Volvo C30

Reliability, estimated running costs, and MOT data across 8 model years from 45,774 MOT tests in 2024.

Avg Pass Rate

75%

Total Tests

45,774

Highest Pass Rate

2013 (80%)

Years Covered

About the Volvo C30

The Volvo C30 was MOT tested 45,774 times in 2024 (DVSA data, retests included) across 8 model years (2006 to 2013), with an average pass rate of 75%. That's 7 points below the average of 82% across all models in our data, so check the year-by-year data carefully before buying. Our records list petrol and diesel versions.

Best and Worst Years

Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 2013 model has the highest pass rate at 80% from 1,985 tests. The 2006 model has the lowest at 72%. The 8 point gap means pass rates vary somewhat between years, but no year is dramatically different. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger.

Reliability Trend

Newer Volvo C30s pass their MOT more often than older ones, by 5 percentage points on average, which is mostly down to age and wear.

Mileage Across Years

The oldest model in our data (2006) averages 112,548 miles, while the newest (2013) averages 85,409 miles. Older models have covered serious mileage, so suspension and drivetrain wear are worth checking.

Compared to the Volvo brand average of 87%, the C30 is 12 points lower, placing it among the less reliable Volvo models.

Estimated Running Costs

Fuel (Diesel, 1600cc)

£1,219

Road Tax

£170

MOT Test

£55

Predicted Repairs

£350

Total per year£1,794

Per month£150/mo

Based on 7,400 miles/year, average pump prices of 174.57p petrol and 199.33p diesel (GOV.UK weekly road fuel prices, week of 19 October 2026), and MOT pass rate data. Insurance not included.

Full 2013 details

How reliable is the Volvo C30?

vs average of all models-7% (82% avg)

vs Volvo brand average-12% (87% avg)

Best to worst year spread8 percentage points

Reliability trendImproving over years

Volvo C30 by Year

Click any year to see detailed running costs, reliability data, and comparisons with similar cars.

Year	Pass Rate	Tests	Avg Mileage
2013	80%	1,985	85,409 mi
2012	77%	5,587	90,974 mi
2011	76%	6,663	104,329 mi
2010	75%	10,218	107,309 mi
2009	74%	10,321	106,413 mi
2008	72%	6,383	114,056 mi
2007	72%	4,341	110,248 mi
2006	72%	276	112,548 mi

Questions about the Volvo C30

Is the Volvo C30 reliable?

Across its 8 model years in our data (2006 to 2013), the Volvo C30 averages a 75% MOT pass rate, from 45,774 tests (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That's 7 points below the average of 82% across all models in the same data. The 2013 model has the highest pass rate of the years with at least 100 tests, at 80%.

Which year Volvo C30 has the best MOT pass rate?

Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 2013 Volvo C30 has the highest MOT pass rate at 80%, while the 2006 model has the lowest at 72%, a 8 point gap. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger, so compare years of a similar age.