Volvo C30 recalls

22 official safety recalls for the Volvo C30 from NHTSA (United States), DVSA (United Kingdom) and the EU Safety Gate, newest first. Recall repairs are normally free at the maker’s dealers.

Whether your car is affected and still needs the repair depends on its VIN or registration. Check it on the official site for your country:

United States: nhtsa.gov/recalls
United Kingdom: check-vehicle-recalls.service.gov.uk

Right driveshaft may fail
Reported April 8, 2013Model years 2011–2012DVSA recall R/2013/0462,478 vehicles affected
The right driveshaft may not meet specification and could fail, causing noise and loss of drive. The driveshaft will be replaced.
Official DVSA recall text
Component
LOSS OF DRIVE
Defect
It is possible that the right hand driveshaft may not have been manufactured to the correct specification. This can ultimately result in the failure of the drive shaft. This will be identified to the driver by noise and the loss of drive.
Remedy
Recall all affected vehicles and replace the right hand driveshaft.
Washer fluid may leak into wiring and cause a fire
Reported December 1, 2011DVSA recall R/2011/163212,812 vehicles affected
Washer fluid may leak through the pump wiring into the central control module, affecting vehicle features and potentially causing a fire. The pump wiring harness will be replaced and modified; the connector will be checked for corrosion and the pump replaced if necessary.
Official DVSA recall text
Component
FLUID MAY LEAK INTO WIRING HARNESS WHICH MAY CAUSE FIRE
Defect
A number of Volvo C30S40V50 and C70 may experience a problem with washer fluid leaking inside the washer pump unit through the wires into the central control electronic module. This can impact on a number of different features of the vehicle but in the worst case it may lead to a fire.
Remedy
The solution is to replace and then modify the wiring harness for the washer fluid pump. In addition to this the washer pump connector will be inspected for any signs of corrosion and the washer pump will be replaced if necessary
Clutch pedal push rod may break
Reported September 7, 2011DVSA recall R/2011/127142,348 vehicles affected
The rod connecting the clutch pedal to the clutch master cylinder may break, preventing the clutch from disengaging. The clutch master cylinder will be replaced with one that has a metal push rod.
Official DVSA recall text
Component
CLUTCH PEDAL MECHANISM MAY FAIL
Defect
The rod connecting the clutch master cylinder and the clutch pedal may break. It may not be possible to disengage the clutch. In worst cases this may happen suddenly with no warning to the driver. If this happens bring the car to a safe stop using the engine and switch off the ignition.
Remedy
Replace clutch master cylinder with a new metal push rod in-place of the plastic one.
Brake vacuum hose may be damaged
Reported June 28, 2011DVSA recall R/2011/07556,967 vehicles affected
The engine cover may chafe the brake vacuum hose, causing a leak and gradually reducing brake assistance. The pedal may become harder to press and stopping may require more force. The hose will be inspected and replaced if needed, and a protective net fitted.
Official DVSA recall text
Component
BRAKES MAY NOT PERFORM AS EXPECTED
Defect
The cover on the top of the engine cover could chafe against the brake vacuum hose. If this occurs it may lead to a vacuum leak in the brake booster system and a gradual reduction of brake booster assistance. The will lead to the brake pedal becoming harder to push than normal and increased force would be required to stop the car.
Remedy
Inspect and replace the vacuum hose if necessary. The hose will also be fitted with a safety net to prevent chafing in the future.
Engine bay support member may crack
Reported March 23, 2011DVSA recall R/2011/031975 vehicles affected
Stress cracks may develop in the offside main support member in the engine bay, potentially affecting the vehicle's structural performance in a crash. The member will be inspected, and the repair needed will be decided based on the findings.
Official DVSA recall text
Component
SUPPORT MEMBER MAY CRACK
Defect
It is possible that stress cracks may occur in the offside main support member within the engine bay which could affect the vehicle structural performance if it is involved in an accident.
Remedy
Recall affected vehicles for the inspection of the subject member and report findings to Volvo Car UK Ltd; who will then decide on the level of the repair.
Cooling fan control module may short circuit
Reported February 18, 2011DVSA recall R/2011/0197,194 vehicles affected
Water may enter the engine cooling fan control module and cause a short circuit, which in rare cases could start an engine compartment fire. The remedy is to install a water shield and a cable harness with relay to control the module's power supply.
