Recall 10V255 affects 536 2010-2011 Volvo C30, V50, and S40N vehicles with loose gearshift-lever stud assemblies. Repair is free at any franchised Volvo dealer.
Volvo is recalling 536 2010-2011 C30, V50, and S40N vehicles with 6-speed manual transmissions because the gearshift lever stud assembly was not tightened to specification. If the cable or stud assembly loosens, the driver can lose the ability to engage, disengage, or shift gears, increasing crash risk; the Volvo dealer repair will be free once available.
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What's wrong?
The gearshift lever in affected 2010-2011 Volvo C30, V50, and S40N vehicles is the driver's link to the manual transmission. When you move the lever, the shift cable carries that movement to the transmission so it can engage, disengage, or change gears. The gearshift lever stud assembly is the connection point that keeps that cable secured to the shifter mechanism.
On these vehicles, the stud assembly was not tightened to the correct specification during assembly. If the gearshift lever cable or stud assembly works loose, the shifter movement no longer reaches the transmission cleanly. That failure can leave the driver unable to select a gear, shift out of a gear, or disengage the transmission as expected.
There is no warning sign before failure. A shifter that suddenly feels loose, refuses to move into gear, or stops changing gears needs dealer attention before the vehicle is driven again.
Who's affected?
Spans 3 compact Volvo car models across the 2010 and 2011 model years, all tied to the same steering gear component.
| 2010 Volvo C30 | steering gear |
|---|---|
| 2010 Volvo V50 | steering gear |
| 2010 Volvo S40N | steering gear |
| 2011 Volvo C30 | steering gear |
| Units affected | 536 |
A matching year and model does not guarantee inclusion. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific car is included.
What's the safety risk?
NHTSA campaign 10V255 identifies the improperly torqued gearshift lever stud assembly as a crash risk. If your VIN is included, drive cautiously and schedule the dealer repair soon. Repair will be free at any franchised Volvo dealer once available.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2010-2011 Volvo C30, V50, or S40N is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Volvo dealer to ask whether the free gearshift-lever-stud torque repair is open for your VIN.
- Reference recall number 10V255 when you call, and tell the dealer the recall covers manual-transmission vehicles that lose the ability to engage, disengage, or shift gears.
- Bring the recall notice if Volvo mailed one. The dealer can still verify the recall by VIN without the letter.
- Drive cautiously until the repair is complete, and stop using the vehicle if the shifter feels loose or the transmission will not shift normally.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Volvo technician checks the gearshift lever stud assembly and torques it to the correct specification. The work is covered by the recall, so parts and labor for this repair are free. This repair is meant to keep the gearshift lever cable and stud assembly secured so the driver can engage, disengage, and shift gears as designed. Contact Volvo customer care or the dealer service desk with the recall number when scheduling so they can confirm the repair path for your VIN.
Timeline
| June 8, 2010 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| June 14, 2010 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 10V255?
Recall 10V255 covers 536 2010-2011 Volvo C30, V50, and S40N vehicles with 6-speed manual transmissions. The gearshift lever stud assembly was not tightened to the correct specification, and a loose cable or stud assembly can prevent normal gear engagement or shifting.
What should I do if my 2010-2011 Volvo C30, V50, or S40N is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific vehicle is included in recall 10V255. If it is, contact a franchised Volvo dealer and ask for the gearshift lever stud assembly repair. Reference recall number 10V255 when you call. The dealer repair is free.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to repair the defect at no cost, and Volvo dealers will torque the gearshift lever stud assembly to the correct specification free of charge.
What is the safety risk in recall 10V255?
The risk is loss of normal gear control. If the gearshift lever cable or stud assembly loosens, the driver can lose the ability to engage, disengage, or shift gears, which can increase crash risk.
What if I bought my Volvo C30, V50, or S40N used?
The free recall repair still applies. Recall coverage follows the vehicle, not the first owner. Check your VIN to see whether your exact Volvo is included, then contact a franchised Volvo dealer and reference recall number 10V255.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/10V255000 |
|---|---|
| Volvo customer service | 1-800-458-1552 |
| NHTSA recall # | 10V255 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 10V255000 |
Source documents
-
Download Recall Investigation Document (PDF) (PDF) - Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Owner Notification Letter (PDF)
- Download Owner Notice (PDF)
- Download Defect / Noncompliance Notice (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Recall Acknowledgement (PDF)
This article is generated from NHTSA's primary recall filings and reviewed against the source on June 3, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →