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Vehicle safety record

2011 Volvo C70 Problems, complaints & recalls

Owners have filed 14 complaints about the 2011 Volvo C70 with NHTSA, most often about the body, doors & structure (6) and the electrical system (4). Those complaints describe 2 crashes and 2 deaths. It is covered by 1 recall, the latest in October 2011 for the labels. For comparison, the 2010 has 4 and the 2012 has 23.

NHTSA data checked

FFar more problems than a typical C70 year, for its age

#192 most complained-about 2011 vehicle

Complaints
14
Recalls
1
Crashes
2
Fires
0
Injuries
0
Deaths
2

Most common 2011 Volvo C70 problems

Share of all 14 complaints. One complaint can name more than one area. Tap an area for its complaints and recalls.

2011 Volvo C70 recalls 1

Recall repairs are free. Your dealer fixes them whether or not you bought the car there - check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see if yours is done. What to do

Equipment: labels

11V50800020,611 vehicles affected

The problem
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 fix
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.

What owners say

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14 complaints about the 2011 Volvo C70

Newest first, as filed with NHTSA by owners.

Electrical systemAirbagsCrash1 death

On [redacted], my son was driving a 2011 Volvo C70 T5 convertible involved in a fatal crash on [redacted] in [[redacted]]. The crash involved substantial passenger-side damage and rollover. The rollover protection bars deployed, but the driver's frontal airbag did not deploy. Post-crash photographs show damage and tearing to deployed passenger-side airbags. I am reporting a suspected airbag/restraint-system malfunction and possible inadequate warning. I had not observed an airbag warning light before the crash....

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Whether a fault existed before impact, whether it should have triggered a warning, and which airbags should have deployed remain UNKNOWN. The vehicle and supplemental restraint system module were inspected on [redacted]. Volvo subsequently obtained the module and downloaded data using proprietary Merkur software. I have received crash reports, fault-memory information, and spreadsheets, but have not received the original native download file needed for independent analysis. The module was returned to me in [redacted] and is available for inspection. The precise cause of the suspected malfunction has not been independently confirmed. I request NHTSA review of airbag deployment, sensor and wiring faults, diagnostic warning operation, and the integrity of the downloaded module data. Photographs, inspection records, and produced data are available upon request.For the incident date, enter [redacted]. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed Incident Electrical system · Air bags · Unknown or otherNHTSA 11770021
Body, doors & structure

Both cabin doors (initially only the passenger door) will pop half-open from a closed position while driving, particularly with the windows and/or roof down. This occurs seemingly at random and regardless of lock position or firmness of door closing. The effect is a startling noise as the door opens slightly, the window retracts, and the cabin lights and door warning alarm engage. This can pose a hazard to safe driving. Neither door has as-of-yet come fully unlatched, remaining instead in a half-latched position...

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until the driver can pull over and close the door fully once more. Lubrication of the latches by a mechanic did not alleviate the issue, and a cursory browsing of Volvo forums suggests that this is a common issue for which no recall or service bulletin has been issued.

Filed Incident Latches / locks / linkagesNHTSA 11653009
AirbagsCrash1 death

The contact owns a 2011 Volvo C70. The contact stated that while her son was driving at an unknown rate of speed on the highway, he veered off the road, hit a road sign, and crashed into a bridge wall. The contact's son was pronounced dead on the scene. A police report was filed which documented that only the passenger side air bag had deployed upon impact. The contact's son passed away as a result of hitting his head on both the driver side door and the steering wheel. The road sign was also damaged as a result...

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of the accident. The vehicle was towed to an independent tow yard after the accident. The dealer nor the manufacturer had yet to be notified of the failure. The vehicle had yet to be repaired and remained in the possession of the independent mechanic. The failure mileage was unknown.

Filed Incident Air bagsNHTSA 11549739
Body, doors & structure

The passenger door unlatches after hitting mild bumps in the road. The door does not fully open due to the secondary safety latch but it still represents a dangerous condition especially if a person is sitting in the passenger seat.

