Volvo V50 reliability, MPG and running costs
Figures updated
The Volvo V50 is a large family car. In 2024 MOT tests it scored 96 for reliability (100 is average), ranking 293 of 442, and 45.3% failed first time against a UK average of 28.5%. Its most common MOT failure is position lamp (6.6% of tests).
Ranked 293 of 442 cars in the 2024 MOT Reliability League, and 15 of 16 large family cars
In 2024, 29,893 Volvo V50s aged 3 to 20 had an MOT and 45.3% failed first time (UK average 28.5%). Taking age and mileage into account, the Volvo V50 is 4% more likely to fail than the average car of the same age and mileage.
First-time fail rate
45.3%
UK 28.5%
Fail rate at 3 years
–
UK 12.7%
Average miles a year
8,900
Typical age at test: 15 years
Volvo V50 MOT failure rate by age
Most common Volvo V50 MOT faults
- Position lamp: not working6.6% of tests
- Joints: constant velocity boot split or insecure, no longer prevents the ingress of dirt6.5% of tests
- Coil spring: fractured or broken5.7% of tests
- Pins and bushes: pin or bush excessively worn4.3% of tests
- Condition: has ply or cords exposed4.2% of tests
- Ball joint: ball joint excessively worn3.6% of tests
What the Volvo V50 fails on
| Area | Tests failing | vs similar cars |
|---|---|---|
| Suspension | 20.2% | ▲ 1.1× as often |
| Lights and electrics | 18.6% | ▼ 11% less often |
| Tyres | 10.8% | ▲ 1.3× as often |
| Brakes | 10.5% | ▼ 15% less often |
| Body and structure | 9.4% | ▲ 1.2× as often |
| Visibility | 5.6% | ▼ 17% less often |
| Exhaust and emissions | 5.1% | ▼ 19% less often |
| Steering | 4.5% | ▲ 1.1× as often |
| Seat belts and airbags | 1.3% | ▼ 39% less often |
| Wheels | 0.6% | ▼ 15% less often |
What MPG does the Volvo V50 do?
Official economy for the Volvo V50 ranges from 27.7 to 74.3mpg across the 66 versions listed by the Vehicle Certification Agency (2004–2013). A typical petrol version manages 37.2mpg and a typical diesel 48.7mpg. Expect 10–15% less in real-world driving.
Work out a journey's fuel costHow much is road tax on a Volvo V50?
Any Volvo V50 first registered from April 2017 pays the standard rate of £200 a year after its first year (2026/27 rates). A Volvo V50 registered between March 2001 and March 2017 is taxed on its CO2: £20 to £760 a year.
Work out tax for a specific carVolvo V50 specs and running costs
Official figures for 66 versions sold in the UK between 2004 and 2013.
Fuel types
Diesel, Petrol, Plug-in hybrid
Official economy
27.7–74.3 mpg
CO2
99–243 g/km
| Version | Fuel | Economy | CO2 | Car tax |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| V50 D2 ManualManual · listed 2013 | Diesel | 65.7 mpg | 114g | £35 |
| V50 D3 AutoAutomatic · listed 2013 | Diesel | 48.7 mpg | 154g | £275 |
| V50 D3 ManualManual · listed 2013 | Diesel | 55.4 mpg | 134g | £200 |
| V50 D4 AutoAutomatic · listed 2013 | Diesel | 48.7 mpg | 154g | £275 |
| V50 D4 ManualManual · listed 2013 | Diesel | 55.4 mpg | 134g | £200 |
| V50 DRIVeManual · listed 2013 | Diesel | 74.3 mpg | 99g | £20 |
| V50 2.0 ManualManual · listed 2013 | Petrol | 37.2 mpg | 176g | £360 |
| V50 T5 AutoAutomatic · listed 2013 | Petrol | 31.4 mpg | 211g | £445 |
| V50 D2 ManualM6 · listed 2012 | Diesel | 65.7 mpg | 114g | £35 |
| V50 D3 AutoA6 · listed 2012 | Diesel | 48.7 mpg | 154g | £275 |
| V50 D3 ManualM6 · listed 2012 | Diesel | 55.4 mpg | 134g | £200 |
| V50 D4 AutoA6 · listed 2012 | Diesel | 48.7 mpg | 154g | £275 |
| V50 D4 ManualM6 · listed 2012 | Diesel | 55.4 mpg | 134g | £200 |
| V50 DRIVeM6 · listed 2012 | Diesel | 74.3 mpg | 99g | £20 |
| V50 2.0 ManualM5 · listed 2012 | Petrol | 37.2 mpg | 176g | £360 |
Economy and CO2 are official NEDC (before 2018) or WLTP figures. Car tax is the yearly rate at current rates for a car first registered in the year listed, before any expensive car supplement. Showing the 15 most recent of 66 versions.
What a Volvo V50 costs to fuel
- petrol, typical official 37.2mpg…
- diesel, typical official 48.7mpg…
Official figures are usually 10–15% better than real-world driving.
Work out a journey in a Volvo V50Buying a used Volvo V50?
Check the MOT history of the exact car: every result, advisory and mileage reading, free.
Compare the Volvo V50 with other large family cars
Reliability, economy, car tax and running costs side by side.
Other Volvo models
Frequently asked questions
›Is the Volvo V50 reliable?
Its MOT record is worse than average: the Volvo V50 is 4% more likely to fail than the average car of the same age and mileage, with a reliability score of 96 in our 2024 league (100 is average).
›What are common problems with the Volvo V50?
The most common MOT fault is “Position lamp: not working”, found in 6.6% of tests. It fails on tyres more often than similar cars.
›What MPG does the Volvo V50 do?
Official economy for the Volvo V50 ranges from 27.7 to 74.3mpg across the 66 versions listed by the Vehicle Certification Agency (2004–2013). A typical petrol version manages 37.2mpg and a typical diesel 48.7mpg. Expect 10–15% less in real-world driving.
›How much is road tax on a Volvo V50?
Any Volvo V50 first registered from April 2017 pays the standard rate of £200 a year after its first year (2026/27 rates). A Volvo V50 registered between March 2001 and March 2017 is taxed on its CO2: £20 to £760 a year.
›How many Volvo V50s fail their MOT?
45.3% of Volvo V50s aged 3 to 20 failed their MOT first time in 2024.
Sources: DVSA anonymised MOT tests 2024, all versions of the Volvo V50 combined (Open Government Licence v3.0); official economy and CO2 from Vehicle Certification Agency data, © Crown copyright. VCA cannot accept liability for its accuracy. How we calculate the league.