Research · 2 NHTSA variants

2009 Volvo C-ClassRecalls, problems, MPG & safety

NHTSA lists 3 safety recalls and 16 owner complaints for the 2009 Volvo C-Class. Most complaints involve structure (4) and power train (3).

Combined MPG
—
No EPA rating found
NHTSA overall
—
Not rated by NCAP
Safety recalls
3campaigns
Latest Oct 2011
Owner complaints
16
Top: structure
Fuel cost / yr
—
No EPA estimate
01 —Recalls

Safety recalls

3 NHTSA campaigns · applies to some vehicles, check your VIN

Equipment: labels

Free remedy

VOLVO IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2006-2012 C70 VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM NOVEMBER 15, 2005, THROUGH JULY 31, 2011, AND MODEL YEAR 2011-2012 S60 VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM JULY 14, 2010, THROUGH APRIL 16, 2011, THAT WERE EQUIPPED WITH OPTIONAL ACCESSORY SPARE TIRE KIT. THESE VEHICLES FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NUMBER. 110, "TIRE SELECTION AND RIMS." THESE VEHICLES DO NOT CONTAIN THE CORRECT INFORMATION FOR VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH THE OPTIONAL ACCESSORY SPARE TIRE AND WHEEL KIT.

EquipmentReported Oct 18, 2011NHTSA 11V508000

Equipment: navigational system(global positioning system)

Free remedy

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

EquipmentReported Nov 8, 2010NHTSA 10V566000

Steering: hose, piping, and connections

Free remedy

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.

SteeringReported Jul 23, 2008NHTSA 08V329000
Data from NHTSA Recalls API · synced Nov 12, 2026 · All recall detailsNHTSA vehicle page
02 —Complaints

Owner complaints by component

16 complaints filed with NHTSA · Oct 2010 – Feb 2025
  1. Structure4
  2. Power train3
  3. Tires2
  4. Engine1
  5. Steering1
  6. Vehicle speed control1
  7. Fuel/propulsion system1
  8. Electrical system1
  9. Latches/locks/linkages1

Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.

By model year

Complaints for each C-Class model year we’ve synced.

View as table
Model yearNHTSA complaints
19988
199931
200042
200118
20029
20037
200415
20069
200717
200830
200916
201010
201128
201233
201315
Crashes reported
0
Fires reported
0
Injuries reported
0
Deaths reported
0
Data from NHTSA Complaints API · synced Nov 12, 2026 · Full problem breakdownNHTSA vehicle page
03 —Common problems

What owners report most

Verbatim excerpts from NHTSA complaints, by component

Structure

4 reports
“Door actuator fault while driving, door opens slightly ajar while driving. Frequently happens while driving on highway with top up or down. Requires driver to hold door from swinging open around turns until there is a stop that allows driver to open and shut door again.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled May 17, 2024Structure, Unknown or otherODI 11589256

Power train

3 reports
“The contact owns a 2009 Volvo C30. The contact stated while attempting to park the vehicle, the gear shifter shifted out of gear independently. No dealer or independent mechanic was contacted. The vehicle was not taken to a dealer or independent mechanic to be diagnosed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 106,000.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Feb 11, 2025Power trainODI 11641916

Tires

2 reports
“RECENTLY I HAVE BEEN EXPERIENCING INTERMITTENT VIBRATIONS WHILE DRIVING. I HAD THE CAR INSPECTED AT AN INDEPENDENT TIRE SHOP WHO FOUND TWO OUT OF FOUR TIRES (ONE FRONT, ONE REAR) WERE OUT-OF-ROUND BECAUSE OF TREAD SEPARATION OR BELT SLIPPING. I BEGAN TO SUSPECT THAT THIS WAS RELATED TO VIBRATIONS THAT I EXPERIENCED EARLY AFTER BUYING THE CAR USED WITH NEW CONTINENTAL DWS TIRES INSTALLED, FROM A VOLVO DEALER, JUST OVER TWO YEARS AGO. THEN I HAD ASSUMED THAT THE PROBLEM WAS A SLIGHT IMBALANCE OR POOR WHEEL MOUNTING. I HAD THE CAR INSPECTED AT A CONTINENTAL TIRE DEALER TO INITIATE A WARRANTY CLAIM, BECAUSE THE TIRES WERE POSSIBLY UNSAFE TO USE AFTER 2 YEARS AND 18000 MILES (WELL WITHIN THE 6 YEAR WORKMANSHIP, AND 50000 MILE TREADWEAR WARRANTY). THEY FOUND UNEVEN CAMBER WEAR AND CUPPING, BUT NO TREAD SEPARATION, AND THE CARS SUSPENSION AND ALIGNMENT CHECKED OUT. CONTINENTAL REFUSED TO HONOR THE DEFECT IN WORKMANSHIP WARRANTY CLAIMING THAT I HAD NOT MAINTAINED THE TIRES BECAUSE I HAD FOLLOWED THE CARS MANUFACTURES SERVICE RECOMMENDATION OF NOT ROTATING TIRES (SACRIFICING TREADWEAR FOR IMPROVED HANDLING). I RECONTACTED CONTINENTAL WHEN THE LEVEL OF THE VIBRATIONS AND…”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Feb 3, 2016TiresODI 10824054
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Nov 12, 2026
04 —Safety

NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings

2 tested variants
NHTSA has not published 5-Star Safety Ratings for the 2009 Volvo C-Class as of Nov 12, 2026.
Data from NHTSA NCAP Safety Ratings API · synced Nov 12, 2026Vehicle 5277Vehicle 5278
05 —Maintenance

Maintenance basics

General guidance, not the OEM schedule. Check your owner’s manual.
General guidance
ItemMilesTimeNote
Engine oil & filter5,000–10,000 mi6–12 monthsFollow the oil-life monitor if fitted
Tire rotation5,000–7,500 miEvery oil changeCheck pressure monthly
Engine air filter15,000–30,000 mi1–2 yearsSooner in dusty areas
Cabin air filter15,000–25,000 mi1–2 years
Brake fluid—2–3 yearsAbsorbs moisture over time
Coolant60,000–100,000 mi5–10 yearsLong-life coolants last longer
Spark plugs60,000–100,000 mi—Iridium/platinum plugs at the long end
12V battery—3–5 yearsHeat shortens battery life
  • Engine oil & filter5,000–10,000 mi
    6–12 months
  • Tire rotation5,000–7,500 mi
    Every oil change
  • Engine air filter15,000–30,000 mi
    1–2 years
  • Cabin air filter15,000–25,000 mi
    1–2 years
  • Brake fluid—
    2–3 years
  • Coolant60,000–100,000 mi
    5–10 years
  • Spark plugs60,000–100,000 mi
    —
  • 12V battery—
    3–5 years
Typical intervals for modern cars. Severe service (towing, short trips, extreme heat or cold) shortens them.
07 —FAQ

2009 C-Class questions

How many recalls does the 2009 Volvo C-Class have?

3 safety recalls as of Nov 12, 2026, according to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at a dealer. Check your VIN to see whether your car is included and whether the repair was done.

What are the most common 2009 Volvo C-Class problems?

Owners filed 16 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are structure (4), power train (3), tires (2). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.

Data from NHTSA & EPA · synced Nov 12, 2026