VehicleVerdict

2012 Volvo C70 problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just 29 complaints on file for the 2012 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.

29

NHTSA complaints

1

Recalls

0

Investigations

0

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

0

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2012 compare to other C70 years?

C70 NHTSA complaints by model year, 2012 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, 2012 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all C70 years to avoid →

What are the most common 2012 Volvo C70 problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Other1138%
Body & Structure828%
Suspension27%
Tires & Wheels27%
Transmission27%
Seat Belts13%
Electrical System13%
Latches & Locks13%
Brakes13%

Does the 2012 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.

“I HAVE A 2012 C70, AND THE "DOOR OPEN" WARNING AND INTERIOR LIGHTS COME ON AND THE DOOR SLUMPS SLIGHTLY AJAR (EVEN THE WINDOW DROPS LIKE WHEN YOU OPEN THE DOOR). THIS HAPPENS DRIVING AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS. CAN BE EITHER DRIVER OR PASSENGER SIDE. DOORS ARE SECURELY CLOSED BEFOREHAND. I HAVE ALSO…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Other · June 2, 2018

“Drivers door without warning while driving at high speed suddenly unlatches, hazard light and warning indicator that door is open is shown .Besides being very dangerous it is very scary .My problem has not been confirmed by dealer but was reported to dealer as far back as 7 years ago.”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Body & Structure · June 4, 2014

“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…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Tires & Wheels · October 13, 2014

“The car developed an electronic communication issue that would cause random failure messages for the ABS, anti-skid system, transmission control and a "brake failure" message that would put the car into limp mode even at highway speeds. If you come to a complete stop, it would not allow you to pull…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · December 9, 2024

“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…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Suspension · October 13, 2014

2012 Volvo C70 — common questions

Is the 2012 Volvo C70 reliable?

The record is thin — 29 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 2012 C70 problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are other (11 complaints), body & structure (8 complaints), tires & wheels (2 complaints).

Does the 2012 Volvo C70 have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 2012 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.