2011 Volvo V50 problems
The Volvo V50 is the station wagon version of the Volvo S40 small family car first unveiled at the 2003 Bologna Motor Show, both assembled at Ghent, Belgium. Sharing the Volvo P1 platform with the European Ford Focus and the Mazda 3, the V50 featured interior "theatre" lighting, a floating center stack and "Volvo Intelligent Vehicle Architecture".
Overview
The V50 T5 AWD featured all-wheel drive and a straight-5 2.5 litre petrol engine, with a light pressure turbocharger, four valves per cylinder and a DOHC design with variable camshaft timing — providing 220 PS (162 kW; 217 hp) and 320 N⋅m (236 lb⋅ft) of torque. Diesel options were available in Europe, including a 2.4 Litre turbocharged D5 diesel engine which provided 180 PS (132 kW; 178 hp) and 350 N⋅m (258 lb⋅ft) of torque.
Within the United States, Volvo limited sales of the V50 PZEV cars to states where it was required, including California, Florida, Vermont, Connecticut, Arizona, Maryland, Massachusetts, Pennsylvania, New York, Oregon, Maine, New Jersey, Rhode Island, New Mexico and Washington.
Volvo Cars Special Vehicle produced a concept car based on the V50, the V50 SV, whose engine produces 340 hp (254 kW), and debuted at the 2004 Specialty Equipment Market Association trade show in Las Vegas, Nevada.
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Common 2011 Volvo V50 problems
The Volvo V50, produced in 2011, has several common problems that have been reported by owners. This article will discuss these issues in detail, based on the search results provided.
Faulty Audio System Screen
The audio system screen on the Volvo V50 can go blank or freeze, rendering it unusable. This issue is caused by a software problem and can be resolved with a software upgrade, which is usually available for free at Volvo dealerships.
High Pitched Sound When Steering
Some owners of the Volvo V50 have reported a high-pitched sound coming from the steering column when taking turns. This issue is caused by the air conditioning accumulator coming into contact with the power steering pump. The solution is to secure the accumulator away from the pump, which will eliminate the sound.
Clunking While Driving
A clunking noise coming from the front of the car when applying the brakes is a common problem with the Volvo V50. This issue is caused by the front brake calliper support brackets failing or becoming vulnerable, especially if the car has been fitted with 16" wheels. The solution is to replace the brackets and install new brake pads.
Bumpy Driving
The suspension on the Volvo V50 can wear out due to the heavy engine, causing a bumpy driving experience. The solution is to check the suspension arms and bushes, and in some cases, replace them with a complete suspension system.
Overheating Engine
An overheating engine is a serious issue that can cause catastrophic damage. In the Volvo V50, this issue is caused by a coolant leak, usually between the coolant expansion tank and the bleed hose. The solution is to replace the coolant expansion tank and the bleeder hose.
Loss of Brake Power
The non-return valve in the vacuum pressure pump can malfunction, causing a loss of brake power. The solution is to replace the valve with a newer version, which can be ordered from BreakerYard.
Sudden Clutch Problems
A recall was issued for the Volvo V50 due to a sudden failure of the rod that connects the clutch master cylinder to the clutch pedal. The solution is to replace the clutch master cylinder with an upgraded version that has a metal push rod instead of the weaker original.
Knocking From Engine
A knocking sound coming from the front of the car, accompanied by a check engine light and occasional failure to turn over, is a sign of a failing timing belt and tensioner. The solution is to replace these parts as soon as possible to prevent catastrophic engine failure.
Clicking Noise From Under the Car
A clicking noise from under the car can be caused by a faulty CV joint or a loose heat shield. The solution is to replace the faulty part or secure the heat shield.
In addition to these issues, the Volvo V50 has been recalled several times for various problems, including potential leaks in the fuel pipes and power steering pipes, faulty handbrakes, and faulty cooling fans. It's important to ensure that any outstanding recalls have been addressed before purchasing a used Volvo V50.
When purchasing a used Volvo V50, it's important to look for evidence of proper maintenance, such as a full service history and premium brand tyres. The V50 is known to work well at high mileages, but neglect from complacent owners can lead to issues. It's also important to check for recalls and ensure that any necessary repairs have been made.
The Volvo V50 has also been known to work its way through air conditioning condensers, so it's important to ensure that the climate control blows cold. Additionally, if the car has a diesel engine, it may require new Eolys fluid every 37,000 miles or so to allow the DPF to operate at lower temperatures. Failure to do so can result in expensive repairs.
Finally, if the car has an automatic gearbox, it requires a fluid and filter change every 40,000 miles. Sunroof drains can also get clogged with dirt and leaves, causing wet interior carpets. Regular maintenance and checks can help prevent these issues from becoming serious problems.
What is the common problem with Volvo V50?
One of the most common problems reported by V50 owners is brake failure warning and Volvo V50 brake pad wear indicator faults. The brake failure warning light in the V50 is an important safety feature that warns you if there is a problem with the braking system.
Are Volvo v50s reliable?
