RoadVitals

2005 Volvo V50

Recalls, owner-reported complaints, investigations and safety data

Data refreshed

Owner complaintsComplaints are reports submitted to NHTSA by owners and drivers. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a complaint does not establish that a defect exists. Volume is influenced by how many of a vehicle were sold, how long it has been on the road, and how much attention an issue has received.
18
Latest Feb 9, 2018
Safety recallsA safety recall is issued when a manufacturer or NHTSA determines that a vehicle has a safety-related defect or does not comply with a federal motor vehicle safety standard. Recall repairs are free. Whether a specific vehicle is covered depends on its VIN — a recall listed for a model year does not necessarily apply to every vehicle of that year.
3
Latest Nov 8, 2010
InvestigationsNHTSA opens an investigation to examine whether a safety defect may exist. An open investigation is not a determination that a defect exists, and many investigations close without a recall. Investigations can, however, lead to one.
0
Crash or fire reportedComplaints whose submitter recorded that a crash or a fire occurred. These are the reporter's own answers on the NHTSA form, not verified findings.
0
1 injuries, 0 deaths reported

Overview

Our database contains 18 NHTSA owner-reported complaints for the 2005 Volvo V50, most frequently naming the fuel system, engine and suspension categories. 3 safety recalls have been issued covering this model year; and 220 manufacturer communications are on file.

Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.

What owners report

Complaints grouped by the component NHTSA recorded

  • Fuel system625.0%
  • Engine625.0%
  • Suspension312.5%
  • Electrical312.5%
  • Body & structure28.3%
  • Exterior lighting14.2%
  • Steering14.2%
  • Brakes14.2%

Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.

Safety recalls

3 campaigns cover this model year

Recalls apply to specific vehicles, not to every vehicle of a model year. Check your VIN with NHTSA or your manufacturer's dealer to confirm whether a recall affects your vehicle.

Check a VIN on NHTSA.gov
10V566000

EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:NAVIGATIONAL SYSTEM(GLOBAL POSITIONING SYSTEM)

Nov 8, 2010
416 units potentially affected
The defect: VOLVO IS RECALLING CERTAIN VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH GARMIN 760 PORTABLE GLOBAL POSITIONING SYSTEM (GPS) UNITS BECAUSE THE BATTERIES ON THOSE UNITS MAY OVERHEAT.
The risk: AN OVERHEATED BATTERY COULD LEAD TO A FIRE.
The 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. THE UNIT'S BATTERY WILL BE REPLACED WITH A NEW BATTERY AND A SPACER WILL BE INSERTED ON TOP OF THE BATTERY NEXT TO THE PCB. THIS SERVICE WILL BE PERFORMED FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON NOVEMBER 18, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT GARMIN AT 866-957-1981 OR VISIT GARMIN'S WEBSITE AT WWW.GARMIN.COM/NUVIBATTERYPCBRECALL.
VOLVO CARS OF N.A. LLC.Manufacturer number R231View on NHTSA.gov
08V033000

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP

Jan 28, 2008
23,000 units potentially affected
The defect: ON CERTAIN VEHICLES SOLD IN OR CURRENTLY REGISTERED IN THE STATES OF CONNECTICUT, DELAWARE, ILLINOIS, INDIANA, IOWA, MAINE, MARYLAND, MASSACHUSETTS, MICHIGAN, MINNESOTA, MISSOURI, NEW HAMPSHIRE, NEW JERSEY, NEW YORK, OHIO, PENNSYLVANIA, RHODE ISLAND, VERMONT, WEST VIRGINIA, WISCONSIN, AND THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA, REOCCURRING, LONG-TERM EXPOSURE TO CERTAIN ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS SUCH AS SALTY-WET CONDITIONS, IT IS POSSIBLE FOR THE PUMP ELECTRONIC MODULE (PEM) TO BECOME CORRODED INTERNALLY. THIS CAN CAUSE A FAULTY SIGNAL TO THE FUEL PUMP, RESULTING IN LOW OR NO FUEL PRESSURE TO THE ENGINE.
The risk: IF THIS OCCURS, THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT MAY ILLUMINATE. IN SOME CASES, THE VEHICLE MAY FAIL TO START OR MAY STALL, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
The remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE PEM AND INSTALL IT IN A NEW LOCATION TO PREVENT CORROSION. THE RECALL BEGAN ON FEBRUARY 20, 2008. OWNERS MAY CONTACT VOLVO AT 1-800-458-1552.
VOLVO CARS OF N.A. LLC.Manufacturer number 190View on NHTSA.gov
06V137000

