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Model-year record

2012 Volvo C30
Image: Wikimedia Commons contributor · See source file

2012 Volvo C30

See the complaints, recalls, crash rating, and fuel economy in the public record. Then check the mileage and history of the car you found.

This page shows records, not a buy or avoid call.

The same model year can include a well-kept car and a neglected one. Use these records to plan what to check. Use the specific-car check when you know the mileage.

Complaints filed

10

Reports to NHTSA, 2012

Safety recalls

0

NHTSA campaigns on record

NHTSA crash test

Not rated

Overall NCAP rating

Combined MPG

24

EPA estimate

Known issues

Vehicle Speed Control issues lead owner complaints (30% of 10 reports), followed by unknown or other (20%).

Vehicle Speed Control30% · 3 reports
Unknown Or Other20% · 2 reports
Visibility/Wiper20% · 2 reports
Electrical System10% · 1 report
Service Brakes10% · 1 report
Visibility10% · 1 report

Share of all 10 NHTSA complaints for this model year, grouped by the component owners named. Bars are scaled to the largest category. Examples: ODI 10690020, ODI 10621843, ODI 10475872.

Individual complaint reports(10)

Showing the 10 most recent reports
Unknown Or OtherFeb 2026 · ODI 11718235Details +

On Jan. 8, 2026, and February 10, 2026, while driving on I-75 and 1-10 at approximately 70 miles an hour, my passenger door lock disengaged multiple times ---it came open -- while was driving on the highway at top speeds. It has done this at least 8 other times since then. When the door disengages, it is partially open, the wind comes into the car and all of the lights inside come on, the dash caution sign lights up and the dash reads that the door is open. The locks are still in lock position as they are when it automatically locks when you pull off in the car. So none of the doors are previously open. This may be what keeps the door from swinging fully open when driving. I have reported this happening to my Volvo dealer and they have not been able to find any electronic reading or figure out what is happening to tell them what is going on. Nor have they been able to duplicate the door opening in driving mode when they take it out, probably because it happens when I am driving on the highway. But the passenger door lock continues to disengage, breaching the vacuum sealed protection the car once offered. I understand this has happened with other Volvos, the S60 and possibly other P1 platform Volvos. I understand there have been door latch recalls on the Volvo product. Now it is happening with the C30 and must be addressed.

Reported
Feb 2026
Incident date
Jan 2026
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11718235 at NHTSA →
Visibility/WiperNov 2023 · ODI 11557020Details +

The top corners of the windshield have come loose from the seal. The risk is losing a windshield at highway speed. The vehicle was taken to the dealership who referred us to a body shop. The vehicle was then taken to Gerber Collision & Glass - Austin where the problem was confirmed.

Reported
Nov 2023
Incident date
Nov 2023
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11557020 at NHTSA →
VisibilityNov 2023 · ODI 11554638Details +

The seal around the front windshield of the car is leaking. The leak lets water in the car while driving, it’s dripping down the windshield which is very distracting. The excess amount of water being let into the vehicle also fogs up the front windshield and side windows. This causes a huge visual impairment putting myself and others at risk on the road. There are many other Volvos from similar years and models that I’m seeing have the same issue. I have never had the issue looked at, but Volvo representatives say they know about the issue. However, there is no recall in place to fix the issue and to keep drivers safe on the roads.

Reported
Nov 2023
Incident date
Nov 2023
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11554638 at NHTSA →
Visibility/WiperFeb 2022 · ODI 11451805Details +

My windshield has become loose and makes a very loud noise when going over any bumps. Im very concerned that at some point, it will shatter while driving.

Reported
Feb 2022
Incident date
Dec 2021
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11451805 at NHTSA →
Unknown Or OtherJun 2021 · ODI 11419292Details +

- The front windshield leaks - This allowed water to fall into the footwells and enter the CEM which controls basically the whole car and made my car turn off while I was driving nearly 45mph which was very dangerous, the sudden surprise made me turn my attention away from the road - I don't have any details on it being inspected before but it has never leaked before and after a heavy rainstorm the problem with the leak arose and damaged my CEM, it was wet and corroded a bit and I figured that this water damaged the CEM - The electrical system was acting a bit funky like the radio not working right and my turn signals flashing faster than normal and the right headlight not working, it all happened in pretty much one day, I didn't really think it was anything serious until the car shut off - Volvo needs to recall this on pretty much all year C30s and possibly other Volvo models made around this year because this little leak can easily cause someone to lose control of their car

Reported
Jun 2021
Incident date
Jun 2021
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11419292 at NHTSA →
Electrical SystemFeb 2016 · ODI 10823665Details +

