Complaints filed with NHTSA, by model year. Bar colour is the FaultScore grade:
A
B
C
D
F
ungraded
What breaks on a 2011 Volvo C30
Every complaint is filed against a part. Follow any row for the complaints about that part alone.
Windows, Mirrors & Wipers
730.4%
Median failure at 70,000 miles
Other & Unspecified
313.0%
Median failure at 50,000 miles
Body & Structure
313.0%
Median failure at 42,000 miles
Tires
28.7%
Median failure at 10,600 miles
Suspension
28.7%
Median failure at 10,600 miles
Steering
28.7%
1 crashes, 0 fires · median 200 mi
Wheels
14.3%
Median failure at 200 miles
Airbags
14.3%
1 crashes, 0 fires
Electrical System
14.3%
Median failure at 50,000 miles
Engine & Cooling
14.3%
Median failure at 50,000 miles
When it fails
Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all
complaints include one.
Under 1,000 miles
430.8%
10,000 – 24,999 miles
215.4%
25,000 – 49,999 miles
17.7%
50,000 – 74,999 miles
538.5%
100,000 – 149,999 miles
17.7%
When owners complained
A spike years after the car went on sale usually means a part wearing
out on schedule across the whole fleet — the kind of pattern no single
owner can see from inside their own car.
May 2012peak 4Jun 2023
Recalls on the 2011 Volvo C30
A complaint is one owner's allegation. A recall is the point at which
the manufacturer or a regulator agreed the defect is real and dangerous
enough to fix for free — however old the car is.
Canada — Transport Canada
Canada runs its own recall programme, and its campaigns do not
always mirror the American ones.
Recall 20111244 units in Canada
Structure
On certain vehicles, the passenger-side support member (in the engine compartment) may have been manufactured incorrectly. As such, the frame member may have developed a crack during the forming process. This could have an effect on the front structure, reducing crash performance of the vehicle, thereby increasing the risk of occupant injury during a crash. Correction: Dealers will inspect the passenger-side support member. If a crack is found, Volvo will take the vehicle out of service and replace it with a new one of equal specification.
Recall 2010193159 units in Canada
Powertrain
On certain vehicles, the gearshift lever stud assembly may not have received adequate tighten torque during vehicle assembly. If the gearshift lever cable or stud assembly becomes loose, it may not be possible to engage, disengage, or shift gears. This could result in a crash causing property damage, personal injury, or death. Correction: Dealers will inspect and torque the gearshift lever stud assembly to the correct specification.
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
Startford, NJCrash
AIR BAGS
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.
NHTSA complaint #11005869 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Startford, NJCrash
STEERING
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.
NHTSA complaint #11005869 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
Glen Allen, VA
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 “according to Volvo standards at an authorized facility, using only Volvo Genuine Windshields and adhesives.” Their reasoning for this statement is, “The Volvo windshield is an integral part of our vehicles. Not only does it provide an undistorted view, it serves as a critical structure component on the vehicle." Since Volvo is claiming there is a safety component to the windshield and only Volvo can fix it, they should recall and repair all vehicles with this known issue.
NHTSA complaint #11526361 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Santa Clara, CA
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.
NHTSA complaint #11524288 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Eureka, CA
STRUCTURE:BODY
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.
NHTSA complaint #11501828 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Eureka, CA
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.
NHTSA complaint #11501828 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
LA, CA
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Windshield is not sealed properly- moving as i drive from faulty seal
NHTSA complaint #11417949 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 100,000 milesHollywood, FL
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.
NHTSA complaint #11354970 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 51,000 milesHorsham, PA
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
NHTSA complaint #11353281 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 70,000 milesBethesda, MD
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.
NHTSA complaint #11325070 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Village OF Pelham, NY
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
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.
NHTSA complaint #11318661 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Village OF Pelham, NY
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.
NHTSA complaint #11318661 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Startford, NJCrash
AIR BAGS
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.
NHTSA complaint #11005869 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Startford, NJCrash
STEERING
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.