Official DVSA recall text
Component
FIRE MAY OCCUR
Defect
Volvo quality follow-up procedures have identified an issue on a number of model year 2007 C30 S40 and V50s relating to the engine cooling fan control module. Under certain operating conditions water intrusion could occur into the control module causing a short circuit which in very rare instances could result in a fire in the engine compartment.
Remedy
To install a water shield and a cable harness with relay in order to control the engine cooling fan module power supply.
High-pressure fuel pipes may leak
Reported December 3, 2010DVSA recall R/2010/2246,760 vehicles affected
Incorrectly fitted high-pressure fuel pipes may leak. A fuel smell may come from the engine bay, and in extreme cases a fire could occur. The pipes will be replaced.
Official DVSA recall text
Component
FIRE MAY OCCUR
Defect
On certain five cylinder engines it is possible that the high pressure fuel pipes may not have been correctly installed and may leak. This should be identified by a smell of fuel from the engine bay. However it is possible that in extreme cases an engine bay fire could occur.
Remedy
Recall all affected vehicles and replace the high pressure pipes.
Portable GPS battery may overheat
Reported November 8, 2010Model years 2007–2010NHTSA campaign 10V566000416 vehicles affected
The portable GPS battery may overheat and cause a fire. Owners should stop using the device and check whether it is affected. The battery will be replaced and a spacer inserted next to the circuit board, free of charge.
Official NHTSA recall text
Component
EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:NAVIGATIONAL SYSTEM(GLOBAL POSITIONING SYSTEM)
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.
Notes
VOLVO SAFETY RECALL NO. R231.OWNERS MAY ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S VEHICLE SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), OR GO TO <A HREF=HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV>HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV</A> .
Coolant hose may come loose and cause overheating
Reported September 21, 2010DVSA recall R/2010/144477 vehicles affected
The connection between the coolant tank and bleed hose may come loose, allowing coolant to leak and air to enter. The low-coolant warning may not work, risking engine damage or failure. The tank and hose will be replaced.
Official DVSA recall text
Component
ENGINE MAY OVERHEAT
Defect
It is possible that the hose connection between the coolant expansion tank and the bleed hose can work loose. If this should occur then coolant will leak and air will enter the system. Under these conditions the low coolant level warning light will not function. If the vehicle is driven in this condition it will cause engine damage and in the extreme possible failure.
Remedy
Recall the affected vehicle to replace the tank and bleeder hose.
Gear shift mechanism may jam
Reported June 11, 2010DVSA recall R/2010/07162,649 vehicles affected
A section of the gear shift mechanism may loosen and jam, preventing gear changes or selection of neutral. Dealers will check that the gear selector ball joint is secured.
Official DVSA recall text
Component
GEARBOX MAY JAM
Defect
A section of the gear shift mechanism may over time become loose and cause the mechanism to become jammed. If this was to occur it might not be possible to change gear or select neutral.
Remedy
Recall the vehicles that are likely to be affected to check that the ball joint for the gear selector is properly secured.
Gearshift lever stud may loosen
Reported June 8, 2010Model years 2010–2011NHTSA campaign 10V255000536 vehicles affected
The gearshift lever stud may loosen, making it difficult or impossible to engage, disengage or shift gears, increasing crash risk. Dealers will tighten the stud to the correct specification free of charge.
Official NHTSA recall text
Component
STEERING:GEAR BOX:SHAFT SECTOR
Defect
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.
Consequence
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 CUSTOMERCARE@VOLVOFORLIFE.COM .
Notes
VOLVO SAFETY RECALL NO. R227.OWNERS MAY ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S VEHICLE SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), OR GO TO <A HREF=HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV>HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV</A> .
Engine speed may not decrease when throttle is released
Reported May 12, 2010DVSA recall R/2010/051161,632 vehicles affected
A rising engine oil level may cause engine speed to remain steady or increase after the throttle is released. In an extreme case, the engine may keep running after being switched off. The ECM software will be upgraded, the oil level adjusted and a confirmation decal installed.
