VOLVO C30 · model year

2011 VOLVO C30

23 NHTSA complaints, 2 crash reports, and 1 active recall for this specific cohort.

NHTSA overall rating

Not crash-tested

New Car Assessment Program

The 2011VOLVOC30 carries 23 consumer safety complaints in NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation database for this specific model-year cohort. Within that volume, owners reported 2 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries, and 0 fatalities. For crash performance, NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program gave this cohort an overall Not Rated/5 rating, with Not Rated/5 front crash, Not Rated/5 side crash, and Not Rated/5 rollover scores derived from standardized barrier and dynamic tests.

Component-level analysis is where model-year complaints become actionable: the top complaint category for the 2011 C30 is visibility/wiper with 7 filings, followed by unknown or other (3) and structure:body (3). Concentration in one or two component groups is the classic signature of a systemic defect; a flat distribution usually reflects normal aging, warranty complaints, or isolated build-plant variability. This model year has 1 active recall campaign, which means the manufacturer is obligated to remedy the covered defect at no charge for the life of the vehicle — the full NHTSA campaign numbers are listed below.

NHTSA currently has 28 investigation files overlapping the 2011 C30. Owners comparing this cohort against neighboring years should pair the counters above with the complaint-by-year trend on the parent model page — a spike in a single year often tracks to a platform refresh, a new transmission supplier, or an updated ECU calibration. Use the related-complaint feed below to read raw owner narratives before deciding whether any pattern here affects your specific use case.

23
Complaints
2
Crashes
0
Fires
0
Injuries
0
Deaths

Total Complaints

23 filings

Crashes Reported

2 reports

Source

NHTSA ODI

Federal complaints database

Complaints vs. fleet median (215)

At or below the fleet median complaint volume.

NHTSA NCAP overall: Not Rated/5 — Not rated · Front: Not Rated/5 · Side: Not Rated/5 · Rollover: Not Rated/5

Complaints by Component

ComponentCount
VISIBILITY/WIPER7
UNKNOWN OR OTHER3
STRUCTURE:BODY3
SUSPENSION2
TIRES2
STEERING2
WHEELS1
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM1
ENGINE1
AIR BAGS1

Recalls (1)

10V25500008/06/2010

STEERING:GEAR BOX:SHAFT SECTOR

VOLVO IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2010-2011 C30, MODEL YEAR 2010 S40 AND V50 VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH 6 SPEED MANUAL TRANSMISSIONS. THE GEARSHIFT LEVER STUD ASSEMBLY MAY NOT HAVE BEEN TIGHTENED TO THE CORRECT SPECIFICATION DURING ASSEMBLY. IF THE GEARSHIFT LEVER CABLE OR STUD ASSEMBLY BECOMES LO

Recent Complaints

20230610VISIBILITY/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.

20230529VISIBILITY/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.

20230115VISIBILITY/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.

20230115STRUCTURE: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.

20210520UNKNOWN OR OTHER

Windshield is not sealed properly- moving as i drive from faulty seal

20200914VISIBILITY/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.

Mileage: 100,000

20200905VISIBILITY/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

Mileage: 51,000

20200518VISIBILITY/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. *TR

Mileage: 70,000

20200319STRUCTURE: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.

20200319UNKNOWN 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.

20170717CrashAIR 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.

20170717CrashSTEERING

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.

20160114VISIBILITY/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 WIND

20151208STRUCTURE: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.

Mileage: 42,000

20150529ELECTRICAL 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).

Mileage: 50,000

20150529ENGINE

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).

Mileage: 50,000

20150529UNKNOWN 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).

Mileage: 50,000

20141228WHEELS

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. *TR

Mileage: 200

20141228SUSPENSION

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. *TR

Mileage: 200

20141228STEERING

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. *TR

Mileage: 200

Compare 2011VOLVOC30 to Similar Vehicles

NHTSA Investigations

View all investigations

Frequently Asked Questions

How many complaints does the 2011 VOLVO C30 have?
The 2011 VOLVO C30 has 23 NHTSA complaints, 2 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries, and 0 deaths reported.
What is the safety rating for the 2011 VOLVO C30?
The 2011 VOLVO C30 received an overall NHTSA safety rating of Not Rated/5, front crash rating of Not Rated/5, side crash rating of Not Rated/5, and rollover rating of Not Rated/5.
Are there any recalls for the 2011 VOLVO C30?
Yes, the 2011 VOLVO C30 has 1 recall(s). The most common affected component is STEERING:GEAR BOX:SHAFT SECTOR. Recalls are issued by NHTSA and manufacturers must provide a free remedy.
What are the most common problems with the 2011 VOLVO C30?
The most-complained component for the 2011 VOLVO C30 is VISIBILITY/WIPER with 7 complaints. Other frequently reported areas include UNKNOWN OR OTHER and STRUCTURE:BODY.
Is the 2011 VOLVO C30 safe to buy?
Review the complaint history, crash and fire reports, safety ratings, and recall status on this page to make an informed decision. The 2011 VOLVO C30 has an NHTSA safety rating of Not Rated/5. Compare with other model years using the links above.
Where does this data come from?
All complaint, recall, and safety rating data is sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Complaints are filed by vehicle owners through NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation.

Vehicle Safety Guides

Data as of 2025. Sources: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) complaints database, NHTSA recall campaign API, NHTSA NCAP crash-test ratings, and NHTSA FARS for fatality cross-reference.