2008 Volvo C30 problems
The Volvo C30 is a three-door, front-engine, front-wheel-drive premium compact hatchback, manufactured and marketed by Volvo Cars from 2006 to 2013, in a single generation. Powered by inline-four and straight-five engines, the C30 is a variant of the Volvo S40/V50/C70 range, sharing the same Ford C1/Volvo P1 platform. Volvo marketed the C30 as a premium hatchback / sports coupe.
The C30's rear styling and frameless glass rear hatch recall Volvo's earlier P1800 ES and Volvo 480.
Pre-production concepts
Volvo SCC (2001)
The Volvo SCC (Safety Concept Car) is a concept vehicle incorporating the rear hatch design from the Volvo P1800ES and the glass hatch from Volvo 480ES. Its safety features included forward collision warning, blind spot monitor and alert, lane departure warning, adaptive cruise control, flashing brake lights during hard braking, and headlights that follow the curvature of the road as the car turns. Many of these features would become commonplace years later. The SCC also featured a head-up display and communication with the car via mobile phone.
The SCC was first unveiled at the 2001 Detroit Auto Show, then in autumn 2001 at the Seville International Airport in southern Spain. Research to adapt its safety features for production began in 2002, and it led to development of the C30 which began in 2003.
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Common 2008 Volvo C30 problems
The Volvo C30, introduced in 2006, is a compact premium hatchback known for its stylish design and safety features. However, like any vehicle, it has its share of common problems reported by owners.
- Clutch Faults: Some models of the C30 have been reported to have issues with the clutch component connecting the clutch master cylinder and the clutch pedal, which may be prone to breakage. When this problem occurs, it may not be possible to disengage the clutch, posing a safety risk. The average quote for a clutch repair on the Volvo C30 is £689.09 when booked through WhoCanFixMyCar.
- Brake Assistance Failure: Certain models of the C30 have experienced a fault where the brake assistance may not work effectively in cold start conditions. This issue resulted in a recall in 2009, requiring a part of the vacuum pump to be replaced to rectify the problem. Always check with your dealer if you're unsure if the work has been carried out.
- Engine Overheating: Some models of the C30 have been known to overheat, caused by the hose connection between the coolant expansion tank and the bleed hose coming loose. When this happens, it can cause coolant to leak out and air to enter the system, leading to engine overheating.
- Leaky Sunroof: A common complaint among C30 owners is a leaky sunroof, which can be frustrating. While it doesn't affect the car's performance, it's an issue that can lead to water damage inside the vehicle.
- ABS Module Failure: The ABS module in some C30s has a tendency to go bad and require rebuilding due to internal connection faults. If there's an ABS problem, it's a good idea to check the ABS module.
- PCV System: As with all 5-cylinder Volvos, it's important to ensure the PCV system has been serviced within the past 100k miles to maintain the car's reliability.
- Maintenance Items: Many C30s end up getting dumped at trade right around the 10-year/120,000-mile mark due to maintenance items such as timing belts, water pumps, and CV axle boots. It's crucial to inspect these components during a pre-purchase inspection.
While these common problems may seem daunting, the Volvo C30 is generally considered a reliable vehicle with a good reputation for safety. Regular maintenance and inspections can help prevent or address these issues, ensuring a safe and enjoyable driving experience.
2008 Volvo C30 car problems categorized by type of issue
After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Volvo C30 problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:
- Vehicle speed control problems
- Suspension problems
- Engine and engine cooling problems
- Seat belts problems
- Visibility problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 2008 Volvo C30 vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
2008 Volvo C30 complaints
The NHTSA has received 8 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 2008 Volvo C30.
