MotorDeets

Volvo C70 problems, recalls & best years

The deets on every C70 from 1998 to 2013: 195 owner complaints and 29 recalls across 15 model years.

The model years with the most owner complaints are 2000 (26), 1999 (23), 2012 (23). Best fuel economy: 23 mpg combined (2011).

Volvo C70
Photo: Kieran White from Manchester, England · CC BY 2.0 · Wikimedia Commons. Representative photo of this generation; trim may differ.

Problem areas across all years

Body & structure46
Electrical38
Other / unknown27
Speed control / throttle18
Transmission & drivetrain16
Wheels13
Engine & cooling11
Tires9

Year by year

YearRecallsComplaintsBest mpg
19984720
199932320
200032621
20012721
20021521
20030420
200401520
20062921
200741721
200832221
200931021
20102423
201111223
201212321
201301122

Want the full repair deets? Get the factory manual.

Recall and complaint data tells you what goes wrong. A service manual tells you how to fix it: torque specs, wiring diagrams, fluid capacities and step-by-step procedures for the Volvo C70.

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Pro-shop repair procedures, wiring diagrams and TSBs for your exact car.

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ALLDATAdiy Online access, factory OEM info

OEM procedures, specs and recall/TSB info, the same source many shops use.

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Haynes Print book or AllAccess online

Step-by-step photos written from a real teardown. Great for first-timers.

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FAQ

What is the worst year for the Volvo C70?

The model years with the most owner complaints are 2000 (26), 1999 (23), 2012 (23).

How many recalls has the Volvo C70 had?

Across 1998–2013, NHTSA lists 29 vehicle recall campaigns by model year (a campaign that covers several years counts once per year).