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

Apr 24, 2006
16,175 units potentially affected
The defect: ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH T5 TURBO ENGINES, THE POLYAMIDE TUBE IN THE FUEL LINE IS SENSITIVE TO THE EXTREME TEMPERATURES THAT MAY OCCUR IN THE AREA WHERE THE TURBO/EXHAUST MANIFOLD IS LOCATED.
The risk: THIS MAY POTENTIALLY RESULT IN FUEL LINE LEAKAGE. FUEL LEAKAGE, IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE, COULD RESULT IN A FIRE.
The remedy: DEALERS WILL CHANGE THE FUEL LINE MATERIAL TO TEFLON FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JUNE 5, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT VOLVO CARS AT 1-800-458-1552.
VOLVO CARS OF N.A. LLC.Manufacturer number R158View on NHTSA.gov

Recent owner complaints

Reports submitted to NHTSA, shown in the owner's own words

View all 18
Fuel system
Filed Feb 9, 2018

2005 VOLVO V50 HAS INTERMITTENT STARTING ISSUES. THE ENGINE CRANKS AND FUEL PUMP CAN BE HEARD WHEN KEY IS TURNED IN IGNITION BUT THE ENGINE DOES NOT TURN OVER/START. AFTER 10-15 (SOMETIMES MORE) ATTEMPTS AT STARTING THE VEHICLE, FUEL PRESSURE APPEARS TO BUILD SLOWLY WITH EACH ATTEMPT AND THE ENGINE WILL SOMETIMES START. IF THE VEHICLE DOES START IT IS OPERABLE WITHOUT ADDITIONAL PROBLEMS AND CAN BE DRIVEN NORMALLY. THE CAR WILL RE-START WITHOUT ISSUE IF THE ENGINE HAS RUN WITHIN A FEW HOURS OF THE ATTEMPT. AFTER 24-36 HOURS OF BEING OFF THE VEHICLE WILL HAVE DIFFICULTY STARTING AGAIN. I BELIEVE THE PEM (PUMP ELECTRONICS MODULE) IS FAULTY IN MY VEHICLE - VOLVO ISSUED RECALL 190 TO ADDRESS THIS BUT NOW REFUSES TO REPAIR MY VEHICLE OR PROVIDE ME WITH DOCUMENTATION SUFFICIENT TO ENSURE ME THAT MY VEHICLE IS NOT COVERED BY THIS RECALL CAMPAIGN.

NHTSA ID
11071932
Incident
Oct 1, 2017
Mileage
146,000 mi
Fuel system
Filed Oct 21, 2017

VEHICLE STALLED ON HIGHWAY AT HIGHWAY SPEED AND RAPIDLY LOST SPEED AND POWER STEERING. RESTARTING WAS VERY DIFFICULT AND RESULTED IN SEVERAL FAILED STARTS AND STALLS. TRYING TO NAVIGATE TO SAFETY RESULTED IN MORE STALLING. SYMPTOMS INDICATE A PROBLEM WITH THE FUEL PUMP. CHECKED WITH VOLVO AND THERE IS A SAFETY RECALL FOR THIS MODEL FOR THE FUEL PUMP ELECTRONIC MODULE, BUT THAT VOLVO LIMITED THE RECALL TO ONLY CERTAIN STATES WHILE STATING THAT THE PROBLEM IS DUE TO SALTY WET CONDITIONS, WHICH ARE PRESENT MOST EVERY WHERE ON THE EAST COAST. VOLVO EXCLUDED SEVERAL EAST COAST STATES.

