2011 Volvo C30: problems, recalls and reliability
1 recall and 14 owner complaints on record; most reports concern visibility/wiper.
Data updated weekly · latest recall Jun 2010
All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.
Common problems
Computed from 14 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“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.”Owner report · Visibility/Wiper · May 2023
“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.”Owner report · Visibility/Wiper · Dec 2022
“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”Owner report · Visibility/Wiper · Sep 2020
Show 7 more owner reports
“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”Owner report · Visibility/Wiper · May 2020
“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.”Owner report · Visibility/Wiper · Nov 2018
“Tl* the contact owned a 2011 volvo c30. The contact stated that while driving at 35 mph, the steering wheel failed while making a left turn. The contact lost control of the vehicle and crashed into a curb. The air bags did not deploy. A police report was filed. There were no injuries sustained. The vehicle was destroyed and towed to rocko's auto repair of blackwood, new jersey. The dealer was not contacted about the issue. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was unknown.”Owner report · Air Bags · Jun 2017
“While driving at about 65 mph in heavy traffic on I-87, the car suddenly lost all power, including all electrical instruments and accessories. It rolled to a stop and could not be started by pushing (the car has a manual transmission).”Owner report · Electrical System · May 2015
“Rear tires worn out on the inside after 21000 miles. 1/32 inside and 5/32 outside tread depth. Unacceptable tire wear as front tires have 4 to 5/32 tread depth across the tire. Note that this car is also a front wheel drive vehicle! Authorized volvo dealer has aligned vehicle at least 2 times! Alignment said to be within spec both times! I have facts supporting this to be common occurrence on volvo c-30 models as witnessed by owners on internet forums. Excessive tire wear by unsuspecting driver can and will lead to unexpected tire blow out causing damage to vehicle and/or injury or death. Similar incidents have happened as pointed out in the ford explorer accidents in the 1990s! *tr”Owner report · Tires · May 2012
“Tires were shaky when I bought a brand new c30 volvo. Asked dealer to fix-sales manager said nothing was wrong (ft. Meyers, fl volvo). And he would tell volvo I was crazy. Tires were destroyed at 10,000. Went to different volvo dealer in sarasota and st. Pete-nothing is wrong. Dealer replaced tires at 10,000. Car still shaking. Now I am on my 3rd set of tires at 50,000. Something is very wrong with this car-do not buy one volvo will not fix. *tr”Owner report · Wheels · Dec 2011
“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.”Owner report · Structure · Mar 2011
When filing, owners marked a crash in 1 of these complaints and injuries in 0 - self-reported to NHTSA, not verified accident statistics.
Recalls - 1 campaign
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.
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 .
Specifications
Factory options offered for the 2011 model year, decoded from the NHTSA vPIC database. Individual vehicles have one of each.
Check your exact C30 by VIN
Recalls and equipment differ between individual vehicles. Decode your VIN to see what applies to yours.
Open VIN decoderFrequently asked questions
Is the 2011 Volvo C30 reliable?
NHTSA has 14 owner complaints and 1 recall campaign on record for the 2011 Volvo C30. The most complained-about area is visibility/wiper.
Does the 2011 Volvo C30 have open recalls?
1 recall campaign has been issued, the latest concerning steering:gear box:shaft sector. Check your specific vehicle by VIN - recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
Source: NHTSA recall campaigns and owner complaints (public domain). Counts reflect reports on file and are not a defect rate.