2003 Volvo C70 recalls & problems
The 2003 Volvo C70 has no safety recalls on file with NHTSA, and 4 owner complaints. The most-reported problem area is electrical system (3 complaints).
Safety recalls
No safety recalls have been filed for the 2003 Volvo C70.
Recall repairs are free at any authorised dealer. A recall listed here may already have been fixed on a particular car: enter its 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see open recalls.
Crash test ratings
2003 Volvo C70 2-DR. w/SAB
| Overall | Not Rated |
|---|---|
| Frontal crash | Not Rated |
| Side crash | Not Rated |
| Rollover | Not Rated |
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings (New Car Assessment Program). Ratings are comparable only between vehicles of similar size and weight, and ratings from 2011 on use tougher tests than earlier years. Photos: NHTSA.
Fuel economy
C70 Convertible
| City / highway | 18 / 24 mpg |
|---|---|
| Fuel | Premium Gasoline |
2.3 L · 5 cyl · Automatic 5-spd · Front-Wheel Drive · about $4,100/year to fuel
C70 Convertible
| City / highway | 17 / 24 mpg |
|---|---|
| Fuel | Premium Gasoline |
2.3 L · 5 cyl · Manual 5-spd · Front-Wheel Drive · about $4,100/year to fuel
C70 Convertible
| City / highway | 17 / 24 mpg |
|---|---|
| Fuel | Premium Gasoline |
2.4 L · 5 cyl · Automatic 5-spd · Front-Wheel Drive · about $4,100/year to fuel
EPA estimates from fueleconomy.gov for each engine and transmission sold. Annual cost is the EPA's estimate for 15,000 miles a year at its current fuel and electricity price assumptions. Your results will vary.
What owners report
| Problem area | Complaints | Typical mileage* |
|---|---|---|
| Electrical system | 3 | 75,426 mi |
| Power train Automatic transmission | 2 | — |
| Engine and engine cooling Cooling system | 1 | — |
| Interior lighting | 1 | — |
| Steering | 1 | — |
| Engine | 1 | — |
*Median odometer reading when the problem happened, where owners gave one. One complaint can name several problem areas.
Recent owner complaints
- Jan 10, 2018 · 90,000 milesElectrical system
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 VOLVO C70. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE EXPERIENCED INTERMITTENT FAILURES WHILE STARTING AND DRIVING THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT IN WARMER WEATHER, THE GEAR SHIFTER FAILED TO SHIFT AS DESIGNED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO LEIKIN MOTOR COMPANIES (38750 MENTOR AVE #1, WILLOUGHBY, OH 44094), TO BE DIAGNOSED. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE TRANSMISSION AND IGNITION NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 90,000. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. - Aug 29, 2012 · 75,426 milesElectrical system
THE KEY WON'T TURN FOR THE IGNITION. THIS IS A KNOWN PROBLEM WITH THE DEALERSHIP BUT VOLVO WON'T RECOGNIZE THE PROBLEM. THE COST TO FIX THIS AT THE DEALERSHIP IS APPROX 800 DOLLARS. MY FEAR IS THAT THIS PROBLEM WILL LEAVE U STRANDED AND MORE IMPORTANTLY I FEAR THIS WILL PROGRESS AND LOCK THE STEERING WHEEL WHILE YOU ARE DRIVING. *TR - Jun 1, 2009 · 75,000 milesInterior lighting
2003 C70 CONV. CAR BATTERY GOES DEAD MULTIPLE TIMES. CHANGED BATTERY AND IT CONTINUES TO HAPPEN. DETAILED CHECK DISCOVERED A SHORT IN THE PASSENGER SUN VISOR. PLASTIC PIVOT SHAFT HAS TORQUED OFF AND CAUSED A SHORT IN THE WIRES EMBEDDED IN THE SHAFT THAT POWER THE VISOR LIGHT. REPLACEMENT SUN VISOR COSTS AROUND $200 AND THE WEAK SHAFT IS THE SAME, SO FAILURE WILL MOST LIKELY HAPPEN AGAIN. SHAFT NEEDS TO BE REDESIGNED TO ALLOW FOR GREATER TORQUE WHEN LOWERING THE SUN VISOR. REMOVAL OF THE BULB IN THE AFFECTED VISOR ELIMINATED THE BATTERY DRAIN. POTENTIAL FIRE HAZARD. *TR - Feb 17, 2009 · 92,000 milesPower train › Automatic transmission
TRANSMISSION/RADIATOR FAILURE. COOLANTS MIXING WITH EACH OTHER AND CAUSING TRANSMISSION TO SLIP IN AND OUT OF GEAR AT LOWER SPEEDS. DEALER SAYS $5000.00 TO REPAIR/REPLACE BOTH TRANNY AND RADIATOR. I HAD TAKEN MY 2003 VOLVO C-70 CONVERTIBLE IN 6 MONTHS PRIOR COMPLAINING OF A LOW WHIRRING NOISE WHICH THEY COULD NOT DETECT OR WOULD NOT DETECT. I ASKED ABOUT WARRANTY/OR SECRET WARRANTY AND THEY SAID THERE WERE NONE AND THAT VOLVO WOULDN'T PAY FOR REPAIR, THEY ALSO STATED THAT THIS HAS BEEN HAPPENING QUITE A BIT. CONSUMERS ARE FOOTING THE BILL FOR THIS MANUFACTURE DEFECT. *TR
Owner complaints are submitted to NHTSA by the public and are not verified. Shown as filed (NHTSA removes personal details); long reports are shortened.