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2013 Volvo C70 Owner Complaints

Updated May 30, 2026
Daniel Wilson
2013 Volvo C70 Owner Complaints

Complaint Summary

The 2013 Volvo C70 has 16 reported complaints.

  • Top issues involve structure:body and electrical system.

Reliability Score

Reliability Score

7.9/ 10

Based on 16 complaints

Most Frequent Issues

STRUCTURE:BODY

4 25%

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

3 18.8%

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

3 18.8%

ENGINE

2 12.5%

SERVICE BRAKES

1 6.2%

Quick Insights

  • The top category is STRUCTURE:BODY, accounting for 25% of all complaints.

  • Owners have reported issues across 8 distinct vehicle systems.

  • Note: Complaint data reflects owner reports and may not always indicate a verified defect. Compare with Recalls and TSBs for a complete picture.

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Complaint Summary

What owners keep reporting on the 2013 Volvo C70

The 2013 Volvo C70 has 16 owner complaints in this dataset. STRUCTURE:BODY is the most common complaint category, representing about 25% of the reports shown here.

Most common complaint categories

The top complaint groups for the 2013 Volvo C70 are STRUCTURE:BODY (4), ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (3), UNKNOWN OR OTHER (3).

Are these complaints a serious red flag?

Potentially. 7 complaint reports involve higher-attention systems like brakes, steering, engine, powertrain, fuel, suspension, airbags, or electrical components, which is enough to justify a focused inspection.

What should buyers inspect on a used 2013 Volvo C70?

Start with the top complaint systems, compare them against the recall report, then inspect service records for evidence that those same areas were already repaired or monitored.

Read the full buyer guideRecall report and remedy notesMaintenance costs and intervals2012 C70 complaints2011 C70 complaints

Detailed Complaint Log

Showing 8 of 8 systems

STRUCTURE:BODY

4 Reports25% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

WHILE DRIVING, PERIODICALLY, BOTH DOORS (NOT SIMULTANEOUSLY BUT IT HAS OCCURRED IN BOTH DOORS MULTIPLE TIMES) WILL COME AJAR. MOST OFTEN, THIS OCCURS AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS AND WHEN A BUMP OCCURS TO SLIGHTLY JOLT THE CAR. THE DOOR DOES NOT COME ALL THE WAY OPEN BUT IT IS CLEARLY AJAR. A WARNING LIGHT COMES ON ON THE DASH AND THE INTERIOR LIGHTS COME ON. WHILE THE DOOR DOESN'T COME COMPLETELY OPEN, THIS CAUSES A DANGEROUS SITUATION AS IT DISTRACTS THE DRIVER, CAUSES YOU TO PULL OVER ON A HIGHWAY AND THEN RE-ENTER THAT HIGHWAY FROM THE SHOULDER. I ALWAYS KEEP A HAND ON THE DOOR IN CASE IT SWING COMPLETELY OPEN, WHICH MEANS I ONLY HAVE 1 HAND ON THE WHEEL. IN RESEARCHING THIS ISSUE, I HAVE NOTED IT REPORTED BY MULTIPLE PEOPLE ACROSS MULTIPLE MODEL YEARS. IT IS A CONSISTENT AND CONSTANT COMPLAINT WITH THE CAR. IT PRESENTS A DANGEROUS SITUATION AND IS AN OBVIOUS DESIGN FLAW. I'M SURE THE FIX IS RELATIVELY SIMPLY AND CAN'T BE TOO COSTLY AS THE CAR HAS BEEN OUT OF PRODUCTION FOR SEVERAL YEARS. VOLVO IS WELL AWARE OF THE ISSUE AND I AM DISAPPOINTED THAT A BRAND THAT ADVERTISES AND EMPHASIZES SAFETY HAS NOT TAKEN ACTION TO CORRECT THIS ISSUE. I'M CONFIDENT THAT OUR GOVERNMENT WILL PUT THE SAFETY OF THE CITIZENS FIRST AND FORCE VOLVO'S HAND IN FIXING THE DESIGN FLAW. IN MY AMATEUR OPINION, THE DOOR ON THIS CAR IS HEAVIER THAN MOST AND, WHEN BOUNCED, THE WEIGHT OF THE DOOR OVERPOWERS THE LATCH. THE HAS OCCURRED OVER 20, AND LIKELY OVER 25 TIMES IN THE 20,000 MILES THAT I HAVE OWNED THE CAR (APPROXIMATELY 18 MONTHS). I USED THE MOST RECENT OCCURRENCE FOR THE DATE ASKED FOR BELOW ("WHEN DID THIS HAPPEN"). THANK YOU FOR YOUR TIME AND ATTENTION TO THIS MATTER.

