Recalls: Volvo C30
Overview
Manufacturers, or importers, issue recalls for defects or faults which have the potential to cause injury. Generally, manufacturers will inform the original buyers if their vehicle is subject to a recall and of the steps required to remedy the defect or fault. Please note that the recalls below (if any) are for Australian-delivered vehicles only. Furthermore, the number of recalls should not be taken as an indication of a model’s reliability or its safety more generally.
Recalls: Volvo C30
2008 model year Volvo C30: incorrect wheel studs
In April 2008, a recall was issued for front wheel drive model year 2008 Volvo C30 vehicles in the VIN range 409171 to 410210. In some of these vehicles, the incorrect wheel studs were fitted to the rear wheel hubs. In rear cases, the wheels may become loose during particular forms of low speed manoeuvring (PRA 2008/10001).
2008-09 model year Volvo C30: floor mat could interefere with accelerator
In July 2008, a recall was issued for model year 2008 and 2009 Volvo C30 R-Design vehicles in the VIN range 0048135 to 0125372. For these vehicles, the driver’s floor was too long and could interfere with the R-Design accelerator pedal. In certain circumstances, this interference could lead to the accelerator pedal remaining fully open (PRA 2008/10172).
2010 model year Volvo C30 with 2.5-litre engine: unable to change gears
In June 2010, a recall was issued for model year 2010 Volvo C30 vehicles fitted with a 2.5-litre engine, manual transmission and in the VIN range 182625 to 213511. For these vehicles, the ball joint and cylinder pin on the gearshift lever may be mounted with an incorrect torque, which could lead to the ball joint coming loose. As a result, the driver may be unable to change gears which could create an unsafe driving condition. However, the driver would be able to stop the vehicle by depressing the clutch, brake and turning off the ignition (PRA 2010/11719).
2010 model year Volvo C30: owner’s manual omission
In July 2010, a recall was issued for model year 2010 Volvo C30 vehicles in the VIN range 190001 to 204120. For these vehicles, the Owner’s Manual did not contain any information regarding the operation of the sunroof, potentially leading to incorrect or unsafe use of the sunroof (PRA 2010/11808).
2011 model year Volvo C30 2.5T: loss of coolant
In September 2010, a recall was issued for 2011 model year Volvo C30 vehicles fitted with a 2.5-litre turbocharged petrol engine and in the VIN range 220053 to 221407. For these vehicles, the engine coolant bleeder hoses quick connectors may not sufficiently seal towards the spigot on the coolant expansion tank, potentially resulting in a loss of engine coolant and/or air leakage into the engine coolant system – this may lead to boiling in the engine cooling system and reduced engine performance; if this occurred rapidly, the engine may be damage and/or break down. Furthermore, the Volvo C30 did not have a low coolant level warning and the temperature warning may not alert the driver as the coolant boiling temperature was lower than the threshold for warning due to the air leakage in the cooling system (PRA 2010/11999).
2011 model year: Volvo C30: cracked engine bay support member
In March 2011, a recall was issued for 2011 model year Volvo C30 vehicles in the VIN range 237115 to 238215. For these vehicles, the right side support member in the engine bay may be cracked. In this situation, the front structure of the car may be adversely affected, reducing its safety performance (PRA 2011/12425).
2011 model year Volvo C30: washer fluid level sender failure
In April 2011, a recall was issued for 2011 model year Volvo C30 vehicles fitted with a headlight cleaning system and in the VIN range 112021 to 117470. For these vehicles, the headlight cleaning pump may affect the washer fluid level sensor. As such, the driver may not receive information on the instrument panel when the washer fluid level is low, constituting non-compliance with the Motor Vehicle Standards Act 1989, ECE R45 (PRA 2011/12502).
2009-11 Volvo C30 DRIVe: loss of power braking assistance
In June 2011, a recall was issued for model year 2009 to 2011 Volvo C30 DRIVe variants in the VIN range 039846 to 234946. In these vehicles, the cover panel on the engine could chafe against the vacuum pump and brake booster; this could lead to a vacuum leak in the brake booster system such that there would be a reduction in brake booster assistance while braking, i.e. a hard brake pedal (PRA 2011/12697).
2009 model year Volvo C30 2.4 Diesel: clutch may not disengage
In September 2011, a recall was issued for 2009 model year Volvo C30 vehicles fitted with a 2.4-litre turbo-diesel engine and manual transmission. For these vehicles, the rod connecting the clutch master cylinder and the clutch pedal may break. If this occurred, it would not be possible for the driver to disengage the clutch. At worst, this may occur suddenly and without warning to the driver. The affected vehicles were in the VIN range 062354 to 242340 (PRA 2011/12798).
2011-12 model year Volvo C30 DRIVe: front driveshaft may break
In April 2013, a recall was issued for 2011 and 2012 model year Volvo C30 DRIVe variants. In these vehicles, high stress may cause the right hand front driveshaft to crack and break. If this occurred, the driver would experience a loss of the drive and the vehicle will come to a stop. The recalled vehicles had serial numbers in the range 246534 to 266198 (PRA 2013/13537).
2008-11 model year Volvo C30: clutch may not disengage
In May 2015, a recall was issued for ‘model year 2008’ to ‘model year 2011’ Volvo C30 vehicles that had six-speed manual transmissions. In these vehicles, the clutch cylinder rod may break such that it may not be possible for the driver to disengage the clutch. The clutch cylinder rod could break without warning to the driver and pose an accident hazard to the driver and other road users. The recalled C30 vehicles had serial numbers (i.e. the last six digits of the VIN) in the range 062379 to 242388 (PRA 2015/14692).
2011-13 model year Volvo C30: clutch may not disengage
In May 2015, a recall was issued for ‘model year 2011’ to ‘model year 2013’ Volvo C30 vehicles that had six-speed manual transmissions. In these vehicles, the clutch cylinder rod may break such that it may not be possible for the driver to disengage the clutch. The clutch cylinder rod could break without warning to the driver and pose an accident hazard to the driver and other road users. The recalled C30 vehicles had serial numbers (i.e. the last six digits of the VIN) in the range 242408 to 312065 (PRA 2015/14691).
Problems and faults: Volvo C30
Overview
This section identifies potential problems, causes and fixes based on the experiences of owners and repairers, online sources and technical service bulletins. This information is provided solely for reference purposes and AustralianCar.Reviews recommends that only properly qualified persons carry out repairs or modifications. Furthermore, the number of items below should not be taken as an indicator of a model’s reliability or the frequency with which they may occur.
To report a problem or fault to the AustralianCar.Reviews team, please use the Contact Us form. Note that AustralianCar.Reviews does not offer advice on automotive problems or disputes; such enquiries will not receive a reply. For vehicles purchased from dealers after 1 January 2011, please see our Australian Consumer Law fact sheet.
2006 Volvo C30: Brake Pressure Sensor ABS Fault
For 2006 Volvo C30 vehicles, the Internal Brake Pressure Sender Sensor Switch within the ABS pump is susceptible to failure because it is located within the ABS pump. Symptoms of a failed Internal Brake Pressure Sender Sensor Switch include:
- bIllumination of the ‘ESP’ dashboard light;
- Illumination of the ‘ESP OFF’ switch;
- Fault code ‘01435 Brake Pressure Sensor 1 (G201)’; or,
- Fault descriptions such as ‘brake pressure sensor’ or brake pressure sender’.
According to SINSPEED, it is possible to fix this fault by bypassing the original Brake Pressure Sensor Switch and fitting a custom External Brake Pressure Sender Switch which is then calibrated. For more information, see SINSPEED: Brake Pressure Sensor Repair. This repair method overcomes the original vulnerability that was created by having the switch within the ABS pump.
Volvo C30: other problems and faults
- The remote central locking may stop working because synchronization with the rolling code system is interrupted and cannot be restored. If so, a new unit central locking unit is required.
- A metal-on-metal knocking noise from the front end of the vehicle may be due to damaged lower control arm bushings.
- The parking brake may become hard to release as the button cannot be pressed in far enough, requiring periodic adjustment.
- The auto-up windows may only partially rise and then reverse due to misalignment of the window or a lack of lubrication on the window guides.
- Where fitted, the Bluetooth system may only operate at low volumes; updated software was subsequently released to fix this problem.
- If using an iPod, a ‘USB unreadable’ message may appear on the audio information display – this is a compatibility problem between the system and the iPod rather than a fault with the vehicle itself.
Problems and faults: Volvo C30 T5
Volvo C30 T5: PCV diaphragm rupture (B5254T3)
For the 2.5-litre B5254T3 turbocharged petrol engine, the positive crankcase ventilation (PCV) diaphragm – located in the oil filter housing – may rupture. Symptoms of a ruptured PCV diaphragm include:
- A high-pitched, whining/whistling noise that increases with engine speed. This noise is caused by excessive crankcase pressure escaping via the oil seals. For reference, this noise stops when the dipstick is removed (since removing the dipstick releases back pressure, see video below);
- A lack of boost pressure in low gears;
- Excessive oil consumption;
- High oil pressure at idle;
- Blue smoke from the exhaust; and,
- Illumination of the engine warning light.
To fix, the air filter housing assembly needs to be removed so that the oil filter housing can be replaced. Sometimes, the breather hose from the assembly to the block may be damaged and also require replacement.
If the PCV diaphragm has ruptured, the vehicle should not be run until the oil filter housing is replaced since doing so could damage the camshaft or crankshaft oil seals and cause oil leaks. If an oil leak occurs at the timing belt end, the timing belt and seals must be replaced. If, however, an oil leak occurs at the crankshaft’s main oil seal, then the gearbox must be removed, the seal replaced and, in extreme cases, the clutch replaced.
It is understood that Volvo and Ford (for the XR5 Turbo) subsequently introduced an uprated diaphragm which had an additional vent on the diaphragm cover, though failures of the updated diaphragm do still occur. Failures are more common in low mileage vehicles that:
- Have been used to drive short distances since the engine does not reach its operating temperatures; and,
- Reside in high humidity environments.