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2009-01-06
- Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
- Summary: VERY SMALL FOOT ROOM ON DRIVER SIDE. SHOE TRAPS UNDER BRAKE PEDAL SOMETIME, MAKE SOME DELAY OF USING BRAKE. *TR
SUSPENSION PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2014-03-27
- VIN: YV1MK672482
- Components: SUSPENSION
- Summary: LEFT FRONT SPRING BROKE WHILE ENTERING VEHICLE (PARKED OVERNIGHT IN GARAGE). EVIDENCE OF ANTI-CORROSION PAINT FLAKING OFF OF SPRING IN THE AREA THAT THE BREAK OCCURRED. THIS IS THE SECOND BROKEN FRONT SPRING ON THE SAME VEHICLE, THE PREVIOUS ONE HAPPENED ~ 1 YEAR AGO (ODI# 10502668.). POTENTIALLY A DEFECT IN THE COATING PROCESS ALLOWING THE COATING TO CRACK AND LET CORROSION HAPPEN ON THE SURFACE OF THE SPRING. *TR
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2013-08-01
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: OIL TRAP BROKEN. WAS TOLD BY MY MECHANIC THERE WAS A VOLVO RECALL FOR THIS PROBLEM (DEALERSHIP RECALL # 202). VOLVO DEALERSHIP SAID MY MAKE AND MODEL WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. I BELIEVE IT WAS AN OVERSITE, AS MY VEHICLE WAS MANUFACTURED IN THE SAME COUNTRY AS THE OTHER VOLVO MAKE AND MODELS INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. THIS 2008 C30 IS THE FIRST MODEL OF THIS TYPE. IT SHOULD HAVE BEEN INCLUDED IN THE RECALL AND WAS NOT. PLEASE INVESTIGATE. I'VE PAID $550 TO REPAIR DUE TO POOR MANUFACTURING. PLEASE REVIEW AND CONTACT VOLVO REGARDING THIS. HOPEFULLY OTHER'S WITH THE SAME MAKE AND MODEL HAVE FILED A COMPLAINT FOR A STRONGER CASE. I WANT MY MONEY BACK. *TR
SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2013-06-17
- VIN: YV1MK672982
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: FRONT PASSENGER SEATBELT DIFFICULT TO UNBUCKLE. TOOK TO VOLVO DEALERSHIP TO HAVE SERVICED ON 7/1/13. DEALERSHIP REPORTED "FOUND A LITTLE STICKY. LUBED IT. NOW OPENS TO INTENT. IT DOES HELP TO PRESS DOWN ON THE BUCKLE BEFORE YOU RELEASE THE LATCH." THE LUBE DID NOT FIX THE BUCKLE. STILL DIFFICULT TO RELEASE. SAFETY CONCERN FOR EMERGENCY EXIT OF CAR. *TR
SUSPENSION PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2013-03-12
- VIN: YV1MK672482
- Components: SUSPENSION
- Summary: RIGHT FRONT SPRING BROKE, FRACTURE HAPPENED IN THE TRANSITION FROM THE LOWEST COIL (THE ONE ALWAYS ON THE SPRING SEAT) TO THE FIRST ACTIVE COIL. ANTI-CORROSION COATING WAS MISSING IN THAT AREA, AND A SMALL AMOUNT OF SURFACE PITTING WAS PRESENT. PHOTOS OF FAILED SPRING ARE AVAILABLE UPON REQUEST (BOTH IN PLACE BEFORE REMOVAL, AND CLOSEUP VIEW OF THE FRACTURE ON THE COIL THAT BROKE OFF). *TR
VISIBILITY,SEATS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2012-02-10
- VIN: YV1MK672682
- Components: VISIBILITY,SEATS
- Summary: FRONT DRIVER'S SEAT HEADREST ENGAGED VISOR IN STOWED POSITION WHEN SEAT PUSHED FORWARD TO ENTER REAR SEAT. THIS CAUSED THE MIRROR INSIDE THE VISOR TO SHATTER. WE DID NOT REALIZE THIS HAD OCCURRED UNTIL AFTER MY WIFE WAS DRIVING, LOWERED THE VISOR, AND GLASS SHARDS FELL ON HER LAP. THANKFULLY THEY DID NOT FALL IN HER FACE/EYES. THIS DID NOT CAUSE A WRECK, BUT WE'RE CONCERNED THAT THIS COULD CAUSE FUTURE ACCIDENTS. WE CONTACTED VOLVO USA, AND THEY ACKNOWLEDGED PRIOR REPORTS OF SIMILAR INCIDENTS, BUT STATED THAT THE DAMAGE WAS NOT COVERED BY THE WARRANTY, AND ESSENTIALLY THEY TOOK NO RESPONSIBILITY. THIS IS UNFORTUNATE, AS I BELIEVE THIS TO BE A CRITICAL DESIGN FLAW THAT COULD CAUSE A FATAL ACCIDENT. I NOTIFIED VOLVO USA THAT I HAD NO CHOICE BUT TO FILE THIS CLAIM WITH NHTSA, IN AN EFFORT TO ALERT OTHER DRIVERS OF POTENTIAL RISKS. *TR
