2009 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 2009 Volvo C70 problems
The Volvo C70 2009 is known for its strong engines, with both the 2.4 liter 5-cylinder and the 2.5 liter turbo 5-cylinder engines being capable of covering 300,000 kilometers without major problems, as long as they have been serviced correctly and the camshaft-belt has been changed. However, there are some common issues that owners have reported with this model.
Another common issue with the Volvo C70 2009 is related to the front end of the car. Some owners have reported issues with the front end, including replacing axles, rack and pinion, and everything twice. The car also seems to have a popping noise when you brake or turn that hasn't been identified despite hours in the repair. Additionally, some owners have experienced battery drain when they leave the car for a few days, which can be a security issue. When the battery is dead, the key is stuck in the ignition and you can't get it out. Easy to jump it and when you do the key comes out.
The Volvo C70 2009 also has some issues with the gear selection mechanism. Some cars had problems with the gear selection mechanism, with one of the rods jamming. This disease should already be eliminated if the car is equipped with an automatic transmission. The 5-cylinder engines were paired with a 6-speed manual Volvo M66, while some of the cars had problems with the gear selection mechanism. One of the rods jammed, but this disease should already be eliminated if the car is equipped with an automatic transmission
The Volvo C70 2009 also has some issues with the brittle cabin trim, particularly around the center console and armrest area. This can be a problem for some owners, and it's best to look for cars with 17-inch wheels, rather than the 18-inch alloys which are standard on SE Lux models, because they do the ride quality no favors at all.
In summary, while the Volvo C70 2009 is known for its strong engines, there are some common issues that owners have reported with this model. These include problems with the folding metal roof, the front end of the car, the gear selection mechanism, brittle cabin trim, and the battery drain. It's important to be aware of these issues and to have them checked by a qualified mechanic before purchasing a used Volvo C70 2009.
2009 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:
- Structure problems
- Unknown or other problems
- Engine problems
- Power train problems
- Tires problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 2009 Volvo C70 vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
2009 Volvo C70 complaints
The NHTSA has received 10 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 2009 Volvo C70.
STRUCTURE,UNKNOWN OR OTHER PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-05-16
- VIN: YV1MC67279J
- Components: STRUCTURE,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: Door actuator fault while driving, door opens slightly ajar while driving. Frequently happens while driving on highway with top up or down. Requires driver to hold door from swinging open around turns until there is a stop that allows driver to open and shut door again.
STRUCTURE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2023-05-29
- VIN: YV1MC67229J
- Components: STRUCTURE
- Summary: While driving with the top up or down on the highway the doors will intermittently unlock and the security light come on because the door is ajar. This has been going on since I purchacesed the car 2 yrs ago. Now 5/29/23 while driving on the highway the drivers door opened while driving 70 miles an hour. This is a daily occurrence and it happens multiple times daily. This is a dangerous and scary malfunction.
STRUCTURE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2021-07-29
- VIN: YV1MC67229J
- Components: STRUCTURE
- Summary: I am having an issue where the driver side door randomly unlocks and opens while driving. This has happened daily multiple times a day. upwards of at least 5 to 10 incidents daily. Now my passenger door is alerting my it is opened. this is a very risky. This is a faulty issue I am seeing in forums about the 2009 C70 Volvo. please let me know this will be taken care of.
ENGINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2021-05-02
- VIN: YV1MC67269J
- Components: ENGINE
- Summary: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 VOLVO C70. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 60 MPH, THE VEHICLE LOSS MOTIVE POWER AND STALLED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE TIMING BELT TENSIONER HAD FAILED. DURING THE FAILURE, THE VALVES WERE BENT. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT YET REPAIRED. THE LOCAL DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 88,000.
STRUCTURE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2016-08-31
- VIN: YV1MC67269J
- Components: STRUCTURE
- Summary: THE PASSENGER SIDE DOOR HAS OPENED WHILE DRIVING ON OVER 12 OCCASIONS UNDER VARYING SPEED AND ROAD CONDITIONS. SEVERAL HAVE BEEN AT 65 MPH DURING HIGHWAY OPERATION, AND AT LESS THAN 30 MPH RURAL ROADWAYS. THE ROOF HAS BEEN BOTH UP AND DOWN, AND THE DOORS HAVE BEEN LOCKED AND UNLOCKED. THE INTERIOR LIGHTS SUDDENLY COME ON AND THE PASSENGER DOOR OPEN WARNING LIGHT IS ILLUMINATED. I HAVE HAD TO PULL OVER AND SHUT THE DOOR EACH TIME. IF I WASN'T ANY EXPERIENCED DRIVER I SHUDDER TO THINK WHAT MIGHT HAVE HAPPENED.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2016-06-25
- Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: APPARENTLY IT IS A KNOWN ISSUE THAT THE HEADLINERS IN EXTREME HEAT BECOME LOSE FROM THE BRACKETS THAT HOLD IT IN PLACE. RECENTLY, MY HEADLINER FAILED AS I WAS DRIVING CAUSING ME TO ALMOST HAVE AN ACCIDENT. THIS IS NOT SAFE.
