MotorDeets

2011 Volvo C30: Recalls, Problems & MPG

Here are the deets on the 2011 Volvo C30: 1 recall, 14 owner complaints and up to 24 mpg combined.

1vehicle recalls
14owner complaints
1mention a crash
24best combined mpg
2011 Volvo C30
Photo: Oq10pass · CC0 · Wikimedia Commons. Representative photo of this generation; trim may differ.

Recalls

1 vehicle recall from the manufacturer. Repairs are free. Check your VIN to see if one is still open on your car.

Steering Vehicle recall #10V255000 · 2010 · 536 vehicles

What's wrong: 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.

Why it matters: This condition can increase the risk of a vehicle crash.

The fix: Dealers will torque the gearshift lever stud assembly to the correct specification free of charge. The safety recall began on June 14, 2010.

Most-reported problems

Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component. One complaint can list several components. 0 mention a fire, 0 injuries and 0 deaths were reported.

Visibility/Wiper7
Other / unknown3
Body & structure3
Suspension2
Tires2
Steering2
Wheels1
Electrical1

What owners describe

The 2011 Volvo C30 has 14 owner complaints, ranking #1 of 7 C30 model years for complaints (2.0× the average C30 year). Complaints peaked in 2020 (4 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 6 years old, at a median of 50,000 miles. Neighboring years: 2010 (6 complaints, 2 recalls), 2012 (10 complaints, 0 recalls).

Engines & fuel economy (EPA)

EngineTransmissionDriveCityHwyComb.Fuel
2.5 L 5-cyl turboManual 6-spdFront-Wheel Drive212924Regular
2.5 L 5-cyl turboAutomatic (S5)Front-Wheel Drive213024Regular

Want the full repair deets? Get the factory manual.

Recall and complaint data tells you what goes wrong. A service manual tells you how to fix it: torque specs, wiring diagrams, fluid capacities and step-by-step procedures for the 2011 Volvo C30.

eManualOnline Download (PDF), keep forever

Closest thing to the factory manual for most years. Pay once, keep it.

Most $25–$78, one-time
Check 2011 Volvo C30 manual
Mitchell 1 DIY Online access, factory-level data

Pro-shop repair procedures, wiring diagrams and TSBs for your exact car.

From $19.99/mo · $39.99/yr
Check 2011 Volvo C30 manual
ALLDATAdiy Online access, factory OEM info

OEM procedures, specs and recall/TSB info, the same source many shops use.

From $19.99/mo · $59.99/yr
Check 2011 Volvo C30 manual
Haynes Print book or AllAccess online

Step-by-step photos written from a real teardown. Great for first-timers.

Books ~$30–$40 · AllAccess $34.99/mo
Check 2011 Volvo C30 manual

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FAQ

Does the 2011 Volvo C30 have any recalls?

Yes. NHTSA lists 1 vehicle recall for the 2011 Volvo C30. Recall repairs are free at any dealer, no matter how old the car is. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What are the most common 2011 Volvo C30 problems?

Owners have filed 14 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are visibility/wiper (7), other / unknown (3), body & structure (3).

What gas mileage does the 2011 Volvo C30 get?

EPA ratings run up to 24 mpg combined (2.5 L, Manual 6-spd), across 2 engine and transmission combos.

Where can I get a 2011 Volvo C30 repair manual?

eManualOnline sells downloadable manuals, Mitchell 1 DIY and ALLDATAdiy sell online access to factory repair data, and Haynes sells printed guides and online access. Pick a download if you want to keep it, or a subscription for wiring diagrams and TSBs.

Other C30 years

2007200820092010201120122013