2005 Volvo V50 Problems
Owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA, grouped by component
Data refreshed
What this page shows
Everything below is an owner-reported complaint submitted to NHTSA about the 2005 Volvo V50, grouped by the component NHTSA recorded on the report. These are not confirmed defects, and they are not recalls. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a category with more reports in it is not evidence that a part is defective.
Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.
Reports by component
Ranked by how many owner reports name each component category
- Fuel system625.0%
- Engine625.0%
- Suspension312.5%
- Electrical312.5%
- Body & structure28.3%
- Exterior lighting14.2%
- Steering14.2%
- Brakes14.2%
- Transmission14.2%
Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.
Each component in detail
What the reports in each category say, in the owners' own words
Fuel system
Reports naming fuel storage or delivery — tanks, pumps, lines, injectors and fuel leaks.
From owner reports, verbatim
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.
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.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Engine
Reports naming the engine itself — including stalling, misfires, oil consumption, cooling and internal engine components.
From owner reports, verbatim
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
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
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Suspension
Reports naming suspension components — springs, struts, shocks, control arms and related hardware.
From owner reports, verbatim
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
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.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Electrical
Reports naming the electrical system — wiring, battery, charging, control modules, infotainment and electrical accessories.
From owner reports, verbatim
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.
CAR BREAKDOWN REQUIRED THE FOLLOWING PARTS TO BE REPLACED - START CONTROL MODULE, PUMP CONTROL MODULE, FUEL PRESSURE SENSOR. *TR
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Body & structure
Reports naming the vehicle structure, frame, body panels, doors, hood and trim.
From owner reports, verbatim
SUN ROOF DRAINS DISCONNECT RESULTING IN WATER BEING BLOWN INTO CAR UNDER DRIVERS AND PASSENGER SEATS. *TR
OIL PAN FAILURE, LEADING TO OIL LEAK. THIS WAS CAUSED BY OIL PAN IMPACT ON ROAD WHILE TRAVERSING A SLIGHT DIP IN THE ROADWAY. PAN CRACKED DUE TO DEFECTIVE DESIGN OF EITHER THE PAN OR THE VEHICLE SUSPENSION. DEALER AND MANUFACTURER DO NOT ACCEPT ANY RESPONSIBILITY FOR THIS. *TR
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Exterior lighting
Reports naming headlights, tail lights, turn signals and other exterior lighting.
From owner reports, verbatim
2005 VOLVO V50 HAS A CHRONIC LIGHT PROBLEM IE THE DIM LIGHT SETTING DOES NOT PROVIDE ENOUGH LIGHT TO DRIVE SAFELY ON RURAL ROADS IN THE "DIM" SETTING. MAXIMUM FORWARD VISIBILITY IN THE DIM SETTING IS BETWEEN 48' AND 55' THIS IS MADE MORE HAZARDOUS BY THE DARK LINE THAT APPEARS AT THE 48' TO 55' LINE THIS EFFECTUALLY BLOCKS VISION PAST THIS POINT. MY VOLVO V-50 HAS SPENT 44 DAYS AT MODESTO EUROPEAN (VOLVO DEALER) TO TRY TO REPAIR THIS DEFECT AFTER THE LAST TWO TRIPS I/WE WERE TOLD THAT THIS IS THE BEST THAT IT CAN BE REPAIRED. IF THIS IS THE BEST IT CAN BE REPAIRED THIS CAR SHOULD BE TAKEN OFF THE ROAD ASAP. THERE IS A STRONG POSSIBILITY THAT ONE COULD HIT A PEDESTRIAN, DISABLED VEHICLE, DEER ,ELK ,ETC AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS OF 55 MPH. WE HAVE A CAR THAT IS NOT SAFE TO DRIVE AFTER DARK WHAT IS VOLVO THINKING. *NM
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Steering
Reports naming the steering system — racks, columns, power-steering assist and steering linkage.
From owner reports, verbatim
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
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Brakes
Reports naming service brakes, the antilock braking system, brake hoses, master cylinders or the parking brake.
From owner reports, verbatim
THE 2005 VOLVO V50 WITH 22,000 MILES DID NOT PERFORM AS I FELT IT SHOULD WHEN I APPLIED THE BRAKES. I FELT SHAKING AND THE WHEEL FELT OUT OF CONTROL WHEN USING THE BRAKES.*AK
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Transmission
Reports naming the automatic or manual transmission, including shifting behaviour, shudder, slipping and transmission control modules.
From owner reports, verbatim
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 VOLVO V50. WHILE ATTEMPTING TO PARK THE VEHICLE, THE CONTACT REMOVED HIS FOOT FROM THE BRAKE PEDAL AND THE VEHICLE PROCEEDED TO MOVE FORWARD. THE CONTACT APPLIED THE EMERGENCY BRAKE AND THE KEY WOULD NOT RELEASE FROM THE IGNITION. IN ADDITION, THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT DRIVE IN REVERSE. WHILE WALKING HOME IN THE RAIN, THE CONTACT SLIPPED AND FELL AND BROKE HER RIGHT WRIST IN THREE PLACES. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER AND THEY STATED THAT THE TRANSMISSION SHIFTER CABLE CLIP FAILED, WHICH CAUSED THE CABLE TO SPLIT IN HALF. THE SHIFTER CABLE WILL BE REPLACED AT THE ESTIMATED COST OF $450. THE DEALER WILL ASSIST WITH 50% OF THE REPAIR COST. A REPORT WAS FILED WITH THE MANUFACTURER. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 50,000.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
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.
Elsewhere on this vehicle
Data sources
- NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation — owner-reported complaints and the components recorded on them
Data on this page last refreshed .