Filed Incident StructureNHTSA 11505427
Electrical system

The contact owns a 2011 Volvo C70. The contact stated while driving 70 mph, the driver's side door ajar warning light was illuminated. The contact opened and closed the driver's side door multiple times however, the warning light remained illuminated. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 70,241

Filed Incident Electrical systemNHTSA 11418394
Body, doors & structure

DOOR OPENS WHILE DRIVING

Filed Incident StructureNHTSA 11352286
Body, doors & structure

While driving on the interstate, the passenger side door popped open. The convertible top was down when this happened. We were driving about 65mph when this happened. Car has never been in any accidents. *Tr

Filed Incident StructureNHTSA 11328623
Airbags

Warning light is on for air bags srs airbag service urgent. *Tr

Filed Incident Air bagsNHTSA 11324721
Transmission & drivetrainElectrical systemEngine & cooling

Tl* the contact owns a 2011 volvo c70. While driving various speeds, the vehicle stalled without warning and the oil indicator illuminated. The contact stated that the failure occurred numerous times between february of 2011 and september of 2018. During the first failure, the throttle body and intake manifold failed and the failure recurred in september of 2014. Dyer & dyer volvo cars (5260 peachtree blvd, chamblee, georgia 30341, (770) 452-0077) stated that the vehicle was under warranty and provided a [rdar]...

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upgrade. In june of 2016, the vehicle stalled while driving 50 mph. North point volvo (1570 mansell rd, alpharetta, georgia 30009, (678) 365-0644) replaced the central electric module. In october of 2017, the contact stated that the electronic control module was replaced by north point volvo; however, the failure recurred in april of 2018. The vehicle was towed to volvo of columbus (1661 whittlesey rd, columbus, ga 31904, (706) 322-9927) and the battery was replaced. The contact also stated that the vehicle failed to start when prompted in september of 2018 and the sensor cable (rpm transmission cable) was replaced by north point volvo. The manufacturer was made aware of the failures. The failure mileage was 24,000.

Filed Incident Power train · Electrical system · EngineNHTSA 11139197
Body, doors & structure

This car is a convertible. When the top is down and I hit a bump, the driver door pops open, door ajar message appears, and dome lights come on. Like the previous driver complaint, I am forced to pull over to re-close the door. I reported this to the dealer back in 2012. We looked to see if there were any active recalls. None then and none currently. Since then, the door pops open 50% of the time when the top is down. The car has never had structural damage to it. The local auto body shop recommended...

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I post to this site. I agree with the previous post: "there are many examples of similar problems on the volvo forums" suggesting a systemic issue. Http://volvoforums.Com/forum/volvo-c70-14/c70-door-unlocks-opens-itself-while-driving-83545/ http://volvoforums.Com/forum/volvo-xc90-9/door-opens-while-driving-twice-66826/

Filed Incident Structure · Unknown or otherNHTSA 11002890
Brakes

Driving on a houston hwy 1960 west I experienced a complete brake failure and could only stop the car by repeated brake pumping as a steady pressure on the pedal had the pedal go to the floor. There was a just brake store very close so I took it there as I was still over 40 miles from a dealer or home. They checked the brake fluid and it was empty and in trying to add fluid we saw it running out the back wheel onto the ground. The right rear wheel, passenger side had a brake calliper leaking that drained the...

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system. With only 34,000 miles on the vehicle this appears to be a faulty part. The part replacement has fixed the problem. I am wondering if this is an ongoing problem and are the rest of these parts on my car and all other similar cars a potential serious accident hazard?

Filed Incident Service brakesNHTSA 10968747
Body, doors & structure

This car is a convertible, and when the top is down/open, and I am driving at speeds exceeding 25mph, both the driver and passenger door can spontaneously open. The doors do not fly open, but the "door open" warning light comes on, the interior lights come on, and the window drops slightly as it does when you open the door. Then, I am forced to pull over to re-close the doors. This happens whether or not the doors are locked, and I am confident they are fully secured before this happens. This happens more...