The Parkers Used Car Verdict
The Volvo V50 offers a lot of class for not much money. It's reasonably cheap to run, and if you buy wisely in terms of condition, you'll enjoy years of faithful service.
How many miles can a Volvo V50 last?
That being said, Volvo Cars is among the top brands when it comes to longevity. Among the factors mentioned above, regular maintenance and driving style can make a huge difference. Overall, expect to see your Volvo vehicle last for over 200,000 miles if you give it proper care each year.
What should I look for in a Volvo V50?
Volvo V50 Common Problems and Solutions
- Faulty Audio System Screen. Problem: ...
- High Pitched Sound When Steering. Problem: ...
- Clunking While Driving. Problem: ...
- The Car Alarm Is Going Off. Problem: ...
- Bumpy Driving. Problem: ...
- Overheating Engine. Problem: ...
- Loss Of Brake Power. Problem: ...
- Sudden Clutch Problems. Problem:
What is the common problem with Volvo V50?
One of the most common problems reported by V50 owners is brake failure warning and Volvo V50 brake pad wear indicator faults. The brake failure warning light in the V50 is an important safety feature that warns you if there is a problem with the braking system.
Are Volvo v50s reliable?
The Parkers Used Car Verdict
The Volvo V50 offers a lot of class for not much money. It's reasonably cheap to run, and if you buy wisely in terms of condition, you'll enjoy years of faithful service.
Is the V50 a good car?
The V50 is a great car, it's safe, reliable, has plenty of guts and room to spare in a medium sized wagon. It's easy to drive and really comfortable. I owned the car for two years and it never missed a beat. It's the Swedish car that runs like a Swiss watch.
How many miles will a Volvo V50 last?
204,000mi
The estimated lifespan of a Volvo V50 is 204,000mi, before reaching the life expectancy upper limit. Fuel type is a major factor when looking into a vehicles lifespan/life expectancy.
2011 Volvo V50 car problems categorized by type of issue
After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Volvo V50 problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:
- Unknown or other problems
- Wheels problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 2011 Volvo V50 vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
2011 Volvo V50 complaints
The NHTSA has received 2 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 2011 Volvo V50.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2016-06-03
- VIN: VY1672MW1B2
- Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: IGNITION KEY/ENGINE IMMOBILIZER EXPERIENCED A INTERMITTENT FAILURES ("KEY ERROR" ON DASHBOARD DISPLAY), AND INABILITY TO START ENGINE. A REPLACEMENT OF IGNITION KEY DETECTOR IN STEERING COLUMN WAS REQUIRED - PARTS COST: $750, LABOR EXTRA, AT VOLVO DEALER (VOLVO MANHATTAN, NY, NY). CAR PURCHASED IN JULY 2010, FAILURE IN JUNE 2016 (BEYOND WARRANTIES). THE IGNITION KEY SYSTEM SHOULD NOT HAVE TO BE REPAIRED FOR THE LIFE OF THE CAR, ESPECIALLY FOR A VOLVO LUXURY LEVEL CAR.
WHEELS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2013-10-30
- VIN: YV1672MW4B2
- Components: WHEELS
- Summary: BOTH FRONT WHEEL BEARINGS HAD TO BE REPLACED AFTER LOW MILEAGE AND JUST PAST WARRANTY. FAILURE OF BEARINGS LEAD TO ABS BRAKE SYSTEM BEING INOPERATIVE UNTIL REPAIR CONCLUDED. AS PART OF REPAIR, VOLVO ENGINEERED RETAINING RINGS WERE FITTED. THIS INDICATES AN ADMISSION BY VOLVO OF THE INADEQUACY OF THE ORIGINAL PART DESIGN. *TR
2011 Volvo V50 recalls
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 1 recalls for different components of the 2011 Volvo V50.
- Manufacturer: VOLVO CARS OF N.A. LLC.
- Components: SEATS
- Summary: 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.
- Consequence: POSITIONING OF THE SEAT BEYOND THE INTENDED MAXIMUM CAN CAUSE INCREASED RISK OF INJURY TO THE PASSENGER IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH.
- Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE FRONT POWER SEAT STOPS FOR BOTH FRONT SEATS FOR THE PRESENCE OF AN "END STOP" AND REPAIR THE VEHICLES AS NECESSARY FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON DECEMBER 23, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT VOLVO AT 1-800-458-1552 OR AT [email protected].
Negative 2011 Volvo V50 car reviews
Positive 2011 Volvo V50 car reviews
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Fun to drive! It sounds like you've had some great adventures in your car, from cruising around Horsetooth Res to tackling Frontrange ski areas in bad weather. I'm glad to hear that your car has been reliable and safe, especially with the help of stability control. Your Gecko green exterior with Sparticus wheels sounds sharp, and I bet the interior is just as comfortable. Thanks for sharing your experience!
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I'm so glad to hear that you traded your Subaru for a new Volvo! You'll definitely notice a big difference in the quality of materials, features, and comfort. The Volvo feels incredibly solid and handles really well, all at a very competitive price.
