Volvo

C70 (2nd)

2006-2013 · Compact Sedan · 2 engines
Best Engine Recommended (4.4)
108 NHTSA Complaints
5 Recalls
2 Fire Reports
3 Crash Reports

Engine Reliability Comparison

D13

12.8L 6-cyl / 425 hp
Recommended (4.4)
1 complaint 1.0 per year Diesel
View details

Complaint Breakdown

engine
1
brakes
1

Known Issues

Engine Issues (1 complaints)
Brakes Issues (1 complaints)

Also found in

VOLVO Vnl (2016-2016)VOLVO Vnl (2011-2011)VOLVO Vnl (2018-2018)VOLVO Vn (2020-2020)VOLVO Vhd (2013-2013)VOLVO Vnr (2021-2021)VOLVO C70 (2006-2013)VOLVO Vn (2024-2024) +19 more

B5254T7

2.5L 5-cyl / 227 hp
Avoid (1.6)
94 complaints 12.3 per year Gasoline
2 fire reports 1 fatality
View details

Complaint Breakdown

body
43
other
16
electrical
13
wheels tires
10
brakes
6

Known Issues

Body/Trim Issues (43 complaints)
Electrical System Issues (13 complaints)
Wheels/Tires Issues (10 complaints)

Also found in

VOLVO C70 (2006-2013)VOLVO C30 (2008-2013)VOLVO S40 (2005-2011)SATURN Ion (2003-2007)

Vehicle-Level Issues

These issues affect the Volvo C70 regardless of engine variant.

Body/Trim Issues (43 complaints)
body serious
Electrical System Issues (13 complaints)
electrical critical
Wheels/Tires Issues (10 complaints)
wheels_tires critical

Recalls (5)

11V508000Oct 17, 2011serious
Equipment

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.

10V566000Aug 10, 2010serious
Equipment

VOLVO IS RECALLING CERTAIN VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH GARMIN 760 PORTABLE GLOBAL POSITIONING SYSTEM (GPS) UNITS BECAUSE THE BATTERIES ON THOSE UNITS MAY OVERHEAT.

08V329000Jul 22, 2008serious
Steering

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.

08V101000May 2, 2008serious
Service Brakes

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. IF AFFECTED, THE DRIVER MAY EXPERIENCE REDUCED BRAKE PERFORMANCE WHEN APPLYING AND MAINTAINING FORCE OF THE BRAKE PEDAL.

07V218000May 22, 2007serious
Latches/Locks/Linkages

ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, AN INCORRECT TEMPORARY ASSEMBLY INSTRUCTION RESULTED IN AN INCORRECT ASSEMBLY OF THE LEFT DOOR HANDLE BOWDEN CABLE ATTACHMENT.

Alternatives in Compact Sedan

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most common 2006-2013 Volvo C70 problems?

The 2006-2013 Volvo C70 has accumulated 108 NHTSA complaints. The most frequently reported problem areas are Body/Trim, Electrical System, Wheels/Tires. As with any used vehicle, a pre-purchase inspection and vehicle history report are recommended.

Which Volvo C70 engine is most reliable?

The 2006-2013 Volvo C70 was offered with 2 engine options. Based on NHTSA complaint data, the 2.5L 5-cyl has the lowest complaint density and is considered the most reliable choice for buyers.

Is the 2006-2013 Volvo C70 a good used car?

The 2006-2013 Volvo C70 can be a solid used car purchase depending on trim, mileage, and maintenance history. With 108 total NHTSA complaints on record, prospective buyers should review the known problem areas and check for open recalls before buying.

How many NHTSA complaints does the 2006-2013 Volvo C70 have?

The 2006-2013 Volvo C70 has 108 complaints filed with NHTSA as of our latest data pull. Complaint counts reflect owner-reported issues and do not necessarily indicate defects or safety risks on their own.

What recalls affect the 2006-2013 Volvo C70?

There are 5 NHTSA recalls affecting some 2006-2013 Volvo C70 vehicles. Recall status varies by VIN — check the NHTSA recall database at recalls.nhtsa.dot.gov with your specific VIN to confirm which campaigns apply.

What should I check before buying a used Volvo C70?

Before buying a used Volvo C70, verify all open recalls are completed via the NHTSA VIN lookup tool. Pay particular attention to Body/Trim, Electrical System, Wheels/Tires, which are the most commonly reported problem areas. Request maintenance records, have an independent mechanic inspect the vehicle, and run a vehicle history report to check for prior accidents or title issues.

Data from NHTSA federal complaints database. 108 complaints analyzed. Data confidence: high. Last updated: 2026-04-06.

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