RoadVitals

2009 Volvo C70

Recalls, owner-reported complaints, investigations and safety data

Data refreshed

Owner complaintsComplaints are reports submitted to NHTSA by owners and drivers. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a complaint does not establish that a defect exists. Volume is influenced by how many of a vehicle were sold, how long it has been on the road, and how much attention an issue has received.
10
Latest May 17, 2024
Safety recallsA safety recall is issued when a manufacturer or NHTSA determines that a vehicle has a safety-related defect or does not comply with a federal motor vehicle safety standard. Recall repairs are free. Whether a specific vehicle is covered depends on its VIN — a recall listed for a model year does not necessarily apply to every vehicle of that year.
3
Latest Oct 18, 2011
InvestigationsNHTSA opens an investigation to examine whether a safety defect may exist. An open investigation is not a determination that a defect exists, and many investigations close without a recall. Investigations can, however, lead to one.
0
Crash or fire reportedComplaints whose submitter recorded that a crash or a fire occurred. These are the reporter's own answers on the NHTSA form, not verified findings.
0

Overview

Our database contains 10 NHTSA owner-reported complaints for the 2009 Volvo C70, most frequently naming the body & structure, driver assistance and electrical categories. 3 safety recalls have been issued covering this model year; and 180 manufacturer communications are on file.

Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.

What owners report

Complaints grouped by the component NHTSA recorded

  • Body & structure436.4%
  • Driver assistance19.1%
  • Electrical19.1%
  • Engine19.1%
  • Fuel system19.1%
  • Interior & seats19.1%
  • Powertrain (other)19.1%
  • Tires & wheels19.1%

Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.

Safety recalls

3 campaigns cover this model year

Recalls apply to specific vehicles, not to every vehicle of a model year. Check your VIN with NHTSA or your manufacturer's dealer to confirm whether a recall affects your vehicle.

Check a VIN on NHTSA.gov
11V508000

EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS

Oct 18, 2011
20,611 units potentially affected
The defect: 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.
The risk: A MISPRINTED LABEL COULD LEAD TO IMPROPER TIRE INFLATION WHICH COULD RESULT IN A TIRE FAILURE, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
The 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.
VOLVO CARS OF N.A. LLC.Manufacturer number R247View on NHTSA.gov
10V566000

EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:NAVIGATIONAL SYSTEM(GLOBAL POSITIONING SYSTEM)

Nov 8, 2010
416 units potentially affected
The defect: VOLVO IS RECALLING CERTAIN VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH GARMIN 760 PORTABLE GLOBAL POSITIONING SYSTEM (GPS) UNITS BECAUSE THE BATTERIES ON THOSE UNITS MAY OVERHEAT.
The risk: AN OVERHEATED BATTERY COULD LEAD TO A FIRE.
The remedy: VOLVO ADVISES OWNERS TO PLEASE STOP USING THE GARMIN PORTABLE GPS DEVICE IMMEDIATELY, AND VISIT THE GARMIN WEBSITE TO DETERMINE IF THEIR UNIT IS AFFECTED. THE UNIT'S BATTERY WILL BE REPLACED WITH A NEW BATTERY AND A SPACER WILL BE INSERTED ON TOP OF THE BATTERY NEXT TO THE PCB. THIS SERVICE WILL BE PERFORMED FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON NOVEMBER 18, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT GARMIN AT 866-957-1981 OR VISIT GARMIN'S WEBSITE AT WWW.GARMIN.COM/NUVIBATTERYPCBRECALL.
VOLVO CARS OF N.A. LLC.Manufacturer number R231View on NHTSA.gov
08V329000

STEERING:HYDRAULIC POWER ASSIST:HOSE, PIPING, AND CONNECTIONS

Jul 23, 2008
1,020 units potentially affected
The defect: 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.
The risk: THIS CAN RESULT IN A RAPID DRAINAGE OF THE POWER STEERING FLUID IN THE SYSTEM AND A COMPLETE LOSS OF POWER ASSISTANCE, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
The remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND REPLACE THE STEERING RETURN LINE HOSE ASSEMBLY FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON AUGUST 13, 2008. OWNERS MAY CONTACT VOLVO AT 1-800-458-1552.
VOLVO CARS OF N.A. LLC.Manufacturer number 201View on NHTSA.gov

Recent owner complaints

Reports submitted to NHTSA, shown in the owner's own words

View all 10
Body & structure
Filed May 17, 2024

Door actuator fault while driving, door opens slightly ajar while driving. Frequently happens while driving on highway with top up or down. Requires driver to hold door from swinging open around turns until there is a stop that allows driver to open and shut door again.