ON JANUARY 21, 2016, MY VOLVO C30'S FAULTY FACTORY-INSTALLED, BLEMISH-FREE, WINDSHIELD LEAKED WHICH PERMITTED WATER TO FLOW DOWN THE A PILLAR AND INTO THE CAR'S ELECTRONICS. AS A CONSEQUENCE, THE CAR BECAME QUICKLY DEBILITATED BECAUSE OF ELECTRICAL FAILURE. SMOKE BILLOWED FROM THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT BEFORE THE BATTERY CABLE WAS QUICKLY REMOVED. ON JANUARY 21, 2016, THE C30 WAS TOWED VIA FLAT BED TRUCK TO VOLVO OF DALLAS FOR REPAIR. THE COURTEOUS AND KNOWLEDGEABLE MAINTENANCE TECHNICIAN, KENNY, IMMEDIATELY IDENTIFIED THE PROBLEM AS A LEAKING WINDSHIELD AND STATED THAT 'THIS IS A KNOWN PROBLEM IN VOLVOS.' HE STATED, THE 'SEALANT/PRIMER MAY SEPARATE CAUSING A LEAK.' VOLVO OF DALLAS HELD THE CAR FOR A WEEK DURING REPLACEMENT OF THE LEAKING WINDSHIELD. I REQUESTED A FULL INSPECTION. APPARENTLY, THAT WAS COMPLETED. THE 4 YEAR WARRANTY IS DUE TO EXPIRE SOON. I DO NOT TRUST THAT THIS CAR, WHICH NOW HAS AN ELECTRICAL 'HISTORY,' IS ANY LONGER IN THE CAREFUL AND METICULOUS CONDITION IN WHICH I HAVE ALWAYS KEPT IT PRIOR TO THE LEAK. MY RESEARCH ONLINE AND THROUGH OTHER RESOURCES INFORMS ME THAT THE LEAKING WINDSHIELD IS A KNOWN SAFETY ISSUE IN LATER MODEL VOLVOS.

Reported
Feb 2016
Incident date
Jan 2016
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 10823665 at NHTSA →
Vehicle Speed ControlFeb 2015 · ODI 10690020Details +

WHILE DRIVING MY VOLVO C30 REDESIGN, I STOPPED AT A STOP SIGN BEFORE I ENTERED MAIN ROAD FROM PARKING LOT AREA VEHICLE BEGAN TO ACCELERATE TO A HIGH SPEED INDEPENDENTLY CAUSING THE CAR TO MOVE TOWARDS THE INTERSECTION. NO CARS WERE APPROACHING SO I CONTINUED TURNING BUT IT WAS VERY UNSAFE. IT HAPPENED BEFORE AT FORT HOOD AND NEAR MY HOUSE IN TEMPLE TX. ALWAYS SAME CONDITIONS; AS I START TO ACCELERATE THE VEHICLE JUMP INTO A HIGH SPEED OR GEAR. THIS MORNING THE VEHICLE WAS ON HIGH REV IDLE, DID NOT WENT DOWN UNTIL I CHANGE TO MANUAL AND BACK TO AUTOMATIC. PLEASE ADVICE. *TR

Reported
Feb 2015
Incident date
Feb 2015
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 10690020 at NHTSA →
Vehicle Speed ControlAug 2014 · ODI 10621843Details +

WHILE STOPPED AT A RED LIGHT, MY 2012 VOLVO C30 RDESIGN BEGAN TO ACCELERATE TO A HIGH SPEED INDEPENDENTLY CAUSING THE CAR TO MOVE INTO THE INTERSECTION. I IMMEDIATELY JAMMED THE BRAKE PEDDLE TO STOP THE CAR FROM MOVING ANY FURTHER AND PUT THE CAR INTO PARK CAUSING THE CAR TO STOP. THE CAR CONTINUED TO REV FOR AN ADDITIONAL 5 SECONDS, THEN DROP DOWN TO A NORMAL IDLE. PLEASE HELP, WHAT'S WRONG? *TR

Reported
Aug 2014
Incident date
Aug 2014
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 10621843 at NHTSA →
Service BrakesApr 2014 · ODI 10584502Details +

