VehicleVerdict

2009 Volvo C30 problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just 6 complaints on file for the 2009 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.

6

NHTSA complaints

2

Recalls

0

Investigations

0

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

0

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2009 compare to other C30 years?

C30 NHTSA complaints by model year, 2009 highlighted23 complaints2007: 2 complaints2008: 9 complaints2009: 6 complaints2010: 7 complaints2011: 23 complaints2012: 11 complaints2013: 4 complaints
C30 NHTSA complaints by model year, 2009 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all C30 years to avoid →

What are the most common 2009 Volvo C30 problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Transmission233%
Lighting117%
Other117%
Steering117%
Tires & Wheels117%

Does the 2009 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.

“The contact owns a 2009 Volvo C30. The contact stated while attempting to park the vehicle, the gear shifter shifted out of gear independently. No dealer or independent mechanic was contacted. The vehicle was not taken to a dealer or independent mechanic to be diagnosed. The vehicle was not…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · January 4, 2025

“WINDSHIELD WAS NOT PROPERLY SEALED AND SEAL CAME LOOSE, FREEING WINDSHIELD FROM THE BODY OF THE CAR. PROBLEM WAS NOTICED WHEN RAIN CAME IN ON DRIVER'S SIDE AND WET THE DRIVER'S SIDE FOOTWELL. SUNROOF DRAINS WERE CHECKED AND THEY WERE NOT THE PROBLEM. WINDSHIELD HAD BEEN LOOSE AT PIVOT POINT AND…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Other · May 13, 2020

“TURN ENGINE ON AND STARTED TO GET OUT OF MY PARKING SPACE AND SUDDENLY NOTICED HESITATION OF MY WHEEL TO TURN LEFT>RIGHT. I CHECKED MY POWER STEERING RESERVOIR AND I CANNOT SEE POWER STEERING FLUID. I CALLED VOLVO AND THEY SAID MY VIN IS NOT PART OF THE RECALL. I HAVE LOW MILEAGE AND THEY JUST DID…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Steering · August 26, 2013

“RECENTLY I HAVE BEEN EXPERIENCING INTERMITTENT VIBRATIONS WHILE DRIVING. I HAD THE CAR INSPECTED AT AN INDEPENDENT TIRE SHOP WHO FOUND TWO OUT OF FOUR TIRES (ONE FRONT, ONE REAR) WERE OUT-OF-ROUND BECAUSE OF TREAD SEPARATION OR BELT SLIPPING. I BEGAN TO SUSPECT THAT THIS WAS RELATED TO VIBRATIONS…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Tires & Wheels · January 28, 2016

“HEADLIGHT ASSEMBLY CRACKING. TWO PASSENGER SIDE HEADLIGHT ASSEMBLIES (ORIGINAL AND REPLACEMENT) HAVE CRACKED WITH THREE MONTHS WITHOUT SIGN OF EXTERNAL IMPACT. CRACKING IN BOTH ASSEMBLIES HAS BEEN IDENTICAL. A THIRD ASSEMBLY WILL BE INSTALLED THIS WEDNESDAY. CRACKING IS SUBSTANTIAL AND POSES A…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Lighting · October 11, 2010

2009 Volvo C30 — common questions

Is the 2009 Volvo C30 reliable?

The record is thin — 6 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 2 recalls should be verified as completed.

Does the 2009 Volvo C30 have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns affecting the 2009 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.