VolvoC302009Overview/volvo/c30/2009/base/

2009 Volvo C30

Factory specifications, fluid capacities, torque values, EPA fuel economy and the federal safety record for the 2009 C30.

Body PASSENGER CAR

The 2009 Volvo C30 is a compact passenger car that specifies a 6.1-quart oil capacity filled with 0W-30, 0W-40, or 5W-30 API viscosity grades. Within the model’s 20072013 production span, this model year generated six total owner complaints—placing it between the 2011 high of fourteen complaints and the 2007 low of one—while Power Train issues emerged as the dominant concern alongside two safety recalls. This positions the 2009 C30 as a moderately reliable middle-year offering that avoids the peak trouble rates of later iterations yet carries more reported issues than the debut 2007 model.

Model year2013201220112010200920082007

Quick specs

Fluid capacities, tune-up values and fuel economy at a glance.

Engine oil capacity6.1 qtOEM · verified
Engine oil type0W-30 / 0W-40 / 5W-30 APIOEM · verified
Lug nut torque81 ft-lbsOEM · verified

Fitment & sizes

Replacement part sizes and factory part numbers — battery, bulbs, filters and belts.

From the factory this vehicle uses a BCI 91 · 590 CCA battery, OE oil filter 8692305. Each part links to every other vehicle that shares it, so a part you already stock may fit more of your fleet than you'd expect.

Battery groupBCI 91 · 590 CCAOEM · verified
Tire size215-45R18OEM · verified
Wheel / rim7.5-J inOEM · verified

OE service part numbers OEM · verified

Engine oil filter8692305
Engine air filter30757155
Fuel filter31271607
Battery30772226 alt 30772216
Front wiper blades31250286
Thermostat31319608
Cabin air filter30780376 alt 30780377

Full specifications

Engine, drivetrain, dimensions and economy.

Dimensions & weight NHTSA vPIC

Overall length167.3 in
Overall width70.1 in
Overall height57.1 in
Wheelbase103.9 in
Curb weight3100 lb
Track (front / rear)60.2 / 60.2 in
Weight distribution (front / rear)62/38

Performance & power Independent road tests

0–60 mph, quarter-mile, horsepower and torque from independent road tests.

Independent road tests for the C30 of this era, listed by trim and engine — this page spans more than one engine, so no single horsepower figure is shown.

6.6 sec0–60 mph (tested)quickest 6.60 sec — 2009 T5 R-Design 3-door Hatchback
YearTrim / engine0–60¼ mileHPDrivetrain
2009T5 R-Design 3-door Hatchback 2.5L Turbo I-56.60 sec15.10 sec227 hpFWD
2008T5 Version 1.0 3-door Hatchback 2.5L Turbo I-56.30 sec14.80 sec227 hpFWD
2008T5 Version 2.0 3-door Hatchback 2.5L Turbo I-56.30 sec14.80 sec227 hpFWD
2008T5 Version 1.0 3-door Hatchback 2.5L Turbo I-56.70 sec15.30 sec227 hpFWD
2008T5 Version 2.0 3-door Hatchback 2.5L Turbo I-57.00 sec15.40 sec227 hpFWD

Service quick specs OEM factory data

Capacities, torques and tune-up values from the factory service manual.

This engine holds 6.1 qt of 0W-30 / 0W-40 / 5W-30 API engine oil, DOT 4 brake fluid. Torque lug nuts to 81 ft-lbs. The firing order is 1-2-4-5-3. Note the cylinder-head bolts finish on a torque angle (torque-to-yield) — they stretch permanently and should be replaced, not reused, during any head service.

Lubricants & capacities

Automatic Transmission FluidATF
Automatic Transmission Fluid Capacity8.2
Brake FluidDOT 4
Engine Oil0W-30 · 0W-40 · API · 5W-30 · 5W-40
Engine Oil Capacity6.1 qt
Engine Oil0W-30 · 0W-40 · API · 5W-30 · 5W-40
Engine Oil Capacity6.1 qt
Manual Transmission FluidVolvo part number 31280771

