR A LINER REPAIR. I RETURNED THIS AFTERNOON TO PICK UP MY CAR. I SIT DOWN IN IT TURN THE IGNITION AND THE AIRBAG URGENT LIGHT IS ON FOR THE FOUTH TIME. I HAVE ONCE AGAIN LEFT MY CAR AT THE DEALERSHIP. IN 2005 I HAD BOTH MY AIRBAGS IN MY PONTIAC SUNFIRE DEPLOY WHILE MY CAR WAS IDLING IN A TURN LANE WAITING TO MAKE A TURN INTO A SHOPPING CENTER. IT PUNCTURED A HOLE IN MY HEART AND CHRUSHED A SHUNT THAT WAS IN MY HEAD FROM A PREVIOUS ACCIDENT. IT BURNT MY CHEST, GAVE ME 2 BLACK EYES AND A MELON ON MY FOREHEAD AND FRACTURED MY NOSE. I DO NOT WISH TO GO THRU THIS AGAIN. *TR
WHEELS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2008-06-09
- Components: WHEELS
- Summary: I HAVE A 2006 VOLVO C70 AND THE TIERS STARTED TO LOOSE AIR. WHEN I HAD THE VEHICLE INSPECTED I FOUND OUT THAT THREE OF THE FOUR 18' RIMS HAD CRACKS ON THE INSIDE OF THE RIM EDGE...WITH A LITTLE RESEARCH I HAVE FOUND THAT THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM WITH THE 2006 VOLVO C70. IT IS AN OUTRAGE THAT VOLVO DOES NOT YET HAVE TO FIX THIS SAFETY ISSUE. WHO KNOWS HOW MANY ACCIDENTS HAVE OR WILL HAPPEN DUE TO A TIRE GOING FLAT ON THIS MODEL AND RIM SIZE. I KNOW THAT SOMETIMES RIMS CAN GET DAMAGED HOWEVER," ALL ARE CRACKING IN THE SAME AREA". I WILL HAVE TO REPLACE ALL THREE RIMS TO MAKE THE VEHICLE SAFE TO DRIVE. THANK YOU IN ADVANCE. R. SWANEY. *TR
WHEELS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2007-05-15
- VIN: YV1MC68216J
- Components: WHEELS
- Summary: I BOUGHT MY 2006 VOLVO C70 IN AUGUST OF 2006 AT GALPIN MOTORS. I TOOK MY C70 INTO THE DEALERSHIP IN MAY OF 2007 BECAUSE ONE OF MY TIRES WAS GOING FLAT. IT TURNS OUT TWO OF MY 18" MIRZAM RIMS HAD GONE OUT OF ROUND AND ONE OF THEM WAS CRACKED ON THE INTERIOR. NO OTHER DAMAGE WAS FOUND TO HAVE OCCURRED TO THE CAR. ONE TIRE HAD A SLIGHT SEPARATION DUE TO THE DEFECT OF THE RIM. THE CAR ONLY HAD 7900 MILES ON IT. THE RIMS AND TIRES ARE NOT AVAILABLE FOR INSPECTION BECAUSE THE DEALERSHIP (GALPIN MOTORS) LOST THEM. THE OTHER TWO ORIGINAL 18" MIRZAM RIMS WENT OUT OF ROUND IN FEBRUARY OF 2008 WHILE ON VACATION. THE CAR ONLY HAD 17000 MILES ON IT. I AGAIN TOOK IT TO A VOLVO DEALERSHIP BECAUSE OF A TIRE GOING FLAT AND ONCE AGAIN IT WAS DETERMINED THAT THE SECOND TWO ORIGINAL 18" MIRZAM RIMS HAD GONE OUT OF ROUND AND ONE OF THE 18" MIRZAM RIMS WAS CRACKED ON THE INTERIOR. THESE TWO RIMS ARE AVAILABLE FOR INSPECTION. GALPIN VOLVO AND VOLVO NORTH AMERICA HAVE DONE NOTHING TO RESOLVE THIS ISSUE. I WAS TOLD THIS ISSUE CAN OCCUR DUE TO NORMALLY DRIVING CONDITIONS AND THIS IS THE REASON WHY THE RIMS GOING OUT OF ROUND ARE NOT UNDER ANY TYPE OF WARRANTY. IF I HAD KNOWN THIS WAS GOING TO BE AN ISSUE I WOULD HAVE BOUGHT MY C70 WITH DIFFERENT RIMS. TO DATE I AM OUT OF POCKET $2,485.52 AND I WINCE AT ANY BUMP, DIP OR CRACK IN THE ROAD. SO MUCH FOR VOLVO SAFETY. I HAVE SINCE FOUND MORE PEOPLE WHO HAVE HAD THE SAME OUT OF ROUND RIM PROBLEM. *TR
WHEELS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2008-02-13
- VIN: YV1MC68216J
- Components: WHEELS
