Is the 2005 Volvo V50 reliable?

There isn't enough NHTSA complaint data on file yet to give this model year a verdict.

What are the most common problems with the 2005 Volvo V50?

The most-reported component is engine and engine cooling, accounting for 39% of complaints on file.

How many recalls does the 2005 Volvo V50 have?

3 recalls on file for this model year.

2005 Volvo V50

○ Not enough data

2005 Volvo V50
RENDERED 2026-11-01T00:18:42.062Z

Only 18 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict.

This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.

Only 18 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict. The data below is complete but unranked.

How is this computed?

Complaints: 18
Recalls: 3
Investigations: 0
Top problem: —

Complaints per year

2005: 18 complaints

View as data table

Year	Complaints
2004	0
2005	18
2006	12
2007	6
2008	0
2009	2
2010	2
2011	2

Known problem areas

Only 18 complaints on file for this model year — too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.

Engine and engine cooling

7 of 18 total reports mention: engine and engine cooling, most commonly citing engine and gasoline.

Suspension

3 of 18 total reports mention: suspension.

Show complaint excerpts

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...

NHTSA ODI report, 2015-10-11

Fuel/propulsion system

3 of 18 total reports mention: fuel/propulsion system.

Show complaint excerpts

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.

NHTSA ODI report, 2018-02-09

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.

NHTSA ODI report, 2013-05-20

Fuel system, gasoline

3 of 18 total reports mention: fuel system, gasoline.

Electrical system

3 of 18 total reports mention: electrical system.

Show complaint excerpts

Remote key transmitter on 2005+ Volvo V50 is a personal safety hazard and potential swindle for Volvo on selling replacement transmitters.

NHTSA ODI report, 2005-09-09

Safety timeline

3 recalls · 0 investigations · oldest first

To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →

R

2006-06-05Fuel system, gasoline06V137000 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…

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.

Check if this car was fixed →
R

2008-02-20Fuel system, gasoline08V033000 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…

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.

Check if this car was fixed →
R

2010-11-18Equipment10V566000 Volvo is recalling certain vehicles equipped with garmin 760 portable global positioning system (Gps) units because the batteries on those units may overheat.

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…

Check if this car was fixed →

Buy-smart checklist

2005 Volvo V50 — pre-purchase inspection

Inspect

Engine and engine cooling: 7 reports on file for this year.
Suspension: 3 reports on file for this year.
Fuel/propulsion system: 3 reports on file for this year.

Verify these recalls were completed

Recall 06V137000 · Fuel system, gasoline
Recall 08V033000 · Fuel system, gasoline
Recall 10V566000 · Equipment

FAQ

Is the 2005 Volvo V50 reliable?: There isn't enough NHTSA complaint data on file yet to give this model year a verdict.
What are the most common problems with the 2005 Volvo V50?: The most-reported component is engine and engine cooling, accounting for 39% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2005 Volvo V50 have?: 3 recalls on file for this model year.

Data updated 2026-10-31 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.