Volvo C30 (2013)
2013 Volvo C30
CarHunch analysed 1,035 real MOT records for the 2013 Volvo C30. This breakdown of actual test outcomes — pass rates, defect profiles, mileage data — isn't published anywhere else.
The 2013 Volvo C30 lands right at the UK average with a 79.6% first-time pass rate, but nearly half of all examples (45.5%) have recorded a dangerous defect at some point, which is a significant buyer concern. Diesel variants are notably weaker, passing at 77.7% compared to petrol's 82.0%, so if you're considering a diesel C30, expect stricter pre-purchase inspection.
At 64,000 miles median, these cars are well-used for their age, yet they're averaging 2.75 failures per test—suggesting wear-and-tear rather than fundamental design flaws. The high advisory count (15.7 per vehicle) points to niggling trim and maintenance issues rather than catastrophic problems, so budget for regular upkeep and have any prospective purchase thoroughly checked for that dangerous defect history before committing.
What to check before buying a 2013 Volvo C30
Practical pre-purchase checks for this age and model.
- 📋 Check the full MOT history. Look for recurring advisories — slow-building issues like corrosion or brake wear patterns show up years before they become failures. Enter the reg below for a full AI analysis.
- 🔍 Inspect for corrosion in person. Brake pipes, sills, subframes, and chassis legs. Surface rust is normal at this age; structural rust is a serious problem that's expensive to fix and can fail an MOT.
- 🛞 Check tyres and brakes. The most common advisory items at this age. Budget for replacement if they're near the limit — factor this into your offer price.
- ⚠️ 45.5% of these vehicles have had a dangerous defect recorded. Enter the reg below — the full MOT history will show exactly what was flagged and whether it was resolved.
- 📄 Run an HPI check. The MOT history won't show outstanding finance, insurance write-offs, or stolen status — an HPI check will.
Before you buy a Volvo C30
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Pass Rate by Fuel Type
| Fuel type | Vehicles | Pass rate | Avg failures |
|---|---|---|---|
| Diesel (57%) | 585 | 77.7% | 3.05 |
| Petrol (43%) | 450 | 82% | 2.36 |
Mileage Distribution
Most 2013 Volvo C30 vehicles sit in the blue band. If the car you're looking at is outside it, it's either unusually low or high mileage for its age.
Half of all 2013 Volvo C30 vehicles fall between 48,524 and 80,152 miles.
2013 Volvo C30 — Still on the Road
Strong survival — 915 vehicles still getting MOTs in 2025, 90% of the peak.
Based on vehicles from this manufacture year that had at least one MOT test in each calendar year. Data from 2015–2025.
MOT History Averages
Most Common MOT Issues — 2013 Volvo C30
Based on actual MOT test records for this model. Percentage shows how often each item appears across all vehicles in this cohort.
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48.5%
Offside Front Tyre worn close to legal limit/worn on edge
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45.6%
Nearside Front Tyre worn close to legal limit/worn on edge
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27.8%
Offside Rear Tyre worn close to legal limit/worn on edge
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26.5%
Rear Brake pad(s) wearing thin
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26.4%
Nearside Rear Tyre worn close to legal limit/worn on edge
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25.8%
Offside Rear Anti-roll bar linkage ball joint has slight play
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24.1%
Nearside Front Suspension arm pin or bush worn but not resulting in excessive movement
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23.2%
Nearside Rear Direction indicator slightly discoloured
Data covers a 3-year window centred on 2013. Counts include advisories and failures.
Found a specific Volvo C30?
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