2011 Volvo C30 Volvo C30 2011

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2011 Volvo C30 repairs by problem area

Engine (21%)

Transmission and Drivetrain (3%)

Brakes and Traction Control (8%)

Suspension and Steering (21%)

Electrical and Air Conditioning (27%)

Paint, Rust, Leaks, Rattles, and Trim (17%)

Other (4%)

Chart based on 102 repairs.
See TSBs and recalls for the 2011 Volvo C30.

2011 Volvo C30 repair cost distribution

$2500+ (3%)

$1000 - $2499 (4%)

$500 - $999 (7%)

$100 - $499 (11%)

< $100 (75%)

Worried about potential repair costs? An extended warranty can provide peace of mind.

Chart based on 71 repair trips. The repair cost chart excludes repairs made under warranty, do-it-yourself repairs, and repair trips that include maintenance.

2011 Volvo C30

Engine not specified

Volvo C30 in Minnesota, United States
Jan 2015 - Feb 2015
Feb 2015

58000 mi
coolant tank had small cracks, caused coolant to spray out onto the engine and fender. Dealer replaced the tank, under warranty for no charge. 

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2011 Volvo C30 2dr Hatch

turbocharged 227hp 2.5L I5 6-speed manual FWD

Volvo C30 in Ontario, Canada
Jan 2021 - Jun 2022
Jun 2022

255440 mi

C $1000
emergency brake seized, right rear caliper sticking. Needed tires, so 225/50R 17 installed on all 4 wheels. The shop did not have the time to replace the emergency brake cable, so a subsequent appointment is scheduled. A/C clutch / solenoid not working; best to replace entire compressor.  
Volvo C30 in California, United States
Dec 2011 - Feb 2022
Jun 2012

7000 mi
Suspension rod needed tightening Minor rattle in front passenger side door panel. 
Jun 2015

34000 mi
ABS and anti-skid control systems failed due to bearings that came out of place. 
Feb 2022

110000 mi

US $340
Fuel pressure sensor 
Volvo C30 in Quebec, Canada
Nov 2011 - Jul 2014
Jan 2014 Defective wheel nuts, at least 10 lost their chrome cap while replacing summer wheels and tires for winter steel rims and tires. Were replaced under warranty by dealer, no charge. Might reoccur thouh. Will follow up. 
Volvo C30 in Massachusetts, United States
Oct 2012 - Oct 2016
Aug 2013

40000 mi
Dead battery 
Mar 2014

48000 mi
Front springs were making a noise. Volvo stated it was a known problem, upgraded spring design installed as a warranty repair. But ride height was off and the handling was negatively impacted. I insisted they replace the original springs. 
May 2014

49000 mi

US $600
Sway bar links replaced, four wheel alignment 
Volvo C30 in Texas, United States
Nov 2011 - Sep 2014
Dec 2011

11000 mi
The left front wheel starting making a grinding noise. The service people at the dealership needed to replace the spindle on that wheel. Problem was then corrected. 
Feb 2012

11700 mi
There are two small doors on the bumper to allow the headlight washers to spray. The door on the driver's side of the bumper apparently fell off and the dealer ordered and installed a replacement part. 
May 2012

14400 mi
Car wouldn't start and all electrical systems were dead. Volvo roadside assistance towed it to the dealership where they found it needed a battery replacement. 
Nov 2013

32000 mi
It feels to me as if the brakes have a problem when I push the pedal to the floor. The service department took no action, as they said that the pads, fluid, and calipers are all fine. I still think there is something wrong with the brakes. 
Dec 2013

33000 mi
I brought the car in after a "check engine" light appeared. I was told that they had to replace the breather box due to a hole in the diaphragm. 
Jul 2014

38300 mi
Battery failed after just one year. 
Volvo C30 in Minnesota, United States
Jul 2016 - Feb 2022
Aug 2016

47700 mi
Coolant expansion tank "exploded"- i.e. I heard a "Pop" and looked under the hood and there was a hole blown through the tank. Towed to dealer and tank was replaced under Volvo CPO warranty 
Feb 2018

67000 mi

US $800
Check engine light. Needed oil trap (or similar) 
Volvo C30 in Wisconsin, United States
Apr 2016 - Mar 2017
Jun 2016

