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NHTSA recalls & complaints · 2004–2011

Volvo V50 recalls, complaints and VIN decoding

NHTSA lists 8 recall campaigns and 42 owner complaints for the Volvo V50, covering model years 2004 to 2011. The 2005 model year drew the most complaints (18), and Electrical System is the component owners name most often.

Source: NHTSA recall and complaint flat files, updated September 25, 2026.

Decode your Volvo V50 VIN

See the model year, plant and build details of one vehicle, then the recalls for its exact year.

  • 8 recall campaigns on file
  • 42 owner complaints (unverified reports to NHTSA)
  • 8 model years with data (2004–2011)
  • most complaints: 2005 (18 for that model year)
  • top component: Electrical System (7 complaints)
  • latest recall 10V591000 (reported Nov 22, 2010)
  • 0 complaints reporting a crash (0.0%)
  • 1 complaint reporting a fire (2.4%)
  • 1 complaint reporting an injury (2.4%)
  • 0 complaints reporting a death (0.0%)

Volvo V50 complaints by model year

6 model years · NHTSA complaints

The 2005 model year has the most complaints: 18 of 42, or 42.9%. Next come 2006 (12) and 2007 (6). The fewest are for 2011, with 2 complaints.

Owner complaints per model yearHighest yearOther years
Volvo V50 owner complaints to NHTSA by model year, 2005–2011Column chart of 42 complaints across 7 model years. The highest is 2005 with 18. The full figures are in the table below the chart.2005: 18 complaints1820052006: 12 complaints1220062007: 6 complaints620072008: 0 complaints20082009: 2 complaints220092010: 2 complaints220102011: 2 complaints22011
Volvo V50 complaints by model year, with complaints reporting a crash, fire, injury or death
Volvo V50 complaints by model year, with complaints reporting a crash, fire, injury or death
Model yearComplaintsReporting a crashReporting a fireReporting an injuryReporting a death
2005180010
2006120000
200760100
200920000
201020000
201120000
All model years420110

Crash, fire, injury and death columns count complaints that report at least one of them, not people.

Most-reported Volvo V50 components

top 15 · NHTSA categories

Electrical System is the component named most often, in 7 complaints (16.7% of all 42), followed by Engine and Engine Cooling (6) and Fuel/Propulsion System (6). Another 7 complaints are filed under NHTSA’s “Unknown or Other” category.

Components named most often in Volvo V50 complaints (top 15)
Components named most often in Volvo V50 complaints (top 15)
ComponentComplaintsShare of complaints
Electrical System716.7%
Unknown or Other716.7%
Engine and Engine Cooling614.3%
Fuel/Propulsion System614.3%
Suspension511.9%
Fuel System, Gasoline49.5%
Power Train37.1%
Steering37.1%
Structure37.1%
Tires37.1%
Engine24.8%
Service Brakes, Hydraulic24.8%
Wheels24.8%
Air Bags12.4%
Child Seat12.4%

One complaint can name several components, so the shares add up to more than 100%. Component names are NHTSA’s top-level categories.

What NHTSA owner complaints mean

These figures count complaints that vehicle owners and other members of the public have submitted to NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation. NHTSA uses complaints, together with other data, to spot safety issues that may warrant an investigation and to check whether existing recalls go far enough.

  • They are reports, not findings. Each complaint is the submitter's own account. Its presence in the database does not mean NHTSA has confirmed a defect.
  • Counts are not defect rates. The data doesn't say how many vehicles were sold, so a raw count can't tell you what share of vehicles had a problem.
  • Popular models collect more complaints. A model sold in large numbers will usually gather more complaints than a rare one, simply because more people own it.
  • One complaint can name several components. Totals by component can therefore add up to more than the number of complaints.
  • Coverage starts in 1995. NHTSA's complaint file contains complaints received since January 1, 1995.

Use complaint patterns as a prompt for questions: whether a recall covers the issue, whether the vehicle you are considering has had the fix, and what a mechanic finds on inspection. For confirmed safety defects, see the recall list for this model.

Volvo V50 recalls

8 campaigns · newest first

Every vehicle recall campaign NHTSA lists under the model name V50, newest first. The 8 campaigns cover model years 2004 to 2011. 5 model years tie for the most campaigns (3 each).

