VehicleVerdict

2009 Volvo C70 problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just 13 complaints on file for the 2009 Volvo C70 — too few to judge reliability from owner reports alone — but 3 recall campaigns apply to this year, so any used example should have its VIN checked for completed recall work.

13

NHTSA complaints

3

Recalls

0

Investigations

0

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

0

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2009 compare to other C70 years?

C70 NHTSA complaints by model year, 2009 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, 2009 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all C70 years to avoid →

What are the most common 2009 Volvo C70 problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Body & Structure431%
Other215%
Fuel System18%
Latches & Locks18%
Speed Control18%
Tires & Wheels18%
Electrical System18%
Transmission18%
Engine18%

Does the 2009 Volvo C70 have recalls?

3 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

11V508000OtherOctober 18, 2011 · 20,611 units

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.

Consequence

A MISPRINTED LABEL COULD LEAD TO IMPROPER TIRE INFLATION WHICH COULD RESULT IN A TIRE FAILURE, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.

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.

10V566000Electrical SystemNovember 8, 2010 · 416 units

Defect

VOLVO IS RECALLING CERTAIN VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH GARMIN 760 PORTABLE GLOBAL POSITIONING SYSTEM (GPS) UNITS BECAUSE THE BATTERIES ON THOSE UNITS MAY OVERHEAT.

Consequence

AN OVERHEATED BATTERY COULD LEAD TO A FIRE.

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.

08V329000SteeringJuly 23, 2008 · 1,020 units

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.

Consequence

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.

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.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

“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…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Body & Structure · July 29, 2021

“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.”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Other · May 16, 2024

“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…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · October 1, 2014

“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…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · May 2, 2021

2009 Volvo C70 — common questions

Is the 2009 Volvo C70 reliable?

The record is thin — 13 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 3 recalls should be verified as completed.

What are the most common 2009 C70 problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are body & structure (4 complaints), other (2 complaints), electrical system (1 complaints).

Does the 2009 Volvo C70 have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns affecting the 2009 Volvo C70. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

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.