Most common 2009 Volvo V50 problems
Share of the 2 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.
Volvo V50 complaints by model year
Best V50 years: 2004, 2008, 2010. Years to avoid: 2005. Compare all years →
2009 Volvo V50 recalls (3)
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 › 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.
2009 Volvo V50 engines & fuel economy
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG city / hwy / combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2.4L 5-cyl | 5-speed automatic | FWD | 20 / 31 / 24 |
| 2.5L 5-cyl turbo | 6-speed manual | FWD | 19 / 28 / 23 |
| 2.5L 5-cyl turbo | 5-speed automatic | FWD | 19 / 28 / 23 |
| 2.4L 5-cyl | 5-speed manual | FWD | 20 / 28 / 23 |
| 2.5L 5-cyl turbo | 5-speed automatic | 4WD/AWD | 18 / 26 / 21 |
| 2.5L 5-cyl turbo | 6-speed manual | 4WD/AWD | 17 / 25 / 20 |
EPA ratings. Class: Wagon.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2009 Volvo V50 a good car?
Based on 2 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2009 V50 rates few complaints: 20% fewer complaints than a typical year of the V50 at the same age. Complaint counts don't account for sales volume or individual maintenance, so have any used car inspected before buying.
What is the most common problem with the 2009 Volvo V50?
The body & structure — 1 complaint, 50% of all complaints for this model year, most often about frame and members › underbody shields. Next are the electrical system (1) and brakes (1).
How many recalls does the 2009 Volvo V50 have?
There are 3 recalls for the 2009 Volvo V50, the most recent from November 22, 2010 (seats). Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer — check whether yours has been done with the VIN recall check.
What are the best and worst years of the Volvo V50?
The best years by complaints, compared at the same age, are 2004, 2008 and 2010. Years to avoid or approach with caution: 2005. See the full Volvo V50 years comparison.
At what mileage do 2009 Volvo V50 problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 68,000 miles; 0% of problems with a recorded mileage started before 50,000 miles.
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.