2012 Volvo C70 Problems

Good Record

Shopping for a used 2012 Volvo C70? This page highlights owner-reported complaint patterns and recall history so you can inspect the right systems before buying. Based on 22 real NHTSA owner complaints, with Uncategorized Issues the most reported area.

201110 years2013

Before you buy

This 2012 Volvo C70 has 22 NHTSA complaints β€” top issue: Uncategorized Issues.

A model-year pattern isn't the car in front of you. Check this exact VIN for accidents, open recalls, odometer rollback, and salvage titles.

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22
Complaints
β€”
Crashes
β€”
Fires
β€”
Injuries
β€”
Fatalities
1
Recalls

2012 Volvo C70 Fuel Economy

βœ“ EPA Official Data

EPA official fuel economy rating for the 2012 Volvo C70.

18
MPG City
28
MPG Hwy
21
MPG Combined
423
g COβ‚‚/mile
Regular Gasoline
⚠️Costs $3,750 more than avg vehicle over 5 years

Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov. Figures reflect EPA lab testing; real-world results vary by driving style, load, and conditions.

2012 Volvo C70 Safety Ratings

NHTSA 5-Star Program

Official crash test results from the NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings program. Stars reflect government-conducted tests; higher is safer.

Overall

Not Rated

Frontal Crash

Not Rated

Side Crash

Not Rated

Rollover

Not Rated
βœ“Stability Control: Standardβ—‹Forward Collision Warning: Noβ—‹Lane Departure Warning: No

Source: NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings. Ratings are based on government crash tests and may not reflect all trim levels.

Quick Answer

Based on NHTSA complaint data, the 2012 Volvo C70 has 22 owner complaints, 0 crash-related complaints, and 1 recall campaign on record. The most frequently reported component is Uncategorized Issues. NHTSA reliability signal: Good Record.

2012 Volvo C70 β€” key reliability facts
Make
Volvo
Model
C70
Model year
2012
NHTSA owner complaints
22
Crash-related complaints
0
Safety recall campaigns
1
Top reported component
Uncategorized Issues
Reliability signal
Good Record
EPA MPG combined
21
EPA MPG city / highway
18 / 28
Fuel type
Regular Gasoline
Electronic stability control
Standard

Common problems

Most common 2012 Volvo C70 problems

Top owner-reported complaint areas and where they often appear.

#1
10
complaints

Uncategorized Issues

#2
8
complaints

Structural Problems

#3
2
complaints

Transmission / Drivetrain

Complaint patterns center on Uncategorized Issues, Structural Problems, Transmission / Drivetrain. Use these as a pre-purchase inspection guide, then verify recall and damage history on the specific VIN.

Buyer verdict

Should you buy a used 2012 Volvo C70?

The 2012 Volvo C70 looks comparatively lower-risk based on complaint volume, but model-year averages do not confirm the condition of any specific used car.

Use the model-year trend to shortlist candidates, then confirm the exact vehicle condition with service records, recall status, and a VIN history report.

Pre-purchase

What to check before buying a used 2012 Volvo C70

Inspection Focus

  • Inspect for any unresolved structural issues, as Structural Problems are a reported concern.
  • Verify all open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls (1 recall exists for this model).
  • Request service records for transmission/drivetrain and suspension components.
  • Have a mechanic inspect the vehicle thoroughly before purchase, focusing on reported components.

Before You Close the Deal

  • Inspect for any unresolved structural issues, as Structural Problems are a reported concern.
  • Verify all open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls (1 recall exists for this model).
  • Request service records for transmission/drivetrain and suspension components.
  • Have a mechanic inspect the vehicle thoroughly before purchase, focusing on reported components.

Check the exact car

Shortlist with model-year data. Decide with the exact VIN.

Before buying a used 2012 Volvo C70, run a VIN history report to verify accidents, title brands, odometer records, theft checks, and open recalls for the exact vehicle.

AI verdict

What the complaint data suggests

Editorial interpretation of NHTSA public complaint data. Source: nhtsa.gov. Complaints are owner-submitted and do not confirm a defect. Methodology

The 2012 Volvo C70 has a low number of NHTSA complaints (22 total) with no crash-related reports. Complaints are concentrated in Uncategorized Issues and Structural Problems, though the low confidence level suggests caution in interpretation.

Key Findings
  • Uncategorized Issues account for the largest share of complaints (10 out of 22).
  • Structural Problems are the second most reported component (8 complaints).
  • No crash-related complaints were reported for this model year.
Top Concerns
  • Uncategorized Issues (10 complaints) – the most frequent complaint category.
  • Structural Problems (8 complaints) – a recurring theme in the data.
  • Transmission/Drivetrain issues (2 complaints) – though less common, they may warrant attention.
Data note: NHTSA complaints are consumer-submitted and do not confirm a manufacturing defect. The total sample size is small (22 complaints), and confidence level is low, so patterns may not be representative. Uncategorized Issues lack specific component details, limiting actionable insights.

Full breakdown

All 2012 Volvo C70 complaints by category

Every owner-reported complaint category filed with NHTSA for the 2012 Volvo C70. Use this as a pre-purchase inspection checklist.