Volvo C30 T5: cracked cylinder liners (B5254T3)
The 2.5-litre B5254T3 engine had an open deck block and steel cylinder liners that were press-fitted into the block. For standard B5254T3 engines, however, there have been rare cases of cracked cylinder liners (also known as sleeves). Symptoms of cracked cylinder liners include:
- Misfire when cold;
- Loss of coolant;
- Excessive white smoke; and,
- Rough running on start-up.
Engines that have been modified for greater power are considered more vulnerable to cracked cylinder liners (particularly beyond 240 kW) due to the following factors –
- Excessive boost pressure;
- Aggressive ignition timing from poorly developed aftermarket tunes; and,
- Coolant leaks that have not been rectified (see also ‘coolant leaks’, below).
It has also been suggested that cracked cylinder liners were most common for pre-April 2008 engines, though cracked liners have been observed in all years of B5254T engines.
For B5254T engines to produce more than 300 bhp (224 kW), OEM Denied recommends a ‘block mod’ in which the cylinder head is removed and stainless steel shims are fitted in the expansion gaps between the cylinder liners. Although this does not guarantee that cracked cylinder liners will not happen, OEM Denied has not seen this occur in the vehicles they have worked upon.
B5254T3 engine: solenoid boost valve
For the 2.5-litre B5254T3 turbocharged petrol engine, the solenoid boost valve is susceptible to failure. If there is a lack of performance and the boost gauge boost doesn’t go beyond a quarter of the dial, this is indicative of a failed solenoid boost valve. If the valve is operating properly, the dial on the boost pressure gauge should go beyond halfway before settling down in the middle.
Volvo C30 T5: coolant leaks
Volvo C30 T5 vehicles are susceptible to coolant leaks from –
- The thermostat housing at the cylinder head side gasket. Specifically, the leak occurs at the bottom corner and a mirror is required to see it;
- The turbo coolant feed and return; and,
- The radiator top hose joint at the back of the engine on the gearbox side.
The coolant hoses may also experience internal delamination as the vehicle ages. Where internal delamination has occurred, the hoses will appear swollen in size.
Volvo C30 T5: suspension
For the Volvo C30 T5, the following suspension components may wear prematurely:
- The front anti-roll bar drop links;
- The rear bushes on the front wishbones bushes (oil-filled).
It is recommended that the oil-filled bushes be replaced with more durable polyurethane bushes.
Volvo C30 T5: clutch does not return
For the Volvo C30 T5, the clutch pedal may not fully return to the ‘up’ position. This may be due to:
- The seal from the original slave cylinder tearing and becoming stuck in the clutch line – this usually occurs after the clutch has been replaced. To fix, the clutch line has to be removed, blown out with compressed air and then have clean brake fluid poured through it. The brake fluid should flow easily and consistently in both directions; or,
- In the case of hard driving (during or after), hydraulic fluid may boil and cause air bubbles to form. To fix, the clutch should be bled and high boiling-point DOT 5.1 fluid used.
Volvo C30 T5: air conditioning
- During full throttle acceleration, the air conditioning compressor clutch is designed to shut down to reduce accessory losses;
- The air conditioning may stop working due to failure of the air conditioning compressor clutch – this is caused by the spacing shims expanding and preventing the clutch from fully engaging. A common symptom of this fault is the air conditioning blowing cold for 10-15 minutes and then blowing hot; and,
- The air conditioning may stop working due to a refrigerant leaking from the compressor shaft seal.
Volvo C30 T5: drive shafts
For the Volvo C30 T5, the OEM drive shafts have a ball-type CV joint for the outer and a tripod style joint for the inner – this design enables the shafts to have some ‘in and out’ movement with suspension articulation. However, hard acceleration from rest will quickly destroy the original drive shafts.
In contrast, aftermarket drive shafts tend to have inner and outer ball type CV joints which restrict the ‘in and out’ movement. As a result, however, most aftermarket shafts cause vibrations during driving as they lock up on themselves.
As Volvo C30 T5 vehicles age, the CV boots can split – these need to be replaced promptly or grease will be flung out of the driveshaft as it rotates and the shaft will require replacement.
Volvo C30 T5: front wheel bearings
For the Volvo C30 T5, the front wheel bearings are:
- A complete hub and bearing setup;
- An interference press fit into the knuckle with no retaining clips; and,
- Not serviceable.
Over time, the hub assembly can start to ‘walk out’ of the hub. When this occurs, the gap between the ABS trigger wheel and the sensor is too great for the sensor to get a reading so it causes the ABS and TC warning light to illuminate; vehicle performance is also greatly reduced.
Volvo C30 T5: other problems and faults
- Difficulty starting the vehicle and poor engine performance – including entering ‘limp home’ mode – may be due to the Power Control Module (PCM) cluster gateway not closing properly and draining the battery; reprogramming the PCM should fix the problem.
- Engine vibration, ‘engine malfunction’ warnings and entering ‘limp home’ mode may be due to a fault in the throttle body switch which requires replacement. In the interim, stopping the vehicle, turning the engine off and waiting five minutes should re-set the switch and enable the journey to be completed.
AustralianCar.Reviews thanks OEM Denied for their contributions to this page.
