2010 Volvo C70 problems

General information about Volvo-C70
Overview of popular issues
Analysis of common problems
Сomplaints list
Recalls list

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 2010 Volvo C70 problems

The Volvo C70, produced between 2007 and 2010, is known for its comfortable cruising experience and safety features. However, there are several common problems that owners have reported, which potential buyers should be aware of.

Engine Issues: There is a known issue with the camshaft-belt, which needs to be changed every 120,000km or six years.

Underbonnet Checks: The sump, made of aluminium alloy, is vulnerable to flying stones and speed-humps, which can crack it. A pool of oil under the car overnight or a film of engine oil over the surface of the sump are signs of this issue.

Noise and Rattles: The C70 is known for contributing background noise in the form of rattles and squeaks, which can be a constant issue. The real check is to see whether you could live with the squeaks and the degree of scuttle-shake felt when the C70 hits a bump or even a cat's-eye reflector with the roof-down.

Folding Roof Problems: As with other coupe/convertibles, the folding roof can be a major bugbear for owners. Squeaks and rattles are the biggest issue, ranging in severity from a minor irritation to mind-bending annoyance. The roof can also jam while in use, requiring it to be removed, repaired and then refitted, which can be time-consuming and expensive.

Brittle Cabin Trim: There are reports of brittle cabin trim, particularly around the centre console and armrest area, which can be a concern for potential buyers.

Electrical Failure: Some owners have reported a complete electrical failure, which can be a serious issue due to safety and downtime concerns.

Wheels: The 18-inch alloys which are standard on SE Lux models do not favour the ride quality, so it might be best to look for cars with 17-inch wheels.

These issues do not necessarily mean that the Volvo C70 is a bad car, but potential buyers should be aware of these common problems and consider them when making their purchasing decision. Regular maintenance and checks can help prevent or mitigate some of these issues.

2010 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
Electrical system problems
Power train problems

The graph below shows statistics for all 2010 Volvo C70 vehicle components and the number of complaints received.

2010 Volvo C70 complaints

The NHTSA has received 4 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 2010 Volvo C70.

2019-07-29

STRUCTURE PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 2019-07-29
VIN: YV1672MC0AJ
Components: STRUCTURE
Summary: I HAVE HAD THE PASSENGER DOOR OPEN ON ITS OWN WHILE LOCKED AND DRIVING ON THE EXPRESSWAY AT LEAST 2 TIMES WITH NO ONE IN THE SEAT. THE DOME LIGHT GOES ON AND THE WARNING LIGHT ON THE DASH LIGHTS UP THAT DOOR IS AJAR. THE PASSENGER DOOR HAS ALSO OPENED ON ITS OWN WHEN ITS BEEN PARKED (OFF) IN MY GARAGE AT LEAST 2 TIMES AS WELL. DOME LIGHT ON FOR WHAT COULD BE HOURS (OVERNIGHT)! UNSAFE AND A POTENTIAL BATTERY DRAINER.*DT *TR

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2015-05-21

UNKNOWN OR OTHER PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 2015-05-20
VIN: YV1672MC6AJ
Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Summary: WHILE DRIVING ON THE INTERSTATE, THE PASSENGER DOOR INDICATOR ILLUMINATED SIGNALING THAT THE PASSENGER DOOR WAS OPEN. THERE WAS ONLY ONE PERSON IN THE CAR (THE DRIVER) AND COULD HAVE CAUSED A SERIOUS ACCIDENT HAD THE PASSENGER DOOR ACTUALLY OPENED. THIS HAS BEEN REPORTED BY A NUMBER OF C70 OWNERS ON THE SWEDESPEED (VOLVO FORUM) WEB SITE.

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2015-02-17

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 2015-02-12
Fire: 1
VIN: YV1672MC3AJ
Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Summary: WHILE DRIVING ON A BUSY BOULEVARD ,THE ABOVE VEHICLE, SUDDENLY LOST ALL POWER AND QUIT RUNNING. UPON INSPECTION OF THE BATTERY I SAW THAT IT HAD BEEN SEVERELY OVERHEATED AND THE CABLES WERE WELDED TO THE BATTERY POST. THE VEHICLE REPAIR MECHANIC SAID THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM WITH VOLVO VEHICLES. THE BATTERY NEAR THE END OF ITS USE , DRAWS LOW AMPS, THE ALTERNATOR (WHICH HAVE A DESIGN FLAW) OVERCOMPENSATE AMPERAGE TO THE BATTERY WHICH RESULTS IN A FIRE. I CONTACTED VOLVO CUSTOMER SERVICE AND THEY SAID THEY HAD NEVER HEARD OF THIS BEFORE, WHILE CHECKING ON THE INTERNET I FOUND NUMEROUS COMPLAINTS OF THIS OCCURRENCE. THE MECHANIC ( +A VOLVO REPAIR, COVINA, CA) SAID HE HAS REPLACED SEVERAL OF THESE ALTERNATORS WITHIN THE PAST FEW MONTHS. I BELIEVE EVENTUALLY SOMEONE WILL BE SERIOUSLY INJURED IF AN EXPLOSION OCCURS. *TR

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2010-03-25

POWER TRAIN PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 2009-03-20
VIN: YV1672MC6AJ
Components: POWER TRAIN
Summary: UNINTENDED SUDDEN ACCELERATION 2010 VOLVO C70 CONVERTIBLE. ACCELERATOR STUCK DOWN UNDER FULL ACCELERATION. POPPED UP ON OWN AFTER 10 SECONDS.

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2010 Volvo C70 recalls

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 2 recalls for different components of the 2010 Volvo C70.

2011-10-18

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.

2010-11-08

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.