VehicleVerdict

2008 Volvo C30 problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just 9 complaints on file for the 2008 Volvo C30 — too few to judge reliability from owner reports alone — but 2 recall campaigns apply to this year, so any used example should have its VIN checked for completed recall work.

9

NHTSA complaints

2

Recalls

0

Investigations

0

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

0

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2008 compare to other C30 years?

C30 NHTSA complaints by model year, 2008 highlighted23 complaints2007: 2 complaints2008: 9 complaints2009: 6 complaints2010: 7 complaints2011: 23 complaints2012: 11 complaints2013: 4 complaints
C30 NHTSA complaints by model year, 2008 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all C30 years to avoid →

What are the most common 2008 Volvo C30 problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Suspension222%
Speed Control222%
Seat Belts111%
Airbags111%
Visibility & Wipers111%
Seats111%
Engine111%

Does the 2008 Volvo C30 have recalls?

2 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

10V566000Electrical SystemNovember 8, 2010 · 416 units

Defect

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.

08V329000SteeringJuly 23, 2008 · 1,020 units

Defect

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.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“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…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Suspension · March 12, 2013

“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”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Speed Control · June 21, 2009

“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…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · August 1, 2013

“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…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Seats · February 10, 2012

“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…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Seat Belts · June 17, 2013

2008 Volvo C30 — common questions

Is the 2008 Volvo C30 reliable?

The record is thin — 9 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 2 recalls should be verified as completed.

Does the 2008 Volvo C30 have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns affecting the 2008 Volvo C30. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.