2012 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 2012 Volvo C30 problems
The Volvo C30, a three-door compact premium hatchback manufactured between 2006 and 2013, has been known to have several common problems that affect its performance and safety. Here are some of the most frequently reported issues with the Volvo C30 2012 based on complaints from owners of this car:
- Clutch faults: The Volvo C30 2012 has also been reported to have problems with the clutch, particularly with the component connecting the clutch master cylinder and the clutch pedal, which may be prone to breakage on some models of the C30. When this problem occurs, it may not be possible to disengage the clutch, which could present a safety risk if this occurs when driving. In 2011, Volvo announced a recall for this fault, and the average quote for a clutch repair on the Volvo C30 is £689.09 when booked through WhoCanFixMyCar.
- Brake assistance issues: The Volvo C30 2012 has been reported to have problems with its brakes, specifically with the brake assistance, which may not work effectively in cold start conditions. This problem can require additional pressure to be applied to the brake pedal in order for them to function as they should. This problem also resulted in a recall on some affected C30 models back in 2009, which required a part of the vacuum pump to be replaced in order to rectify this issue. The average quote for a brake repair on the Volvo C30 is £427.95 when booked through WhoCanFixMyCar.
- Engine overheating: Some models of the Volvo C30 2012 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, which as a result, can cause the engine to overheat. This problem is particularly prevalent in some models of the C30, and Volvo has announced recalls to rectify this issue.
In summary, the Volvo C30 2012 has several common problems that affect its performance and safety, including gearbox problems, clutch faults, brake assistance issues, and engine overheating. If you are experiencing any of these problems, it is essential to contact your dealership to determine if your vehicle was affected by any recalls and to ensure that all relevant work has been carried out.
2012 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
- Visibility/wiper problems
- Visibility problems
- Unknown or other problems
- Electrical system problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 2012 Volvo C30 vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
2012 Volvo C30 complaints
The NHTSA has received 9 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 2012 Volvo C30.
VISIBILITY/WIPER PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2023-11-14
- VIN: YV1672MK4C2
- Components: VISIBILITY/WIPER
- Summary: The top corners of the windshield have come loose from the seal. The risk is losing a windshield at highway speed. The vehicle was taken to the dealership who referred us to a body shop. The vehicle was then taken to Gerber Collision & Glass - Austin where the problem was confirmed.
VISIBILITY PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2023-11-08
- VIN: YV1672MK9C2
- Components: VISIBILITY
- Summary: The seal around the front windshield of the car is leaking. The leak lets water in the car while driving, it’s dripping down the windshield which is very distracting. The excess amount of water being let into the vehicle also fogs up the front windshield and side windows. This causes a huge visual impairment putting myself and others at risk on the road. There are many other Volvos from similar years and models that I’m seeing have the same issue. I have never had the issue looked at, but Volvo representatives say they know about the issue. However, there is no recall in place to fix the issue and to keep drivers safe on the roads.
VISIBILITY/WIPER PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2021-12-06
- VIN: Yv1672mk5c2
- Components: VISIBILITY/WIPER
- Summary: My windshield has become loose and makes a very loud noise when going over any bumps. Im very concerned that at some point, it will shatter while driving.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2021-06-01
- VIN: YV1672MK3C2
- Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: - The front windshield leaks - This allowed water to fall into the footwells and enter the CEM which controls basically the whole car and made my car turn off while I was driving nearly 45mph which was very dangerous, the sudden surprise made me turn my attention away from the road - I don't have any details on it being inspected before but it has never leaked before and after a heavy rainstorm the problem with the leak arose and damaged my CEM, it was wet and corroded a bit and I figured that this water damaged the CEM - The electrical system was acting a bit funky like the radio not working right and my turn signals flashing faster than normal and the right headlight not working, it all happened in pretty much one day, I didn't really think it was anything serious until the car shut off - Volvo needs to recall this on pretty much all year C30s and possibly other Volvo models made around this year because this little leak can easily cause someone to lose control of their car
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2016-01-21
- VIN: YV1672MK2C2
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: ON JANUARY 21, 2016, MY VOLVO C30'S FAULTY FACTORY-INSTALLED, BLEMISH-FREE, WINDSHIELD LEAKED WHICH PERMITTED WATER TO FLOW DOWN THE A PILLAR AND INTO THE CAR'S ELECTRONICS. AS A CONSEQUENCE, THE CAR BECAME QUICKLY DEBILITATED BECAUSE OF ELECTRICAL FAILURE. SMOKE BILLOWED FROM THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT BEFORE THE BATTERY CABLE WAS QUICKLY REMOVED. ON JANUARY 21, 2016, THE C30 WAS TOWED VIA FLAT BED TRUCK TO VOLVO OF DALLAS FOR REPAIR. THE COURTEOUS AND KNOWLEDGEABLE MAINTENANCE TECHNICIAN, KENNY, IMMEDIATELY IDENTIFIED THE PROBLEM AS A LEAKING WINDSHIELD AND STATED THAT 'THIS IS A KNOWN PROBLEM IN VOLVOS.' HE STATED, THE 'SEALANT/PRIMER MAY SEPARATE CAUSING A LEAK.' VOLVO OF DALLAS HELD THE CAR FOR A WEEK DURING REPLACEMENT OF THE LEAKING WINDSHIELD. I REQUESTED A FULL INSPECTION. APPARENTLY, THAT WAS COMPLETED. THE 4 YEAR WARRANTY IS DUE TO EXPIRE SOON. I DO NOT TRUST THAT THIS CAR, WHICH NOW HAS AN ELECTRICAL 'HISTORY,' IS ANY LONGER IN THE CAREFUL AND METICULOUS CONDITION IN WHICH I HAVE ALWAYS KEPT IT PRIOR TO THE LEAK. MY RESEARCH ONLINE AND THROUGH OTHER RESOURCES INFORMS ME THAT THE LEAKING WINDSHIELD IS A KNOWN SAFETY ISSUE IN LATER MODEL VOLVOS.
