Used car guide

2003 Volvo C70: common problems and what to check

What gets flagged at MOT on 2003 Volvo C70s, from 343 tests in 2025, plus known faults and what to look at before you buy one.

Small sample: only 343 of these were MOT tested in 2025, so treat the percentages as rough. The known faults below don't depend on it.

343MOT tests in 2025
69%pass first time (all 2003 cars: 59%)
4,100typical miles a year
4.2×the usual rate for steering rack inner joints

What stands out

Parts flagged at MOT more often on 2003 Volvo C70s than on all cars registered in 2003.

  • Steering rack inner joints4.2× usual
    Volvo C70
    14.6% All 2003 cars
    3.5%

    Failed outright at MOT: 0%, against 0% of all 2003 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

    Rough price £100–£450 our estimate

    At the viewing: On a straight road the steering wheel should sit straight. Listen for knocks when turning, and check the steering feels even.

Better than most

Engine oil leaks: 5.8% here, against 16.2% of all 2003 cars.

By area

The share of 2003 Volvo C70 MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

  • Suspension
    41% of testsRough price £120–£400

    At the viewing: Listen for knocks over speed bumps, and look behind each front wheel for a snapped coil spring.

  • Brakes
    34% of testsRough price £150–£350

    At the viewing: Look for a lip on the disc edges and feel for judder or pulling when braking firmly from about 40mph.

  • Lights and electrics
    26% of testsRough price £10–£80

    At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light, including brake lights and indicators, while you operate them.

  • Tyres
    26% of testsRough price £70–£150

    At the viewing: Check the tread on all four tyres, including the inside edges, and look for cracks or bulges.

  • Steering
    19% of testsRough price £100–£450

    At the viewing: On a straight road the steering wheel should sit straight. Feel for play or knocking when turning.

  • Oil and fluid leaks
    7% of testsRough price £80–£600

    At the viewing: Look under the engine and on the ground where the car is usually parked for fresh oil or fluid.

Looking at a Volvo C70?

Check the actual car: its own MOT history, mileage and what to ask the seller. Free, no sign-up.

Other years

YearMOT testsMost flagged
2013232Tyres 38%
2012277Suspension 34%
2011459Suspension 43%
2010668Tyres 38%
2009735Suspension 47%
2008891Suspension 45%
20071,017Suspension 46%
2006866Suspension 46%
2005340Suspension 39%
2004416Suspension 43%
2002197Suspension 41%
2001167Brakes 35%
2000120Suspension 40%

Where this comes from: the DVSA's anonymised results for every MOT test in Great Britain in 2025, counting tests of 2003 Volvo C70s registered in 2003. "Flagged" includes advisories, so it isn't the same as a fail rate. How we score