Volvo C30, C70, S40 And 1 More Recall R/2011/163: Fluid May Leak Into Wiring Harness Which May Cause Fire, Who Is Affected And What To Do

DVSA reference R/2011/163, campaign code R39247. Data updated daily from DVSA.

Urgent
How serious
1 Dec 2011
Launched
53,203
vehicles in the UK
R39247
Manufacturer’s campaign code

Volvo recalled C30, C70, S40 and 1 more vehicles. A number of Volvo C30S40V50 and C70 may experience a problem with washer fluid leaking inside the washer pump unit through the wires into the central control electronic module. The dealer will inspect in addition to this the washer pump connector for any signs of corrosion and the washer pump will be replaced if necessary. You won't usually pay for it.1

What’s Wrong

A number of Volvo C30S40V50 and C70 may experience a problem with washer fluid leaking inside the washer pump unit through the wires into the central control electronic module. This can impact on a number of different features of the vehicle but in the worst case it may lead to a fire.

DVSA's Original Wording

Concern: FLUID MAY LEAK INTO WIRING HARNESS WHICH MAY CAUSE FIRE Defect: A number of Volvo C30S40V50 and C70 may experience a problem with washer fluid leaking inside the washer pump unit through the wires into the central control electronic module. This can impact on a number of different features of the vehicle but in the worst case it may lead to a fire. Remedy: The solution is to replace and then modify the wiring harness for the washer fluid pump. In addition to this the washer pump connector will be inspected for any signs of corrosion and the washer pump will be replaced if necessary

Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0.

The Risk

The recall notice describes the concern as: fluid may leak into wiring harness which may cause fire.

The Fix

The dealer will inspect in addition to this the washer pump connector for any signs of corrosion and the washer pump will be replaced if necessary.

Are You Affected?

C30, C70, S40 and 1 more may be included. Volvo estimates 53,203 vehicles in the UK. Enter your registration to check, then confirm by VIN with Volvo, because not every car in the date range may be included.

What To Do Now

  1. Check your car by registration above, then by VIN with Volvo.
  2. Book with any franchised Volvo dealer, quoting the campaign code R39247 or the DVSA reference R/2011/163. See how to get a Volvo recall fixed.
  3. Follow the letter's instructions until the repair is done. See can you drive a car with a recall?.
LaunchedVehicle and faultSeverityReference
S40, V50Exhaust sleeve may detachLowR/2013/156
C30, S40, V50Loss of driveUrgentR/2013/046
C30, C70, S40, V50Clutch pedal mechanism may failStop drivingR/2011/127
C30, S40, V50Brakes may not perform as expectedUrgentR/2011/075
C30, S40, V50Support member may crackLowR/2011/031

This is one of 175 Volvo recalls in DVSA’s data. The Volvo recall launched before it was R/2011/135 on 3 Oct 2011, for possibility of loss of drive. The one launched after it was R/2011/175 on 23 Dec 2011, for engine may loose drive and power steering assistance. You can also see every Volvo recall, all recalls launched in 2011 and fire risk recalls across every make.


Source: DVSA recall R/2011/163, launched 1 December 2011. Data updated 15 October 2026. How we grade urgency.

Sources

  1. The Code does not itself say repairs are free. GOV.UK guidance says "You will not usually have to pay for any repairs or parts under a safety recall." gov.uk Checked 15 Oct 2026.