Complaints by model year
| Year | Complaints | vs. typical* | Recalls | Top problem | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2013 | 11 | 1.2× | — | Body | Average |
| 2012 | 23 | 1.9× | 1 | Body | Caution |
| 2011 | 13 | −18% | 1 | Body | Average |
| 2010 | 4 | −55% | 2 | Transmission | Good |
| 2009 | 10 | −27% | 3 | Body | Average |
| 2008 | 22 | 1.4× | 3 | Body | Average |
| 2007 | 17 | 1.4× | 4 | Body | Average |
| 2006 | 9 | −18% | 2 | Wheel & Tire | Average |
| 2004 | 15 | −18% | — | Electrical | Average |
| 2002 | 6 | −45% | 1 | Transmission | Good |
| 2001 | 18 | 1.9× | 2 | Acceleration | Caution |
| 2000 | 42 | 4.0× | 3 | Electrical | Avoid |
| 1999 | 31 | 3.0× | 3 | Acceleration | Avoid |
| 1998 | 8 | −18% | 4 | Brake | Average |
* Complaints compared with the median C70 year at the same age, so new and old years are judged fairly. How this works.
Most common Volvo C70 problems
Latest Volvo C70 recalls
Equipment › Other › Labels
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.
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.
Equipment › Electrical › Navigational system(global positioning system)
Volvo is recalling certain vehicles equipped with garmin 760 portable global positioning system (GPS) units because the batteries on those units May overheat.
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.
Steering › Hydraulic power assist › Hose, piping, and connections
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.
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.
Service brakes, hydraulic › Foundation components › Master cylinder
Volvo is recalling 1,114 my 2007 c30, c70, s40, and v50 passenger vehicles. A soft anodized layer in the master cylinder May trigger early wear on a rubber seal that can result in internal leakage of brake fluid.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect the master cylinder. The brake master cylinder and brake fluid reservoir will be replaced and certain brake lines cleaned free of charge. The recall began on March 11, 2008.
Latches/locks/linkages › Doors › Latch
On certain passenger vehicles, an incorrect temporary assembly instruction resulted in an incorrect assembly of the left door handle bowden cable attachment.
Remedy: Dealers will adjust the left door bowden cable by removing an existing cable tie and placing the bowden cable in its designated position free of charge. The recall began on June 29, 2007.
Frequently asked questions
What years of the Volvo C70 should you avoid?
2000, 1999, 2001 and 2012 — these years have the most complaints relative to other C70 years at the same age, led by electrical system problems in the 2000.
What is the best year for the Volvo C70?
2010 has the fewest complaints compared with other C70 years at the same age, followed by 2002 and 2009. Newer years can look better simply because fewer complaints have come in yet, so we compare like with like.
What are the most common Volvo C70 problems?
Across all years, owners report the most problems with the body & structure (48), electrical system (44) and speed control & acceleration (33). Body complaints peak in the 2008 model year.
How many recalls has the Volvo C70 had?
10 recalls across 1998–2013. The model year with the most is 1998. See all Volvo C70 recalls by year.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.