Engine torques

Crankshaft Pulley and/or Damper Bolts133 ft-lbs
Crankshaft Pulley and/or Damper Bolts133 ft-lbs
Intake Manifold to Engine BoltsLower: 14 ft-lbs; Upper: 7.4 ft-lbs
Exhaust Manifold to Cylinder Head Bolts17.7 ft-lbs
Intake Manifold to Engine BoltsLower: 14 ft-lbs; Upper: 7.4 ft-lbs
Exhaust Manifold to Cylinder Head Bolts17.7 ft-lbs
Oil Pump to Cylinder BLock Bolts/Studs48 ft-lbs
Oil Pump to Cylinder BLock Bolts/Studs84 ft-lbs

Chassis torques

Lug Nuts81 ft-lbs
Front Wheel Hub26 ft-lbs

Ignition

Cylinder Firing Order1-2-4-5-3
Curb Idle Speed (No Load)720 rpm
Curb Idle Speed Variance (No Load)50 rpm
Curb Idle Speed (No Load)720 rpm

Battery & A/C

RefrigerantR134a
Refrigerant Capacity1.20-1.30 lbs
Oil TypeVolvo part number 87085817 or equivalent
Oil Capacity6.00-6.10 oz
Standard BCI Group Number91
Standard BCI Cranking Performance590 cca
Optional BCI Group Number94R
Optional BCI Cranking Performance700 cca

Service checks

Pressure Test22 psi
Radiator Cap Pressure Relief22 psi
Thermostat Opening Temperature194 °F
Fuel Pump Pressure Minimum68 psi
Fuel Pump Pressure Maximum70 psi
Fuel Pump Pressure Minimum58 psi
Injector Primary Resistance12 ohms

Brakes

Torque Caliper to Bracket22 ft-lbs / 26 ft-lbs
Torque to Knuckle89 ft-lbs / 52 ft-lbs
Minimum Pad ThicknessFront: 0.079; Rear: 0.079 in
Rotor Max Parallel Variation0.0003 in
Rotor Runout Limit0.003 in
Rotor Nominal Thickness From0.984 in / 0.433 in
Rotor Nominal Thickness To0.984 in / 0.433 in
Rotor Minimum Machining0.937 in / 0.385 in

Multi-step torque procedures OEM · verified

Connecting Rod (Large End) Bearings — tightening sequence 1 stages
111 ft. lbs, Step 2: 18 ft. lbs., Step 3: 10011 ft. lbs
Connecting Rod (Large End) Bearings — tightening sequence 1 stages
111 ft. lbs., Step 2: 18 ft. lbs., Step 3: 10011 ft. lbs
Cylinder Head — tightening sequence 3 stages
115 ft. lbs.15 ft. lbs
244 ft. lbs.44 ft. lbs
3130 degrees.130 degrees
Cylinder Head — tightening sequence 3 stages
115 ft. lbs.15 ft. lbs
244 ft. lbs.44 ft. lbs
3130 degrees.130 degrees
Engine Flywheel Bolts — tightening sequence 1 stages
133 ft. lbs., Step 2: 6533 ft. lbs
Engine Flywheel Bolts — tightening sequence 1 stages
133 ft. lbs., Step 2: 5033 ft. lbs

Factory maintenance schedule OEM · verified

Normal service, condensed from the factory interval matrix.

Under the factory schedule, replace the engine oil and filter every 7,500 mi; spark plugs every 75,000 mi; coolant every 7,500 mi. The big-interval services (every 7,500 mi for coolant, and the transmission fluid) are the ones owners most often skip — on a lower-mileage example, assume the original fluids are still in it and check them first.

Every 7,500 miCV Joint Boot (inspect) · Driveshaft (inspect) · Engine Coolant System (inspect fluid level) · Engine Oil (drain & refill) · Engine Oil Filter (replace) · Exhaust System (Complete) (inspect)
Every 15,000 miBattery (inspect electrolyte level) · Cabin Air Filter (replace) · Parking Brake System (inspect)
At 30,000 miBattery (inspect electrolyte level)
Every 30,000 miBrake System (inspect) · Fuel Line (inspect)
Every 37,500 miBrake Hydraulic System (drain, refill & bleed) · Engine Air Filter Element (replace)
At 60,000 miCV Joint Boot (inspect) · Driveshaft (inspect) · Exhaust System (Complete) (inspect) · Steering Linkage (inspect) · Suspension System (inspect)
Every 75,000 miSpark Plugs (replace)
At 120,000 miDrive Belt (replace) · Timing Belt (replace)

Reliability & federal safety record

Owner-reported issues, recalls, investigations and service bulletins on record with NHTSA — an unfiltered look at what owners actually experience.

