Reliability Report · Multi-Source Data

Volvo V50 (2009–2011) Reliability

The Volvo V50 (2009–2011) scores 73/100 on our composite reliability index — good territory — drawn from DVSA, NHTSA data. Estimated used prices span €5,700–€7,200.

Composite Score
73
/ 100
Good
Sources: DVSA · NHTSA · latest 2026
Market Snapshot
Listed model years2009–2011
Est. used price€5,700–€7,200
Documented issues0
Listings in catalogue6
Found a listing?
Get a personalized risk + price verdict in 30 seconds.
Analyze a listing →Should I buy? →
carVertical20% off for AutoFindr readers

Buying a Volvo V50? Check its VIN history first

Reliability data covers the model. A VIN history report covers the exact Volvo V50 you're looking at — accident and write-off records, mileage rollback, outstanding finance and theft checks.

Run a VIN history check →use code AUTOFINDR at checkoutor decode the VIN free first →

carVertical is our one disclosed affiliate partner — we earn a commission if you buy a report. It doesn't affect our reliability scores, which come from TÜV, ADAC, DVSA MOT and NHTSA data.

Reliability by Source

Each independent organization measures reliability differently. TÜV reports inspection defect rates by age band. ADAC reports pan-European breakdowns per 1,000 vehicles. NHTSA aggregates US consumer complaints. DVSA MOT data is the UK fleet's annual safety inspection — every car 3+ years old. Lower variance across sources = higher confidence in the composite.

NHTSA (US Complaints)
Model years 2007–2013 · 2026 report · n=10
10 complaints across 5 sampled year(s); resolved model="V50"
View source ↗
100
/ 100
DVSA MOT (UK Inspections)
Model years 2004–2014 · 2024 report · n=41227
41,227 UK MOT tests · overall 40.3% fail rate vs UK fleet baseline
View source ↗
65
/ 100
DVSA MOT (UK Inspections)
Model years 2003–2013 · 2023 report · n=31571
31,571 UK MOT tests · overall 41.3% fail rate vs UK fleet baseline
View source ↗
63
/ 100

UK MOT Reliability Detail

Based on 41,227 MOT tests in the UK during the 2024 reporting period. Score for each age band reflects this model's fail rate vs the UK-fleet baseline fail rate at the same age — a generation-aware metric.

Age 10–14 yrs
63
37.8% fail vs 32.1% fleet
16,247 tests
Age 15–20 yrs
67
41.9% fail vs 38.8% fleet
24,980 tests

Most Common MOT Failure Categories

#1
Joints
9,354
31.2%
#2
Condition
6,207
20.7%
#3
Registration plate lamp(s)
5,668
18.9%
#4
Position lamp
4,987
16.6%
#5
Coil spring
3,740
12.5%

Categories ranked across all MOT tests of this model in the UK during the 2024 period. "Condition" covers cosmetic / wear issues; suspension and braking dominate the rest.

Compare Against Alternatives

See how the Volvo V50 stacks up against direct rivals — same segment, similar price band, side-by-side risk + reliability.

Open the comparison tool →