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Volvo · Convertible / Roadster · 2006–2013

Volvo C70 2

Weaknesses, engine ratings and buying advice

3.0 / 5.0 · Based on 3 engine variants
Most Fun Engine

230 PS

2.5L T5 Benzin

Turbo Swede under the soft top

Decent

Generations


Engine Overview

The Volvo C70 2 is available with 3 engine variants — from 133 to 230 hp.

2.0L D3/D4 · Diesel· 136 PS
2007 2013
Be Careful 4 weaknesses
2.0L D4 · Diesel· 177 PS
2007 2013
Be Careful 4 weaknesses
2.5L T5 · Benziner· 230 PS
2006 2013
Be Careful 6 weaknesses

The Volvo 2.0L D3/D4 (Diesel, 136 PS) has the D5204T5 (2.0L D3/D4) — rated: "Be Careful", 4 known weaknesses.

The Volvo 2.0L D4 (Diesel, 177 PS) has the D5204T6 (2.0L D4) — rated: "Be Careful", 4 known weaknesses.

The Volvo 2.5L T5 (Benziner, 230 PS) has the B5254T7-C70 (2.5L T5) — rated: "Be Careful", 6 known weaknesses.

Vehicle Weaknesses

WeaknessCost
Hydraulic pumps and sensors — 3-piece folding hardtop

The electro-hydraulic 3-piece folding hardtop of the C70 II shows typical wear on hydraulic pumps and sensors. The roof mechanism is excluded from extended warranties; repairs can be costly.

Symptoms: Roof does not fully open or close, fault code, roof stalls in intermediate position
from 80,000 km
High
Folding roof hydraulic pump loses pressure

The hydraulic pump (36011248) loses pressure through worn internal seals. The three-piece hardtop gets stuck half-open or half-closed.

Symptoms: Roof stops mid-movement, warning message in display, hydraulic fluid traces in boot.
from 90,000 km
High
!Water ingress through roof rubber seals

Water enters through the folding roof rubber seals during washing or rain, particularly at the rear left and right. Interior dampness and mould are the result.

Symptoms: Wet interior carpets after rain or washing, mould smell, damp boot corners
from 70,000 km
Medium
!Cables in roof mechanism snap

The thin cables that move the three-piece hardtop can break after years of use. Replacement parts are in some cases no longer available from Volvo.

Symptoms: Roof stalls in intermediate position, metallic snapping during opening/closing, asymmetric roof movement.
from 100,000 km
Medium
!Boot seal on folding roof leaking

The complex seal between the three hardtop segments and the boot lid wears out. Water particularly enters at the transition from roof to A-pillar.

Symptoms: Musty smell in boot, water in spare wheel well, condensation in tail lights.
from 80,000 km
Low
NHTSA Owner Complaints
Average
108 complaints · 2006–2013
Body Structure
42
Other
25
Electrical
14
Wheels
9 ⚠ 1
Brakes
7

Top Reported Issues

Body Structure (42 complaints)
Other (25 complaints)
Electrical (14 complaints)
Source: NHTSA (nhtsa.gov) · 2026-03

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Known Problems and Issues

A total of 27 weaknesses have been documented for the Volvo C70 2 (2006–2013) — 14 engine-related and 13 vehicle-related. Typical issues affect Body, Rust, Electronics, Gearbox.

C70 (D5204T5, 2007–2013) — Be Careful: EGR cooler soot-clogged — VEA diesel problem, Serpentine belt must not reach timing belt — total loss risk, DPF clogging with short-trip use. Power: 136 PS.

C70 (D5204T6, 2007–2013) — Be Careful: EGR cooler soot-clogged — VEA diesel problem, Serpentine belt must not reach timing belt — total loss risk, DPF clogging with short-trip use. Power: 177 PS.

C70 (B5254T7-C70, 2006–2013) — Be Careful: Timing belt failure = engine damage (interference engine), Camshaft radial seal leaks — oil in belt area, PCV oil separator clogged — elevated crankcase pressure. Power: 230 PS.

What to watch out for with the Volvo C70? See the detailed listing of all engine and vehicle weaknesses in the sections above.

Frequently Asked Questions

What problems and weaknesses does the Volvo C70 2 have? +
The Volvo C70 2 has 14 known engine weaknesses and 13 vehicle weaknesses.
What should I look for when buying a used Volvo C70 2? +
faq.watch_a_none
Which engine is recommended? +
Be careful: D5204T5 (2.0L D3/D4), D5204T6 (2.0L D4), B5254T7-C70 (2.5L T5). No engine is rated 'Good Choice'. The most fun to drive is the B5254T7-C70 (2.5L T5).
Which Volvo C70 2 engine is the most fun? +
The {code} ({displacement}) offers the most driving fun in the Volvo C70 2 — rated: "Decent". {description} 169 kW turbo five-cylinder in the C70 Cabriolet: top down, decent shove, typical Volvo sound.
Is the Volvo C70 2 worth buying used? +
The Volvo C70 2 requires careful consideration — choosing the right engine variant is crucial.
What horsepower variants are available for the Volvo C70 2? +
The Volvo C70 2 is available with engine variants from 133 to 230 hp. Petrol: B5254T7-C70 (2.5L T5). Diesel: D5204T5 (2.0L D3/D4), D5204T6 (2.0L D4).

Last updated: February 2026 · All information without guarantee