C30 (1st)
Engine Reliability Ratings
B5254T7
2.5L 5-cyl / 227 hpView details
Complaint Breakdown
Known Issues
1 additional engine variant with fewer than 10 complaints not shown.
Recalls (3)
VOLVO IS RECALLING CERTAIN VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH GARMIN 760 PORTABLE GLOBAL POSITIONING SYSTEM (GPS) UNITS BECAUSE THE BATTERIES ON THOSE UNITS MAY OVERHEAT.
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. IF THE GEARSHIFT LEVER CABLE OR STUD ASSEMBLY BECOMES LOOSE, IT MAY NOT BE POSSIBLE TO ENGAGE, DISENGAGE OR SHIFT GEARS.
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.
Alternatives in Compact Hatchback
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most common 2008-2013 Volvo C30 problems?
The 2008-2013 Volvo C30 has accumulated 48 NHTSA complaints. The most frequently reported problem areas are Suspension, Wheels & Tires, Body/Trim. As with any used vehicle, a pre-purchase inspection and vehicle history report are recommended.
Which Volvo C30 engine is most reliable?
The 2008-2013 Volvo C30 was offered with 2 engine options. Based on NHTSA complaint data, the ?L ?-cyl has the lowest complaint density and is considered the most reliable choice for buyers.
Is the 2008-2013 Volvo C30 a good used car?
The 2008-2013 Volvo C30 can be a solid used car purchase depending on trim, mileage, and maintenance history. With 48 total NHTSA complaints on record, prospective buyers should review the known problem areas and check for open recalls before buying.
How many NHTSA complaints does the 2008-2013 Volvo C30 have?
The 2008-2013 Volvo C30 has 48 complaints filed with NHTSA as of our latest data pull. Complaint counts reflect owner-reported issues and do not necessarily indicate defects or safety risks on their own.
What recalls affect the 2008-2013 Volvo C30?
There are 3 NHTSA recalls affecting some 2008-2013 Volvo C30 vehicles. Recall status varies by VIN — check the NHTSA recall database at recalls.nhtsa.dot.gov with your specific VIN to confirm which campaigns apply.
What should I check before buying a used Volvo C30?
Before buying a used Volvo C30, verify all open recalls are completed via the NHTSA VIN lookup tool. Pay particular attention to Suspension, Wheels & Tires, Body/Trim, which are the most commonly reported problem areas. Request maintenance records, have an independent mechanic inspect the vehicle, and run a vehicle history report to check for prior accidents or title issues.
Does the C30 have NHTSA crash test ratings?
NHTSA has not published crash test ratings for the 2008-2013 Volvo C30. Not all vehicles are tested each year. For the latest NHTSA safety information, visit nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Data from NHTSA federal complaints database. 48 complaints analyzed. Data confidence: moderate. Last updated: 2026-05-19.