NHTSA ID
11589256
Incident
May 16, 2024
Body & structure
Filed May 30, 2023

While driving with the top up or down on the highway the doors will intermittently unlock and the security light come on because the door is ajar. This has been going on since I purchacesed the car 2 yrs ago. Now 5/29/23 while driving on the highway the drivers door opened while driving 70 miles an hour. This is a daily occurrence and it happens multiple times daily. This is a dangerous and scary malfunction.

NHTSA ID
11524447
Incident
May 29, 2023
Body & structure
Filed Aug 29, 2021

I am having an issue where the driver side door randomly unlocks and opens while driving. This has happened daily multiple times a day. upwards of at least 5 to 10 incidents daily. Now my passenger door is alerting my it is opened. this is a very risky. This is a faulty issue I am seeing in forums about the 2009 C70 Volvo. please let me know this will be taken care of.

NHTSA ID
11430926
Incident
Jul 29, 2021
Engine
Filed May 7, 2021

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 VOLVO C70. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 60 MPH, THE VEHICLE LOSS MOTIVE POWER AND STALLED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE TIMING BELT TENSIONER HAD FAILED. DURING THE FAILURE, THE VALVES WERE BENT. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT YET REPAIRED. THE LOCAL DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 88,000.

NHTSA ID
11415517
Incident
May 2, 2021
Mileage
88,000 mi
Body & structure
Filed Sep 8, 2016

THE PASSENGER SIDE DOOR HAS OPENED WHILE DRIVING ON OVER 12 OCCASIONS UNDER VARYING SPEED AND ROAD CONDITIONS. SEVERAL HAVE BEEN AT 65 MPH DURING HIGHWAY OPERATION, AND AT LESS THAN 30 MPH RURAL ROADWAYS. THE ROOF HAS BEEN BOTH UP AND DOWN, AND THE DOORS HAVE BEEN LOCKED AND UNLOCKED. THE INTERIOR LIGHTS SUDDENLY COME ON AND THE PASSENGER DOOR OPEN WARNING LIGHT IS ILLUMINATED. I HAVE HAD TO PULL OVER AND SHUT THE DOOR EACH TIME. IF I WASN'T ANY EXPERIENCED DRIVER I SHUDDER TO THINK WHAT MIGHT HAVE HAPPENED.

NHTSA ID
10904740
Incident
Aug 31, 2016
Mileage
70,000 mi
Filed Jul 10, 2016

APPARENTLY IT IS A KNOWN ISSUE THAT THE HEADLINERS IN EXTREME HEAT BECOME LOSE FROM THE BRACKETS THAT HOLD IT IN PLACE. RECENTLY, MY HEADLINER FAILED AS I WAS DRIVING CAUSING ME TO ALMOST HAVE AN ACCIDENT. THIS IS NOT SAFE.

NHTSA ID
10883831
Incident
Jun 25, 2016
Mileage
50,000 mi
Powertrain (other)
Filed Oct 26, 2014

I BROUGHT MY 2009 VOLVO C70 TO THE DEALER FOR REGULAR MAINTENANCE. THE DEALER TOLD ME THAT MY TRANSMISSION NEEDED A SOFTWARE UPDATE WHICH WILL COST $450. IF THE TRANSMISSION WILL NOT OPERATE PROPERLY WITHOUT ITS SOFTWARE BEING UPDATED, THIS SOUNDS MORE LIKE A MANUFACTURER RECALL ISSUE THAN SOMETHING THAT SHOULD BE PASSED ONTO THE CUSTOMER. *TR

NHTSA ID
10650110
Incident
Oct 1, 2014
Mileage
35,000 mi
Tires & wheels
Filed Sep 7, 2012

