VOLVO V50 (2004–2011): Technical Data, DTC & Service Schedule
Built 2004–2011 · all production years covered on this single page
2.5L Turbo I5 • Gasoline
2011
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Every figure on this Volvo V50 (2004–2011) page is aggregated and cross-checked against more than 6.6 million real workshop operations, NHTSA records and OEM technical sources — and updated continuously. No invented estimates.
The Volvo V50 (2004–2011) is powered by a 2.5L Turbo I5 engine. Use the sections below for verified fluids, battery, OEM tyres, the maintenance schedule, recommended parts and the most commonly reported OBD2 fault codes for this vehicle.
Common problems
Common repairs
Fluids & lubricants
Battery
Fault codes (OBD2)
Dashboard lights
Parts comparator
Accessories & tools
Tyres
Recalls & TSB
Complaints
Workshops nearby
COMMON PROBLEMS
Transmission fault signal (TCM)MODERATE
The transmission module detected a fault — check separate transmission codes.
Related codes: P0700
Misfire / Loss of cylinderMODERATE
Rough running, idle vibration, power loss.
Related codes: P0300
Thermostat: coolant temperature lowLOW
Thermostat stuck open — engine does not reach operating temperature.
Related codes: P0128
Battery/system voltage lowLOW
System voltage below 10V — check alternator, battery or wiring.
Related codes: P0562
P0011LOW
Check with an OBD2 scanner.
Related codes: P0011
AVERAGE INDICATIVE COSTS
Prices may vary by area and workshop.
Full service
€ 120 – € 200
Full brake service
€ 180 – € 300
Spark plug replacement
€ 80 – € 140
Electronic diagnosis
€ 40 – € 70
WORKSHOP LABOUR RATES BY COUNTRY
Average independent-workshop hourly labour rates, to estimate repair costs in your country.
🇩🇪Germany€95/h
🇪🇸Spain€55/h
🇫🇷France€75/h
🇮🇹Italy€45/h
🇬🇧UK£80/h
🇺🇸USA$120/h
Reference rate
€45/h
Source: Eurostat 2024
💧 FLUIDS & LUBRICANTS
📋 RECALLS & TSB (20)
NHTSA 08V197000
Structure › Body › Roof And Pillars
Date: 28/04/2008
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…
NHTSA 08V033000
Fuel System, Gasoline › Delivery › Fuel Pump
Date: 28/01/2008
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, WISCO…
NHTSA 08V033000
Fuel System, Gasoline › Delivery › Fuel Pump
Date: 28/01/2008
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, WISCO…
NHTSA 08V033000
Fuel System, Gasoline › Delivery › Fuel Pump
Date: 28/01/2008
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, WISCO…
NHTSA 06V137000
Fuel System, Gasoline
Date: 24/04/2006
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.
NHTSA 06V137000
Fuel System, Gasoline
Date: 24/04/2006
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.
NHTSA 06V137000
Fuel System, Gasoline
Date: 24/04/2006
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.
NHTSA 08V329000
Steering › Hydraulic Power Assist › Hose, Piping, And Connections
Date: 23/07/2008
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.
NHTSA 08V329000
Steering › Hydraulic Power Assist › Hose, Piping, And Connections
Date: 23/07/2008
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.
NHTSA 10V591000
Seats
Date: 22/11/2010
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.
NHTSA 10V591000
Seats
Date: 22/11/2010
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.
NHTSA 10V591000
Seats
Date: 22/11/2010
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.
NHTSA 10V566000
Equipment › Electrical › Navigational System(Global Positioning System)
Date: 08/11/2010
VOLVO IS RECALLING CERTAIN VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH GARMIN 760 PORTABLE GLOBAL POSITIONING SYSTEM (GPS) UNITS BECAUSE THE BATTERIES ON THOSE UNITS MAY OVERHEAT.
NHTSA 10V566000
Equipment › Electrical › Navigational System(Global Positioning System)
Date: 08/11/2010
VOLVO IS RECALLING CERTAIN VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH GARMIN 760 PORTABLE GLOBAL POSITIONING SYSTEM (GPS) UNITS BECAUSE THE BATTERIES ON THOSE UNITS MAY OVERHEAT.
NHTSA 10V566000
Equipment › Electrical › Navigational System(Global Positioning System)
Date: 08/11/2010
VOLVO IS RECALLING CERTAIN VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH GARMIN 760 PORTABLE GLOBAL POSITIONING SYSTEM (GPS) UNITS BECAUSE THE BATTERIES ON THOSE UNITS MAY OVERHEAT.
NHTSA 10V566000
Equipment › Electrical › Navigational System(Global Positioning System)
Date: 08/11/2010
VOLVO IS RECALLING CERTAIN VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH GARMIN 760 PORTABLE GLOBAL POSITIONING SYSTEM (GPS) UNITS BECAUSE THE BATTERIES ON THOSE UNITS MAY OVERHEAT.
