Volvo C30 reliability
The Volvo C30 fails its MOT about as often as most cars over 10 years old: 41.1% of 23,625 tests failed in 2023, against 39.7% on average.
18 DVSA recalls for the Volvo C30
Most cover a batch of cars built in a set period, and dealers fix them free. Sweep’s check shows the recalls for a car’s age and whether the DVSA has one outstanding.
Loss of drive
It is possible that the right hand driveshaft may not have been manufactured to the correct specification. This can ultimately result in the failure of the drive shaft. This will be identified to the driver by noise and the loss of drive.
Fix: Recall all affected vehicles and replace the right hand driveshaft.
Recalled models: C30 · 826 vehicles
Fluid may leak into wiring harness which may cause fire
A number of Volvo C30S40V50 and C70 may experience a problem with washer fluid leaking inside the washer pump unit through the wires into the central control electronic module. This can impact on a number of different features of the vehicle but in the worst case it may lead to a fire.
Fix: The solution is to replace and then modify the wiring harness for the washer fluid pump. In addition to this the washer pump connector will be inspected for any signs of corrosion and the washer pump will be replaced if necessary
Recalled models: C30 · 53,203 vehicles
Clutch pedal mechanism may fail
The rod connecting the clutch master cylinder and the clutch pedal may break. It may not be possible to disengage the clutch. In worst cases this may happen suddenly with no warning to the driver. If this happens bring the car to a safe stop using the engine and switch off the ignition.
Fix: Replace clutch master cylinder with a new metal push rod in-place of the plastic one.
Recalled models: C30 · 35,587 vehicles
Brakes may not perform as expected
The cover on the top of the engine cover could chafe against the brake vacuum hose. If this occurs it may lead to a vacuum leak in the brake booster system and a gradual reduction of brake booster assistance. The will lead to the brake pedal becoming harder to push than normal and increased force would be required to stop the car.
Fix: Inspect and replace the vacuum hose if necessary. The hose will also be fitted with a safety net to prevent chafing in the future.
Recalled models: C30 · 18,989 vehicles
Support member may crack
It is possible that stress cracks may occur in the offside main support member within the engine bay which could affect the vehicle structural performance if it is involved in an accident.
Fix: Recall affected vehicles for the inspection of the subject member and report findings to Volvo Car UK Ltd; who will then decide on the level of the repair.
Recalled models: C30 · 325 vehicles
Fire may occur
Volvo quality follow-up procedures have identified an issue on a number of model year 2007 C30 S40 and V50s relating to the engine cooling fan control module. Under certain operating conditions water intrusion could occur into the control module causing a short circuit which in very rare instances could result in a fire in the engine compartment.
Fix: To install a water shield and a cable harness with relay in order to control the engine cooling fan module power supply.
Recalled models: C30 · 2,398 vehicles
Fire may occur
On certain five cylinder engines it is possible that the high pressure fuel pipes may not have been correctly installed and may leak. This should be identified by a smell of fuel from the engine bay. However it is possible that in extreme cases an engine bay fire could occur.
Fix: Recall all affected vehicles and replace the high pressure pipes.
Recalled models: C30 · 845 vehicles
Engine may overheat
It is possible that the hose connection between the coolant expansion tank and the bleed hose can work loose. If this should occur then coolant will leak and air will enter the system. Under these conditions the low coolant level warning light will not function. If the vehicle is driven in this condition it will cause engine damage and in the extreme possible failure.
Fix: Recall the affected vehicle to replace the tank and bleeder hose.
Recalled models: C30 · 159 vehicles
Gearbox may jam
A section of the gear shift mechanism may over time become loose and cause the mechanism to become jammed. If this was to occur it might not be possible to change gear or select neutral.
Fix: Recall the vehicles that are likely to be affected to check that the ball joint for the gear selector is properly secured.
Recalled models: C30 · 6,961 vehicles
Engine speed may not decrease
The engine oil level may rise. This situation may lead to the engine speed being maintained or possibly increased after the throttle pedal is released. In an extreme situation the engine may continue to run after it has been switched off.
Fix: Recall the affected vehicles and carry out a ECM software upgrade adjust engine oil level and install a decal to confirm oil level to the consumer.
Recalled models: C30 · 20,204 vehicles
Gearbox may not engage or shift gears as intended
It has been identified that due to internal leakage the gearbox hydraulic control module may not be able to engage or shift gears as intended.
Fix: Recalled vehicles will have the gearbox replaced.
Recalled models: C30 · 42 vehicles
Brakes may not perform adequately
Brake assistance from the vacuum pressure pump may be reduced under certain cold start conditions. The brakes will still function but more pressure on the pedal will be required than normal.
Fix: Recall the vehicles that are likely to be affected to replace the non-return valve in the vacuum pump.
Recalled models: C30 · 2,004 vehicles
Possible engine bay fire
It has been identified that on subject vehicles the engine cooling fan module could under certain operating conditions develop a short circuit caused by water intrusion. This in rare circumstances could result in an engine bay fire.
Fix: Recalled vehicles will be fitted with a water shield and a cable harness with a relay in order to control the engine cooling fan module power supply.
Recalled models: C30 · 4,023 vehicles
Accelerator pedal may not return to resting position
Accelerator pedal may be prevented from returning to its rest position by the floor mat.
Fix: Recall the vehicles that are likely to be affected to replace the floor mat with a shorter version.
Recalled models: C30 · 4,037 vehicles
Power steering pipe may leak.
It has been established that the material in the power steering return line hose has not been manufactured to specification.
Fix: Recalled vehicles will have the hose inspected and replaced as necessary.
Recalled models: C30 · 3 vehicles
Rear wheels may loosen
It has been identified that on the subject vehicles the rear wheel studs may be of an incorrect size. This in rare cases may during particular forms of low speed manoeuvring result in the wheel becoming loose.
Fix: Recalled vehicles will have the rear wheel studs inspected and changed to a modified type as necessary.
Recalled models: C30 · 260 vehicles
Reduced braking performance
It has been identified that internal leakage of the brake master cylinder could occur. Should this be the case the driver may experience reduced braking performance whilst applying and maintaining force on the brake pedal.
Fix: Recalled vehicles will have the brake master cylinder inspected and possibly replaced. At the same time the brake fluid reservoir will be checked and the affected pipes cleansed.
Recalled models: C30 · 2 vehicles
Braking performance may be affected
Brake servo assistance from the vacuum pump may be reduced under certain cold start conditions. The brakes will still function but more pressure on the pedal will be required than normal.
Fix: Recall the vehicles that are likely to be affected to fit a modified non-return valve to the vacuum pump.
Recalled models: C30 · 10,871 vehicles
Checking a Volvo C30 before you buy
Look at the parts above at the viewing, and read the car’s own MOT history: advisories for the same parts suggest the problem is already starting. Sweep’s free check shows every MOT, advisory and mileage reading for a registration.