54000 mi
In for sway bar/linkage repair. 
Nov 2016

56500 mi
Still hearing crunching in front end. Dealer replaced strut bushings. Noise is gone. Also had dealer adjust heated seat temperature, as seat would not get hot. 
Feb 2017

59000 mi
Shifting car is difficult sometimes. Feels crunchy & stiff. Most noticeable when using 4th gear or reverse. 
Volvo C30 in Colorado, United States
Apr 2016 - Apr 2020
Jul 2018

55000 mi

US $75
Washer fluid sprayer stopped spraying washer fluid onto windshield. Sprayers for headlights still work. Need to remove clog from sprayer heads. Minor repair. Possibly caused dirt or minerals. 
Volvo C30 in Texas, United States
Aug 2010 - Mar 2013
Nov 2011

16000 mi
last year AC wouldn't cool, but had heat. this time AC works, but no heat. electronic climate control system module reprogrammed. 
Jun 2012

23000 mi
Leather seating surface, Drivers side, became discolored, and showed some deterioration of the leather. Leather Seating surface replaced. 
Volvo C30 in Illinois, United States
Dec 2010 - Nov 2014
May 2011

4000 mi
replaced driver side window motor window motor replaced 
Mar 2014

32000 mi
Engine would lose power and show error message: reduced engine power. The computer does not store the code. This happened several times in the very cold winter months. Dealer could never repeat error message. The dealer has been great! 
Volvo C30 in New Jersey, United States
Jun 2011 - Mar 2017
Jan 2015

33000 mi
Both axles were replaced under warranty. Also, front and rear brakes were replaced at no cost 
Volvo C30 in Oregon, United States
Aug 2010 - Sep 2014
Jan 2011

4000 mi
Front suspension had a squeak on bumps since the car was a week old. It took 2 days for the dealer to locate and tighten a bolt. 
Apr 2011

6000 mi
Unable to replicate. 
Dec 2011

13000 mi
Check Engine light comes on 2-3 days after codes reset 
Jul 2012

17300 mi
LF steering knuckle replaced after spindle loosened, causing ABS and TPMS warnings. 
Sep 2012

19000 mi
First steering spindle,  then clutch cable bushing, then the mechanic broke the shifter boot - total three trips to the shop. 
Jan 2013

14800 mi
Bracket added per Volvo - same steering spindle as first time. 

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2011 Volvo C30 2dr Hatch

turbocharged 227hp 2.5L I5 5-speed shiftable automatic FWD

Volvo C30 in New Jersey, United States
Feb 2015 - Dec 2017
Aug 2015

40400 mi
Windshield leaks 
Volvo C30 in United Arab Emirates
Feb 2015 - Apr 2015
Mar 2015

58280 mi
Fuel Pump leaking, part took 10 days to be delivered to Dubai 
Volvo C30 in Ontario, Canada
Oct 2020 - Jun 2022
Jul 2021

86800 mi
A/C compressor 
Volvo C30 in Brazil
Dec 2010 - Jan 2011
Jan 2011

62 mi
Went to the dealer because of a strange popping soft noise coming from the front when hitting minor road bumps. Mechanic took a ride with me and confirmed. Will check in the car for further inspection on Jan 10th. I'm very pissed off. Went to the dealer because of a strange popping soft noise coming from the front when hitting minor road bumps. Mechanic took a ride with me and confirmed. Will check in the car for further inspection on Jan 10th. I'm very pissed off. 
Volvo C30 in Virginia, United States
Nov 2010 - Jun 2014
Jan 2011

2000 mi
ABS/Anti-skid sensor fault. Sensor and knuckle replaced under warranty. The repair took days while waiting for part to arrive. The car was deemed not safe to drive until it was fixed. 
Aug 2011

8000 mi
The AC was blowing cold from one center vent while blowing hot from other center vent. The dealer had a software fix that had been used on other vehicles with the same problem. It seems to have been fixed. 
Oct 2011

8300 mi
The ABS warning light came on after a hard left turn. It stayed on through 3 restarts of the car, then turned off after driving about 1/4 mile. There was a bolt that didn't fit quite right (wrong length) and it was replaced. 
Feb 2013

20700 mi
A sensor was knocked out of place and reported a fault. The dealer put the sensor back and installed a retaining ring to keep it in place. 
Mar 2013