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Hi there! I just wanted to share my experience with my Volvo sportswagon. It's been such a great car for me! I've driven it on the Autobahn in Europe at speeds between 100-115 mph and it's been such a comfortable ride. The car has plenty of power and cargo room, which has been so helpful for my needs. I even purchased a few extras for it that you can't get in the states, including the color. It's definitely been a nice upgrade from my 2002 Mini Cooper. I'm really looking forward to enjoying this Volvo for years to come!
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This car has it all! It's equipped with a Haldex AWD system that's years ahead of the Subaru technology. The 'Safe and Sound' warranty offers 5 years of cost-free ownership, which is unmatched in the industry! For 5 years, I'll only need to pay for tires and gas! It's above average in every respect and is a great option for those looking for a more affordable alternative to premium European brands.
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I recently picked up my car at the factory in Gothenburg, Sweden, and I must say that the quality of the experience alone was exceptional. Volvo went above and beyond to take care of every detail. This is actually my second time signing for the car in Sweden, and I can confidently say that my second experience was just as flawless as the first. And let me tell you about the car itself... WOW! It's a beautifully built car that's wonderful to drive, even on the snowy streets and freeways of Europe during a major snowstorm. I was able to keep up with the best of the experienced drivers on the 'fast' Autobahn in Hamburg, Germany. I opted for the R design and it is absolutely stunning, both inside and out. If you're interested, I highly recommend trying the overseas program that Volvo offers - it truly is the best in the world. And lastly, I have to give a shoutout to the local dealership in Monterey, CA - they're the best!
Additional sources
More sources of information about 2011 Volvo V50 problems:
Common problem areas on the V50 T5? | SwedeSpeed - Volvo ...
Mar 9, 2010 ... Are there any common problems on the T5 version of the V50, or tips to follow? Are there any common problems with the car itself that I ...
P1 S40 / V50 common issues... Were they ever solved? : r/Volvo
Feb 17, 2021 ... Clogged sunroof drains and windshield seal failure seem to be the most common. Even my 2011 V50, one of the last V50s built, still had those ...
Volvo V50: Common Problems and Solutions | BreakerYard.com
Volvo V50 Common Problems and Solutions · Faulty Audio System Screen · High Pitched Sound When Steering · Clunking While Driving · The Car Alarm Is Going Off · Bumpy ...
How badly would I regret a Volvo V50?| Grassroots Motorsports forum |
Looks like the 2011 and 2012 models were auto/fwd/turbo only, which is exactly the combo I want. Having never own a turbo Volvo before, ...
Volvo S40/V50 common problems (2009-2016) | Haynes Publishing
There have been numerous reports of the Volvo S40 and V50 suffering a knocking noise from the front end under acceleration and deceleration. This is an ...
Other years of Volvo V50
Are you having problems with your 2011 Volvo V50?
Cristian Reinger 2024-08-07
We have owned 5 previous Volvo wagons going back to 1971, but unfortunately, this vehicle doesn't compete. There are a few issues we have encountered, such as the 'no key system' having a small cap for the driver's door lock which has fallen off on its own 3 times, costing $90.00 each time to order, have painted, etc. Additionally, the front airfoil/dam is too low, which causes it to rub on curbs and frequently become scratched/damaged, costing $650.00+ to replace. The rear roof tapers down so much that load capacity is severely limited, even for large dogs who may bump their heads on entry. However, the mileage is about 20 and the manual supports the use of 87 Octane and up. We hope that Volvo will address these issues in the future to improve their vehicles.
Rolando Herman 2024-07-06
Avoid purchasing used VOLVOs as they may require costly repairs and may not last beyond 5 years. The head gasket issue is a common problem that can lead to significant expenses. It is recommended to consider other options before investing in a used VOLVO.
Johann Osinski 2024-03-10
It's been just over a year and I'm ready to say goodbye to this car. Unfortunately, the quality just doesn't match the price. I've had a few issues with things breaking both inside and out. For example, the plastic cap on the e-brake keeps popping off and is now somewhere in the car; the rear tow hook bumper plug broke and fell out, so now it's missing; and the front seat covers on the back that are rolled under and clipped in keep popping off and coming loose. The engine is also quite loud and almost sounds broken. Additionally, the brakes produce a lot of dust, so if you don't wash the wheels twice a week, they'll turn black in no time. The tires that came with the car are ranked 27th out of 30 different tires, which is almost the worst you can get. Needless to say, it's not exactly the safest or most reliable car out there. Snow tires are definitely a must!
Kellen Wuckert 2024-03-04
When I purchased the car from the dealership, it had 5k miles on it, as it was a loaner vehicle. Unfortunately, it did not get great gas mileage for a small car, and I ended up spending a lot on repairs. There were many electrical issues, including the steering wheel locking due to an anti-theft feature, which made it impossible to drive. After the fourth time I had to have it towed, I decided to move on. Additionally, the tire sensor malfunctioned, which was an expensive repair, and the indicator would stay on. While it's possible that I had a lemon, my experience with this car has turned me off of Volvo's forever. Despite the high cost of repairs, I am grateful for the time I spent with this car and the memories it provided.