DASHBOARD INDICATOR THAT TIRE PRESSURE MONITOR SYSTEM (TPMS) REQUIRES MAINTENANCE ILLUMINATES. DEALER CHECK OF CONTROL MODULE AND INDIVIDUAL TIRE SENSORS DOES NOT IDENTIFY A SPECIFIC PROBLEM BUT LIGHT APPEARS AFTER THE CAR HAS BEEN DRIVEN FOR SHORT AMOUNT OF TIME. DEALER HAS REPLACED RXX CONTROL MODULE AFTER CONSULTING WITH VOLVO BUT PROBLEM CONTINUES TO OCCUR. THIS PROBLEM APPEARS SIMILAR TO NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID #10V335000 (CORRESPONDS TO VOLVO SAFETY RECALL NO. R228) FOR MODEL YEAR 2007-2010 VOLVO S80S. PROBLEM HAS OCCURRED ON INTERMITTENT BASIS FOR ALMOST A YEAR PRIOR TO DATE ABOVE WHERE TPMS MAINTENANCE REQUIRED LIGHT ILLUMINATES REGULARLY. *TR

NHTSA ID
10474224
Incident
Aug 4, 2012
Mileage
55,200 mi

Manufacturer communications

A bulletin sent by a manufacturer to its dealers. Not a recall, and repairs are not necessarily free.

37809.1.1

This is a TJ text only - The purpose of this TJ is to be a master reference list to easily identify any components that are on prior approval. This TJ will be regularily updated as items are added or removed from prior approval.
 Current items under prior approval are listed in the "Service" section

19245

This is a Technical Journal. Vehicle type and platform identification.

8501

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

This is a Technical Journal: Remote connection, BOMGAR application. Before joining a remote session:
 •Connect a suitable battery maintainer/charger and verify that the battery voltage indicated in VIDA is between 12.5V and 14.9V.
 •Connect to the vehicle over a wired connection using a VOE (Volvo OBD to Ethernet) adapter and perform a NEW vehicle readout.

S10303

Volvo Cars USA LLC and Volvo Car Canada LTD on behalf of the Volvo Car Corporation has decided to launch Service Action S10303 on certain model year 2025 EX90 vehicles.
 Volvo Car Investigations have identified that there is a pairing issue with the key fob.
 As a result, there is a possibility that the customer’s key fob is not paired to the vehicle.
 The corrective action is to download SP Software.
 S10303 affects 151 vehicles in the U.S and 5 in Canada.

S10303

Volvo Cars USA LLC and Volvo Car Canada LTD on behalf of the Volvo Car Corporation has decided to launch Service Action S10303 on certain model year 2025 EX90 vehicles.
 Volvo Car Investigations have identified that there is a pairing issue with the key fob.
 As a result, there is a possibility that the customer’s key fob is not paired to the vehicle.
 The corrective action is to download SP Software.
 S10303 affects 151 vehicles in the U.S and 5 in Canada.

8501

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

This is a Technical Journal: Remote connection, BOMGAR application. Before joining a remote session:
 •Connect a suitable battery maintainer/charger and verify that the battery voltage indicated in VIDA is between 12.5V and 14.9V.
 •Connect to the vehicle over a wired connection using a VOE (Volvo OBD to Ethernet) adapter and perform a NEW vehicle readout.

Manufacturers file copies of the bulletins they send to dealers with NHTSA. These often describe diagnostic or repair procedures for a known condition. They are not recalls: repairs described in a bulletin are usually only free if the vehicle is still under warranty or the manufacturer has extended coverage.

Compare model years

Complaint and recall counts across every year of this model

Volvo C70 by model year
YearComplaintsRecallsInvestigationsIssue Index
2014000—
2013110027.4
2012231040.6
2011121037.6
2010420—
2009Viewing103039.1
2008223061.3
2007174040.6
2006920—
2005000—
2004150036.8
2003400—
2002511—
2001732—
2000264359.3
1999233351.8
1998741—
1997000—
1996000—
1995000—
1994000—
1993000—
1992000—

Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers. Older model years have had longer for reports to accumulate.