6/9/2018

When top is down, at highway speeds, the driver-side door becomes ajar, interior light comes on and window goes down 1/2 inch. This seems to happen about 20 minutes into the drive. Will happen multiple times on long drives. This only seems to happen when the convertible top is down. Driving at highway speeds and having the door go ajar is not safe. Not sure why Volvo never took this seriously, as its reported by many others on the internet - same exact issue. Reported to Volvo (Leiken Volvo Cars Cleveland), they cannot reproduce and said everything looks correct. Offering to replace the lock mechanism. The issue is easy to reproduce, but just driving with the top down for longer than a 20 minute period.

10/18/2021

2 more complaints are available in this category.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

3 Reports19% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

WHEN DRIVING AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS WITH THE TOP DOWN, THE "DOOR OPEN" WARNING AND INTERIOR LIGHTS COME ON AND THE DOOR OPENS SLIGHTLY AJAR. CAN BE EITHER DRIVER OR PASSENGER SIDE. LOCKED OR UNLOCKED. DOORS ARE SECURELY CLOSED BEFOREHAND. HAVING RESEARCHED THIS EXTENSIVELY, I KNOW IT IS ALSO AN ISSUE FOR OTHER VOLVO OWNERS. I HAVE TRIED TO LUBE THE DOOR LATCHES AS SOME HAVE SUGGESTED, BUT THIS DOES NOT WORK. VOLVO AND THEIR DEALERS HAVE STATED THEY HAVE "NEVER HEARD" OF THIS HAPPENING BEFORE, MUCH TO MY FRUSTRATION. THIS IS A SERIOUS SAFETY ISSUE. A CAR DOOR SHOULD NOT POP OPEN WHILE DRIVING AT ANY SPEED LET ALONE ON A HIGHWAY.

6/2/2019

When top is down, at highway speeds, the driver-side door becomes ajar, interior light comes on and window goes down 1/2 inch. This seems to happen about 20 minutes into the drive. Will happen multiple times on long drives. This only seems to happen when the convertible top is down. Driving at highway speeds and having the door go ajar is not safe. Not sure why Volvo never took this seriously, as its reported by many others on the internet - same exact issue. Reported to Volvo (Leiken Volvo Cars Cleveland), they cannot reproduce and said everything looks correct. Offering to replace the lock mechanism. The issue is easy to reproduce, but just driving with the top down for longer than a 20 minute period.

10/18/2021

1 more complaint is available in this category.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

3 Reports19% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

WHEN DRIVING AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS WITH THE TOP DOWN, THE "DOOR OPEN" WARNING AND INTERIOR LIGHTS COME ON AND THE DOOR OPENS SLIGHTLY AJAR. CAN BE EITHER DRIVER OR PASSENGER SIDE. LOCKED OR UNLOCKED. DOORS ARE SECURELY CLOSED BEFOREHAND. HAVING RESEARCHED THIS EXTENSIVELY, I KNOW IT IS ALSO AN ISSUE FOR OTHER VOLVO OWNERS. I HAVE TRIED TO LUBE THE DOOR LATCHES AS SOME HAVE SUGGESTED, BUT THIS DOES NOT WORK. VOLVO AND THEIR DEALERS HAVE STATED THEY HAVE "NEVER HEARD" OF THIS HAPPENING BEFORE, MUCH TO MY FRUSTRATION. THIS IS A SERIOUS SAFETY ISSUE. A CAR DOOR SHOULD NOT POP OPEN WHILE DRIVING AT ANY SPEED LET ALONE ON A HIGHWAY.

6/2/2019

AFTER DRIVING AND I HAD PARK MY CAR DOORS WOULD NOT OPEN. I HIT THE UNLOCK BUTTON BUT I COULD NOT OPEN DOORS. I ROLLED DOWN THE WINDOW AND TRIED TO OPEN FROM THE OUTSIDE BUT DOORS WOULD NOT OPEN. I CONTINUE TO HIT THE UNLOCK BUTTON BUT WOULDN'T OPEN. I CLIMB OUT THE WINDOW AND TRIED TO OPEN FROM THE OUTSIDE STILL WOULD NOT OPEN. SO I CLIMB BACK INSIDE THROUGH THE WINDOW AND DROVE CAR HOME. WHEN I GOT HOME AND I HIT THE UNLOCK BUTTON I WAS ABLE TO GET OUT. THIS HAS HAPPEN A FEW TIMES. I TOOK IT TO THE DEALERSHIP AND EXPLAIN THE PROBLEM BUT THEY SAID THERE WAS NOTHING WRONG G WITH THE CAR. THIS IS AN NCONVENIENCE BECAUSE I NEVER KNOW WHEN IT WILL HAPPEN. THE LAST TIME IT HAPPEN WAS DECEMBER 18 2020. I DECIDED TO LOOK UP THIS ISSUE TO SEE IF OTHER CAR OWNERS HAVE HAD THIS PROBLEM AND DECIDED TO WRITE A COMPLAINT

12/18/2019

1 more complaint is available in this category.

