Volvo C70 reliability
The Volvo C70 fails its MOT about as often as most cars over 10 years old: 40.5% of 8,539 tests failed in 2023, against 39.7% on average.
13 DVSA recalls for the Volvo C70
Most cover a batch of cars built in a set period, and dealers fix them free. Sweep’s check shows the recalls for a car’s age and whether the DVSA has one outstanding.
Fluid may leak into wiring harness which may cause fire
A number of Volvo C30S40V50 and C70 may experience a problem with washer fluid leaking inside the washer pump unit through the wires into the central control electronic module. This can impact on a number of different features of the vehicle but in the worst case it may lead to a fire.
Fix: The solution is to replace and then modify the wiring harness for the washer fluid pump. In addition to this the washer pump connector will be inspected for any signs of corrosion and the washer pump will be replaced if necessary
Recalled models: C70 · 53,203 vehicles
Clutch pedal mechanism may fail
The rod connecting the clutch master cylinder and the clutch pedal may break. It may not be possible to disengage the clutch. In worst cases this may happen suddenly with no warning to the driver. If this happens bring the car to a safe stop using the engine and switch off the ignition.
Fix: Replace clutch master cylinder with a new metal push rod in-place of the plastic one.
Recalled models: C70 · 35,587 vehicles
Gearbox may jam
A section of the gear shift mechanism may over time become loose and cause the mechanism to become jammed. If this was to occur it might not be possible to change gear or select neutral.
Fix: Recall the vehicles that are likely to be affected to check that the ball joint for the gear selector is properly secured.
Recalled models: C70 · 6,961 vehicles
Engine speed may not decrease
The engine oil level may rise. This situation may lead to the engine speed being maintained or possibly increased after the throttle pedal is released. In an extreme situation the engine may continue to run after it has been switched off.
Fix: Recall the affected vehicles and carry out a ECM software upgrade adjust engine oil level and install a decal to confirm oil level to the consumer.
Recalled models: C70 · 20,204 vehicles
Gearbox may not engage or shift gears as intended
It has been identified that due to internal leakage the gearbox hydraulic control module may not be able to engage or shift gears as intended.
Fix: Recalled vehicles will have the gearbox replaced.
Recalled models: C70 · 42 vehicles
Brakes may not perform adequately
Brake assistance from the vacuum pressure pump may be reduced under certain cold start conditions. The brakes will still function but more pressure on the pedal will be required than normal.
Fix: Recall the vehicles that are likely to be affected to replace the non-return valve in the vacuum pump.
Recalled models: C70 · 2,004 vehicles
Power steering pipe may leak.
It has been established that the material in the power steering return line hose has not been manufactured to specification.
Fix: Recalled vehicles will have the hose inspected and replaced as necessary.
Recalled models: C70 · 3 vehicles
Reduced braking performance
It has been identified that internal leakage of the brake master cylinder could occur. Should this be the case the driver may experience reduced braking performance whilst applying and maintaining force on the brake pedal.
Fix: Recalled vehicles will have the brake master cylinder inspected and possibly replaced. At the same time the brake fluid reservoir will be checked and the affected pipes cleansed.
Recalled models: C70 · 2 vehicles
Left door handle may not perform in a collision
The left hand door handle cable might have been incorrectly assembled. This may allow the door to become unlatched in certain side collision scenarios
Fix: Recall the vehicles that are likely to be affected to adjust the door handle cables.
Recalled models: C70 · 1,111 vehicles
Weight information label has been supplied with incorrect information
On subject vehicles it has been identified that the wrong information has been given on the product label in respect of the maximum permitted front axle weight.
Fix: Recalled vehicles will have the label (which is a legal requirement) replaced.
Recalled models: C70 · 181 vehicles
Side impact protection system concern
Transposed wiring in the side impact protection system (SIPS) may result in deployment of the air bag opposite to the side of an impact.
Fix: Check the electrical wiring connections of the SIPS installation and correct any which are found to be transposed.
Recalled models: C70 · 2,511 vehicles
Passenger side air bag may inadvertently deploy
Possibility that passenger side air bag may be sensitive to electrostatic discharge and may inadvertently deploy.
Fix: Recall affected vehicles and fit an additional grounding wire to electrical system.
Recalled models: C70 · 240 vehicles
Headlamps may fail to operate
The master lighting switch on the instrument panel may cease functioning. In such cases the headlamps may fail to operate.
Fix: Recall affected vehicles and replace switch with quality assured unit.
Recalled models: C70 · 198 vehicles
Checking a Volvo C70 before you buy
Look at the parts above at the viewing, and read the car’s own MOT history: advisories for the same parts suggest the problem is already starting. Sweep’s free check shows every MOT, advisory and mileage reading for a registration.