Volvo C70 reliability, MPG and running costs
Figures updated
The Volvo C70 is a car. In 2024 MOT tests it scored 98 for reliability (100 is average), ranking 277 of 442, and 42.2% failed first time against a UK average of 28.5%. Its most common MOT failure is coil spring (6.9% of tests).
Ranked 277 of 442 cars in the 2024 MOT Reliability League
In 2024, 6,805 Volvo C70s aged 3 to 20 had an MOT and 42.2% failed first time (UK average 28.5%). Taking age and mileage into account, the Volvo C70 is about as likely to fail as the average car of the same age and mileage.
First-time fail rate
42.2%
UK 28.5%
Fail rate at 3 years
–
UK 12.7%
Average miles a year
6,200
Typical age at test: 16 years
Volvo C70 MOT failure rate by age
Most common Volvo C70 MOT faults
- Coil spring: fractured or broken6.9% of tests
- Joints: constant velocity boot split or insecure, no longer prevents the ingress of dirt6.4% of tests
- Condition: has ply or cords exposed4.6% of tests
- Position lamp: not working4.4% of tests
- Rbt (sp): efficiency below requirements4.0% of tests
- Shock absorbers: has a serious fluid leak3.5% of tests
What the Volvo C70 fails on
| Area | Tests failing | vs similar cars |
|---|---|---|
| Suspension | 17.0% | About average |
| Lights and electrics | 15.1% | ▼ 23% less often |
| Brakes | 11.5% | About average |
| Tyres | 10.8% | ▲ 1.5× as often |
| Body and structure | 8.5% | ▲ 1.2× as often |
| Visibility | 4.8% | ▼ 29% less often |
| Steering | 4.2% | ▲ 1.2× as often |
| Exhaust and emissions | 3.8% | ▼ 35% less often |
| Seat belts and airbags | 1.3% | ▼ 32% less often |
| Wheels | 0.8% | ▲ 1.6× as often |
What MPG does the Volvo C70 do?
Official economy for the Volvo C70 ranges from 25.2 to 47.9mpg across the 56 versions listed by the Vehicle Certification Agency (2004–2013). A typical petrol version manages 30.1mpg and a typical diesel 44.1mpg. Expect 10–15% less in real-world driving.
Work out a journey's fuel costHow much is road tax on a Volvo C70?
Any Volvo C70 first registered from April 2017 pays the standard rate of £200 a year after its first year (2026/27 rates). A Volvo C70 registered between March 2001 and March 2017 is taxed on its CO2: £275 to £790 a year.
Work out tax for a specific carVolvo C70 specs and running costs
Official figures for 56 versions sold in the UK between 2004 and 2013.
Fuel types
Diesel, Petrol
Official economy
25.2–47.9 mpg
CO2
154–268 g/km
| Version | Fuel | Economy | CO2 | Car tax |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| C70 D3 AutomaticAutomatic · listed 2013 | Diesel | 44.1 mpg | 169g | £325 |
| C70 D3 ManualManual · listed 2013 | Diesel | 47.9 mpg | 154g | £275 |
| C70 D4 AutomaticAutomatic · listed 2013 | Diesel | 44.1 mpg | 169g | £325 |
| C70 D4 ManualManual · listed 2013 | Diesel | 47.9 mpg | 154g | £275 |
| C70 D3 AutoAutomatic · listed 2013 | Diesel | 44.1 mpg | 169g | £325 |
| C70 D4 AutoAutomatic · listed 2013 | Diesel | 44.1 mpg | 169g | £325 |
| C70 T5Automatic · listed 2013 | Petrol | 30.1 mpg | 219g | £445 |
| C70 T5 AutoAutomatic · listed 2013 | Petrol | 30.1 mpg | 219g | £445 |
| C70 Model Year 13 D3 Automatic6AT · listed 2012 | Diesel | 44.1 mpg | 169g | £325 |
| C70 Model Year 13 D3 Manual6MT · listed 2012 | Diesel | 47.9 mpg | 154g | £275 |
| C70 Model Year 13 D4 Automatic6AT · listed 2012 | Diesel | 44.1 mpg | 169g | £325 |
| C70 Model Year 13 D4 Manual6MT · listed 2012 | Diesel | 47.9 mpg | 154g | £275 |
| C70 D3 AutoA6 · listed 2012 | Diesel | 44.1 mpg | 169g | £325 |
| C70 D3 ManualM6 · listed 2012 | Diesel | 47.9 mpg | 154g | £275 |
| C70 D4 AutoA6 · listed 2012 | Diesel | 44.1 mpg | 169g | £325 |
Economy and CO2 are official NEDC (before 2018) or WLTP figures. Car tax is the yearly rate at current rates for a car first registered in the year listed, before any expensive car supplement. Showing the 15 most recent of 56 versions.
What a Volvo C70 costs to fuel
- petrol, typical official 30.1mpg…
- diesel, typical official 44.1mpg…
Official figures are usually 10–15% better than real-world driving.
Work out a journey in a Volvo C70Buying a used Volvo C70?
Check the MOT history of the exact car: every result, advisory and mileage reading, free.
Other Volvo models
Frequently asked questions
›Is the Volvo C70 reliable?
Its MOT record is about average: the Volvo C70 is about as likely to fail as the average car of the same age and mileage, with a reliability score of 98 in our 2024 league (100 is average).
›What are common problems with the Volvo C70?
The most common MOT fault is “Coil spring: fractured or broken”, found in 6.9% of tests. It fails on tyres more often than similar cars.
›What MPG does the Volvo C70 do?
Official economy for the Volvo C70 ranges from 25.2 to 47.9mpg across the 56 versions listed by the Vehicle Certification Agency (2004–2013). A typical petrol version manages 30.1mpg and a typical diesel 44.1mpg. Expect 10–15% less in real-world driving.
›How much is road tax on a Volvo C70?
Any Volvo C70 first registered from April 2017 pays the standard rate of £200 a year after its first year (2026/27 rates). A Volvo C70 registered between March 2001 and March 2017 is taxed on its CO2: £275 to £790 a year.
›How many Volvo C70s fail their MOT?
42.2% of Volvo C70s aged 3 to 20 failed their MOT first time in 2024.
Sources: DVSA anonymised MOT tests 2024, all versions of the Volvo C70 combined (Open Government Licence v3.0); official economy and CO2 from Vehicle Certification Agency data, © Crown copyright. VCA cannot accept liability for its accuracy. How we calculate the league.