ENGINE

2 Reports13% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

UNIT HAS INTERMITTENT ENGINE/EXHAUST BRAKE MALFUNCTION. THIS IS CAUSING THE VEHICLE ENGINE/ EXHAUST BRAKE TO DISENGAGE WHEN ON A DECLINE AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS. AS RESULT THE VEHICLE PICKS UP A GREAT DEAL OF SPEED AND COULD CAUSE THE OVER USE AND EVENTUAL FAILURE OF THE VEHICLE'S AIR BRAKE SYSTEM. AS WELL AS THE INABILITY TO CONTROL THE VEHICLE (THOUGH APPLICATION OF THE AIR BRAKES AND/OR STEERING) ON A DOWNGRADE. THERE IS NO WARNING PRIOR TO ENGINE/EXHAUST BRAKE FAILURE. THIS ORIGINALLY HAPPENED TO ME WHILE TRAVELING ON EAST BOUND I-80 OVER DONNER PASS SUMMIT HEADING TOWARDS TRUCKEE, CA. AND HAS HAPPENED 3 MORE TIMES SINCE THEN. THE LOCAL VOLVO TRUCK DEALERSHIP CAN FIND NOTHING WRONG WITH THE VEHICLE.

2/20/2016

I BOUGHT A 2013 VOLVO C70 IN JULY OF 2018 AND BY AUGUST OF 2019 I WAS REPLACING THE ENGINE. I TAKE OWNERSHIP FOR MY OVERSIGHT IN NOT KNOWING TO CHECK THE COOLANT TANK REGULARLY AS THIS IS MY FIRST CAR. IT SEEMS LIKE NEGLIGENCE TAKING INTO ACCOUNT THAT MY VOLVO CAN TELL ME THE AMOUNT OF GAS IT HAS, THE MILES IT CAN TRAVEL ON THE AMOUNT OF GAS I HAVE, AND INDICATES I AM LOW ON GAS AFTER THE GAUGE HAS ALREADY ENTERED INTO THE RED. MY CAR CAN ALSO TELL ME WHEN I HAVE LOW TIRE PRESSURE SO I KNOW TO REFILL THEM. WHY ISN'T THERE A LOW COOLANT LIGHT ON MY CAR? ARGUABLY, THE LOW COOLANT LIGHT AND IMPENDING ENGINE OVERHEATING AND FAILURE TAKE PRECEDENCE OVER RUNNING OUT OF GAS OR GETTING A FLAT TIRE. AUGUST 23RD, 2019, MY CAR OVERHEATED DUE TO A LACK OF COOLANT. THE LACK OF COOLANT WAS DUE TO A CRACK IN THE COOLANT TANK. MY CAR NEVER INDICATED TO ME THAT IT WAS IN DISTRESS UNTIL I WAS ON THE 10E TO PICK UP MY BOYFRIEND FROM THE AIRPORT AND MY CAR OVERHEATED. ALL THE LIGHTS CAME ON AND THE DISPLAY READ "OVERHEATING, PULL OVER SAFELY". I HAD NO IDEA THAT WAS 2 MINUTES BEFORE I WOULD WARP MY ENGINE AND MY CAR COMPLETELY DIED. THERE IS CONSTRUCTION ON THE 10E SO THERE WAS NO SAFE PLACE FOR ME TO PULL OVER. EVERYTHING JUST TURNED OFF, EVEN MY BLINKERS TO NOTIFY THE 18 WHEELER BEHIND ME. THE POLICE WERE CALLED AND TRAFFIC WAS STOPPED AS HE PUSHED ME OFF THE ROAD TO THE SHOULDER I WAS TRYING TO GET TO BEFORE THE FAILURE. MAYBE BECAUSE I DO NOT TRAVEL FAR FROM MY HOME FOR WORK HAD MY ENGINE NOT OVERHEATED ON THOSE DRIVES. REGARDLESS, WITH ALL THE TECHNOLOGICAL ADVANCES ON CARS, A LOW COOLANT LIGHT SHOULD BE MANDATORY. ESPECIALLY BECAUSE $5000 LATER (WARRANTY COMPANY WON'T COVER IT), WHAT GOOD WERE MY GAS LIGHT AND GAUGE?

10/19/2019

SERVICE BRAKES

1 Report6% of total

Previewing the first 1 complaint summaries.