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,ENGINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2015-02-22
- VIN: YV1672MK6C2
- Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,ENGINE
- Summary: WHILE DRIVING MY VOLVO C30 REDESIGN, I STOPPED AT A STOP SIGN BEFORE I ENTERED MAIN ROAD FROM PARKING LOT AREA VEHICLE BEGAN TO ACCELERATE TO A HIGH SPEED INDEPENDENTLY CAUSING THE CAR TO MOVE TOWARDS THE INTERSECTION. NO CARS WERE APPROACHING SO I CONTINUED TURNING BUT IT WAS VERY UNSAFE. IT HAPPENED BEFORE AT FORT HOOD AND NEAR MY HOUSE IN TEMPLE TX. ALWAYS SAME CONDITIONS; AS I START TO ACCELERATE THE VEHICLE JUMP INTO A HIGH SPEED OR GEAR. THIS MORNING THE VEHICLE WAS ON HIGH REV IDLE, DID NOT WENT DOWN UNTIL I CHANGE TO MANUAL AND BACK TO AUTOMATIC. PLEASE ADVICE. *TR
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2014-08-11
- VIN: YV1672MK8C2
- Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
- Summary: WHILE STOPPED AT A RED LIGHT, MY 2012 VOLVO C30 RDESIGN BEGAN TO ACCELERATE TO A HIGH SPEED INDEPENDENTLY CAUSING THE CAR TO MOVE INTO THE INTERSECTION. I IMMEDIATELY JAMMED THE BRAKE PEDDLE TO STOP THE CAR FROM MOVING ANY FURTHER AND PUT THE CAR INTO PARK CAUSING THE CAR TO STOP. THE CAR CONTINUED TO REV FOR AN ADDITIONAL 5 SECONDS, THEN DROP DOWN TO A NORMAL IDLE. PLEASE HELP, WHAT'S WRONG? *TR
SERVICE BRAKES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2014-03-19
- VIN: YV1672MK3C2
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES
- Summary: A MESSAGE THAT READ "ABS BRAKE SYSTEM NEEDS SERVICE" CAME ON IN MY 2012 VOLVO C30 TUESDAY, MARCH 18. I CALLED THE SERVICE DEPT OF THE DEALERSHIP - HE SAID HE KNEW WHAT IT WAS AND TO BRING IT IN EITHER THURS OR FRI. I CHOSE FRIDAY MORNING. WEDNESDAY ABOUT 3PM AS I WAS DOWNSHIFTING TO SLOW THEN APPLIED MY BRAKES THERE WAS NO BRAKING ACTION. I WAS ABLE TO PULL INTO THE LEFT TURN LANE TO AVOID RUNNING INTO THE CAR AHEAD OF ME AND THEN THE BRAKES ENGAGED. I PULLED OVER AND CALLED THE DEALERSHIP. THEY SAID BRING IT IN RIGHT THEN. I WAS A BIT FLUSTERED AND SO STUPIDLY DROVE THE CAR INTO DEALERSHIP ABOUT 4 OR 5 MILES AWAY FROM WHERE I WAS. WHEN I PICKED THE CAR THE NEXT MORNING, I ASKED WHAT THE ISSUE WAS. THE SERVICE PERSON SAID THAT SOME COMPONENT OF THE BRAKE CAME APART (I DON'T RECALL IF HE SAID THE NAME OF THE PART) AND THEY PUT A CLAMP ON IT. I ASKED HOW LONG THIS ISSUE HAD BEEN OCCURRING - HE SAID FOR "MORE THAN A YEAR". I'VE SUBSEQUENTLY CALLED THE OWNER OF THE DEALERSHIP AND HE WAS AWARE OF THE ISSUE BUT SAID THERE WAS NO RECALL FROM VOLVO AND HE COULDN'T AFFORD TO REPAIR THE PROBLEM ON ALL THE C30S UNTIL THE ISSUE AROSE AND VOLVO WOULD THEN REIMBURSE HIS DEALERSHIP FOR THE REPAIR. I THEN CALLED VOLVO CUSTOMER CARE APRIL 16TH AND COULD NOT GET A STRAIGHT ANSWER FROM THE PERSON I SPOKE WITH ABOUT WHETHER OR NOT THEY WERE AWARE OF THIS ISSUE. CLEARLY I WILL BE SELLING THIS CAR BUT WANT TO ENSURE THE PUBLIC IS MADE AWARE OF THE POSSIBILITY OF A BRAKE FAILURE ON THE 2012 C30S. UPDATED 5/21/14*CN UPDATED 06/03/2014 *JS
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2012-09-04
- VIN: YV1672MK7C2
- Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
- Summary: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 VOLVO C30. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE THE BRAKES WERE BEING DEPRESSED, THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED INDEPENDENTLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER TWICE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE HOWEVER, THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 361 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 1200. ...UPDATED 10/10/12 *BF THE CONSUMER STATED THE VEHICLE SPONTANEOUSLY AND RANDOMLY FAILS TO RESPOND FOR THREE OR FOUR SECONDS UPON PRESSING THE ACCLERATOR AND THEN IT SURGES. AFTER ABOUT THREE SECNDS IT FALLS BACK TO NORMAL SPEED. UPDATED 10/17/2012 *JS
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