DecodedCars2012 Volvo C30
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2012 models.
- Class
- Compact Cars
- Body styles
- 2dr Hatch T5/R-Design
- 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
- 0 campaigns
Pros & cons
What's good
- No recalls so far
Watch out for
No weak spots against similar models in the data.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 3 similar 2012 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2012 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), 6% worse than the 2012 compact car average of 25.6 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 0 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 7 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the unknown or other.
What changed for 2012
No changes to engines, powertrains, drivetrains, size, EPA ratings or NHTSA crash rating compared with the 2011 C30 — a carry-over year in the data.
Compared with 2011; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2011 C30 →
Dimensions & weight
| Body | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Track F / R | Curb weight | Weight F/R |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2dr Hatch T5/R-Design | 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 | -6% | $2,800 | 370 |
| C30 FWD | 2.5L 5-cyl turbo | Automatic (S5) | Front-Wheel Drive | 21 / 30 / 24 | -6% | $2,800 | 370 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2012 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2012 Volvo C30.
Similar 2012 compact cars
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2012 Volvo C30 (this car) | 24 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2012 Lexus CT | 42 MPG | Not rated | 1 |
| 2012 BMW 1 Series | 23 MPG | Not rated | 4 |
| 2012 Lexus HS | 34 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
Recalls (0)
No vehicle recalls on file with NHTSA for the 2012 Volvo C30.
Check your VIN for open recalls at NHTSA ↗Not every 2012 Volvo C30 is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2012 Volvo C30 buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. No recalls on file, but check anyway.
- Visibility/Wiper — 2 owner reports. Check all exterior lights, wipers and the windshield for cracks.
- Vehicle Speed Control — 1 owner reports. Ask the seller and mechanic specifically about this system.
- Engine — 1 owner reports. Cold-start the engine, listen for knocking, and watch for warning lights or hesitation on acceleration.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 93,500 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 2012 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 →