21000 mi
An alarm siren module went bad. It was replaced under warranty when I had the 22K mile service done. 
Aug 2013

25000 mi
The hazard lights would come on intermittently when the car was either sitting unlocked or moving. 
Volvo C30 in California, United States
Feb 2016 - Apr 2018
Sep 2016

39000 mi

US $220
Sirius satellite radio drains battery when car is left parked for long periods. Dealer installed software update. 
Dec 2016

44000 mi

US $300
Sunroof drain hose blocked, causing leak inside during a storm. Hose was cleared out. No parts replaced, but labour to reach hose was substantial. Replaced rear shocks. 
May 2017

48000 mi

US $2500
Compressor & condenser had to be replaced. 
Volvo C30 in California, United States
Jun 2017 - Jul 2017
Jul 2017

92500 mi
Headlight malfunction caused by bulb out and computer module needing replacement 
Volvo C30 in Wyoming, United States
- Jul 2010
Jul 2010

358 mi
Replaced driver display console due to inoperative temp gauge. 
Volvo C30 in Quebec, Canada
Jun 2012 - May 2015
Sep 2012

12500 mi
installed retainer bracket. repaired as per service bulletin TJ0438 
Nov 2013

22739 mi
loose sensor connector to gas pedal changed connector and wiring to gas pedal (computer codes ECM-9400, 941D, 9430 and CEM-3F93) 
Feb 2014

24491 mi
changed gas pedal (codes ECM-941D, 9430 and CEM3F93) 
Oct 2014

29512 mi
syrius was depleting battery. did RDAR upgrade and installed new battery. 
Jan 2015

31620 mi
replaced wiring between accelerator pedal and computer. codes ECM9400, 941D and 3F93 present. 
Feb 2015

31720 mi
changed wiring to motor. third attempt to fix reduced motor power and associated warning light. First they changed the pedal then the pedal wiring. Removed the IP to access wiring this time. 
Volvo C30 in Kansas, United States
Aug 2010 - Jan 2011
Sep 2010

6000 mi
The dampeners were closing so no air was getting into the vehicle. They recalibrated the dampeners and did a software update. 
Nov 2010

7000 mi
Air conditioning, heating, and fan are working but air is not getting into the cabin due to dampener door not opening properly. The dampener door issue continued after two software loads and dampener door adjustments. Dealership decided to replace dampener motor which means taking the whole dash out of the car. 
Volvo C30 in Illinois, United States
May 2014 - Mar 2018
Sep 2014

56000 mi
Factory battery failed. 
Apr 2015

67000 mi

US $95
One small drip while in car wash. Cleared clogged sunroof drain. Cleaned sunroof gasket. 
Volvo C30 in Oregon, United States
May 2011 - Mar 2018
Nov 2012

8300 mi
Loose hub. 
Volvo C30 in California, United States
Dec 2011 - Jul 2017
Nov 2013

43600 mi
Steering wheel "R-Design" logo had sharp metal extrusion; whole steering wheel had to be replaced. Volvo logo fell off. Was told this is common. 
Volvo C30 in Texas, United States
Jun 2012 - Mar 2022
Apr 2015

37700 mi
Glue around the windshield had aged which was causing leaks into the car interior. Windshield was taken off and glue was replaced with a better variant. Car took 3 days to dry out before it was returned to me. Driver's side door handle (interior) was rattling with strong bass sounds from stereo as well as when driving on rough roads. It was repaired. Drivers side window was rattling when down while driving - clips replaced. iPhone iOS 8 does not allow the car to skip forward a track or back a track with my cars computer. There is no fix, as volvo's software is outdated with no update possible. 
Aug 2015

42100 mi
DC outlets stopped working - fuse replaced.  Rattling continues coming from dash. Dealer thought it might be the left front strut so that was replaced. 
Jan 2016

36300 mi

US $1160
front camshaft seal leaking engine oil. Seal replaced. Luckily, the timing belt was clean and had no evidence of oil on it. Seal failure was discovered after taking off protective tray on the bottom of the car and finding oil everywhere. 
Feb 2016

46100 mi
Still leaking oil into engine bay. Turbo taken apart and resealed, pressure control valve replaced. Appears to have fixed engine oil leak. 
Jun 2021

