VehicleVerdict

2011 Volvo C70 problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just 17 complaints on file for the 2011 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. Reports tied to this model year include one death, per the complaint records themselves.

17

NHTSA complaints

1

Recalls

0

Investigations

1

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

0

Injuries

1

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2011 compare to other C70 years?

C70 NHTSA complaints by model year, 2011 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, 2011 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all C70 years to avoid →

What are the most common 2011 Volvo C70 problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Body & Structure529%
Electrical System424%
Engine212%
Airbags212%
Transmission16%
Brakes16%
Latches & Locks16%
Other16%

Does the 2011 Volvo C70 have recalls?

1 NHTSA recall campaign 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.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

“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.”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Body & Structure · February 13, 2019

“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…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · May 22, 2021

“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…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · February 11, 2014

“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…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Airbags · April 30, 2023 · crash

“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…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Other · July 3, 2017

2011 Volvo C70 — common questions

Is the 2011 Volvo C70 reliable?

The record is thin — 17 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 1 recall should be verified as completed.

What are the most common 2011 C70 problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are body & structure (5 complaints), electrical system (4 complaints), engine (2 complaints).

Does the 2011 Volvo C70 have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 2011 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.