Complaints by model year
| Year | Complaints | vs. typical* | Recalls | Top problem | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2012 | 10 | 1.3× | — | Acceleration | Average |
| 2011 | 14 | 1.7× | 1 | Window & Wiper | Average |
| 2010 | 6 | −25% | 2 | Window & Wiper | Average |
| 2009 | 6 | −38% | 2 | Transmission | Average |
| 2008 | 8 | 1.7× | 2 | Acceleration | Average |
| 2007 | 1 | −63% | 2 | Transmission | Average |
* Complaints compared with the median C30 year at the same age, so new and old years are judged fairly. How this works.
Most common Volvo C30 problems
Latest Volvo C30 recalls
Equipment › Electrical › Navigational system(global positioning system)
Volvo is recalling certain vehicles equipped with garmin 760 portable global positioning system (GPS) units because the batteries on those units May overheat.
Remedy: Volvo advises owners to please stop using the garmin portable GPS device immediately, and visit the garmin website to determine if their unit is affected.
Steering › Gear box › Shaft sector
Volvo is recalling certain model year 2010-2011 c30, model year 2010 s40 and v50 vehicles equipped with 6 speed manual transmissions. The gearshift lever stud assembly May not have been tightened to the correct specification during assembly.
Remedy: Dealers will torque the gearshift lever stud assembly to the correct specification free of charge. The safety recall began on June 14, 2010. Owners May contact Volvo at 1-800-458-1552 or customercare@volvoforlife.com .
Steering › Hydraulic power assist › Hose, piping, and connections
Volvo is recalling my 2008-2009 vehicles. A section of the power steering return line hose was not properly vulcanized (cured) and does not meet specifications. If the power steering return hose fails, a sudden rupture of the hose can occur.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect and replace the steering return line hose assembly free of charge. The recall began on August 13, 2008. Owners May contact Volvo at 1-800-458-1552.
Service brakes, hydraulic › Foundation components › Master cylinder
Volvo is recalling 1,114 my 2007 c30, c70, s40, and v50 passenger vehicles. A soft anodized layer in the master cylinder May trigger early wear on a rubber seal that can result in internal leakage of brake fluid.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect the master cylinder. The brake master cylinder and brake fluid reservoir will be replaced and certain brake lines cleaned free of charge. The recall began on March 11, 2008.
Frequently asked questions
What years of the Volvo C30 should you avoid?
None of the Volvo C30 years has an unusually high number of complaints compared with the others at the same age.
What is the best year for the Volvo C30?
2007 has the fewest complaints compared with other C30 years at the same age, followed by 2009 and 2010. Newer years can look better simply because fewer complaints have come in yet, so we compare like with like.
What are the most common Volvo C30 problems?
Across all years, owners report the most problems with the windows, wipers & sunroof (15), suspension (5) and speed control & acceleration (5). Window & Wiper complaints peak in the 2011 model year.
How many recalls has the Volvo C30 had?
4 recalls across 2007–2012. The model year with the most is 2007. See all Volvo C30 recalls by year.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.