2012 Volvo C30 · 10,096 MOT tests
2012 Volvo C30 reliability
2012 Volvo C30s fail 34.2% of first MOT tests, 3% more MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, ranking 5 of 7 C30 years (10,096 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
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- first-time fail rate (all Volvo C30s: 40%)
- 34.2%
- first-time fail rate (all Volvo C30s: 40%)
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- 3% more
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- typical miles at its MOT, aged about 11
- 81,594
- typical miles at its MOT, aged about 11
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
- 10,096
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
Year on year
2012 against the years either side
- 2011 cars: 6% more MOT fails than the average car its age (the 2012 car does better)
- 2013 cars: about average for its age (the 2012 car does worse)
- Weak spot: body, chassis and structure, 6% of tests fail here (65% above cars of the same age and mileage).
- Strong point: exhaust, emissions and leaks, 46% fewer fails than comparable cars.
- Plates: a 2012 car carries a 61 plate (January–February 2012), or a 12 plate (March–August 2012), or a 62 plate (September–December 2012).
Common problems
What fails on a 2012 Volvo C30
Fail rate by area
- Lights and electrics15.1%
- Suspension10.8%
- Tyres7.9%
- Brakes6.8%
- Body, chassis and structure6%
- Windscreen, wipers and mirrors4.2%
- Exhaust, emissions and leaks1.7%
Average for cars of the same age and mileage
Top failures
Position lamp not working 5.58%
A failed position lamp makes the car harder to see in poor light and is illegal, so it must be repaired.
CV joint boot split or insecure 4.17%
A split CV boot lets dirt in and grease out, so the joint wears and may need full replacement.
Suspension arm pin/bush excessively worn 3.62%
Worn suspension arm bushes allow the wheel to move unpredictably, affecting steering, handling and tyre wear.
Coil spring fractured or broken 2.59%
A broken coil spring can leave the car sitting low or unstable, so it must be replaced before driving.
Tyre tread below 1.6mm 2.55%
Tread below 1.6mm is illegal and reduces grip in wet conditions, so the tyre must be replaced.
Direction indicator wrong colour 2.46%
An indicator showing the wrong colour may confuse other drivers, so the lens or bulb should be replaced.
Common advisories
Tyre worn close to legal limit (17.38%) · Suspension arm pin/bush showing wear (11.67%) · Brake pads wearing thin (6.74%) · Brake disc pitted or scored (6.63%) · Tyre slightly damaged or cracking (6.42%) · Coil spring showing some corrosion (3.97%)
Is a 2012 Volvo C30 reliable?
2012 Volvo C30s fail 34.2% of first MOT tests, 3% more MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, ranking 5 of 7 C30 years (10,096 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
What fails on a 2012 Volvo C30 MOT?
Most often position lamp not working (5.58% of tests), cv joint boot split or insecure (4.17% of tests), suspension arm pin/bush excessively worn (3.62% of tests).
How many miles should a 2012 Volvo C30 have done?
At its MOT aged about 11, a typical 2012 Volvo C30 shows 81,594 miles. Much higher or lower is worth asking about.
What plate is a 2012 car?
A car first registered in 2012 carries a 61 plate (January–February 2012), or a 12 plate (March–August 2012), or a 62 plate (September–December 2012).
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