NHTSA 10V566000
Equipment › Electrical › Navigational System(Global Positioning System)
Date: 08/11/2010
VOLVO IS RECALLING CERTAIN VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH GARMIN 760 PORTABLE GLOBAL POSITIONING SYSTEM (GPS) UNITS BECAUSE THE BATTERIES ON THOSE UNITS MAY OVERHEAT.
NHTSA 10V566000
Equipment › Electrical › Navigational System(Global Positioning System)
Date: 08/11/2010
VOLVO IS RECALLING CERTAIN VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH GARMIN 760 PORTABLE GLOBAL POSITIONING SYSTEM (GPS) UNITS BECAUSE THE BATTERIES ON THOSE UNITS MAY OVERHEAT.
NHTSA 10V255000
Steering › Gear Box › Shaft Sector
Date: 08/06/2010
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. IF THE GEARSHIFT LEVER CABLE OR STUD…
NHTSA 08V101000
Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Foundation Components › Master Cylinder
Date: 05/03/2008
VOLVO IS RECALLING 1,114 MY 2007 C30, C70, S40, AND V50 PASSENGER VEHICLES. A SOFT ANODIZED LAYER IN THE MASTER CYLINDER MAY TRIGGER EARLY WEAR ON A RUBBER SEAL THAT CAN RESULT IN INTERNAL LEAKAGE OF BRAKE FLUID. IF AFFECTED, THE DRIVER MAY EXPERIENCE REDUCED BRAKE PERFORMANCE …
COMMON OBD2 CODES TO CHECK
P0420
P0420
Powertrain
P0171
P0171
Powertrain
P0300
P0300
Powertrain
P0128
P0128
Powertrain
P0455
P0455
Powertrain
P0700
P0700
Transmission
P0442
P0442
Powertrain
P0172
P0172
Powertrain
P0401
P0401
Powertrain
All documented fault codes for this vehicle
The most documented diagnostic codes for this model, by system and severity. Tap a code for the full guide.
P0455
powertrain
LOW⏱ 0.62h avgP0442
powertrain
LOW⏱ 0.62h avgP0440
powertrain
LOW⏱ 0.78h avgP0420
powertrain
MEDIUM⏱ 1.24h avgP0300
powertrain
HIGH⏱ 1.22h avgP0172
powertrain
MEDIUM⏱ 1.13h avgP0171
powertrain
MEDIUM⏱ 0.95h avgP0730
transmission
MEDIUM⏱ 1.25h avgP0700
transmission
HIGH⏱ 1.25h avgP0401
powertrain
MEDIUM⏱ 1.25h avgP0011
powertrain
MEDIUM⏱ 5.4h avgU0100
network
HIGHP0562
electrical
MEDIUM⏱ 0.58h avgP0128
powertrain
MEDIUM⏱ 0.88h avg
DASHBOARD WARNING LIGHTS — UNIVERSAL GUIDE
53 warning lights classified by urgency. Appears on your vehicle? Check the urgency level.
Show all dashboard warning lights
🔴 IMMEDIATE STOP — pull over
Oil Pressure WarningEngine
Engine Temperature WarningCooling
Brake System WarningBrakes
Immobilizer / Key FaultSecurity
🟠 WARNING — check soon
Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL) / Check EngineEngine
Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF)Emissions
Battery / Charging SystemElectrical
Low Fuel WarningFuel
ABS WarningBrakes
Brake Pad Wear IndicatorBrakes
Electronic Parking Brake (EPB)Brakes
Power Steering WarningSteering
ESC / Stability Control FaultChassis
Tire Pressure Warning (TPMS)Chassis
Transmission Temperature WarningTransmission
Transmission / Gearbox FaultTransmission
Airbag / SRS WarningActive safety
EGR / Exhaust Gas Recirculation FaultEmissions
Catalytic Converter / Emissions FaultEmissions
AdBlue / DEF Level LowEmissions
Coolant Level LowCooling
Hybrid / EV System WarningHybrid
EV Charge System FaultHybrid
12V Battery (Hybrid/EV Auxiliary)Hybrid
Suspension Fault / Air SuspensionSuspension
CAN Bus / Network Communication FaultNetwork
Water in Fuel FilterFuel
Diesel Injector FaultFuel
Steering Angle Sensor FaultSteering
Turbo / Boost Pressure FaultEngine
Regenerative Braking Fault (Hybrid/EV)Hybrid
🟡 MONITOR
Fuel Cap / Evap SystemEmissions
4WD / AWD SystemDrivetrain
Bulb Failure WarningLighting
Headlight Range / Leveling FaultLighting
Service / Maintenance DueMaintenance
A/C System FaultHvac
Clutch Wear WarningTransmission
Cruise Control / ACC FaultADAS
🔵 INFORMATION
Engine Temperature Low (Blue)Cooling
Glow Plug / Diesel PreheatEngine
Traction Control / ESC OffChassis
Seatbelt ReminderActive safety
Rear Fog Light IndicatorLighting
Lane Departure / LDWS WarningADAS
Forward Collision Warning (FCW/AEB)ADAS
Blind Spot Monitor FaultADAS
Rear Parking Sensor / Camera FaultADAS
Windshield Washer Fluid LowMaintenance
Door Open WarningBody
Hood / Trunk Open WarningBody
Gear Shift Indicator (Manual)Transmission
Sport / Performance Mode ActiveTransmission
REPORTED COMPLAINTS & PROBLEMS (NHTSA)
42 owner complaints filed with the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for the Volvo V50 across model years 2004–2011. These are real, verified reports submitted by vehicle owners.
