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2008 Volvo C30 T5 R-Design 5AT

All Volvo C30 trims (2008–2013) → All Volvo C30 generations →
2008 Volvo C30 – front Unverified
Photo: 2009 Volvo C30 2.4i in Electric Silver, Front Left, 08-19-2023 by Elise240SX, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Photos show the C30 (2008–2013); trim, color, and model year may differ.
All photo credits
  1. Photo: 2009 Volvo C30 2.4i in Electric Silver, Front Left, 08-19-2023 by Elise240SX, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
  2. Photo: 2008 Volvo C30 SE Sport D5 Automatic 2.0 Front by Vauxford, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
  3. Photo: VOLVO C30 China by Dinkun Chen, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
  4. Photo: Moscow, Volvo C30 blue, Sept 2025 01 by Retired electrician, CC0, via Wikimedia Commons
  5. Photo: 2009 Volvo C30 2.4i in Electric Silver, Rear Left, 08-19-2023 by Elise240SX, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

The 2008 Volvo C30 T5 R-Design 5AT is a 2.5-liter turbocharged with an automatic and front-wheel drive. It starts at $25,700 MSRP and is rated at 22 mpg combined.

EPA fuel-economy estimates are 19 mpg city and 27 mpg highway (22 mpg combined).

The C30 measures 167.4 inches long on a 103.9-inch wheelbase.

Spec Value
Vehicle
Body TypeHatchback
PowertrainGas
Price
MSRP$25,700 ($38,795 *)
MSRP with Destination$26,445 ($39,919 *)
Destination Charge$745
Engine
Engine TypeModular turbocharged I5
Displacement2.5 L
ValvetrainDOHC, 4 valves per cylinder
Bore and Stroke83.0 x 93.2
Compression Ratio9.0:1
Injection TypePort fuel injection
Drivetrain
Drive TypeFront-wheel drive
Transmission
TransmissionAutomatic (S5)
Fuel Economy
City19 MPG
Highway27 MPG
Combined22 MPG
Recommended FuelPremium
Dimensions & Weight
Length167.4 in
Width70.2 in
Height57 in
Wheelbase103.9 in
Cargo Volume15 ft³
* Amount adjusted for inflation to 2026 dollars

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Safety & Recalls

NCAP safety ratings

Tested, but no star ratings were published (2008 Volvo C30 2-DR w/SAB).

Recalls

2 recalls on file with NHTSA for the 2008 Volvo C30. Not every recall applies to every trim or VIN — check yours at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

Nov 8, 2010 · EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:NAVIGATIONAL SYSTEM(GLOBAL POSITIONING SYSTEM)

VOLVO IS RECALLING CERTAIN VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH GARMIN 760 PORTABLE GLOBAL POSITIONING SYSTEM (GPS) UNITS BECAUSE THE BATTERIES ON THOSE UNITS MAY OVERHEAT.

Consequence: AN OVERHEATED BATTERY COULD LEAD TO A FIRE.

Remedy: 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.

NHTSA campaign 10V566000

Jul 23, 2008 · STEERING:HYDRAULIC POWER ASSIST:HOSE, PIPING, AND CONNECTIONS

VOLVO IS RECALLING MY 2008-2009 VEHICLES. A SECTION OF THE POWER STEERING RETURN LINE HOSE WAS NOT PROPERLY VULCANIZED (CURED) AND DOES NOT MEET SPECIFICATIONS. IF THE POWER STEERING RETURN HOSE FAILS, A SUDDEN RUPTURE OF THE HOSE CAN OCCUR.

Consequence: THIS CAN RESULT IN A RAPID DRAINAGE OF THE POWER STEERING FLUID IN THE SYSTEM AND A COMPLETE LOSS OF POWER ASSISTANCE, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND REPLACE THE STEERING RETURN LINE HOSE ASSEMBLY FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON AUGUST 13, 2008. OWNERS MAY CONTACT VOLVO AT 1-800-458-1552.

NHTSA campaign 08V329000

8 owner complaints to NHTSA for the 2008 Volvo C30

Owner Complaints

8 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2008 Volvo C30. See all on nhtsa.gov

Most-cited areas
Suspension2
Vehicle Speed Control2
Air Bags1
Engine And Engine Cooling1
Equipment1
Seat Belts1
A complaint can cite more than one area.
Most recent complaints
Jan 30, 2015 · Vehicle Speed Control
“VERY SMALL FOOT ROOM ON DRIVER SIDE. SHOE TRAPS UNDER BRAKE PEDAL SOMETIME, MAKE SOME DELAY OF USING BRAKE. *TR”
Mar 27, 2014 · Suspension
“LEFT FRONT SPRING BROKE WHILE ENTERING VEHICLE (PARKED OVERNIGHT IN GARAGE). EVIDENCE OF ANTI-CORROSION PAINT FLAKING OFF OF SPRING IN THE AREA THAT THE BREAK OCCURRED. THIS IS THE SECOND BROKEN FRONT…”
Nov 4, 2013 · Engine And Engine Cooling
“OIL TRAP BROKEN. WAS TOLD BY MY MECHANIC THERE WAS A VOLVO RECALL FOR THIS PROBLEM (DEALERSHIP RECALL # 202). VOLVO DEALERSHIP SAID MY MAKE AND MODEL WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. I BELIEVE IT WAS…”
Jul 2, 2013 · Seat Belts
“FRONT PASSENGER SEATBELT DIFFICULT TO UNBUCKLE. TOOK TO VOLVO DEALERSHIP TO HAVE SERVICED ON 7/1/13. DEALERSHIP REPORTED "FOUND A LITTLE STICKY. LUBED IT. NOW OPENS TO INTENT. IT DOES HELP TO PRESS…”
Mar 13, 2013 · Suspension
“RIGHT FRONT SPRING BROKE, FRACTURE HAPPENED IN THE TRANSITION FROM THE LOWEST COIL (THE ONE ALWAYS ON THE SPRING SEAT) TO THE FIRST ACTIVE COIL. ANTI-CORROSION COATING WAS MISSING IN THAT AREA, AND A…”

Complaints are unverified reports submitted to NHTSA by owners. They cover the whole model year, not a specific trim, and a count alone doesn't show how common a problem is.

Source: US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (nhtsa.gov), matched as 2008 VOLVO C30. US-market vehicles only; data cached for up to 7 days.

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