ComponentComplaintsCrashesFiresAvg MileageVolume
Uncategorized Issues10β€”β€”β€”
Structural Problems8β€”β€”β€”
Transmission / Drivetrain2β€”β€”β€”
Suspension Failures2β€”β€”β€”
Wheel Issues2β€”β€”β€”
Door Lock Issues1β€”β€”β€”
Electrical Faults1β€”β€”β€”
Brake System1β€”β€”β€”
Seat Belt Issues1β€”β€”β€”

Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Complaint counts may exceed total complaints because one report can span multiple categories.

In their words

Real owner complaints

Read what owners actually reported to NHTSA for the 2012 Volvo C70. Type a keyword (e.g. β€œtransmission”, β€œstalling”, β€œbrakes”) to filter.

Showing 22 most recent complaints

Structural ProblemsAug 18, 2025

The drivers side door keeps opening while driving. I see recalls for other volvo models but not mine. This is very concerning when driving on the highway

Door Lock IssuesJul 7, 2025

While in transit, the passenger door periodically unlatches on its own. There is a safeguard that prevents the door from completely swinging open when this happens. This problem has not been inspected by a professional. The warning light appears after the door unlatches while in …

Transmission / DrivetrainApr 4, 2025

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 no…

Suspension FailuresJan 3, 2024

There is a know defect with the chassis used for several Volvo car models. My car is a Volvo C70, year 2012. My car is affected by this defect. The defect wasn't disclosed to me at time of sale. I only learned about it literally 10 years later when Volvo of Gilbert (dealership…

Seat Belt IssuesOct 11, 2022

The driver side seat belt gets stuck and is very hard almost impossible to unlatch once it is locked over driver

Uncategorized IssuesSep 25, 2021

door opened on its own while driving. three times this week. door appears locked and warning illumination indicator does not recognize that door is open. door cannot be locked when in this condition but it indicates that it is locked. appears identical to issue in NHTSA campaign …

Structural ProblemsAug 14, 2021

This occurred after driving for about an hour. While driving at a fairly high rate of speed, I felt the driver's door move slightly. The dome light came on indicating that the door had opened. The windows were down so I cannot state if they would have slightly lowered as they …

Structural ProblemsJun 1, 2021

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…

Uncategorized IssuesMay 21, 2021

The doors open when driving, first the passenger door opened about 3 months ago. The warning light comes on and stated that the door is open. The safety on the door keeps it from completely opening but the door is ajar just not completely opened. Last month it happened twice t…

Structural ProblemsMay 20, 2021

The large coupe doors on this vehicle have a tendency to become unlatched while driving requiring the need to stop the vehicle and re-open and close the doors. This happens when doors are locked as well as unlocked. When this happens on the highway at high speeds, it is very dang…

Structural ProblemsJan 25, 2021

WHEN DRIVING AND OPERATING THE VEHICLE WITH THE TOP DOOR THE DOOR BECOMES AJAR ON THE PASSENGER AND DRIVER SIDE WITH A SLIGHT BUMP IN THE ROSE.

Uncategorized IssuesSep 19, 2020

DRIVE SIDE DOOR OPENS UNEXPECTEDLY WHILE DRIVING. THIS HAPPENS AT CITY AND HIGHWAY SPEEDS. THE PROBLEM IS WITH THE DOOR LATCH, AND SEEMS TO BE AN IDENTICAL ISSUE THAT IS COVERED IN A RECALL FOR THE VOLVO S60 AND V60. IT SHOULD BE NOTED THAT THE C70 IS THE CONVERTIBLE VERSION OF T…

Uncategorized IssuesJul 23, 2020

WE SOMETIMES HAVE DIFFICULTY WHEN OPENING AND CLOSING THE DRIVER'S DOOR. ALSO, ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS WHEN DRIVING A WARNING LIGHT CAME ON INDICATING THE DOORS WERE AJAR. WE WERE ON A HIGHWAY WHEN IT HAPPENED. IT SEEMS TO BE RELATED TO AN ISSUE WITH THE DOOR LATCH. WE WERE TOL…

Structural ProblemsJun 9, 2020

WHILE ON HIGHWAY AT HIGHWAY SPEED, THE DRIVER DOOR MOVED OUTWARD AS IF IT WAS OPENING. THE OPEN DOOR WARNING LIGHT FLASHED ON THE DASH. MAKES YOU FEEL LIKE YOU'RE ABOUT TO FALL OUT OF THE CAR. HAD TO STOP AND CLOSE THE DOOR AGAIN. WOULD HATE TO HAVE THIS HAPPEN WHILE CORNERING. …

Uncategorized IssuesJun 2, 2020

WHEN DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY, THE DRIVER WINDOW OPENED SLIGHTLY AND THE CAR DISPLAYED A WARNING LIGHT OF DOOR OPEN. I HAD TO PULL TO THE SHOULDER TO CLOSE AND LOCK THE DOOR. ON MY RETURN TRIP, I CLOSED AND LOCKED THE DOOR BUT AFTER AN HOUR OF HIGHWAY DRIVING, THE SAME THING OCCUR…