Official DVSA recall text
Component
ENGINE SPEED MAY NOT DECREASE
Defect
The engine oil level may rise. This situation may lead to the engine speed being maintained or possibly increased after the throttle pedal is released. In an extreme situation the engine may continue to run after it has been switched off.
Remedy
Recall the affected vehicles and carry out a ECM software upgrade adjust engine oil level and install a decal to confirm oil level to the consumer.
Gearbox may not engage or shift gears properly
Reported December 21, 2009DVSA recall R/2009/155210 vehicles affected
Internal leakage may prevent the gearbox hydraulic control module from engaging or shifting gears as intended. The gearbox will be replaced.
Official DVSA recall text
Component
GEARBOX MAY NOT ENGAGE OR SHIFT GEARS AS INTENDED
Defect
It has been identified that due to internal leakage the gearbox hydraulic control module may not be able to engage or shift gears as intended.
Remedy
Recalled vehicles will have the gearbox replaced.
Brake assistance may be reduced in cold starts
Reported May 8, 2009DVSA recall R/2009/05212,024 vehicles affected
Under certain cold start conditions, brake assistance may be reduced, so more pedal pressure is needed, though the brakes still function. The vacuum pump non-return valve will be replaced.
Official DVSA recall text
Component
BRAKES MAY NOT PERFORM ADEQUATELY
Defect
Brake assistance from the vacuum pressure pump may be reduced under certain cold start conditions. The brakes will still function but more pressure on the pedal will be required than normal.
Remedy
Recall the vehicles that are likely to be affected to replace the non-return valve in the vacuum pump.
Cooling fan module may short circuit and cause a fire
Reported March 6, 2009DVSA recall R/2009/02412,069 vehicles affected
Water intrusion may cause the engine cooling fan module to short circuit and, in rare circumstances, cause an engine bay fire. A water shield and a cable harness with a relay are fitted to control the module's power supply.
Official DVSA recall text
Component
POSSIBLE ENGINE BAY FIRE
Defect
It has been identified that on subject vehicles the engine cooling fan module could under certain operating conditions develop a short circuit caused by water intrusion. This in rare circumstances could result in an engine bay fire.
Remedy
Recalled vehicles will be fitted with a water shield and a cable harness with a relay in order to control the engine cooling fan module power supply.
Power steering return hose may rupture
Reported July 23, 2008Model years 2008–2009NHTSA campaign 08V3290001,020 vehicles affected
A section of the power steering return hose may fail and rupture, rapidly draining fluid and causing a complete loss of power assistance, which increases crash risk. Dealers will inspect and replace the hose assembly free of charge.
Official NHTSA recall text
Component
STEERING:HYDRAULIC POWER ASSIST:HOSE, PIPING, AND CONNECTIONS
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.
Notes
VOLVO RECALL NO. 201.CUSTOMERS MAY ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S VEHICLE SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), OR GO TO HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV.
Floor mat may prevent accelerator pedal returning
Reported July 22, 2008DVSA recall R/2008/11612,111 vehicles affected
The floor mat may prevent the accelerator pedal from returning to its resting position. The floor mat will be replaced with a shorter version.
Official DVSA recall text
Component
ACCELERATOR PEDAL MAY NOT RETURN TO RESTING POSITION
Defect
Accelerator pedal may be prevented from returning to its rest position by the floor mat.
Remedy
Recall the vehicles that are likely to be affected to replace the floor mat with a shorter version.
Power steering return hose may be defective
Reported July 17, 2008DVSA recall R/2008/11212 vehicles affected
The power steering return line hose may not have been made to specification. It will be inspected and replaced if necessary.
Official DVSA recall text
Component
POWER STEERING PIPE MAY LEAK.
Defect
It has been established that the material in the power steering return line hose has not been manufactured to specification.
Remedy
Recalled vehicles will have the hose inspected and replaced as necessary.
Rear wheel studs may allow a wheel to loosen
Reported April 25, 2008DVSA recall R/2008/066780 vehicles affected
Rear wheel studs may be the wrong size and, during some low-speed manoeuvres, a wheel could become loose. The remedy is to inspect the studs and replace them with a modified type where necessary.
Official DVSA recall text
Component
REAR WHEELS MAY LOOSEN
