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2011 Volvo C30 problems

The most common problem on the 2011 Volvo C30 is windows, wipers and visibility. It has 2.3 times the complaints of a typical C30 model year.

Typical year2.3x the typical complaints
Owner complaints
14
Recalls
1
Service bulletins
188
Worst area
Visibility

The worst 2011 Volvo C30 problems

Ranked by number of owner complaints. Mileage and cost come from what owners wrote.

  • Visibility
    7
  • Body
    3
  • Steering
    2
  • Suspension
    2
  • Tires
    2

Problems by type

Tap a problem to see which part fails, at what mileage and in which other years.

  • Visibility
    7
  • Body
    3
  • Steering
    2
  • Suspension
    2
  • Tires
    2
  • Airbags
    1
  • Electrical
    1
  • Engine
    1
  • Wheels
    1

Recalls 1

Steering: gear box: shaft sectorReported June 8, 2010 · 536 vehicles affected
What is wrong
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 loose, it may not be possible to engage, disengage or shift gears.
Risk
This condition can increase the risk of a vehicle crash.
Remedy
Dealers will torque the gearshift lever stud assembly to the correct specification free of charge. The safety recall began on june 14, 2010. Owners may contact volvo at 1‑800‑458‑1552 or [email protected] .

Recall number 10V255000 · Recall details

See all 1 recalls for the 2011 Volvo C30

Technical service bulletins for the 2011 Volvo C30 188

Bulletins tell dealers how to fix known problems. A warranty extension means the manufacturer pays for that repair for longer.

See all 188 bulletins for the 2011 Volvo C30

What 2011 Volvo C30 owners say

Most recent owner complaints, unedited.

Filed Jun 10, 2023 · Visibility · VA

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.

Filed May 29, 2023 · Visibility · CA

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.

Filed Jan 15, 2023 · Body, Visibility · CA

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.

Filed May 20, 2021 · CA

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

Filed Sep 14, 2020 · Visibility · 100,000 miles · FL

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.

Filed Sep 5, 2020 · Visibility · 51,000 miles · PA

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

Filed May 18, 2020 · Visibility · 70,000 miles · MD

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.

Filed Mar 19, 2020 · Body · NY

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.

Filed Jul 17, 2017 · Airbags, Steering · NJ · crash

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.

Filed Jan 14, 2016 · Visibility · NC

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 windshields becoming loose on vehicles being a common occurrence. It also seem that it would be considered a safety issue. I will have photos tomorrow if I can access this report to add them.

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Questions about the 2011 Volvo C30

Is the 2011 Volvo C30 reliable?

Owners have filed 14 complaints about the 2011 Volvo C30, 2.3 times a typical C30 model year.

What is the most common problem with the 2011 Volvo C30?

Windows, wipers and visibility, with 7 complaints. Next is body (3).

How many recalls does the 2011 Volvo C30 have?

1 recall, covering steering.

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