Most common 2002 Volvo C70 problems
Share of the 6 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.
Volvo C70 complaints by model year
Best C70 years: 2010, 2002, 2009. Years to avoid: 2000, 1999, 2001, 2012. Compare all years →
2002 Volvo C70 recalls (1)
Vehicle speed control
On certain passenger vehicles, a combination of throttle positioning sensor irregularities, a dirty throttle housing, and/or inefficient software calibration May cause a warning lamp to light and the subsequent onset of limp home modes.
Remedy: Dealers will install the current software upgrade onto the involved vehicles. The recall began on December 29, 2006. Owners May contact Volvo at 1-800-458-1552.
NHTSA defect investigations
Federal safety investigators have looked into a possible defect involving the 2002 Volvo C70:
Throttle control malfunction
Pe05-041 was opened on July, 26, 2005, based on 136 consumer complaints to odi alleging throttle control malfunctions in the subject vehicles.odi has now received 591 complaints of etm failures which allege symptoms with potential safety related consequences.these include allegations of engine stall, vehicle surging forward without accelerator input, vehicle hesitation upon acceleration and sudden and unexpected…
2002 Volvo C70 engines & fuel economy
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG city / hwy / combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2.3L 5-cyl turbo | 5-speed automatic | FWD | 18 / 26 / 21 |
| 2.3L 5-cyl turbo | 5-speed manual | FWD | 18 / 25 / 21 |
| 2.4L 5-cyl turbo | 5-speed automatic | FWD | 18 / 25 / 21 |
EPA ratings. Class: Compact car.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2002 Volvo C70 a good car?
Based on 6 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2002 C70 rates better than average: 45% fewer complaints than a typical year of the C70 at the same age. It is one of the best C70 years by this measure. Complaint counts don't account for sales volume or individual maintenance, so have any used car inspected before buying.
What is the most common problem with the 2002 Volvo C70?
The transmission & drivetrain — 2 complaints, 33% of all complaints for this model year, most often about automatic transmission. Next are the engine & cooling (1) and equipment & accessories (1).
How many recalls does the 2002 Volvo C70 have?
There is 1 recall for the 2002 Volvo C70, the most recent from November 15, 2006 (vehicle speed control). Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer — check whether yours has been done with the VIN recall check.
What are the best and worst years of the Volvo C70?
The best years by complaints, compared at the same age, are 2010, 2002 and 2009. Years to avoid or approach with caution: 2000, 1999, 2001 and 2012. See the full Volvo C70 years comparison.
At what mileage do 2002 Volvo C70 problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 65,000 miles; 20% of problems with a recorded mileage started before 50,000 miles.
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.