87000 mi

US $100
Battery died, replaced. oil change, engine air filter. 
Volvo C30 in New Mexico, United States
Aug 2010 - Sep 2016
Nov 2010

8500 mi
Left front spindle grinding and reported malfunction by car computer. Replaced under warrantee by dealer.  
Sep 2012

27000 mi
Right-side front bearing worn out at 27,000 miles. Left-side had previously worn out at 9,000. 
Jul 2014

41800 mi
Battery drained in 4 days; software updated to fix satellite seeking when vehicle off. 
Apr 2016

64300 mi

US $850
Electric fan quit and needed replacement 
Jun 2016

66000 mi

US $250
Main fan burned out affecting A/C Engine mounts failing 
Volvo C30 in California, United States
Feb 2012 - Mar 2012
Mar 2012

39000 mi
"Volvo" badge paint peeled. Repaired under warranty Road noise attributed to tire wear (inside edges of tires). Believe this is due to Volvo's overly aggressive rear camber (-2.1 degrees) which is still in Volvo's spec. 
Volvo C30 in Texas, United States
Mar 2011 - Dec 2012
Sep 2012

13000 mi
Replaced steering knuckles Left + right wheel hub. 
Volvo C30 in Colorado, United States
Aug 2011 - Nov 2014
Nov 2011

9000 mi
Rattle in dash. Dealer located the problem in the windshield wiper motor and repaired under warranty. 
Dec 2012

25000 mi
Described as a bearing issue which affected the ABS and Traction control system. Caused warning lights for those systems to come on. Fixed under warranty. 
Feb 2014

39000 mi
Replaced faulty thermostat 
Volvo C30 in North Carolina, United States
Aug 2013 - Dec 2016
May 2015

41000 mi

US $195
Car slow to start for a week then would not start. 
Sep 2016

59000 mi

US $110
HID headlight failed. Replaced both HID headlamp bulbs 
Volvo C30 in Connecticut, United States
Feb 2013 - Jun 2018
Jun 2013

18000 mi
A/C was working intermittently. It was very weak or not working at all on on warm days. The dealer said the compressor clutch was not working. It took 1 day to get the part. It was replaced and the A/C is working fine now. 
Aug 2013

22000 mi
Ac was weak on hot days. Volvo tested temp to be 42 at center vents. They found a slight leak in the high side valve. They replaced the valve and charged system. It tested at 34f afterwards. 
Volvo C30 in California, United States
Oct 2012 - Jan 2015
Aug 2013

36100 mi
The satellite radio system had a known "parasitic drain" that caused the battery to die. The replaced the faulty part and all is well. 
Volvo C30 in Massachusetts, United States
May 2014 - Jan 2022
Dec 2014

48000 mi
Rear carpets wet due to water leak. Dealer found drainage from sunroof partially plugged. Repair time included holiday and many days for ensuring carpets were dried out. A loaner plus oil/filter, wipers and battery were changed all at N/C. 
Oct 2016

55200 mi
Water was collecting on the front right floor. The windshield was leaking due to poor sealing and was replaced as the original broke during removal. The dealer also removed and dried the front rug. A loaner was provided, all at no charge. 
Aug 2017

58000 mi

US $750
Water was leaking into the passenger side floor. The sunroof drained were clogged and collapsed. Dealer replaced two front sunroof drains. Three of the four tire pressure sensors in the tires were found to need replacement due to corrosion and leakage. They would not accept air. (Also had 14 lug nuts replaced at this time as they were deteriorating. Owner requested replacement, cost not included as part of this repair.) 
Feb 2021

90488 mi

US $308
Replaced blown left side windshield washer check valve and nozzle. Replaced rear sway bar links. 

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2011 Volvo C30 2dr Hatch

turbocharged 113hp 1.6L I4 Diesel 6-speed manual FWD

Volvo C30 in Belgium
Jul 2012 - Nov 2015
May 2014

74400 mi

€1100
Water pump leakage. 
Nov 2015

99200 mi

€2500
Clutch 

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2011 Volvo C30 Repair Histories

See our lemon odds and nada odds page to see vehicles with no repairs or vehicles with more than three repairs. To see how frequently 2011 Volvo C30 problems occur, check out our car reliability stats.