2003 Volvo C70 · 1,629 MOT tests
2003 Volvo C70 reliability
2003 Volvo C70s fail 34.9% of first MOT tests, 17% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, ranking 1 of 11 C70 years (1,629 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
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- first-time fail rate (all Volvo C70s: 38.9%)
- 34.9%
- first-time fail rate (all Volvo C70s: 38.9%)
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- 17% fewer
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- typical miles at its MOT, aged about 19
- 89,824
- typical miles at its MOT, aged about 19
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
- 1,629
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
Year on year
2003 against the years either side
- 2002 cars: 16% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age (the 2003 car does better)
- 2004 cars: 15% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age (the 2003 car does better)
- Weak spot: steering, 6.6% of tests fail here (72% above cars of the same age and mileage).
- Strong point: seat belts and airbags, 62% fewer fails than comparable cars.
- Plates: a 2003 car carries a 52 plate (January–February 2003), or a 03 plate (March–August 2003), or a 53 plate (September–December 2003).
Common problems
What fails on a 2003 Volvo C70
Fail rate by area
- Suspension13%
- Lights and electrics12.4%
- Brakes11.1%
- Tyres7.3%
- Steering6.6%
- Windscreen, wipers and mirrors4.4%
- Body, chassis and structure3.6%
Average for cars of the same age and mileage
Top failures
Coil spring fractured or broken 3.87%
A broken coil spring can leave the car sitting low or unstable, so it must be replaced before driving.
Wiper blade not clearing windscreen 2.89%
Wipers that do not clear the windscreen reduce visibility in rain, which is a safety risk, so replace them.
Parking brake efficiency below minimum 2.89%
The parking brake holds the car less well than required, so it may roll on a slope and needs repair.
Position lamp not working 2.64%
A failed position lamp makes the car harder to see in poor light and is illegal, so it must be repaired.
Ball joint dust cover no longer sealed 2.46%
A damaged dust cover lets dirt into the joint, speeding wear, so the joint may need replacing later.
Track rod end ball joint excessively worn 2.33%
Worn steering ball joints can affect steering control and safety, so repair is needed before the car is driven.
Common advisories
Slight play in steering rack joints (13.63%) · Tyre worn close to legal limit (12.58%) · Brake disc pitted or scored (11.42%) · Tyre slightly damaged or cracking (11.11%) · Coil spring showing some corrosion (8.29%) · Brake pads wearing thin (6.32%)
Other years
Every Volvo C70 year
The full picture: Volvo C70 reliability. Before you pay for any Volvo C70, a Full Check (£9.99) shows finance, stolen and write-off records the MOT can't.
Source: DVSA anonymised MOT results, 2022 to 2024, class 4 normal tests.
Is a 2003 Volvo C70 reliable?
2003 Volvo C70s fail 34.9% of first MOT tests, 17% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, ranking 1 of 11 C70 years (1,629 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
What fails on a 2003 Volvo C70 MOT?
Most often coil spring fractured or broken (3.87% of tests), wiper blade not clearing windscreen (2.89% of tests), parking brake efficiency below minimum (2.89% of tests).
How many miles should a 2003 Volvo C70 have done?
At its MOT aged about 19, a typical 2003 Volvo C70 shows 89,824 miles. Much higher or lower is worth asking about.
What plate is a 2003 car?
A car first registered in 2003 carries a 52 plate (January–February 2003), or a 03 plate (March–August 2003), or a 53 plate (September–December 2003).
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