The 2009 Volvo C30 occupies a relatively stable midpoint in this generation's federal record, with 6 complaints and 2 recalls — a modest retreat from the 2008 peak of 8 complaints, and identical recall count to both 2007 and 2008. Notably, TSBs dipped to 179 in 2009, the lowest figure in the generation alongside 2012, suggesting Volvo had consolidated or resolved several early technical service bulletins by this point. The complaint arc across the generation is instructive: complaints held at 6 through 2010 before spiking sharply to 14 in 2011 and 10 in 2012, while recalls dropped to zero by 2012 — indicating that later model years carried a higher volume of owner-reported issues without corresponding regulatory action. The 2009's top complaint areas (Power Train, Unknown/Other, Tires, Steering) are diffuse rather than concentrated, and the year recorded zero crash and zero fire complaints, which is consistent with the generation-wide absence of NHTSA investigations. The data does not specify root causes for any of these complaint categories. **Bottom line: the 2009 model year sits in a quieter valley before the 2011–2012 complaint surge, with stable recall parity to earlier years and no crash or fire reports — making it a reasonable, if not standout, used buy within this generation, provided the two open recalls have been addressed.**

2
Open recalls
NHTSA campaigns
179
Service bulletins
Manufacturer communications
0
ODI investigations
Office of Defects Investigation
6
Owner complaints
0 involved a crash · 0 a fire
NHTSA crash-test rating federal NCAP · out of 5 stars
Rollover★★★★
Owner complaints by model year NHTSA · this generation & adjacent

Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component

All 6 complaints on record, top 5 components.

Power Train2
Unknown Or Other1
Tires1
Steering1
Exterior Lighting1

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation complaint database.

Recalls NHTSA · verified

Showing 2 of 2 campaigns on record for this vehicle.

08V329000Steering:Hydraulic Power Assist:Hose, Piping, And ConnectionsReported 23/07/2008

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… 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.

10V566000Equipment:Electrical:Navigational System(Global Positioning System)Reported 08/11/2010

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

Technical service bulletins NHTSA · verified

Showing 5 of 179 bulletins on record with NHTSA.

BulletinDateComponentSummary
37809.1.12026-04-07Unknown Or OtherThis is a TJ text only - The purpose of this TJ is to be a master reference list to…
192452025-12-06Unknown Or OtherThis is a Technical Journal. Vehicle type and platform identification.
85012025-04-10Exterior LightingThis is a Technical Journal: Remote connection, BOMGAR application. Before joining a…
S103032025-02-21Unknown Or OtherVolvo Cars USA LLC and Volvo Car Canada LTD on behalf of the Volvo Car Corporation has…
S103032025-02-13Unknown Or OtherVolvo Cars USA LLC and Volvo Car Canada LTD on behalf of the Volvo Car Corporation has…

Common OBD-II trouble codes

The most common OBD-II codes for this vehicle's emissions system. These are standardized SAE J2012 definitions, not vehicle-specific fault reports.

P0420
Catalyst system efficiency below threshold — Bank 1
P0300
Random / multiple cylinder misfire detected
P0171
System too lean — Bank 1
P0455
Evaporative emission system leak detected — large leak
P0128
Coolant thermostat below regulating temperature
P0442
Evaporative emission system leak detected — small leak

VIN tools

Decode factory build data for a specific vehicle by VIN.

VIN
Decode a VIN to confirm the transmission and build data for a specific C30. OEM
Build data
Plant, GVWR class, engine and body data for any 17-character VIN.
Recalls
Check open recall campaigns against a specific vehicle by VIN.

Vehicles with shared specs

Find every vehicle that shares this one's battery, bulbs, oil capacity, platform or parts.

Reference guides

Cross-vehicle references for the kinds of data on this page.

Frequently asked

How much oil does the 2009 C30 take?

6.1 qt of BELOW 104 degrees F,: 0W-30 OR 0W-40 API SL, -22 degrees F TO 104 degrees F: 5W-30 API SL, -13 degrees F TO 104 degrees F: 5W-40 API SL, per the factory manual.

Does the 2009 C30 have open recalls?

NHTSA lists 2 recall campaign(s) for this model year. Check your specific vehicle by VIN.