DecodedCars2012 Volvo C70
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2012 models.
- Class
- Subcompact Cars
- Body styles
- T5/Premier Plus/Platinum 2dr Conv FWD
- Engines
- 2.5L 5-cyl turbo
- Drivetrain
- Front-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Regular Gasoline
- MPG (best)
- 21 combined · 18 city / 28 hwy
- Length
- 180.3 in
- Curb weight
- 3,827 lb
- NHTSA rating
- Not rated
- Recalls
- 1 campaign
Overview
The 2012 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 21 MPG combined (18 city / 28 highway), 3% worse than the 2012 subcompact car average of 21.7 MPG, for an estimated $3,200 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 22 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the unknown or other.
What changed for 2012
- Best combined MPG down from 23 to 21
Compared with 2011; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2011 C70 →
Dimensions & weight
| Body | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Track F / R | Curb weight | Weight F/R |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| T5/Premier Plus/Platinum 2dr Conv FWD | 180.3 in | 71.7 in | 55.5 in | 103.9 in | 61 / 60.6 in | 3,827 lb | 56/44 |
Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.
Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →Engines, MPG & running costs
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Drive | City / Hwy / Comb | vs. class | Fuel / yr | COâ‚‚ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| C70 FWD | 2.5L 5-cyl turbo | Automatic (S5) | Front-Wheel Drive | 18 / 28 / 21 | -3% | $3,200 | 423 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2012 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2012 Volvo C70.
Similar 2012 subcompact cars
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2012 Volvo C70 (this car) | 21 MPG | Not rated | 1 |
| 2012 BMW 3 Series | 27 MPG | Not rated | 3 |
| 2012 Mercedes-Benz E-Class | 23 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2012 Lexus IS | 24 MPG | Not rated | 5 |
| 2012 Audi A4 | 25 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2012 Mercedes-Benz C-Class | 25 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2012 Audi A5 | 25 MPG | Not rated | 2 |
Recalls (1)
Equipment › Other › Labels · Oct 18, 2011
NHTSA campaign 11V508000 · 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.
Not every 2012 Volvo C70 is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2012 Volvo C70 buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 1 recall this year — ask for proof of repairs.
- Structure › Body — 7 owner reports. Open and close every door, the hood and tailgate; look for rust or misaligned panels.
- Power Train — 2 owner reports. Test-drive through all gears, including reverse; note slipping, harsh or delayed shifts.
- Structure › Body › Door — 1 owner reports. Open and close every door, the hood and tailgate; look for rust or misaligned panels.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 65,000 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
- Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.
Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2012 Volvo C70. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.
Other C70 years
Compare all years →Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Volvo. How we calculate this →