2012 Volvo C70 Problems
- Complaints
- 23filed with NHTSA
- Median mileage
- 60,950miles, 10 complaints with mileage
- Recalls
- 1campaigns on record
- Trend
- FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
- NHTSA crash rating
- —no overall rating published
- EPA fuel economy
- 21 mpgcombined, 2.5L 5-cyl FWD · 18 city / 28 hwy
Sources: NHTSA records for the 2012 Volvo C70 (complaints, recalls, investigations), EPA fuel economy. Report an error
NHTSA recorded 23 consumer complaints for the 2012 Volvo C70. The part named most often is other or unknown, with 11 complaints (48% of the total), followed by body and structure (8) and suspension (2). 10 of the complaints include a mileage, and 30% of those were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the median is 60,950 miles. NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign and 184 technical service bulletins for this model year. Other or unknown complaints overlap with 13 technical service bulletins filed under the same part. Body and structure complaints overlap with 4 technical service bulletins filed under the same part.
This model year has fewer than 25 complaints on record, so the numbers below can change a lot with a few new reports.
Which parts are reported most
Complaints can name more than one part, so the counts add up to more than the total. Select a part to see its complaints, recalls and bulletins.
- Other or unknown11 48%
- Body and structure8 35%
- Suspension2 8.7%
- Wheels2 8.7%
- Brakes1 4.3%
- Electrical system1 4.3%
- Seat belts1 4.3%
Example complaints
Other or unknown: “We sometimes have difficulty when opening and closing the driver's door. Also, on several occasions when driving a warning light came on indicating the doors were ajar. We were on a highway when it happened. It seems to be related to an issue with the door latch. We were told by the dealer that there was a door latch recall on other Volvo vehicles, but not the C70.”
NHTSA complaint #11341209, filed 2020-07, 52,000 milesBody and structure: “While on highway at highway speed, the driver door moved outward as if it was opening. The open door warning light flashed on the dash. Makes you feel like you're about to fall out of the car. Had to stop and close the door again. Would hate to have this happen while cornering.”
NHTSA complaint #11327908, filed 2020-06, 140,000 milesSuspension: “This 2012 Volvo C70 was driven from cohasset, ma to chicago il in late september 2014. It was driven with the top down for a period of 400 miles. The car did have brand new michelin pilot sport tires on the front and rear tires, the rear tires had over 7/10ths wear on them. Upon reaching chicago an odd noise was noticed in the car like a failing rear hub. Upon taking the car to the dealer the fields Volvo service adviser noticed there was feathering of the rear tires which was due to the excessive negative camber with the top down (incorrect oem suspension setting from Volvo). …”
NHTSA complaint #10658558, filed 2014-11, 30,900 milesTransmission and drivetrain: “Make: Volvo car model : c30, s40, v50 and C70 recall defect description: 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. Volvo recall action: replace clutch master cylinder with a new metal push rod in-place of the plastic one. …”
NHTSA complaint #11255323, filed 2019-09, 90,500 milesMileage when problems were reported
30% of the 10 complaints with a mileage were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the middle half falls between 45,000 and 82,600 miles.
Complaints by year filed
Trend: falling. Complaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
Fuel economy and running cost
EPA ratings for each 2012 Volvo C70 version. Annual fuel cost is the EPA's estimate at its current fuel prices for 15,000 miles a year (55% city driving).
| Version | Engine | Transmission | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| C70 FWD | 2.5L 5-cyl | 5-speed automatic | 18 | 28 | 21 | $3,200 |
Source: U.S. EPA and Department of Energy, fueleconomy.gov. Ratings are for comparing vehicles; real-world mileage varies with driving and conditions.
Recalls and investigations
- 11V508000Oct 18, 2011Equipment › Other › LabelsCovers: Volvo C70 2006–2012, S60 2011–2012
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…
Recall details for the 2012 Volvo C70 → · Check a VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls
Technical service bulletins
TSBs are manufacturer notes to dealers about known repair procedures. They are not recalls and do not by themselves mean a vehicle has a fault. 184 on record; the latest 10 are shown.
- 11032671Apr 7, 2026Other or unknown. 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…
- 11027173Dec 6, 2025Other or unknown. This is a Technical Journal. Vehicle type and platform identification.
- 11020437Apr 10, 2025Exterior 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…
- 11016002Feb 21, 2025Other or unknown. 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…
- 11015994Feb 13, 2025Other or unknown. 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…
- 11014113Jan 16, 2025Other or unknown. This is a Technical Journal: Vehicle/Connectivity report checklist. To provide timely and high-quality feedback to the appropriate department or factory
- 11014112Jan 16, 2025Exterior 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…
- 11007925Aug 14, 2024Electrical system. Information about valid Software partnumbers to order and download Software for "PDS" Pre-Delivery Service
- 10249191Jan 12, 2024Electrical system. This is a Technical Journal: 12V Battery Testing Method
- 10241661Jul 21, 2023Electronic stability control, Other or unknown. Complimentary upgrade c00009 description.
Other model years of the Volvo C70
| Year | Complaints | Median mi | Recalls | Crash ★ | MPG | Score (50 = typical) | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2013 | 11 | 75,830 | 0 | — | 22 | — | Not enough data |
| 2012 | 23 | 60,950 | 1 | — | 21 | — | Falling |
| 2011 | 13 | 63,000 | 1 | — | 23 | — | Not enough data |
| 2009 | 10 | 50,000 | 3 | — | 21 | — | Not enough data |
| 2008 | 22 | 46,000 | 3 | — | 21 | — | Falling |
| 2007 | 17 | 63,000 | 4 | — | 21 | — | Falling |
| 2006 | 9 | 30,797 | 2 | — | 21 | — | Not enough data |
| 2004 | 15 | 73,500 | 0 | — | 19 | — | Stable |
| 2002 | 5 | 63,500 | 1 | — | 21 | — | Not enough data |
| 2001 | 7 | 62,227 | 2 | — | 21 | — | Not enough data |
| 2000 | 26 | 71,000 | 3 | — | 20 | Not compared (before 2008) | Rising |
| 1999 | 23 | 60,000 | 3 | — | 20 | — | Stable |
| 1998 | 7 | 83,600 | 4 | — | 19 | — | Not enough data |
Frequently asked questions
How many NHTSA complaints does the 2012 Volvo C70 have?
NHTSA recorded 23 consumer complaints for the 2012 Volvo C70 as of Oct 27, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
What part of the 2012 Volvo C70 is reported most often?
Other or unknown is named most often, in 11 complaints (48% of the total), followed by body and structure with 8.
Has the 2012 Volvo C70 been recalled?
NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign for this model year. To check a specific vehicle, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What gas mileage does the 2012 Volvo C70 get?
The EPA rates the 2012 Volvo C70 (C70 FWD, 2.5L 5-cyl) at 21 mpg combined, 18 city and 28 highway, with an estimated annual fuel cost of $3,200 at 15,000 miles a year. Other engine and drive versions are rated differently.
At what mileage are problems with the 2012 Volvo C70 reported?
Among the 10 complaints that include a mileage, the median is 60,950 miles and the middle half falls between 45,000 and 82,600 miles; 30% were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles.
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 27, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate. Fuel economy is from the EPA and DOE (fueleconomy.gov).
Complaint counts come from NHTSA’s public complaint database; we count each complaint once. The source records for this vehicle are on nhtsa.gov. Scores and trends are our own summaries of that data, described in the methodology. This page is not legal, safety or repair advice: for a specific vehicle, check its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls and ask a qualified mechanic. See an error? Tell us.