- Summary: WHILE ON VACATION TWO OF MY ORIGINAL 18" MIRZAM RIMS WENT OUT OF ROUND IN FEBRUARY OF 2008. THE CAR ONLY HAD 17000 MILES ON IT. I TOOK IT TO A VOLVO DEALERSHIP BECAUSE OF A TIRE GOING FLAT AND IT WAS DETERMINED THAT THE SECOND TWO ORIGINAL 18" MIRZAM RIMS HAD GONE OUT OF ROUND AND ONE OF THE 18" MIRZAM RIMS WAS CRACKED ON THE INTERIOR. THIS WAS NOT THE FIRST TIME THIS HAPPENED. THESE TWO RIMS ARE AVAILABLE FOR INSPECTION. I BOUGHT MY 2006 VOLVO C70 IN AUGUST OF 2006 AT GALPIN MOTORS. IN MAY OF 2007, I TOOK MY C70 INTO THE DEALERSHIP BECAUSE ONE OF MY TIRES WAS GOING FLAT. IT TURNED OUT TWO OF MY 18" MIRZAM RIMS HAD GONE OUT OF ROUND AND ONE OF THEM WAS CRACKED ON THE INTERIOR. NO OTHER DAMAGE WAS FOUND TO HAVE OCCURRED TO THE CAR. THE CAR ONLY HAD 7900 MILES ON IT. THE RIMS AND TIRES ARE NOT AVAILABLE FOR INSPECTION BECAUSE THE DEALERSHIP (GALPIN MOTORS) LOST THEM. GALPIN VOLVO AND VOLVO NORTH AMERICA HAVE DONE NOTHING TO RESOLVE THIS ISSUE. I WAS TOLD THIS ISSUE CAN OCCUR DUE TO NORMALLY DRIVING CONDITIONS AND THIS IS THE REASON WHY THE RIMS GOING OUT OF ROUND ARE NOT UNDER ANY TYPE OF WARRANTY. IF I HAD KNOWN THIS WAS GOING TO BE AN ISSUE I WOULD HAVE BOUGHT MY C70 WITH DIFFERENT RIMS. TO DATE I AM OUT OF POCKET $2,485.52 AND I WINCE AT ANY BUMP, DIP OR CRACK IN THE ROAD. SO MUCH FOR VOLVO SAFETY. I AM STILL TRYING TO RESOLVE THIS ISSUE TO MY SATISFACTION. I HAVE SINCE FOUND MORE PEOPLE WHO HAVE HAD THE SAME OUT OF ROUND RIM PROBLEM. *TR
SUSPENSION,WHEELS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2007-11-16
- VIN: YV1MC68246J
- Components: SUSPENSION,WHEELS
- Summary: 6/06 VEHICLE PURCHASED WITH 18 INCH ALLOY WHEELS, TIRE SIZE 235/40/18 8/27/07 (MILEAGE 22,636) VEHICLE BROUGHT TO DEALER AFTER REAR TIRE BEGAN LOSING AIR, FOUND TO HAVE A CRACK IN THE INNER RIM. THIS WAS REPAIRED AND REFINISHED 9/18/07 (MILEAGE 23,617) VEHICLE BROUGHT TO DEALER WITH STEERING WHEEL SHIMMY AT HIGH SPEEDS AFFECTING THE DRIVABILITY OF THE CAR. FOUND TO HAVE 3 WHEELS OUT OF ROUND (ALL EXCEPT FOR THE WHEEL REPAIRED 1 MONTH EARLIER). WHEELS REPLACED WITH 4 NEW FACTORY WHEELS 11/16/07 (MILEAGE 26,594) VEHICLE BROUGHT TO DEALER WITH EXCESSIVE WHEEL/AXLE NOISE AND FOUND TO HAVE ALL 4 WHEELS OUT-OF-ROUND. FACTORY WHEELS TOO SOFT TO WITHSTAND NORMAL DRIVING. ALTHOUGH THE LOW PROFILE DESIGN OF THE TIRES LIKELY CONTRIBUTED TO THE DURABILITY OF THE WHEELS, IT MAY NOT BE APPROPRIATE TO PUT WHEELS OF THIS DESIGN ON THIS VEHICLE. ALL 8 WHEELS ARE AVAILABLE FOR INSPECTION. *TR
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2007-01-04
- VIN: YV1MC68256J
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,AIR BAGS
- Summary: TL*- THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE 2006 VOLVO C-70 CONVERTIBLE HAS HAD SEVERAL PROBLEMS WITH THE AIRBAG LIGHT CONTINUOUSLY STAYING ON. HE HAS TAKEN HIS VEHICLE TO THE DEALERSHIP ON 2 OCCASIONS FOR THE AIRBAG LIGHT BEING ON CONSTANTLY. THE DEALERSHIP INFORMED HIM THAT THE AIRBAG LIGHT CAME ON DUE TO SOME TYPE OF PINS IN THE DOOR THAT NEEDED CHANGING. THE CONTACT DID NOT KNOW WHICH DOOR NEEDED NEW PINS OR WHAT TYPE OF PINS. SINCE THE PINS WERE PLACED IN THE DOOR OF THE VEHICLE THE AIRBAG LIGHT NO LONGER CAME ON. AFTER THE REPAIR OF THE AIRBAG LIGHT THE ABS LIGHT FAILED. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE BACK TO THE DEALERSHIP AND INFORMED THE DEALERSHIP OF THE ABS LIGHTS. THE DEALERSHIP CLAIMED THAT THE LIGHTS TURNED ON BECAUSE OF THE ICE AND SNOW. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THIS COULDNOT BE THE CAUSE OF THE LIGHTS TURNING ON. THE CONTACT STATED CONTACTED THE MANUFACTURER, AND THEY DID NOT TO WANT TO REPAIR THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT FELT HE PURCHASED A LEMON FROM THE VOLVO DEALERSHIP. THE CONTACT HAD THIS VEHICLE FOR 8 MONTHS AND WOULD LIKE FOR NHTSA TO BE INFORMED OF THESE SAFETY PROBLEMS. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 6000, AND THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 5500.*AK THE CONSUMER EXPERIENCED ANIT-SKID FAILURE. UPDATED 03/07/07. *JB
2006 Volvo C70 recalls
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 2 recalls for different components of the 2006 Volvo C70.
- Manufacturer: VOLVO CARS OF N.A. LLC.
- Components: EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS
- Summary: VOLVO IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2006-2012 C70 VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM NOVEMBER 15, 2005, THROUGH JULY 31, 2011, AND MODEL YEAR 2011-2012 S60 VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM JULY 14, 2010, THROUGH APRIL 16, 2011, THAT WERE EQUIPPED WITH OPTIONAL ACCESSORY SPARE TIRE KIT. THESE VEHICLES FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NUMBER. 110, "TIRE SELECTION AND RIMS." THESE VEHICLES DO NOT CONTAIN THE CORRECT INFORMATION FOR VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH THE OPTIONAL ACCESSORY SPARE TIRE AND WHEEL KIT.
- Consequence: A MISPRINTED LABEL COULD LEAD TO IMPROPER TIRE INFLATION WHICH COULD RESULT IN A TIRE FAILURE, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
- Remedy: VOLVO WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE VEHICLE AND INSTALL THE LABEL AS NECESSARY, FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON FEBRUARY 23, 2012. OWNERS MAY CONTACT VOLVO AT 1-201-768-7300.
- Manufacturer: VOLVO CARS OF N.A. LLC.
- Components: EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:NAVIGATIONAL SYSTEM(GLOBAL POSITIONING SYSTEM)
- Summary: VOLVO IS RECALLING CERTAIN VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH GARMIN 760 PORTABLE GLOBAL POSITIONING SYSTEM (GPS) UNITS BECAUSE THE BATTERIES ON THOSE UNITS MAY OVERHEAT.
- Consequence: AN OVERHEATED BATTERY COULD LEAD TO A FIRE.
- Remedy: VOLVO ADVISES OWNERS TO PLEASE STOP USING THE GARMIN PORTABLE GPS DEVICE IMMEDIATELY, AND VISIT THE GARMIN WEBSITE TO DETERMINE IF THEIR UNIT IS AFFECTED. THE UNIT'S BATTERY WILL BE REPLACED WITH A NEW BATTERY AND A SPACER WILL BE INSERTED ON TOP OF THE BATTERY NEXT TO THE PCB. THIS SERVICE WILL BE PERFORMED FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON NOVEMBER 18, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT GARMIN AT 866-957-1981 OR VISIT GARMIN'S WEBSITE AT WWW.GARMIN.COM/NUVIBATTERYPCBRECALL.
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