Model year guide

2008 Volvo C30

Recalls, most-reported problems, crash-test ratings, fuel economy and what a 2008 Volvo C30 is worth — from official NHTSA and EPA data. 94 on record.

2008 Volvo C30 — representative photo
Representative photo · via Wikimedia Commons

2008 Volvo C30 at a glance

Safety recalls2
Owner complaints8
Typical price$6,657

Included: that car's specs and build sheet, model-year recall campaigns and a fair price.

2008 Volvo C30 recalls 2

Equipment:electrical:navigational System(global Positioning System) NHTSA Campaign #10V566000 · manufacturer #R231 · 08/11/2010

VOLVO IS RECALLING CERTAIN VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH GARMIN 760 PORTABLE GLOBAL POSITIONING SYSTEM (GPS) UNITS BECAUSE THE BATTERIES ON THOSE UNITS MAY OVERHEAT.

Fix: 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…

Steering:hydraulic Power Assist:hose, Piping, And Connections NHTSA Campaign #08V329000 · manufacturer #201 · 23/07/2008

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.

Fix: 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.

Source: U.S. NHTSA, checked 4 Nov 2026. A campaign covers the model year; to see whether a particular car still needs the repair, check its VIN on NHTSA.gov or ask a franchised dealer.

2008 Volvo C30 common problems

The most-reported problem areas across all 8 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — and what to check before you buy.

Vehicle Speed Control
Test cruise control and throttle response, and watch for any hesitation or unintended acceleration.
Suspension
Listen for clunks over bumps, check the car sits level, and look for uneven tire wear and worn shocks or struts.
Engine And Engine Cooling
Check coolant level and color, look for leaks, and confirm the engine reaches normal temperature without overheating.
Seat Belts
Check that every belt latches, retracts and locks under a sharp tug, and that none are frayed.
Visibility
Test wipers, washers, defrosters and all mirrors. Check the windshield for cracks and any camera/sensor for fogging or faults.
Seats
Have a trusted mechanic inspect this system as part of a pre-purchase inspection.

What's a 2008 Volvo C30 worth?

Low
$3,900
Typical price
$6,657
High
$8,900

From 7 comparable 2008 Volvo C30 listings.

Dimensions & weight

Length
167.3 in
Width
70.1 in
Height
57.1 in
Wheelbase
103.9 in
Curb weight
3,100 lb
Front track
60.2 in
Rear track
60.2 in

Manufacturer-reported figures for the 2008 Volvo C30. Source: Transport Canada vehicle specifications via NHTSA.

Investigations & service bulletins

Manufacturer service bulletins 194

Technical notes the manufacturer sent to dealers about known issues and fixes. Useful to mention to a mechanic — they are not recalls and repairs may not be covered. Showing the 10 most recent of 194.

This is a TJ text only - The purpose of this TJ is to be a master reference list to easily identify any components that are on prior approval. This TJ will be regularily updated as items are added or removed from prior approval. Current items under prior appro…

Bulletin 37809.1.1 · Apr 2026

This is a Technical Journal. Vehicle type and platform identification.

Bulletin 19245 · Dec 2025

This is a Technical Journal: Remote connection, BOMGAR application. Before joining a remote session: • Connect a suitable battery maintainer/charger and verify that the battery voltage indicated in VIDA is between 12.5V and 14.9V. • Connect to the vehicle over…

Bulletin 8501 · Exterior Lighting · Apr 2025

Volvo Cars USA LLC and Volvo Car Canada LTD on behalf of the Volvo Car Corporation has decided to launch Service Action S10303 on certain model year 2025 EX90 vehicles. Volvo Car Investigations have identified that there is a pairing issue with the key fob. As…

Bulletin S10303 · Feb 2025

Volvo Cars USA LLC and Volvo Car Canada LTD on behalf of the Volvo Car Corporation has decided to launch Service Action S10303 on certain model year 2025 EX90 vehicles. Volvo Car Investigations have identified that there is a pairing issue with the key fob. As…

Bulletin S10303 · Feb 2025

This is a Technical Journal: Remote connection, BOMGAR application. Before joining a remote session: • Connect a suitable battery maintainer/charger and verify that the battery voltage indicated in VIDA is between 12.5V and 14.9V. • Connect to the vehicle over…

Bulletin 8501 · Exterior Lighting · Jan 2025

This is a Technical Journal: Vehicle/Connectivity report checklist. To provide timely and high-quality feedback to the appropriate department or factory

Bulletin 37175 · Jan 2025

Information about valid Software partnumbers to order and download Software for "PDS" Pre-Delivery Service

Bulletin TJ27536.21.1-2024-08-07 · Electrical System · Aug 2024

This is a Technical Journal: 12V Battery Testing Method

Bulletin 26745.13.14 · Electrical System · Jan 2024

COMPLIMENTARY UPGRADE C00009 DESCRIPTION.

Bulletin C00009 · Electronic Stability Control (esc) · Jul 2023

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation, listed for the C30 FWD. Model-year data, not specific to one car.

Canadian recalls 2

Transport Canada recall campaigns for the 2008 Volvo C30. Relevant if the car was first sold in, or imported from, Canada.

Accessories

On certain vehicles, there is a possibility of overheating issues of batteries in the Garmin nüvi® 760 when certain batteries manufactured within a limited date code range are used in certain Garmin nüvi® 760 models with a specific printed circuit board (PCB) design. The interaction of these factors can, in some circumstances, increase the possibility of overheating, which may…

Transport Canada #2010396 · Nov 2010

Steering

On certain vehicles, an improperly manufactured power steering return hose may suddenly rupture, causing a fluid leak. An unexpected loss of steering power assist may result in a vehicle crash. Correction: Dealers will inspect and, if necessary, replace the power steering return line assembly.

Transport Canada #2008260 · Jul 2008

Source: Transport Canada Motor Vehicle Safety Recalls Database.

About the Volvo C30

The Volvo C30 is a three-door, front-engine, front-wheel-drive premium compact hatchback manufactured and marketed by Volvo Cars from 2006 to 2013, in a single generation. Powered by inline-four and straight-five engines, the C30 is a variant of the Volvo S40/V50/C70 range, sharing the same Ford C1/Volvo P1 platform. Volvo marketed the C30 as a premium hatchback / sports coupe.

From Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0. Describes the model line in general, not this model year specifically.

2008 Volvo C30 trims & engines on record

Trims
T5 Version 1.0
Engines
2.5L 5-cyl 227 hp

2008 Volvo C30 vehicles on record

Other Volvo C30 model years

2008 Volvo C30 — frequently asked questions

Does the 2008 Volvo C30 have any safety recalls?

NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns for the 2008 Volvo C30. Whether an individual car still needs a recall repair depends on its VIN — check it on NHTSA.gov or ask a franchised dealer. Recall repairs are done at no charge.

What are the most common problems with the 2008 Volvo C30?

Across all 8 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported problem areas are vehicle speed control, suspension, engine and engine cooling.

How much is a 2008 Volvo C30 worth?

Comparable 2008 Volvo C30 listings run roughly $3,900–$8,900, typically around $6,657 (from 7 vehicles).

Sources: NHTSA (recalls, complaints, crash tests), U.S. EPA (fuel economy). Vehicle data only — CarLogs never shows owner information.