1 fire 1 injury
Complaints by model year (most reported first)
Model year 200518
Model year 200612
Model year 20076
Model year 20112
Model year 20102
Model year 20092
Most reported components (all years)
Unknown Or Other7
Electrical System7
Fuel/Propulsion System6
Engine And Engine Cooling6
Suspension5
Fuel System4
Sample reports
THE CAR WAS PURCHASED NEW AND CAME EQUIPPED WITH PIRELLI TIRES. WE FOUND THEM FLAT ON MULTIPLE OCCASIONS (AT LEAST 5) AND HAD ONE FLAT WHILE DRIVING. NO CRASHES THUS FAR. WE THOUGHT IT TO BE A FAULT OF THE TIRES. NO PUNCTURES WERE EV… (MY 2006)
ON DECEMBER 3, 2005, THE CAR (A VOLVO V50 2006 WITH APPROXIMATELY 2000 MILES) WAS BEING DRIVEN IN A RESIDENTIAL AREA OF WASHINGTON DC. THE CAR WAS STOPPED FOR A LIGHT, AND THEN, UPON ATTEMPTING TO MOVE FORWARD, THERE WAS NO POWER TO THE… (MY 2006)
I DOVE MY CAR IN THE MORNING WHEN STOP IN THE MIDDLE OF STREET AND CALL TO AAA FOR TOWING TO FIX I BROUGHT THE ALTERNATOR I THINK THE WAS FIXED BUT I PUT THE NEW BATTERY DECEMBER 3 STILL MY CAR MAKE SOME NOISE I THINK IS ELECTRICAL PROBL… (MY 2006)
THE CAR BEGAN MAKING HOWLING NOISES WHEN TURNING RIGHT. THE NOISES WERE COMING FROM THE RIGHT FRONT WHEEL AREA. THE CAR IS AN AWD MODEL WITH MANUAL 6 SPEED TRANSMISSION. IT WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER TO DETERMINE THE SOURCE OF THE NOISE.… (MY 2006)
Source: NHTSA complaints database (U.S. data.gov). Figures cover production years 2004–2011.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the Volvo V50 have any safety recalls?
Yes — 20 official NHTSA recall campaign(s) affect this model, mainly: SEATS, EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:NAVIGATIONAL SYSTEM(GLOBAL POSITIONING SYSTEM), STEERING:GEAR BOX:SHAFT SECTOR. Check the recalls section for your exact year/VIN.
What does fault code P0300 mean on the Volvo V50?
Random/Multiple Cylinder Misfire Detected This code is among the most documented for this model — tap it in the OBD2 section for the full step-by-step guide.
What does fault code P0128 mean on the Volvo V50?
Coolant temperature below thermostat regulating temperature — thermostat stuck open or faulty This code is among the most documented for this model — tap it in the OBD2 section for the full step-by-step guide.
What does fault code P0011 mean on the Volvo V50?
A Camshaft Position Timing Over-Advanced or System Performance (Bank 1) This code is among the most documented for this model — tap it in the OBD2 section for the full step-by-step guide.
Are steering problems common on the Volvo V50?
Yes — 10 of 41 real owner reports filed with NHTSA mention the steering. One owner reported: “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 RE…” See the owner-reported complaints section below for more.
Are electrical problems common on the Volvo V50?
Yes — 15 of 41 real owner reports filed with NHTSA mention the electrical. One owner reported: “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 …” See the owner-reported complaints section below for more.
Are engine problems common on the Volvo V50?
Yes — 17 of 41 real owner reports filed with NHTSA mention the engine. One owner reported: “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) ATTEM…” See the owner-reported complaints section below for more.
Which OBD2 fault codes are commonly documented for the Volvo V50 (2004–2011)?
Commonly documented OBD2 codes across many vehicles include: P0420, P0300, P0171. Find the full description, likely causes and estimated repair costs in the OBD2 Codes section on this page.
How often should the Volvo V50 (2004–2011) be serviced?
Routine maintenance for the Volvo V50 (2004–2011) typically includes an oil change every 6,000–9,000 miles (10,000–15,000 km), an air filter every 12,000–18,000 miles (20,000–30,000 km) and a brake inspection every 12,000 miles (20,000 km). Check the full plan with specific intervals in the Scheduled Maintenance section on this page.
This spec sheet is updated with data verified from OEM sources and shop databases. If you spot an inaccuracy or have additional data on the Volvo V50 (2004–2011), let us know — every correction improves quality for all users.