Uncategorized IssuesMar 9, 2020

MY HARDTOP CONVERTIBLE HEADLINER IS HELD TOGETHER WITH A STRING LIKE CORD. THE STRING HAS BROKE FOR NO REASON NEAR THE PASSENGER SIDE BACK CORNER. THIS CAUSES A PROBLEM BECAUSE IF I PUT THE TOP DOWN AND THEN WHEN I TRY AND PUT THE TOP BACK UP THE PASSENGER SIDE REAR CORNER PIECE …

Uncategorized IssuesJan 6, 2020

I WAS DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY TONIGHT GOING ABOUT 50 MPH (WITH THE TOP UP) WHEN THE PASSENGER SIDE DOOR BECAME AJAR. THE INTERIOR LIGHTS CAME ON, THE WINDOW SLIGHTLY OPENED LIKE IT DOES WHEN YOU NORMALLY OPEN THE DOOR, AND A WARNING CAME ON SAYING THE DOOR WAS OPEN. IT DID NOT FU…

Transmission / DrivetrainSep 13, 2019

MAKE: VOLVO CAR MODEL : C30, S40, V50 AND C70 RECALL DEFECT DESCRIPTION: THE ROD CONNECTING THE CLUTCH MASTER CYLINDER AND THE CLUTCH PEDAL MAY BREAK. IT MAY NOT BE POSSIBLE TO DISENGAGE THE CLUTCH. IN WORST CASES THIS MAY HAPPEN SUDDENLY WITH NO WARNING TO THE DRIVER. IF THI…

Uncategorized IssuesJun 8, 2018

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.…

Uncategorized IssuesJul 28, 2015

WHILE DRIVING NORMALLY ON EVENLY PAVED ROADS MY PASSENGER DOOR OPENS AND A ERROR MESSAGE IS DISPLAYED ON MY CONSOLE. I HAVE TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHO CHARGED ME $60. TO CHECK IT ON THE COMPUTER BUT TO NO AVAIL. THE PROBLEM WAS NOT DETECTED BY THE COMPUTER AND THE PROBLEM CONTINUE…

Page 1 of 2

Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Real owner reports for the 2012 Volvo C70.

Safety recalls

2012 Volvo C70 recalls

1 campaign

NHTSA recall campaigns for the 2012 Volvo C70. 1 recall campaign is on record for this model year. Recalls are free to fix at authorized dealers, but completion status must be verified on the exact VIN.

Safety recall

EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS

#11V508000EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS18/10/2011

Across model years

Compare Volvo C70 model years

Compare complaint and recall volume across years to see whether 2012 lands in a lower-risk or higher-risk part of the model timeline.

Research more

Keep researching before you buy

Compare brands and categories, then check the exact car's history by VIN.

Questions

2012 Volvo C70 buying FAQ

Buyer-focused answers based on real NHTSA complaint and recall data for this model year.

Is the 2012 Volvo C70 reliable?β–Ύ

Good Record. NHTSA currently shows 22 owner complaints, 0 crash-related complaints, and 1 recall campaign for this model year. The 2012 Volvo C70 looks comparatively lower-risk based on complaint volume, but model-year averages do not confirm the condition of any specific used car. Treat this as a model-year signal, then verify the exact vehicle's condition and history before purchase.

What are the most common problems with the 2012 Volvo C70?β–Ύ

#1: Uncategorized Issues (10 complaints). #2: Structural Problems (8 complaints). #3: Transmission / Drivetrain (2 complaints)

At what mileage do problems start on the 2012 Volvo C70?β–Ύ

Mileage data is not available or insufficient for this model year.

How safe is the 2012 Volvo C70?β–Ύ

Complaint data is not the same as crash-test scoring, but it does highlight possible risk patterns. For the 2012 Volvo C70, NHTSA complaints include 0 crash-related reports and 0 fire reports out of 22 total complaints. For controlled crash-test ratings, check nhtsa.gov/ratings.

Does the 2012 Volvo C70 have any recalls?β–Ύ

Yes. 1 NHTSA recall campaign affect the 2012 Volvo C70. A major recall area is EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS. 1 recall campaign is on record for this model year. Always verify open recalls by VIN because completion status varies by vehicle.

Should I buy a 2012 Volvo C70?β–Ύ

The 2012 Volvo C70 looks comparatively lower-risk based on complaint volume, but model-year averages do not confirm the condition of any specific used car. Use the model-year trend to shortlist candidates, then confirm the exact vehicle condition with service records, recall status, and a VIN history report. Pay extra attention to Uncategorized Issues during inspection. Before committing, run a VIN history report to verify accidents, title brands, odometer records, and recall completion for the exact car.

Source: NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) complaint and recall databases, aggregated by VinSpectorAI.

Wider context: See the full Volvo C70 reliability report with year-by-year comparison.

Owner Reliability Rating

Rate the 2012 Volvo C70 based on your ownership experience.

Add your rating:

Ratings are based on owner experience and are separate from NHTSA data shown above.

Before you buy

Check the exact vehicle history before you buy

Model-year complaints and recalls reveal patterns. A VIN report confirms whether the exact car has accident history, title brands, mileage issues, or open recalls.