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2009 Volvo C30Problems, recalls & complaints

NHTSA has logged 6 owner complaints about the 2009 Volvo C30, most often about the power train. It is covered by 2 safety recalls.

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CarFlaw IndexNot enough dataHigher is better (0–100)
Safety recalls2Free fix at dealersOwner complaints60 with a crash, fire or injuryTypical failure mileage106kPower train, median miles

Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through February 11, 2025. Updated daily.

Complaints by system

Where the 2009 Volvo C30 has problems

6 complaints grouped by the system owners reported.

Box size = number of complaints naming that system. Darker = larger share. One complaint can name more than one system.
Complaints by system
SystemComplaintsCrash, fire or injury
Power train20
Exterior lighting10
Steering10
Tires10

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Complaints are submitted by the public and are not verified by NHTSA.

2 recalls

2009 Volvo C30 recalls and how many were fixed

Each ring shows the share of affected cars repaired, from the manufacturer’s latest quarterly report to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.

–no report yet

Hydraulic power assist: hose, piping, and connections

Recall 08V-329 · Jul 23, 2008 · 1,020 vehicles

Risk. 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.

Problem, fix and repair progress →

Recalls apply to specific cars. To see whether a recall is still open on yours, enter the 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or with Volvo.

Best & worst years

2009 vs. every other C30 year

Bars show complaints per model year. Colors show the CarFlaw verdict: complaints weighted for crashes, fires and injuries, adjusted for years on the road and compared with the C30 median. How we score

'07'08'09'10'11'12'13
  • Avoid
  • Caution
  • Solid
  • Best
  • Not rated
NHTSA crash tests

2009 Volvo C30 safety ratings

2009 Volvo C30 2-DR w/SAB in NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program. Photos are from NHTSA's crash tests.

  • Stability control: Standard
  • Forward collision warning: Optional
  • Lane departure warning: Optional
In owners' words

What C30 owners report

Recent power train complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.

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 11641916 · Feb 11, 2025 · 106,000 miles
The clutch gets stuck on depressing intermittently. I was not able to shift the gear in the middle of the highway at around 80 miles an hour and this was a fatal encounter for me. It could have killed me as well as was a hazard for other cot ravellers around me. This problem reproduces its multiple…
Complaint 11537208 · Aug 8, 2023

Own a 2009 C30?

Decode your VIN to see the recalls for your exact car, then confirm open recalls with NHTSA.