NHTSA ID
11035452
Incident
Oct 21, 2017
Mileage
104,000 mi
EngineSteeringSuspension
Filed Aug 30, 2016

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 VOLVO V50. WHILE PULLING OUT OF THE DRIVEWAY AND MAKING A RIGHT TURN, THERE WAS AN ABNORMAL NOISE COMING FROM THE FRONT OF THE VEHICLE. THE NOISE RECURRED PERIODICALLY. IN ADDITION, WHEN DRIVING OVER A SLIGHT BUMP, THE VEHICLE FELT AS IF THE BOTTOM WOULD DETACH. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE THE TECHNICIAN COULD NOT FIND A FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 82,000. UPDATED 10/06/16*LJ THE CONSUMER STATED THE PROBLEM WAS THE RIGHT FRONT ENGINE MOUNT. *TR

NHTSA ID
10899495
Incident
Jun 2, 2016
Mileage
82,000 mi
Suspension
Filed Oct 11, 2015

CAR HAS HAD POOR STEERING AND NOISE COMING FROM THE FRONT END - REPAIRS MADE TO LEFT FRONT AND RIGHT FRONT - NOISE CONTINUES RIGHT FRONT - REPAIRED AGAIN AND NOW IN VOLVO OF SANTA MONICA FOR 3RD REPAIR TO RIGHT FRONT; ALL REPAIRS INVOLVE SUSPENSION ISSUES AND PART SUCH AS JOINTS AND WHEEL AXEL. NOISES ARE WHEN CAR IS BEING DRIVEN ESPECIALLY TURNING RIGHT.

NHTSA ID
10781310
Incident
Aug 20, 2015
Mileage
79,000 mi
Filed Jul 2, 2013

DRIVING ON HIGHWAY 880 'URGENT ELECTRICAL SERVICE ! WITH BATTERY EMBLEM LIGHT IN RED' CAME ON IN THE CENTER OF THE DRIVER SIDE DASH GAGES; THIS BLOCKED OUT THE MILEAGE LEFT FOR GAS... CAR TOWED TO DEALER AND TO DATE THIS HAS NOT BEEN PROPERLY REPAIRED BY SELLING DEALER- THIS APPEARED AGAIN AFTER NEGATIVE BATTERY CABLE REPLACED ON 7/1/2013! PRIOR INCIDENT WITH WATER LEAKING IN THE CAR PASSENGER SIDE FROM UNDER THE GLOVE BOX ON TO THE PASSENGER FLOOR.

NHTSA ID
10523390
Incident
Jun 27, 2013
Mileage
61,000 mi
Fuel system
Filed May 20, 2013

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 VOLVO V50. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 5 MPH, SHE ATTEMPTED TO ACCELERATE BUT THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT RESPOND. THE CONTACT STATED THAT SHE DEPRESSED THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL HARDER AND THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED TO 40 MPH. THE CONTACT REGAINED CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE AND TOOK IT TO A LOCAL MECHANIC FOR INSPECTION. THE MECHANIC STATED THAT THE ELECTRONIC MODULE PUMP NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED AND THEY STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 08V033000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE). THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 155,000.

NHTSA ID
10512860
Incident
May 1, 2013
Mileage
155,000 mi
ElectricalFuel system
Filed Nov 7, 2011

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 VOLVO V50. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE EXITING A PARKING SPACE THE VEHICLE STALLED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE FUEL PUMP AND THE CENTRAL ELECTRICAL MODULE WERE DEFECTIVE AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE WHO DID NOT OFFER ANY ASSISTANCE SINCE THE VEHICLE WAS NO LONGER UNDER WARRANTY. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 93,000.

