VehicleVerdict

2002 Volvo C70 problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just 6 complaints on file for the 2002 Volvo C70 — too few to judge reliability from owner reports alone — but one recall campaign applies to this year, so any used example should have its VIN checked for completed recall work.

6

NHTSA complaints

1

Recalls

1

Investigations

0

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

0

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2002 compare to other C70 years?

C70 NHTSA complaints by model year, 2002 highlighted32 complaints1998: 7 complaints1999: 29 complaints2000: 32 complaints2001: 13 complaints2002: 6 complaints2003: 9 complaints2004: 21 complaints2006: 12 complaints2007: 24 complaints2008: 24 complaints2009: 13 complaints2010: 4 complaints2011: 17 complaints2012: 29 complaints2013: 16 complaints
C70 NHTSA complaints by model year, 2002 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all C70 years to avoid →

What are the most common 2002 Volvo C70 problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Transmission233%
Engine117%
Other117%
Steering117%
Body & Structure117%

Does the 2002 Volvo C70 have recalls?

1 NHTSA recall campaign on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

06V441000Speed ControlNovember 15, 2006 · 170,099 units

Defect

ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, A COMBINATION OF THROTTLE POSITIONING SENSOR IRREGULARITIES, A DIRTY THROTTLE HOUSING, AND/OR INEFFICIENT SOFTWARE CALIBRATION MAY CAUSE A WARNING LAMP TO LIGHT AND THE SUBSEQUENT ONSET OF LIMP HOME MODES.

Consequence

THIS RESULTED IN A HIGH NUMBER OF VEHICLES GOING INTO THE LIMP HOME MODE WITHOUT NEED.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL INSTALL THE CURRENT SOFTWARE UPGRADE ONTO THE INVOLVED VEHICLES. THE RECALL BEGAN ON DECEMBER 29, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT VOLVO AT 1-800-458-1552.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 VOLVO C70. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE NEEDED A NEW TRANSMISSION AT 60,000 MILES. THE VEHICLE FAILS TO SHIFT INTO SECOND GEAR. WHEN IT FINALLY SHIFTS INTO GEAR, THE VEHICLE JERKS. THE CONTACT DISCOVERED NUMEROUS COMPLAINTS OF CONSUMERS EXPERIENCING THE SAME…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · February 20, 2007

“DURING SUN ROOF RETRACTION A 30" METAL BRACE FELL FROM THE INTERNAL ROOF SLOT FOR THE SUN ROOF ON MY HEAD. THE METAL MEMBER APPEARS TO BE A STURDY CROSS BRACE HELD IN PLACE BY SOME TYPE OF ADHESIVE. I WAS IMMENSELY DISTRACTED AND WAS ALMOST INVOLVED IN A ACCIDENT. *TR”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Body & Structure · October 20, 2008

“VOLVO C70 - 2002 -- LEAKS POWER-STEERING FLUID SO FAST I CANNOT DRIVE THE CAR. I HAVE HAD IT TOWED TO THE VOLVO DEALER THREE TIMES FOR THE SAME PROBLEM AND IT STILL HAS NOT BEEN FIXED. IT IS UNDRIVEABLE. THE VOLVO COMPANY REFUSES TO GIVE ME ANY ASSISTANCE AS FAR AS REPURCHASING THE CAR. THE DEALER…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Steering · January 14, 2004

“COOLANT WARNING LIGHT CAME ON VOLVO DEALER NOTIFIED. APPOINTMENT SCHEDULED NEXT DAY. OWNERS' MANUAL INSTRUCTS DO NOT USE COOLANT OTHER THAN VOLVO COOLANT. NEITHER MANUAL NOR DEALER ADVISE NOT TO DRIVE CAR. THAT DAY WHILE DRIVING, OIL LIGHT FLICKERS WHILE STOPPED AT TRAFFIC LIGHT. IMMEDIATELY PULLED…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · October 31, 2002

“COOLANT WARNING LIGHT CAME ON VOLVO DEALER NOTIFIED. APPOINTMENT SCHEDULED NEXT DAY. OWNERS' MANUAL INSTRUCTS DO NOT USE COOLANT OTHER THAN VOLVO COOLANT. NEITHER MANUAL NOR DEALER ADVISE NOT TO DRIVE CAR. THAT DAY WHILE DRIVING, OIL LIGHT FLICKERS WHILE STOPPED AT TRAFFIC LIGHT. IMMEDIATELY PULLED…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Other · October 31, 2002

2002 Volvo C70 — common questions

Is the 2002 Volvo C70 reliable?

The record is thin — 6 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 1 recall should be verified as completed.

Does the 2002 Volvo C70 have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 2002 Volvo C70. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 2002 Volvo C70 under NHTSA investigation?

NHTSA opened one investigation into this model year; all are now closed.

Which Volvo C70 years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the C70 years to avoid are 2000. The cleanest record among C70 years belongs to 2010.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.