  • 8 recall campaigns
Volvo V50 recall campaigns covering each model year
DecadeYears ending in 0Years ending in 1Years ending in 2Years ending in 3Years ending in 4Years ending in 5Years ending in 6Years ending in 7Years ending in 8Years ending in 9
2004: 2 campaigns2005: 3 campaigns2006: 3 campaigns2007: 2 campaigns2008: 3 campaigns2009: 3 campaigns
2010: 3 campaigns2011: 1 campaign
Highlighted: the model years with the most campaigns.

  1. NHTSA campaign 10V591000

    Reported

    Seats

    Model years 2009–2011

    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 customercare@volvoforlife.com.

    Filed by Volvo Car USA, LLC

  2. NHTSA campaign 10V566000

    Reported

    Equipment › Electrical › Navigational System(Global Positioning System)

    Model years 2005–2010

    Volvo is recalling certain vehicles equipped with garmin 760 portable global positioning system (GPS) units because the batteries on those units may overheat.

    Consequence:
    An overheated battery could lead to a fire.
    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 new battery and a spacer will be inserted on top of the battery next to the PCB. This service will be performed free of charge. The safety recall began on November 18, 2010. Owners may contact garmin at 866-957-1981 or visit garmin's website at www.garmin.com/nuvibatterypcbrecall.

    Filed by Volvo Car USA, LLC

  3. NHTSA campaign 10V255000

    Reported

    Steering › Gear Box › Shaft Sector

    Model year 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 assembly becomes loose, it may not be possible to engage, disengage or shift gears.

    Consequence:
    This condition can increase the risk of a vehicle crash.
    Remedy:
    Dealers will torque the gearshift lever stud assembly to the correct specification free of charge. The safety recall began on June 14, 2010. Owners may contact Volvo at 1-800-458-1552 or customercare@volvoforlife.com.

    Filed by Volvo Car USA, LLC

  4. NHTSA campaign 08V329000

    Reported

    Steering › Hydraulic Power Assist › Hose, Piping, and Connections

    Model years 2008–2009

    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.

    Consequence:
    This can result in a rapid drainage of the power steering fluid in the system and a complete loss of power assistance, increasing the risk of a crash.
    Remedy:
    Dealers will inspect and replace the steering return line hose assembly free of charge. The recall began on August 13, 2008. Owners may contact Volvo at 1-800-458-1552.

    Filed by Volvo Car USA, LLC

  5. NHTSA campaign 08V197000

    Reported

    Structure › Body › Roof and Pillars

    Model year 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 tightening the bolts.

    Consequence:
    When carrying roof cargo, the rails may come loose during heavy braking and/or sudden stops increasing the possibility of a crash.
    Remedy:
    Due to the limited number of vehicles involved, owners have been notified and will have the roof rail bolts replaced free of charge. Owners may contact Volvo at 1-800-458-1552.

    Filed by Volvo Car USA, LLC

  6. NHTSA campaign 08V101000

    Reported

    Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Foundation Components › Master Cylinder

    Model year 2007

    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 when applying and maintaining force of the brake pedal.

    Consequence:
    The capacity to brake will gradually deteriorate forcing the driver to use a higher than expected force on the brake pedal when compared to an intact brake system. The deterioration can eventually result in complete loss of the brake system functionality increasing the risk of a crash.
    Remedy:
    Dealers will inspect the master cylinder. The brake master cylinder and brake fluid reservoir will be replaced and certain brake lines cleaned free of charge. The recall began on March 11, 2008. Owners may contact Volvo at 1-800-458-1552.

    Filed by Volvo Car USA, LLC

  7. NHTSA campaign 08V033000

    Reported

    Fuel System, Gasoline › Delivery › Fuel Pump

    Model years 2004–2006

    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, Wisconsin, and the District of Columbia, reoccurring, long-term exposure to certain environmental conditions such as salty-wet conditions, it is possible for the pump electronic module (pem) to become corroded internally. This can cause a faulty signal to the fuel pump, resulting in low or no fuel pressure to the engine.

    Consequence:
    If this occurs, the check engine light may illuminate. In some cases, the vehicle may fail to start or may stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
    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.

