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Volvo C70 reliability by build year

Coverage 2006-20131 named generationConvertibleDIESEL / PETROL

We've only got 1,398 MOT tests for Volvo C70 models built around 2007 (18 years old). Treat these numbers as a rough guide.

At a glance

Volvo C70 built around 2007: fails its MOT more often than average

Volvo C70 models built around 2007 fail their MOT more often than similar cars the same age. Look closely at the tyres on any car you view. An independent inspection matters more than the wider numbers on cars this old.

Check a Volvo C70 by number plate

Key figure

32% of MOT tests on Volvo C70 models built around 2007 ended in a fail (retests included), against 24% for similar cars the same age.

Most common issue

The most common MOT issue on Volvo C70 models built around 2007 involves the tyres.

Before you view it

What to check before viewing

The Volvo C70's most common MOT issues, turned into things to ask about or look for.

Independent inspection

High priority

Have an independent specialist inspect the car before you commit.

Brake discs

High priority

Ask for the date and mileage of the last disc replacement; visually check for a deep wear lip and rust pitting on each disc.

Tyres

Worth checking

Check tread depth across the full width on all four; uneven wear suggests alignment or suspension issues.

Suspension bushes and joints

Worth checking

Listen for knocks over speed bumps and ask about recent control-arm or anti-roll-bar work.

Suspension springs

Worth checking

Check ride height is even side-to-side and look for cracked or rusted coils.

Vehicle-specific check

Worth checking

Check the car’s number plate on MOT Wise to see its own MOT history and any recalls for its build years.

By build year

How build years differ

Fail rates have been steady over the last three years. Use the build-year guide below to separate newer build years from older ones.

Find your C70's generation

Each card below is a different generation. Select your year and we'll highlight the match.

C70 Mk2

Mk2 (2006-2013)

Not enough tests to rate
DIESELPETROL

26.9% fail rate, built around 2013 (12 years old)

Likely between 22.5% and 31.9%

Fails about as often as the average car this age (about 1 in 4 MOTs, 26.3%)

From 338 MOT tests at this ageView details →
Pre

Older models (before 2005)

PETROL

26.6% fail rate, built around 2004 (21 years old)

Likely between 23.1% and 30.5%

Fails less often than the average car this age (about 3 in 10 MOTs, 31.1%)

From 548 MOT tests at this ageLimited data

Not sure which one you're looking at?

Match your build year to its generation, then see the fail rates for those build years of the Volvo C70.

See every build year for the Volvo C70

Side-by-side

Volvo C70 generations compared

Each generation is shown at 7 years old if it has at least 100 MOT tests at that age. If not, or if its cars are too new to be 7, it's shown at another age. We try ages close to 7 first. Newer generations have fewer years of data.

GenerationRatingFail rate
Mk2 (2006-2013)
No ratingNot enough tests to rate
No ratingNot enough tests to rate26.9%likely between 22.5% and 31.9%built around 2013 (12 years old)from 338 MOT tests at this age
Older models (before 2005)
No rating
No rating26.6%likely between 23.1% and 30.5%built around 2004 (21 years old)from 548 MOT tests at this age

Each row is one generation of the C70, shown at the age printed under its fail rate. So rows can be different ages. Fail rate is the share of MOT tests that ended in a fail, retests included. A rating is given only when there are enough tests to place the fail rate in one rating band with 95% confidence.

By age

Volvo C70 fail rate by age

This chart combines every Volvo C70 ever sold. It's good for the big picture. For one generation, scroll up to the build-year cards.

Below typicalAbove typicalHigh (28% or more)Highest fail rate
Age / builtFail rateMOT tests
11 yearsbuilt around 2014
10425.0%
12 yearsbuilt around 2013
33826.9%
13 yearsbuilt around 2012
44525.6%
14 yearsbuilt around 2011
71729.3%
15 yearsbuilt around 2010
1,06330.9%
16 yearsbuilt around 2009
1,04531.4%
17 yearsbuilt around 2008
1,34931.1%
18 yearsbuilt around 2007
1,39831.8%
19 yearsbuilt around 2006
71130.5%
20 yearsbuilt around 2005
51129.5%
21 yearsbuilt around 2004
54826.6%
22 yearsbuilt around 2003
33424.9%
23 yearsbuilt around 2002
26028.1%
24 yearsbuilt around 2001
16322.1%
25+ yearsbuilt 2000 or earlier
25127.9%

Fail rate is the share of MOT tests that ended in a fail. Retests count as tests. How we count fail rates Build years are worked out from age, so they are approximate. Tests counted are 2025 MOTs. Highest fail rate at 18 years old.