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often on the passenger side than the driver side, but it has happened on both sides. This was reported to volvo on 6/17/2016, and they indicated that there are no outstanding recalls for this issue. There are many examples of similar problems on the volvo forums, which suggests a systematic safety issue. E.G.: Http://volvoforums.Com/forum/volvo-c70-14/c70-door-unlocks-opens-itself-while-driving-83545/ http://volvoforums.Com/forum/volvo-xc90-9/door-opens-while-driving-twice-66826/

Filed Incident StructureNHTSA 10893556
Electrical systemDriver assistanceEngine & cooling

Sirius radio has exclusive and undisclosed rights to continuously update their software in your volvo vehicle whether the car is turned on or turned off. Because of a software/hardware problem in several sirius components installed in volvo vehicles, the update results in an endless loop which utilizes your battery and drains it to the point where the battery is damaged, can not be recharged and has to be replaced. This causes dangerous conditions and extreme inconvenience when upon returning to your vehicle you...

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find that the battery is dead/fully discharged and your car will not start. Both sirius and volvo are aware of this problem, yet neither has issued a recall or notified their owners and customers. Volvo and sirius radio are under an exclusive agreement to embed sirius receivers in all volvo vehicles whether the buyer and subsequent owners wish to have the sirius components. Volvo service shops will not remove the sirius components or otherwise deactivate it even if the owner wishes them to do so. This is a dangerous condition that has not been reported and disclosed to the nhtsa, yet volvo service shops are fully aware of this matter and will replace your sirius component and replace the battery when they are confronted. It took me 4 service visits to correct this issue.

Filed Incident Electrical system · Electronic stability control (ESC) · EngineNHTSA 10746224
Wheels & tires

Pirelli four seasons 235/40 r 18 tire failure (blowout) on 2011 volvo c70 purchased new from devoe volvo, 28470 tamiami trail south, bonita springs, fl 34134 on 03/13/2010. Incident occurred on us route 41 south in ft. Myers florida. Highway was dry and in good paved condition with no obstructions. Speed was 35 miles per hour. Mileage on automobile was 2,767. Tire failure (separation of sidewall) was approximately 30%. Failed tire is in possession of owner and available. *Tr

Filed Incident TiresNHTSA 10361636

Volvo C70: every year compared

YearComplaintsRecallsCrashesFiresTop problemGrade
201311000Body, doors & structureB
201223100Body, doors & structureD
201114120Body, doors & structureF
20104201Body, doors & structureB
200910300Body, doors & structureC
200822321Body, doors & structureD
200717400Body, doors & structureD
All C70 years

2011 Volvo C70 vs rivals

VehicleComplaintsRecallsCrashesGrade
2011 Volvo C701412F
2011 Volvo C301411DCompare
2011 Volvo S80541BCompare
2011 Volvo S40520ACompare
2011 Volvo S60562CCompare
2011 Volvo V50210ACompare

More sales usually means more complaints, so compare similar vehicles of the same year. The grade compares each vehicle with its own model's other years.

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Questions about the 2011 Volvo C70

Does the 2011 Volvo C70 have any recalls?

Yes - NHTSA lists 1 recall for the 2011 Volvo C70: labels (October 2011). Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer. Enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see whether yours has been fixed.

What are the most common problems with the 2011 Volvo C70?

By the complaints owners filed with NHTSA, the most common problem areas are the body, doors & structure (6), electrical system (4), airbags (3).

How many complaints has the 2011 Volvo C70 had?

14 complaints have been filed with NHTSA, the first on October 21, 2010 and the latest on October 9, 2026. Of these, 2 describe a crash and 0 a fire, and together they report 0 injuries and 2 deaths.

Is the 2011 Volvo C70 a reliable vehicle?

Its Safety Index is 24 out of 100 (grade F: far more problems than a typical Volvo C70 year, for its age). The index weighs complaints, crashes, fires, injuries, deaths and recalls against how long the vehicle has been on the road, compared with the same model's other years. It is not a measure of every repair - read the complaints and owner experiences, and have any used vehicle inspected before you buy.

Which Volvo C70 years have the most complaints?
What should I do if my 2011 Volvo C70 has a problem?

If it is a safety problem, stop driving it if it is unsafe and contact your dealer. Report it to NHTSA at nhtsa.gov/report-a-safety-problem - enough reports start investigations and recalls - and share your experience here so other owners know what to look for.

Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) complaints and recalls, checked . Complaints are owners' own reports and are not verified. How we use the data

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