DecodedCars2011 Volvo C30
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2011 models.
- Class
- Compact Cars
- Body styles
- 2dr Hatch T5
- Engines
- 2.5L 5-cyl turbo
- Drivetrain
- Front-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Regular Gasoline
- MPG (best)
- 24 combined · 21 city / 30 hwy
- Length
- 167.7 in
- Curb weight
- 3,139 lb
- NHTSA rating
- Not rated
- Recalls
- 1 campaign
Overview
The 2011 Volvo C30 is a compact car offered with a 2.5L 5-cyl turbo engine and front-wheel drive.
It measures about 168 inches long and 70 inches wide on a 104-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 3,139 lb.
EPA rates its most efficient version at 24 MPG combined (21 city / 30 highway), 1% worse than the 2011 compact car average of 24.3 MPG, for an estimated $2,800 a year in fuel.
NHTSA has not published a 5-Star overall rating for this model year.
It has 1 recall campaign on file and owners have filed 12 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the visibility/wiper.
What changed for 2011
- Engine dropped: 2.4L 5-cyl
Compared with 2010; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2010 C30 →
Dimensions & weight
| Body | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Track F / R | Curb weight | Weight F/R |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2dr Hatch T5 | 167.7 in | 70.1 in | 57.1 in | 103.9 in | 60.6 / 60.2 in | 3,139 lb | 62/38 |
Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.
Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →Engines, MPG & running costs
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Drive | City / Hwy / Comb | vs. class | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| C30 FWD | 2.5L 5-cyl turbo | Manual 6-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 21 / 29 / 24 | -1% | $2,800 | 370 |
| C30 FWD | 2.5L 5-cyl turbo | Automatic (S5) | Front-Wheel Drive | 21 / 30 / 24 | -1% | $2,800 | 370 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2011 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2011 Volvo C30.
Similar 2011 compact cars
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2011 Volvo C30 (this car) | 24 MPG | Not rated | 1 |
| 2011 Lexus CT | 42 MPG | Not rated | 1 |
| 2011 BMW 1 Series | 23 MPG | Not rated | 5 |
| 2011 Volvo S40 | 24 MPG | Not rated | 2 |
Recalls (1)
Steering › Gear Box › Shaft Sector · Jun 8, 2010
NHTSA campaign 10V255000 · 536 vehicles
- Problem
- 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.
- Fix
- 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] .
Not every 2011 Volvo C30 is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2011 Volvo C30 buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 1 recall this year — ask for proof of repairs.
- Visibility/Wiper — 7 owner reports. Check all exterior lights, wipers and the windshield for cracks.
- Structure › Body — 3 owner reports. Open and close every door, the hood and tailgate; look for rust or misaligned panels.
- Electrical System — 1 owner reports. Test every window, lock, light, screen and USB port; check the battery age.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 51,000 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
- Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.
Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2011 Volvo C30. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.
Other C30 years
Compare all years →Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Volvo. How we calculate this →