Defect
It has been identified that on the subject vehicles the rear wheel studs may be of an incorrect size. This in rare cases may during particular forms of low speed manoeuvring result in the wheel becoming loose.
Remedy
Recalled vehicles will have the rear wheel studs inspected and changed to a modified type as necessary.
Brake master cylinder may leak internally
Reported March 5, 2008DVSA recall R/2008/0408 vehicles affected
Internal leakage may reduce braking performance while the brake pedal is pressed and held. The master cylinder will be inspected and possibly replaced; the brake fluid reservoir will be checked and affected pipes cleansed.
Official DVSA recall text
Component
REDUCED BRAKING PERFORMANCE
Defect
It has been identified that internal leakage of the brake master cylinder could occur. Should this be the case the driver may experience reduced braking performance whilst applying and maintaining force on the brake pedal.
Remedy
Recalled vehicles will have the brake master cylinder inspected and possibly replaced. At the same time the brake fluid reservoir will be checked and the affected pipes cleansed.
Brake master cylinder seal may wear and leak
Reported March 5, 2008Model years 2007NHTSA campaign 08V1010001,114 vehicles affected
A soft layer in the master cylinder may wear a rubber seal, causing an internal brake fluid leak and gradually reduced braking, possibly leading to complete brake failure. Dealers will inspect the master cylinder and replace it and the fluid reservoir, and clean certain brake lines, free of charge.
Official NHTSA recall text
Component
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:MASTER CYLINDER
Defect
VOLVO IS RECALLING 1,114 MY 2007 C30, C70, S40, AND V50 PASSENGER VEHICLES. A SOFT ANODIZED LAYER IN THE MASTER CYLINDER MAY TRIGGER EARLY WEAR ON A RUBBER SEAL THAT CAN RESULT IN INTERNAL LEAKAGE OF BRAKE FLUID. IF AFFECTED, THE DRIVER MAY EXPERIENCE REDUCED BRAKE PERFORMANCE WHEN APPLYING AND MAINTAINING FORCE OF THE BRAKE PEDAL.
Consequence
THE CAPACITY TO BRAKE WILL GRADUALLY DETERIORATE FORCING THE DRIVER TO USE A HIGHER THAN EXPECTED FORCE ON THE BRAKE PEDAL WHEN COMPARED TO AN INTACT BRAKE SYSTEM. THE DETERIORATION CAN EVENTUALLY RESULT IN COMPLETE LOSS OF THE BRAKE SYSTEM FUNCTIONALITY INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
Remedy
DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE MASTER CYLINDER. THE BRAKE MASTER CYLINDER AND BRAKE FLUID RESERVOIR WILL BE REPLACED AND CERTAIN BRAKE LINES CLEANED FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON MARCH 11, 2008. OWNERS MAY CONTACT VOLVO AT 1-800-458-1552.
Notes
VOLVO RECALL NO. 194.CUSTOMERS MAY ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S VEHICLE SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), OR GO TO HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV.
Vacuum pump may reduce brake assistance
Reported November 29, 2007DVSA recall R/2007/17632,613 vehicles affected
In certain cold-start conditions, the vacuum pump may provide less brake assistance, so more pedal pressure is needed. A modified non-return valve will be fitted to the vacuum pump.
Official DVSA recall text
Component
BRAKING PERFORMANCE MAY BE AFFECTED
Defect
Brake servo assistance from the vacuum pump may be reduced under certain cold start conditions. The brakes will still function but more pressure on the pedal will be required than normal.
Remedy
Recall the vehicles that are likely to be affected to fit a modified non-return valve to the vacuum pump.

Sources: NHTSA (US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration), DVSA (UK Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency) and the EU Safety Gate (European Commission) recall data. Each recall covers vehicles sold in that market; models sold elsewhere may differ.

Back to the Volvo C30

Right driveshaft may fail

Washer fluid may leak into wiring and cause a fire

Clutch pedal push rod may break

Brake vacuum hose may be damaged

Engine bay support member may crack

Cooling fan control module may short circuit

High-pressure fuel pipes may leak

Portable GPS battery may overheat

Coolant hose may come loose and cause overheating

Gear shift mechanism may jam

Gearshift lever stud may loosen

Engine speed may not decrease when throttle is released

Gearbox may not engage or shift gears properly

Brake assistance may be reduced in cold starts

Cooling fan module may short circuit and cause a fire

Power steering return hose may rupture

Floor mat may prevent accelerator pedal returning

Power steering return hose may be defective

Rear wheel studs may allow a wheel to loosen

Brake master cylinder may leak internally

Brake master cylinder seal may wear and leak

Vacuum pump may reduce brake assistance