Model year record

2011 Volvo C30 recalls & problems

The 2011 Volvo C30 has 1 safety recall and 14 owner complaints on file with NHTSA. The most-reported problem area is visibility/wiper (7 complaints).

Recalls1safety recalls

Complaints14filed by owners

Crashes · fires1 · 0reported in complaints

Injuries · deaths0 · 0reported in complaints

Safety recalls

SteeringJun 8, 2010

Gear box › Shaft sector

Recall 10V255000536 vehicles

Problem: 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.
Risk: THIS CONDITION CAN INCREASE THE RISK OF A VEHICLE CRASH.
Fix: 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 .

Recall repairs are free at any authorised dealer. A recall listed here may already have been fixed on a particular car: enter its 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see open recalls.

Crash test ratings

2011 Volvo C30 2 DR FWD

OverallNot Rated

Frontal crash	Not Rated
Side crash	Not Rated
Rollover	Not Rated

NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings (New Car Assessment Program). Ratings are comparable only between vehicles of similar size and weight, and ratings from 2011 on use tougher tests than earlier years. Photos: NHTSA.

Fuel economy

C30 FWD

24mpg combined

City / highway	21 / 29 mpg
Fuel	Regular Gasoline

2.5 L · 5 cyl · Manual 6-spd · Front-Wheel Drive · about $2,800/year to fuel

C30 FWD

24mpg combined

City / highway	21 / 30 mpg
Fuel	Regular Gasoline

2.5 L · 5 cyl · Automatic (S5) · Front-Wheel Drive · about $2,800/year to fuel

EPA estimates from fueleconomy.gov for each engine and transmission sold. Annual cost is the EPA's estimate for 15,000 miles a year at its current fuel and electricity price assumptions. Your results will vary.

What owners report

Problem area	Complaints	Crashes	Typical mileage*
Visibility/wiper	7	0	70,000 mi
Unknown or other	3	0	—
StructureBody	3	0	—
Suspension	2	0	—
Tires	2	0	—
Steering	2	1	—
Wheels	1	0	—
Electrical system	1	0	—
Engine	1	0	—
Air bags	1	1	—

*Median odometer reading when the problem happened, where owners gave one. One complaint can name several problem areas.

Recent owner complaints

Visibility/wiper
The top of the windshield no longer adheres to the body of the vehicle. My searches of the internet have found multiple instances of the Volvos where the top part of the windshield is no longer attached to the vehicle. Here is a link to the Auto Glass Safety Council describes the issue (https://agsc.org/volvo-glass-bonding-issue/). Volvo Car USA LLC recently issued a statement that all windshield replacements on Volvo vehicles must be performed âaccording to Volvo standards at an authorized facility, using only Volvo Genuine Windshields and adhesives.â Their reasoning for this statement is, âThe Volvo windshield is an integral part of our vehicles. Not only does it provide an…
Jun 10, 2023
Visibility/wiper
The entire top edge of the windshield is no longer sealed to the car. Water gets in. If all of the windows are closed, the windshield briefly pops out a little bit as the door is closed.
May 24, 2023
Visibility/wiper
Windshield seal bond at top failed resulting in loose front windshield not being attached to the body. This is leaking water and leading to poor visibility that is dangerous but more concerning is the detachment of the window from the body. This would be extremely dangerous in a collision. The car is parked at this time due to being dangerous to drive.
Dec 30, 2022
Unknown or other
Windshield is not sealed properly- moving as i drive from faulty seal
May 3, 2021
Visibility/wiper
THE LOOSE WINDSHIELD ISSUE NEEDS TO BE INVESTIGATED AS IT IS A VERY COMMON ISSUE. I HAVE A 2011 C30. YOU CAN PUSH UP ON THE GLASS AND IT IS NOT ADHERED ON THE TOP AT ALL TO THE CAR. NOT JUST ON THE C30 BUT OTHER MODELS AS WELL. IT'S AS IF THE WINDSHIELD IS ONLY ADHERED TO ON 3 SIDES. IT VIBRATES AND LEAKS. DEFINITELY NEEDS TO BE RECALLED. AND THE MANUFACTURER NEEDS TO BE MADE AWARE.
Nov 1, 2018 · 100,000 miles
Visibility/wiper
THE VEHICLE IS STATIONARY UNTIL I CAN GET THE ISSUE CORRECTED IN THE NEXT DAY OR TWO. THE WINDSHIELD IS LOOSE. I DISCOVERED A LEAK AND DETERMINED THAT THE ISSUE IS THAT THE WINDSHIELD IS NOT ATTACHED TO THE CAR AT THE TOP. THE SLIGHTEST PRESSURE FROM THE INSIDE CAN MOVE THE WINDSHIELD AWAY FROM THE SEAL ON THE CAR. I HAVE LEARNED THAT THIS IS A COMMON ISSUE TIN VOLVO'S THAT OCCURS DUE TO IMPROPER GLASS PREPARATION. HOW CAN THIS BE SAFE? SHOULDN'T VOLVO BE RESPONSIBLE FOR CORRECTING THE ISSUE? THANK YOU
Sep 3, 2020 · 51,000 miles
Visibility/wiper
THE WINDSHIELD GOT LOOSE. WHEN PRESSING IT FROM THE INSIDE, THE WINDSHIELD MOVES. WHEN THE DOOR CLOSES THAT WINDSHIELD MOVES, OR WITH VIBRATIONS WHILE DRIVING. UNDER HEAVY RAINING, WATER LEAKS INSIDE THE CABIN. THE VEHICLE WAS STATIONARY AT A PARKING LOT WHEN WE REALIZE IT WAS LIKE THAT. TAKING WITH OTHER OWNERS, IT IS A KNOWN ISSUE, AND VOLVO IS AWARE. *TR
May 12, 2020 · 70,000 miles
Structure › Body
THE WINDSHIELDS ON THESE CARS MAZDA 3 AND THE FORD FOCUS ALL SAME PLATFORM ARE KNOWN TO HAVE A BONDING DEFECT WHEN THEY WERE BUILT. THIS SHOULD HAVE BEEN A RECALL FOR SAFETY.
Mar 1, 2011

Owner complaints are submitted to NHTSA by the public and are not verified. Shown as filed (NHTSA removes personal details); long reports are shortened.