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2009-06-21
- VIN: YV1MK672882
- Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
- Summary: VOLVO C30 2008 HAS VERY SMALL SPACE BETWEEN BRAKE PEDAL,ACCELERATOR AND CONSOLE WHICH MAKE THE SHOE TRAPPED UNDER THE BRAKE PEDAL. THIS MAY VERY SERIOUS ACCIDENT. *TR
AIR BAGS,EQUIPMENT PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2007-12-07
- VIN: YV1MK672682
- Components: AIR BAGS,EQUIPMENT
- Summary: I WAS DRIVING OUT OF A TOLL BOOTH AND WAS ACCELERATING. A TRACTOR TRAILER BEGAN COMING CLOSER TO ME. I MOVED OVER TO AVOID IMPACT WITH THE TRUCK. IN THE PROCESS MY FRONT AND REAR DRIVERS SIDE WHEELS RUBBED AGAINST A CURB CAUSING THE SIDE AIRBAGS TO DEPLOY. THERE WAS NO DAMAGE TO THE VEHICLE OTHER THAN A TWO INCH SCRAPE ON THE RIMS. THE EMPLOYEES IN THE BODY SHOP AND SERVICE DEPARTMENT STATED THAT THE AIRBAGS SHOULD NOT HAVE DEPLOYED DUE TO THE WHEELS RUBBING CURB. THE WOMAN AT VOLVO STATED THAT THE CAR "DETECTED IMMINENT DAMAGE" WHICH CAUSED THE AIRBAGS TO DEPLOY. I WAS DECELERATING AT THE TIME OF THE DEPLOYMENT, HAD I BEEN ACCELERATING TO PASS THE TRUCK I WOULD HAVE BEEN KILLED. THE INVESTIGATOR FROM VOLVO STATED THAT THEY MOVED THE SENSORS TO THE WHEEL WELLS AND THE ARE MORE SENSITIVE. I THINK THIS IS A SERIOUS SAFETY CONCERN AS THE VEHICLE, UPON DETECTING IMMINENT DANGER ALMOST KILLED ME. *TR
2008 Volvo C30 recalls
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 2 recalls for different components of the 2008 Volvo C30.
- Manufacturer: VOLVO CARS OF N.A. LLC.
- Components: EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:NAVIGATIONAL SYSTEM(GLOBAL POSITIONING SYSTEM)
- Summary: VOLVO IS RECALLING CERTAIN VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH GARMIN 760 PORTABLE GLOBAL POSITIONING SYSTEM (GPS) UNITS BECAUSE THE BATTERIES ON THOSE UNITS MAY OVERHEAT.
- Consequence: AN OVERHEATED BATTERY COULD LEAD TO A FIRE.
- Remedy: VOLVO ADVISES OWNERS TO PLEASE STOP USING THE GARMIN PORTABLE GPS DEVICE IMMEDIATELY, AND VISIT THE GARMIN WEBSITE TO DETERMINE IF THEIR UNIT IS AFFECTED. THE UNIT'S BATTERY WILL BE REPLACED WITH A NEW BATTERY AND A SPACER WILL BE INSERTED ON TOP OF THE BATTERY NEXT TO THE PCB. THIS SERVICE WILL BE PERFORMED FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON NOVEMBER 18, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT GARMIN AT 866-957-1981 OR VISIT GARMIN'S WEBSITE AT WWW.GARMIN.COM/NUVIBATTERYPCBRECALL.
- Manufacturer: VOLVO CARS OF N.A. LLC.
- Components: STEERING:HYDRAULIC POWER ASSIST:HOSE, PIPING, AND CONNECTIONS
- Summary: VOLVO IS RECALLING MY 2008-2009 VEHICLES. A SECTION OF THE POWER STEERING RETURN LINE HOSE WAS NOT PROPERLY VULCANIZED (CURED) AND DOES NOT MEET SPECIFICATIONS. IF THE POWER STEERING RETURN HOSE FAILS, A SUDDEN RUPTURE OF THE HOSE CAN OCCUR.
- Consequence: THIS CAN RESULT IN A RAPID DRAINAGE OF THE POWER STEERING FLUID IN THE SYSTEM AND A COMPLETE LOSS OF POWER ASSISTANCE, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
- Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND REPLACE THE STEERING RETURN LINE HOSE ASSEMBLY FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON AUGUST 13, 2008. OWNERS MAY CONTACT VOLVO AT 1-800-458-1552.
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