Complaints by model year
| Year | Complaints | vs. typical* | Recalls | Top problem | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2010 | 2 | −45% | 3 | Brake | Few |
| 2009 | 2 | −20% | 3 | Body | Few |
| 2008 | 0 | −64% | 3 | — | Few |
| 2007 | 6 | 2.0× | 2 | Wheel & Tire | Average |
| 2006 | 12 | 2.6× | 3 | Fuel System | Average |
| 2005 | 18 | 4.6× | 3 | Engine | Caution |
| 2004 | 0 | −64% | 2 | — | Few |
* Complaints compared with the median V50 year at the same age, so new and old years are judged fairly. How this works.
Most common Volvo V50 problems
Latest Volvo V50 recalls
Seats
Volvo is recalling certain passenger vehicles equipped with power front passenger seats. The front seat rail's detection system was manufactured incorrectly and May permit the passenger to forward the seat beyond the intended maximum.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect the front power seat stops for both front seats for the presence of an "end stop" and repair the vehicles as necessary free of charge. The safety recall began on December 23, 2010.
Equipment › Electrical › Navigational system(global positioning system)
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.
Steering › Gear box › Shaft sector
Volvo is recalling certain model year 2010-2011 c30, model year 2010 s40 and v50 vehicles equipped with 6 speed manual transmissions. The gearshift lever stud assembly May not have been tightened to the correct specification during assembly.
Remedy: Dealers will torque the gearshift lever stud assembly to the correct specification free of charge. The safety recall began on June 14, 2010. Owners May contact Volvo at 1-800-458-1552 or customercare@volvoforlife.com .
Steering › Hydraulic power assist › Hose, piping, and connections
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.
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.
Structure › Body › Roof and pillars
Volvo is recalling 7 my 2008 v50 passenger vehicles equipped with roof rails. Bolts have been found to be out of specification. This has caused less tread length on the bolts which in turn has lead to insufficient clamping force in the joint due to the washer getting stuck when tightening the bolts.
Remedy: Due to the limited number of vehicles involved, owners have been notified and will have the roof rail bolts replaced free of charge. Owners May contact Volvo at 1-800-458-1552.
Frequently asked questions
What years of the Volvo V50 should you avoid?
2005 — this year has the most complaints relative to other V50 years at the same age, led by engine & cooling problems in the 2005.
What is the best year for the Volvo V50?
2004 has the fewest complaints compared with other V50 years at the same age, followed by 2008 and 2010. Newer years can look better simply because fewer complaints have come in yet, so we compare like with like.
What are the most common Volvo V50 problems?
Across all years, owners report the most problems with the fuel & propulsion system (10), engine & cooling (8) and electrical system (7). Fuel System complaints peak in the 2005 model year.
How many recalls has the Volvo V50 had?
8 recalls across 2004–2010. The model year with the most is 2005. See all Volvo V50 recalls by year.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.