A MESSAGE THAT READ "ABS BRAKE SYSTEM NEEDS SERVICE" CAME ON IN MY 2012 VOLVO C30 TUESDAY, MARCH 18. I CALLED THE SERVICE DEPT OF THE DEALERSHIP - HE SAID HE KNEW WHAT IT WAS AND TO BRING IT IN EITHER THURS OR FRI. I CHOSE FRIDAY MORNING. WEDNESDAY ABOUT 3PM AS I WAS DOWNSHIFTING TO SLOW THEN APPLIED MY BRAKES THERE WAS NO BRAKING ACTION. I WAS ABLE TO PULL INTO THE LEFT TURN LANE TO AVOID RUNNING INTO THE CAR AHEAD OF ME AND THEN THE BRAKES ENGAGED. I PULLED OVER AND CALLED THE DEALERSHIP. THEY SAID BRING IT IN RIGHT THEN. I WAS A BIT FLUSTERED AND SO STUPIDLY DROVE THE CAR INTO DEALERSHIP ABOUT 4 OR 5 MILES AWAY FROM WHERE I WAS. WHEN I PICKED THE CAR THE NEXT MORNING, I ASKED WHAT THE ISSUE WAS. THE SERVICE PERSON SAID THAT SOME COMPONENT OF THE BRAKE CAME APART (I DON'T RECALL IF HE SAID THE NAME OF THE PART) AND THEY PUT A CLAMP ON IT. I ASKED HOW LONG THIS ISSUE HAD BEEN OCCURRING - HE SAID FOR "MORE THAN A YEAR". I'VE SUBSEQUENTLY CALLED THE OWNER OF THE DEALERSHIP AND HE WAS AWARE OF THE ISSUE BUT SAID THERE WAS NO RECALL FROM VOLVO AND HE COULDN'T AFFORD TO REPAIR THE PROBLEM ON ALL THE C30S UNTIL THE ISSUE AROSE AND VOLVO WOULD THEN REIMBURSE HIS DEALERSHIP FOR THE REPAIR. I THEN CALLED VOLVO CUSTOMER CARE APRIL 16TH AND COULD NOT GET A STRAIGHT ANSWER FROM THE PERSON I SPOKE WITH ABOUT WHETHER OR NOT THEY WERE AWARE OF THIS ISSUE. CLEARLY I WILL BE SELLING THIS CAR BUT WANT TO ENSURE THE PUBLIC IS MADE AWARE OF THE POSSIBILITY OF A BRAKE FAILURE ON THE 2012 C30S. UPDATED 5/21/14*CN UPDATED 06/03/2014 *JS

Reported
Apr 2014
Incident date
Mar 2014
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 10584502 at NHTSA →
Vehicle Speed ControlSep 2012 · ODI 10475872Details +

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 VOLVO C30. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE THE BRAKES WERE BEING DEPRESSED, THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED INDEPENDENTLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER TWICE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE HOWEVER, THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 361 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 1200. ...UPDATED 10/10/12 *BF THE CONSUMER STATED THE VEHICLE SPONTANEOUSLY AND RANDOMLY FAILS TO RESPOND FOR THREE OR FOUR SECONDS UPON PRESSING THE ACCLERATOR AND THEN IT SURGES. AFTER ABOUT THREE SECNDS IT FALLS BACK TO NORMAL SPEED. UPDATED 10/17/2012 *JS

Reported
Sep 2012
Incident date
Sep 2012
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 10475872 at NHTSA →

Recalls

No recalls are listed for this model year as of Jul 2026. Recall records can change when NHTSA publishes new information.

A campaign can apply to this model year without being incomplete on a specific vehicle. Check the VIN with NHTSA or a dealer to confirm whether a particular car needs repair.

Investigations

0 NHTSA investigations on record

No investigations are on record as of Jul 2026. An empty record is not a clean bill of health.

Crash-test ratings

2012 Volvo C30 3 HB FWD NHTSA source

Overall
Not rated
Frontal
Not rated
Side
Not rated
Rollover
Not rated

Source: NHTSA New Car Assessment Program (NCAP).

Fuel economy by trim

TrimEngineDrivetrainCityHwyCombined
C30 FWD2.5L 5-cylFront-Wheel Drive212924
C30 FWD2.5L 5-cylFront-Wheel Drive213024

EPA laboratory estimates by trim and engine. Actual mileage varies with driving, weather, load, and maintenance. EPA source.

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2012 Volvo C30: frequently asked

What does the complaint record show for the 2012 Volvo C30?

Owners filed 10 NHTSA complaints about the 2012 Volvo C30. This is raw owner-reported complaint volume with no production or exposure normalization, so it is not a reliability score or a best/worst-year ranking.

What are the most common problems on the 2012 Volvo C30?

The most-reported problem areas are Vehicle Speed Control (30% of complaints) and unknown or other (20%).

How many recalls does the 2012 Volvo C30 have?

No safety recalls are on record for the 2012 Volvo C30 as of Jul 2026.

What gas mileage does the 2012 Volvo C30 get?

The EPA rates the 2012 Volvo C30 at 24 mpg combined.