All generations of this model

What goes wrong most often on 18-year-old Volvo C70 models

These issues come from 18-year-old Volvo C70 models, every generation combined.

All generations of this modelEnough data

Most common advisories and fails

In order of the share of MOT tests that recorded each one

  1. 1
    Advisory

    Tyre worn close to the legal limit or worn on the edge

    23.5%
    Advisory: 479Fail: 24 (5% of the times it was found)
  2. 2
    Advisory

    Suspension arm pin or bush worn, but not moving too much

    20.3%
    Advisory: 341Fail: 77 (18% of the times it was found)
  3. 3
    Advisory

    Brake disc worn, pitted or scored, but not seriously weakened

    14.4%
    Advisory: 292Fail: 4 (1% of the times it was found)
  4. 4
    Advisory

    Tyre slightly damaged, cracking or perishing

    14.1%
    Advisory: 180Fail: 87 (33% of the times it was found)
  5. 5
    Advisory

    Coil spring corroded

    11.7%
    Advisory: 146Fail: 72 (33% of the times it was found)

Based on 1,398 MOT tests on 18-year-old Volvo C70 models, every generation combined.

All generations of this model

Issues that often appear together

The pairs seen most often when an MOT on 18-year-old Volvo C70 models notes problems with more than one part of the car.

Issues that often appear together on this model

All generations of this modelEnough data
  1. Brakes + Suspension35%
  2. Suspension + Tyres33%
  3. Brakes + Tyres27%
  4. Lighting + Suspension23%

Both were noted at the same test. That doesn't mean one caused the other.

Across 790 MOT tests on Volvo C70 cars built around 2007 (18 years old) where more than one part of the car was noted.

Still registered

How many are still registered, and recalls

How many of these are still registered in the UK, and what's been recalled across the model.

How many are still registered

Not enough registration data to show this for the Volvo C70.

The share still registered can reflect demand, the cost of repairs, exports, write-offs and how owners use the car. It isn't proof of how long the car lasts mechanically.

Recall context

13 recalls in all

2 of the 13 Volvo C70 recalls cover cars built in these years.

  • 2 recalls

Top concerns

  • Passenger side air bag may inadvertently deploy
  • Headlamps may fail to operate

For the exact car, check GOV.UK's recall checker with the number plate.

Like-for-like

Other convertibles to compare

Other convertibles to compare

  1. 1

    Porsche Boxster

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    14.6%
    Fail, no pass in 3 days
    6.5%
    Dangerous
    3.1%
    Still registered at 10 years
    97.9%

    Lower fail rate: 14.6%, against 31.8% for the Volvo C70, both built around 2007.

    1,983 MOT tests on cars built around 2007

  2. 2

    BMW Z4

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    22.5%
    Fail, no pass in 3 days
    8.1%
    Dangerous
    5%
    Still registered at 10 years
    96%

    Lower fail rate: 22.5%, against 31.8% for the Volvo C70, both built around 2007.

    4,417 MOT tests on cars built around 2007

  3. 3

    Mazda MX-5

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    25%
    Fail, no pass in 3 days
    10.2%
    Dangerous
    4.8%
    Still registered at 10 years
    97.6%

    Lower fail rate: 24.9%, against 31.8% for the Volvo C70, both built around 2007.

    2 critical recall campaigns matching this model/build period.

    8,811 MOT tests on cars built around 2007

  4. 4

    Mercedes-Benz SLK

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    25.5%
    Fail, no pass in 3 days
    10.1%
    Dangerous
    5.2%
    Still registered at 10 years
    92.7%

    Lower fail rate: 25.5%, against 31.8% for the Volvo C70, both built around 2007.

    2 critical recall campaigns matching this model/build period.

    4,266 MOT tests on cars built around 2007

Fail rate
= the share of MOT tests that ended in a fail. Retests count as tests.
Fail, no pass in 3 days
= the share of MOT tests that failed and still hadn't passed 3 days later. A fail that passed a retest within 3 days, even the same day, isn't counted.
Dangerous
= the share of MOT tests where the tester marked a fault as dangerous. It is against the law to drive the car until it is fixed.
Still registered at 10 years
= the share of cars still registered (taxed or declared off the road) 10 years after they were first registered.

Common questions

Frequently asked questions

Built around 2007 (18 years old), the Volvo C70 across all generations combined fails MOTs at about the rate typical for this age. This is based on 1,398 18-year-old MOT tests from DVSA data. Each retest counts as a test.

These figures come from DVSA's MOT records. Across every Volvo C70 ever sold: 9,237 tests. The main figures are for cars built around 2007 (18 years old): 1,398 tests. They are a guide, not a guarantee. Always inspect the car or have a mechanic check it.