Makesโ€บVolvoโ€บC70โ€บ2011

2011 Volvo C70

Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems โ€” with the pros and cons against similar 2011 models.

Class
Subcompact Cars
Body styles
T5 2dr Conv FWD
Engines
2.5L 5-cyl turbo
Drivetrain
Front-Wheel Drive
Fuel
Regular Gasoline
MPG (best)
23 combined ยท 20 city / 28 hwy
Length
180.3 in
Curb weight
3,827 lb
NHTSA rating
Not rated
Recalls
1 campaign

Overview

The 2011 Volvo C70 is a subcompact car offered with a 2.5L 5-cyl turbo engine and front-wheel drive.

It measures about 180 inches long and 72 inches wide on a 104-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 3,827 lb.

EPA rates its most efficient version at 23 MPG combined (20 city / 28 highway), 4% better than the 2011 subcompact car average of 22.2 MPG, for an estimated $2,900 a year in fuel.

NHTSA has not published a 5-Star overall rating for this model year.

It has 1 recall campaign on file and owners have filed 13 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the structure.

What changed for 2011

No changes to engines, powertrains, drivetrains, size, EPA ratings or NHTSA crash rating compared with the 2010 C70 โ€” a carry-over year in the data.

Compared with 2010; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2010 C70 โ†’

Dimensions & weight

BodyLengthWidthHeightWheelbaseTrack F / RCurb weightWeight F/R
T5 2dr Conv FWD180.3 in71.7 in55.5 in103.9 in61 / 60.6 in3,827 lb56/44

Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence โ€“ Canada), Canadian-market figures.

Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements โ†’

Engines, MPG & running costs

VersionEngineTransmissionDriveCity / Hwy / Combvs. classFuel / yrCOโ‚‚ g/mi
C70 FWD2.5L 5-cyl turboManual 6-spdFront-Wheel Drive20 / 28 / 23+4%$2,900386
C70 FWD2.5L 5-cyl turboAutomatic (S5)Front-Wheel Drive19 / 28 / 23+4%$2,900386
Spend $2,500Fuel over 5 years vs. average new car
22.2 MPG2011 Subcompact Cars average

EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2011 EPA class average. How we calculate this โ†’

Safety ratings & technology

NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2011 Volvo C70.

Similar 2011 subcompact cars

ModelBest MPG / rangeNHTSA overallRecalls
2011 Volvo C70 (this car)23 MPGNot rated1
2011 BMW 3 Series27 MPGNot rated2
2011 Mercedes-Benz E-Class20 MPGNot rated0
2011 Lexus IS24 MPGNot rated7
2011 Audi A425 MPGNot rated0
2011 Mercedes-Benz C-Class21 MPGNot rated0
2011 Lexus GS23 MPGNot rated3

Recalls (1)

Equipment โ€บ Other โ€บ Labels ยท Oct 18, 2011

NHTSA campaign 11V508000 ยท 20,611 vehicles

Problem
VOLVO IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2006-2012 C70 VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM NOVEMBER 15, 2005, THROUGH JULY 31, 2011, AND MODEL YEAR 2011-2012 S60 VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM JULY 14, 2010, THROUGH APRIL 16, 2011, THAT WERE EQUIPPED WITH OPTIONAL ACCESSORY SPARE TIRE KIT. THESE VEHICLES FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NUMBER. 110, "TIRE SELECTION AND RIMS." THESE VEHICLES DO NOT CONTAIN THE CORRECT INFORMATION FOR VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH THE OPTIONAL ACCESSORY SPARE TIRE AND WHEEL KIT.
Risk
A MISPRINTED LABEL COULD LEAD TO IMPROPER TIRE INFLATION WHICH COULD RESULT IN A TIRE FAILURE, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
Fix
VOLVO WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE VEHICLE AND INSTALL THE LABEL AS NECESSARY, FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON FEBRUARY 23, 2012. OWNERS MAY CONTACT VOLVO AT 1-201-768-7300.
Check your VIN for open recalls at NHTSA โ†—

Not every 2011 Volvo C70 is affected โ€” only a VIN check confirms your car.

Owner-reported problems

13Complaints to NHTSA since 2015
2Involved a crash
0Involved a fire
0Injuries reported
63,000 miTypical mileage at failure
Structure โ€บ Body5
Electrical System3
Air Bags3
Engine2
Unknown Or Other2
Electronic Stability Control (Esc)1
Service Brakes1
Power Train1
Complaints received per month (last 24 months with reports)
15/08: 116/08: 117/03: 117/07: 118/10: 120/05: 120/06: 120/08: 121/05: 123/02: 123/10: 125/04: 126/10: 115/0817/0318/1020/0621/0523/1026/10max 1

Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.

Used 2011 Volvo C70 buyer's checklist

  1. Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 1 recall this year โ€” ask for proof of repairs.
  2. Structure โ€บ Body โ€” 5 owner reports. Open and close every door, the hood and tailgate; look for rust or misaligned panels.
  3. Electrical System โ€” 3 owner reports. Test every window, lock, light, screen and USB port; check the battery age.
  4. Air Bags โ€” 3 owner reports. Confirm the airbag warning light turns off after start-up and any airbag recall was completed.
  5. Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 63,000 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
  6. Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.

Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2011 Volvo C70. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.

YearMPG (best)LengthOverallRecallsComplaints
2013 C7022180.3 inNot rated011
2012 C7021180.3 inNot rated122
2010 C7023180.3 inNot rated23
2009 C7021180.3 inNot rated26
2008 C7021180.3 inNot rated214
2007 C7021180.3 inNot rated28
2006 C7021180.3 inNot rated22

Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Volvo. How we calculate this โ†’