NHTSA ID
10434809
Incident
Oct 1, 2011
Mileage
93,000 mi
Engine
Filed Sep 9, 2011

THE CAR HESITATED ON ACCELERATION WHEN I WAS GETTING ON THE HIGHWAY AND BRIEFLY STALLED AND THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME. THIS HAS HAPPENED SEVERAL TIMES. I RESEARCHED THE ISSUE AND FOUND A DEFECTIVE FUEL PRESSURE SENSOR IS THE CAUSE. THERE ARE NUMEROUS REPORTS OF THIS ON VOLVO RELATED WEBSITES. THE PART IN QUESTION IS BOSCH #8699449 THAT WAS RECALLED FOR SIMILAR FAILURES ON VOLVO 60 SERIES VEHICLES. AFTER REPLACING THE PART WITH A NEW BOSH PART #31272732 THE PROBLEM DID NOT REOCCUR. THIS OLD PART SHOULD BE RECALLED ON ALL VOLVOS AS IT CREATES A REAL SAFETY ISSUE AS THE PROBLEM OCCURS DURING ACCELERATION AND COULD RESULT IN AN ACCIDENT. *TR

NHTSA ID
10424498
Incident
Aug 17, 2011
Mileage
69,000 mi

Manufacturer communications

A bulletin sent by a manufacturer to its dealers. Not a recall, and repairs are not necessarily free.

35526.1.8

ENGINE

This is a Technical Journal: Text plus 2 PDFs and 1 .PNG Oil Consumption test. Perform the test. Follow service procedure
 Description and Service sections updated to clarify that vehicle reports are not required.

37809.1.1

This is a TJ text only - The purpose of this TJ is to be a master reference list to easily identify any components that are on prior approval. This TJ will be regularily updated as items are added or removed from prior approval.
 Current items under prior approval are listed in the "Service" section

19245

This is a Technical Journal. Vehicle type and platform identification.

8501

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

This is a Technical Journal: Remote connection, BOMGAR application. Before joining a remote session:
 •Connect a suitable battery maintainer/charger and verify that the battery voltage indicated in VIDA is between 12.5V and 14.9V.
 •Connect to the vehicle over a wired connection using a VOE (Volvo OBD to Ethernet) adapter and perform a NEW vehicle readout.

S10303

Volvo Cars USA LLC and Volvo Car Canada LTD on behalf of the Volvo Car Corporation has decided to launch Service Action S10303 on certain model year 2025 EX90 vehicles.
 Volvo Car Investigations have identified that there is a pairing issue with the key fob.
 As a result, there is a possibility that the customer’s key fob is not paired to the vehicle.
 The corrective action is to download SP Software.
 S10303 affects 151 vehicles in the U.S and 5 in Canada.

S10303

Volvo Cars USA LLC and Volvo Car Canada LTD on behalf of the Volvo Car Corporation has decided to launch Service Action S10303 on certain model year 2025 EX90 vehicles.
 Volvo Car Investigations have identified that there is a pairing issue with the key fob.
 As a result, there is a possibility that the customer’s key fob is not paired to the vehicle.
 The corrective action is to download SP Software.
 S10303 affects 151 vehicles in the U.S and 5 in Canada.

Manufacturers file copies of the bulletins they send to dealers with NHTSA. These often describe diagnostic or repair procedures for a known condition. They are not recalls: repairs described in a bulletin are usually only free if the vehicle is still under warranty or the manufacturer has extended coverage.

Compare model years

Complaint and recall counts across every year of this model

Volvo V50 by model year
YearComplaintsRecallsInvestigationsIssue Index
2013000—
2012000—
2011210—
2010230—
2009230—
2008030—
2007620—
2006123038.5
2005Viewing183043.7
2004020—

Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers. Older model years have had longer for reports to accumulate.