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2014-10-01
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: I BROUGHT MY 2009 VOLVO C70 TO THE DEALER FOR REGULAR MAINTENANCE. THE DEALER TOLD ME THAT MY TRANSMISSION NEEDED A SOFTWARE UPDATE WHICH WILL COST $450. IF THE TRANSMISSION WILL NOT OPERATE PROPERLY WITHOUT ITS SOFTWARE BEING UPDATED, THIS SOUNDS MORE LIKE A MANUFACTURER RECALL ISSUE THAN SOMETHING THAT SHOULD BE PASSED ONTO THE CUSTOMER. *TR
TIRES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2012-08-04
- VIN: YV1MC67219J
- Components: TIRES
- Summary: DASHBOARD INDICATOR THAT TIRE PRESSURE MONITOR SYSTEM (TPMS) REQUIRES MAINTENANCE ILLUMINATES. DEALER CHECK OF CONTROL MODULE AND INDIVIDUAL TIRE SENSORS DOES NOT IDENTIFY A SPECIFIC PROBLEM BUT LIGHT APPEARS AFTER THE CAR HAS BEEN DRIVEN FOR SHORT AMOUNT OF TIME. DEALER HAS REPLACED RXX CONTROL MODULE AFTER CONSULTING WITH VOLVO BUT PROBLEM CONTINUES TO OCCUR. THIS PROBLEM APPEARS SIMILAR TO NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID #10V335000 (CORRESPONDS TO VOLVO SAFETY RECALL NO. R228) FOR MODEL YEAR 2007-2010 VOLVO S80S. PROBLEM HAS OCCURRED ON INTERMITTENT BASIS FOR ALMOST A YEAR PRIOR TO DATE ABOVE WHERE TPMS MAINTENANCE REQUIRED LIGHT ILLUMINATES REGULARLY. *TR
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2012-08-10
- Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
- Summary: ON TWO OCCASIONS MY CAR DECELERATED WITHOUT WARNING TO 30 MPH. DEALER UNABLE TO IDENTIFY THE PROBLEM. *TR
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2012-03-20
- VIN: YV1MC67279J
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES
- Summary: DRIVER DOOR UNLATCHES WITHOUT WARNING; INTERIOR LIGHTS ILLUMINATED. DOOR MOVES/OPENS ABOUT 1/4-1/2 INCH BUT SAFETY CATCH PREVENTS FULL OPENING. DRIVING OVER SMOOTH ROAD, TOP DOWN. NO HIGHWAY OR SURFACE INTERRUPTIONS (SUCH AS BUMPS OR HOLES) THAT JARRED DOOR OPEN. SAME EVENTS HAS HAPPENED ABOUT 8-10 SEPARATE TIMES. DEALER REPORTS NO CODES CAPTURED AND UNWILLING TO REPLACE DOOR LOCK ASSEMBLY. *JB
2009 Volvo C70 recalls
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 3 recalls for different components of the 2009 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.
- Manufacturer: VOLVO CARS OF N.A. LLC.
- Components: STEERING:HYDRAULIC POWER ASSIST:HOSE, PIPING, AND CONNECTIONS
- Summary: VOLVO IS RECALLING MY 2008-2009 VEHICLES. A SECTION OF THE POWER STEERING RETURN LINE HOSE WAS NOT PROPERLY VULCANIZED (CURED) AND DOES NOT MEET SPECIFICATIONS. IF THE POWER STEERING RETURN HOSE FAILS, A SUDDEN RUPTURE OF THE HOSE CAN OCCUR.
- Consequence: THIS CAN RESULT IN A RAPID DRAINAGE OF THE POWER STEERING FLUID IN THE SYSTEM AND A COMPLETE LOSS OF POWER ASSISTANCE, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
- Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND REPLACE THE STEERING RETURN LINE HOSE ASSEMBLY FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON AUGUST 13, 2008. OWNERS MAY CONTACT VOLVO AT 1-800-458-1552.
Other years of Volvo C70
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