UNIT HAS INTERMITTENT ENGINE/EXHAUST BRAKE MALFUNCTION. THIS IS CAUSING THE VEHICLE ENGINE/ EXHAUST BRAKE TO DISENGAGE WHEN ON A DECLINE AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS. AS RESULT THE VEHICLE PICKS UP A GREAT DEAL OF SPEED AND COULD CAUSE THE OVER USE AND EVENTUAL FAILURE OF THE VEHICLE'S AIR BRAKE SYSTEM. AS WELL AS THE INABILITY TO CONTROL THE VEHICLE (THOUGH APPLICATION OF THE AIR BRAKES AND/OR STEERING) ON A DOWNGRADE. THERE IS NO WARNING PRIOR TO ENGINE/EXHAUST BRAKE FAILURE. THIS ORIGINALLY HAPPENED TO ME WHILE TRAVELING ON EAST BOUND I-80 OVER DONNER PASS SUMMIT HEADING TOWARDS TRUCKEE, CA. AND HAS HAPPENED 3 MORE TIMES SINCE THEN. THE LOCAL VOLVO TRUCK DEALERSHIP CAN FIND NOTHING WRONG WITH THE VEHICLE.

2/20/2016

SUSPENSION

1 Report6% of total

Previewing the first 1 complaint summaries.

I noticed that driving with the top down (the car is a convertible) leads to premature and uneven tire wear. Subsequently the tires generate a lot of road noise and vibration, which is felt through the steering wheel. At 62000 miles I brought the situation to the attention of Volvo service and as a result they made some repairs / changes / updates to the rear suspension, (at my cost of over $2000). At that time I also purchased four new tires. At this point the car has around 72000 miles and the issue has come back (noise / vibration). It appears that the car has a design issue, which prohibits driving it with the top open, even though that is the main purpose of the car as a convertible.

4/25/2022

WHEELS

1 Report6% of total

Previewing the first 1 complaint summaries.

I noticed that driving with the top down (the car is a convertible) leads to premature and uneven tire wear. Subsequently the tires generate a lot of road noise and vibration, which is felt through the steering wheel. At 62000 miles I brought the situation to the attention of Volvo service and as a result they made some repairs / changes / updates to the rear suspension, (at my cost of over $2000). At that time I also purchased four new tires. At this point the car has around 72000 miles and the issue has come back (noise / vibration). It appears that the car has a design issue, which prohibits driving it with the top open, even though that is the main purpose of the car as a convertible.

4/25/2022

STRUCTURE:BODY:DOOR

1 Report6% of total

Previewing the first 1 complaint summaries.

The contact owns a 2013 Volvo C70. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the driver's and passenger's side front doors inadvertently opened. The dealer was made aware of the failure and informed the contact that the driver's and passenger's side front doors needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 75,900.

6/3/2022

About This Data

Data and Methodology

MethodologyHow we score →

Scores are derived from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints, normalized by vehicle segment averages.

FAQ

What are the most common owner complaints for the 2013 Volvo C70?

The most reported complaint category for the 2013 Volvo C70 is STRUCTURE:BODY, with 4 owner reports. That is about 25% of all complaints logged here. Other recurring themes include STRUCTURE:BODY, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, UNKNOWN OR OTHER.

Are complaints about the 2013 Volvo C70 a serious warning sign?

Potentially. 7 complaint reports fall into higher-attention systems such as brakes, steering, engine, powertrain, fuel, suspension, airbags, or electrical components. That does not prove every vehicle has a defect, but repeated complaints in those systems justify a more careful pre-purchase inspection.

How should buyers use complaint data for the 2013 Volvo C70?

Use complaints as an early pattern to investigate, not a standalone verdict. Start with the top complaint categories, compare those themes against the recall report and maintenance guide, then inspect service records for evidence that the same problem areas were already addressed. If the same issue appears repeatedly across complaints and recalls, treat it as a real ownership-risk flag.

Are complaints about the 2013 Volvo C70 severe?

7 complaint reports involve higher-attention systems such as brakes, steering, engine, powertrain, fuel, suspension, airbags, or electrical components, which is enough to justify a focused inspection before purchase.

Complaint list entries are sourced from owner-submitted NHTSA ODI records.

Read complaint summaries

Volvo C70: How should complaint data influence buying decisions?

Use complaint patterns together with recalls and maintenance guidance to estimate ownership risk and inspection priorities.

Carfocal links complaint data directly to recall and maintenance routes for the same model year.

Return to full vehicle report
Complaint entries
16
Top-topic view
5 grouped topics shown
Primary source
NHTSA ODI owner complaint records

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In this guide

  1. 01Overview
  2. 02Common Problems
  3. 03Owner Complaints
  4. 04Data and Methodology

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