Used car guide

2009 Volvo V50: petrol or diesel?

Petrol, diesel and hybrid versions go wrong in different ways, so each has its own figures from the MOTs these cars had during 2023–2025. Pick the one you’re looking at: the fuel is on the logbook and in the car’s MOT history.

Hybrid versions had too few MOTs for figures of their own, or weren’t sold.

Known faults on every 2009 Volvo V50

Reported by owners, mechanics and buying guides for this model and age. Check which engine the car has, as some apply to one engine only.

  • Fuel pipe, handbrake and fan recalls

    All engines

    There were several recalls, for possible fuel and power steering pipe leaks, faulty handbrakes and faulty cooling fans.

    At the viewing: Run the free DVSA recall check on the reg.

    Source: What Car?: Volvo V50 (2004-2012) reliability

  • Air con condenser failure

    All engines

    The air con condenser tends to wear through.

    At the viewing: Make sure the climate control blows properly cold.

    Source: What Car?: Volvo V50 (2004-2012) reliability

  • Worn suspension arms and drop links

    All engines

    Clicking when the car is rocked side to side can mean worn lower arms or drop links.

    At the viewing: Rock the car and listen for clicks, and for knocks over bumps on the test drive.

    Source: What Car?: Volvo V50 (2004-2012) reliability

Looking at a Volvo V50?

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Other years

Every year of the Volvo V50 compared

YearMOT testsMost flagged
2026–Too new for MOT data
20129,302Tyres 39%
201112,487Suspension 42%
201013,706Suspension 44%
200815,587Suspension 47%
20078,361Suspension 49%
20068,223Suspension 50%
20055,901Suspension 54%
20042,503Suspension 52%