Volvo C30 reliability, MPG and running costs
Figures updated
The Volvo C30 is a family hatchback. In 2024 MOT tests it scored 99 for reliability (100 is average), ranking 267 of 442, and 41.4% failed first time against a UK average of 28.5%. Its most common MOT failure is position lamp (6.9% of tests).
Ranked 267 of 442 cars in the 2024 MOT Reliability League, and 19 of 30 family hatchbacks
In 2024, 22,666 Volvo C30s aged 3 to 20 had an MOT and 41.4% failed first time (UK average 28.5%). Taking age and mileage into account, the Volvo C30 is about as likely to fail as the average car of the same age and mileage.
First-time fail rate
41.4%
UK 28.5%
Fail rate at 3 years
–
UK 12.7%
Average miles a year
7,400
Typical age at test: 14 years
Volvo C30 MOT failure rate by age
Most common Volvo C30 MOT faults
- Position lamp: not working6.9% of tests
- Pins and bushes: pin or bush excessively worn4.3% of tests
- Joints: constant velocity boot split or insecure, no longer prevents the ingress of dirt4.2% of tests
- Coil spring: fractured or broken4.1% of tests
- Registration plate lamp(s): inoperative in the case of a single lamp or all lamps3.8% of tests
- Condition: has ply or cords exposed3.3% of tests
What the Volvo C30 fails on
| Area | Tests failing | vs similar cars |
|---|---|---|
| Lights and electrics | 19.1% | About average |
| Suspension | 16.1% | About average |
| Tyres | 9.3% | ▲ 1.2× as often |
| Brakes | 9.1% | ▼ 13% less often |
| Body and structure | 6.8% | 1.1× as often |
| Visibility | 5.8% | About average |
| Exhaust and emissions | 3.9% | ▼ 26% less often |
| Steering | 3.3% | About average |
| Seat belts and airbags | 0.9% | ▼ 40% less often |
| Wheels | 0.5% | About average |
What MPG does the Volvo C30 do?
Official economy for the Volvo C30 ranges from 30.1 to 78.5mpg across the 64 versions listed by the Vehicle Certification Agency (2007–2013). A typical petrol version manages 32.5mpg and a typical diesel 55.4mpg. Expect 10–15% less in real-world driving.
Work out a journey's fuel costHow much is road tax on a Volvo C30?
Any Volvo C30 first registered from April 2017 pays the standard rate of £200 a year after its first year (2026/27 rates). A Volvo C30 registered between March 2001 and March 2017 is taxed on its CO2: £20 to £445 a year.
Work out tax for a specific carVolvo C30 specs and running costs
Official figures for 64 versions sold in the UK between 2007 and 2013.
Fuel types
Diesel, Petrol, Plug-in hybrid
Official economy
30.1–78.5 mpg
CO2
94–224 g/km
| Version | Fuel | Economy | CO2 | Car tax |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| C30 D2 ManualManual · listed 2013 | Diesel | 65.7 mpg | 114g | £35 |
| C30 D3 AutoAutomatic · listed 2013 | Diesel | 48.7 mpg | 154g | £275 |
| C30 D3 ManualManual · listed 2013 | Diesel | 55.4 mpg | 134g | £200 |
| C30 D4 AutoAutomatic · listed 2013 | Diesel | 48.7 mpg | 154g | £275 |
| C30 D4 ManualManual · listed 2013 | Diesel | 55.4 mpg | 134g | £200 |
| C30 DRIVeManual · listed 2013 | Diesel | 74.3 mpg | 99g | £20 |
| C30 D2Manual · listed 2013 | Diesel | 65.7 mpg | 114g | £35 |
| C30 D2 Start/StopManual · listed 2013 | Diesel | 78.5 mpg | 94g | £20 |
| C30 2.0 ManualManual · listed 2013 | Petrol | 37.2 mpg | 177g | £360 |
| C30 T5 AutoAutomatic · listed 2013 | Petrol | 31.4 mpg | 211g | £445 |
| C30 T5 ManualManual · listed 2013 | Petrol | 32.5 mpg | 203g | £445 |
| C30 Model Year 13 D26MT · listed 2012 | Diesel | 65.7 mpg | 114g | £35 |
| C30 Model Year 13 D2 Start/Stop6MT · listed 2012 | Diesel | 78.5 mpg | 94g | £20 |
| C30 Model Year 13 D3 Auto6AT · listed 2012 | Diesel | 48.7 mpg | 154g | £275 |
| C30 Model Year 13 D3 Manual6MT · listed 2012 | Diesel | 55.4 mpg | 134g | £200 |
Economy and CO2 are official NEDC (before 2018) or WLTP figures. Car tax is the yearly rate at current rates for a car first registered in the year listed, before any expensive car supplement. Showing the 15 most recent of 64 versions.
What a Volvo C30 costs to fuel
- petrol, typical official 32.5mpg…
- diesel, typical official 55.4mpg…
Official figures are usually 10–15% better than real-world driving.
Work out a journey in a Volvo C30Buying a used Volvo C30?
Check the MOT history of the exact car: every result, advisory and mileage reading, free.
Compare the Volvo C30 with other family hatchbacks
Reliability, economy, car tax and running costs side by side.
Other Volvo models
Frequently asked questions
›Is the Volvo C30 reliable?
Its MOT record is about average: the Volvo C30 is about as likely to fail as the average car of the same age and mileage, with a reliability score of 99 in our 2024 league (100 is average).
›What are common problems with the Volvo C30?
The most common MOT fault is “Position lamp: not working”, found in 6.9% of tests.
›What MPG does the Volvo C30 do?
Official economy for the Volvo C30 ranges from 30.1 to 78.5mpg across the 64 versions listed by the Vehicle Certification Agency (2007–2013). A typical petrol version manages 32.5mpg and a typical diesel 55.4mpg. Expect 10–15% less in real-world driving.
›How much is road tax on a Volvo C30?
Any Volvo C30 first registered from April 2017 pays the standard rate of £200 a year after its first year (2026/27 rates). A Volvo C30 registered between March 2001 and March 2017 is taxed on its CO2: £20 to £445 a year.
›How many Volvo C30s fail their MOT?
41.4% of Volvo C30s aged 3 to 20 failed their MOT first time in 2024.
Sources: DVSA anonymised MOT tests 2024, all versions of the Volvo C30 combined (Open Government Licence v3.0); official economy and CO2 from Vehicle Certification Agency data, © Crown copyright. VCA cannot accept liability for its accuracy. How we calculate the league.