DecodedCars2008 Volvo C30
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2008 models.
- Class
- Compact Cars
- Body styles
- 4dr Hatch FWD 2.4i/T5
- Engines
- 2.4L 5-cyl, 2.5L 5-cyl turbo
- Drivetrain
- Front-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Premium Gasoline
- MPG (best)
- 23 combined · 20 city / 28 hwy
- Length
- 167.3 in
- Curb weight
- 3,100 lb
- NHTSA rating
- Not rated
- Recalls
- 1 campaign
Pros & cons
What's good
Nothing stands out against similar models in the data.
Watch out for
- Premium fuel requiredEvery gasoline version is rated for premium, which raises running costs.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 3 similar 2008 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2008 Volvo C30 is a compact car offered with 2 engines (2.4L 5-cyl and 2.5L 5-cyl turbo) and front-wheel drive.
It measures about 167 inches long and 70 inches wide on a 104-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 3,100 lb.
EPA rates its most efficient version at 23 MPG combined (20 city / 28 highway), 5% better than the 2008 compact car average of 21.9 MPG, for an estimated $3,550 a year in fuel.
It has 1 recall campaign on file and owners have filed 1 complaint with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the vehicle speed control.
Dimensions & weight
| Body | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Track F / R | Curb weight | Weight F/R |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4dr Hatch FWD 2.4i/T5 | 167.3 in | 70.1 in | 57.1 in | 103.9 in | 60.2 / 60.2 in | 3,100 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 | 2.4L 5-cyl | Manual 5-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 20 / 28 / 23 | +5% | $3,550 | 386 |
| C30 FWD | 2.4L 5-cyl | Automatic (S5) | Front-Wheel Drive | 20 / 28 / 23 | +5% | $3,550 | 386 |
| C30 FWD | 2.5L 5-cyl turbo | Manual 6-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 19 / 28 / 23 | +5% | $3,550 | 386 |
| C30 FWD | 2.5L 5-cyl turbo | Automatic (S5) | Front-Wheel Drive | 19 / 27 / 22 | 0% | $3,750 | 404 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2008 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2008 Volvo C30 under the current (2011+) test program.
Similar 2008 compact cars
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2008 Volvo C30 (this car) | 23 MPG | Not rated | 1 |
| 2008 BMW 1 Series | 22 MPG | Not rated | 3 |
| 2008 Volvo S40 | 23 MPG | Not rated | 1 |
| 2008 Audi RS 4 | 15 MPG | Not rated | 3 |
Recalls (1)
Equipment › Electrical › Navigational System(Global Positioning System) · Nov 8, 2010
NHTSA campaign 10V566000 · 416 vehicles
- Problem
- VOLVO IS RECALLING CERTAIN VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH GARMIN 760 PORTABLE GLOBAL POSITIONING SYSTEM (GPS) UNITS BECAUSE THE BATTERIES ON THOSE UNITS MAY OVERHEAT.
- Risk
- AN OVERHEATED BATTERY COULD LEAD TO A FIRE.
- 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 PERFORMED FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON NOVEMBER 18, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT GARMIN AT 866-957-1981 OR VISIT GARMIN'S WEBSITE AT WWW.GARMIN.COM/NUVIBATTERYPCBRECALL.
Not every 2008 Volvo C30 is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2008 Volvo C30 buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 1 recall this year — ask for proof of repairs.
- Vehicle Speed Control — 1 owner reports. Ask the seller and mechanic specifically about this system.
- Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.
Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2008 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 →