Most common 2012 Volvo C70 problems
Share of the 23 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 →
2012 Volvo C70 recalls (1)
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.
What 2012 Volvo C70 owners say
Body & structure
This occurred after driving for about an hour. While driving at a fairly high rate of speed, I felt the driver's door move slightly. The dome light came on indicating that the door had opened. The windows were down so I cannot state if they would have slightly lowered as they normally do when the door is opened. I pushed outward on the door to see if it was fully open. The latch held the door. Using the interior door handle, I then opened and closed the door. The doors were then locked as extra security. Approximately 30 minutes later this happened again on a busier highway. I then had to worry about the door opening on me again while I was driving, however, there was no further occurrence. Later after returning home, I performed an internet search to see if something like this had happened to others. …
The large coupe doors on this vehicle have a tendency to become unlatched while driving requiring the need to stop the vehicle and re-open and close the doors. This happens when doors are locked as well as unlocked. When this happens on the highway at high speeds, it is very dangerous and difficult to hold the door closed while making your way to the side of the road to correct the problem. This happens with no warning. There are recalls by Volvo for this exact issue on several other models but not the C70. I have reported this issue directly to Volvo customer service. I am also aware this is a widespread issue as I have have seen it identified by several other C70 owners on various Volvo Owner Internet forums.
2012 Volvo C70 engines & fuel economy
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG city / hwy / combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2.5L 5-cyl turbo | 5-speed automatic | FWD | 18 / 28 / 21 |
EPA ratings. Class: Subcompact car.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2012 Volvo C70 a good car?
Based on 23 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2012 C70 rates use caution: 1.9× as many complaints as a typical year of the C70 at the same age. It is one of the C70 years we suggest avoiding. 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 2012 Volvo C70?
The body & structure — 8 complaints, 35% of all complaints for this model year, most often about body. Next are the suspension (2) and wheels & tires (2).
How many recalls does the 2012 Volvo C70 have?
There is 1 recall for the 2012 Volvo C70, the most recent from October 18, 2011 (labels). 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 2012 Volvo C70 problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 65,000 miles; 30% 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.