NHTSA complaint #11005869 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Franklin, NC
VISIBILITY/WIPER
THE CAR DEVELOPED A RATTLE OVER BUMPS WHICH GOT WORSE WITH COLDER WEATHER TO THE POINT WE DETERMINED THE WINDSHIELD IS LOOSE ALMOST THE ENTIRE LENGTH ACROSS THE TOP AND PART WAY DOWN THE RIGHT SIDE. OUR LOCAL AUTO GLASS COMPANY SAYS IT SEEMS TO BE A FACTORY QUALITY CONTROL PROBLEM. UPON DOING SOME ONLINE RESEARCH IT APPEARS TO BE A SOMEWHAT COMMON PROBLEM WITH VOLVOS AND IT IS A PROBLEM WITH THE PRIMER APPLIED TO THE GLASS POSSIBLY BEING CONTAMINATED AND SEPARATING FROM THE GLASS AND NOT ACTUALLY A PROBLEM WITH THE ADHESIVE WHICH ATTACHES THE WINDSHIELD TO THE CAR. THE VOLVO DEALER SAYS I'M OUT OF WARRANTY AND I WILL HAVE TO PAY TO HAVE THE WINDSHIELD REMOVED AND RESET AND THAT IF IT BREAKS DURING REMOVAL A NEW ONE WILL BE AROUND $800.00. I THINK THIS IS A FACTORY DEFECT AND SAFETY CONCERN CAUSED BY LACK OF QUALITY CONTROL AND OTHER PEOPLE IN THE AUTO GLASS INDUSTRY HAVE EXPRESSED THE SAME THOUGHT. CHECK HERE HTTP://BERANEK.AGRRMAG.COM/?S=VOLVO+BOND+FAILURE I HAVE NEVER HEARD OF WINDSHIELDS BECOMING LOOSE ON VEHICLES BEING A COMMON OCCURRENCE. IT ALSO SEEM THAT IT WOULD BE CONSIDERED A SAFETY ISSUE. I WILL HAVE PHOTOS TOMORROW IF I CAN ACCESS THIS REPORT TO ADD THEM.
NHTSA complaint #10820302 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 42,000 milesSAN Diego, CA
STRUCTURE:BODY
WHILE DRIVING ALONG THE INTERSTATE IN SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA, AT ABOUT 70MPH, THE SUNROOF OF MY 2011 VOLVO C30 SPONTANEOUSLY EXPLODED. THERE WAS NO PREVIOUS INDICATION OF ANY FAULTS WITH THE SUNROOF SYSTEM AND IT WAS CLOSED AT THE TIME OF THE EXPLOSION. I WAS NOT DRIVING IN TRAFFIC OR IN THE VICINITY OF LARGE VEHICLES THAT COULD HAVE KICKED UP DEBRIS. I ALSO HAD NOT PASSED UNDER ANY OVERPASSES. FROM MY RESEARCH ONLINE, THERE DOES NOT APPEAR TO BE A RECALL ON ANY VOLVO SUNROOFS. THE LOCAL VOLVO DEALER IN SAN DIEGO HAS TOLD ME THAT THE REPAIR WILL NOT BE COVERED UNDER WARRANTY SINCE THEY COULD NOT DETERMINE THE CAUSE OF THE EXPLOSION. THE OUT OF POCKET REPAIR COSTS ARE ESTIMATED AT $980. IT DOES NOT SEEM THAT THE LOCAL DEALER IS INTERESTED IN INVESTIGATING THIS INCIDENT, BUT THEY DID POINT OUT THAT THEY HAVE SEEN SIMILAR EXPLOSIONS ON OTHER MODEL VOLVO BEFORE.
NHTSA complaint #10809123 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 50,000 milesClifton Park, NY
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
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).
NHTSA complaint #10722125 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 50,000 milesClifton Park, NY
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
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).
NHTSA complaint #10722125 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 50,000 milesClifton Park, NY
ENGINE
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).
NHTSA complaint #10722125 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 200 milesEllenton, FL
WHEELS
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.
NHTSA complaint #10668544 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 200 milesEllenton, FL
STEERING
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.
NHTSA complaint #10668544 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 200 milesEllenton, FL
SUSPENSION
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.
NHTSA complaint #10668544 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 200 milesEllenton, FL
TIRES
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.
NHTSA complaint #10668544 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 21,000 milesWichita Falls, TX
SUSPENSION
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!
NHTSA complaint #10459635 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 21,000 milesWichita Falls, TX
TIRES
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!
NHTSA complaint #10459635 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.