    Filed by Volvo Car USA, LLC

  8. NHTSA campaign 06V137000

    Reported

    Fuel System, Gasoline

    Model years 2004–2006

    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.

    Consequence:
    This may potentially result in fuel line leakage. Fuel leakage, in the presence of an ignition source, could result in a fire.
    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.

    Filed by Volvo Car USA, LLC

Recall text is shown as NHTSA publishes it; older campaigns, which NHTSA stores in capital letters, are shown in sentence case. NHTSA’s Vehicle Safety Hotline, 1-888-327-4236, also answers recall questions.

How to read this recall list

This list shows every safety recall campaign NHTSA has on file for this make, model and model year. It is not specific to one vehicle: a recall often covers only vehicles built in a certain date range or with a certain part, and many of the vehicles it covers will already have been repaired.

What each recall field means
What each recall field means
FieldWhat it tells you
Campaign numberNHTSA's unique ID for the recall, such as 20V771000. Quote it to a dealer or when searching NHTSA's site.
ComponentThe system or part involved, for example air bags, brakes or electrical software.
SummaryWhat the defect or non-compliance is and which vehicles are covered.
ConsequenceThe safety risk if the problem isn't fixed.
RemedyWhat the manufacturer will do, such as a repair, replacement or software update, and whether it is free.
  • Some recalls carry an NHTSA consumer advisory, “Do Not Drive” or “Park Outside”. Follow it until the repair is done.
  • A single campaign often covers several models or model years, so the same campaign number can appear in more than one list.
  • Recalls are shown as NHTSA publishes them. Very recent campaigns may take time to appear.

Does your vehicle have an open recall? Only a VIN check can tell you. Enter the VIN at NHTSA's recall lookup (opens in a new tab) or on the manufacturer's website. Our VIN recall check guide explains what each option covers.

Volvo V50 questions

5 questions

How many recalls does the Volvo V50 have?

NHTSA lists 8 vehicle recall campaigns for the Volvo V50, covering model years 2004 to 2011. The most recent, 10V591000, was reported on November 22, 2010 and is filed under “Seats”.

Which Volvo V50 model year has the most complaints?

The 2005 model year, with 18 of the 42 complaints in NHTSA’s file (42.9%). The next are 2006 (12) and 2007 (6). Complaint counts also reflect how many vehicles of each year were sold and how long they have been on the road, so they are not a reliability ranking.

What is the most common Volvo V50 complaint?

Electrical System is the component named most often: 7 complaints, or 16.7% of all 42. Engine and Engine Cooling (6) and Fuel/Propulsion System (6) follow. Complaints are unverified reports from owners, not confirmed defects, and one complaint can name several components.

Does every recall on this page apply to my Volvo V50?

Not necessarily. Each campaign lists specific model years, and many cover only vehicles built in a certain period or fitted with a certain part; repairs already carried out aren’t shown. To see whether a recall is open on your vehicle, enter its VIN at NHTSA’s recall lookup (opens in a new tab) or ask a Volvo dealer.

How many Volvo V50 complaints report a crash, fire, injury or death?

Of the 42 complaints, 0 report a crash, 1 a fire, 1 at least one injury and 0 at least one death. These figures count complaints, not people, and each complaint is the submitter’s own unverified account.

Other Volvo models

8 models · most complaints first

The Volvo models with the most NHTSA complaints, and the Volvo VIN decoder with every Volvo model page, WMI code and VIN note.

  • Volvo XC90 2003–2025 · 35 recalls · 1,521 complaints
  • Volvo S60 2000–2025 · 40 recalls · 1,264 complaints
  • Volvo S80 1999–2016 · 27 recalls · 954 complaints
  • Volvo V70 1996–2016 · 22 recalls · 933 complaints
  • Volvo XC60 2009–2025 · 36 recalls · 647 complaints
  • Volvo S70 1995–2002 · 6 recalls · 593 complaints
  • Volvo S40 2000–2011 · 12 recalls · 491 complaints
  • Volvo XC70 2001–2016 · 19 recalls · 417 complaints

All Volvo models and WMI codesLook up recalls by year

Data: NHTSA recalls and complaints flat files, updated September 25, 2026. Recall campaigns are vehicle (V) campaigns listed for this model name; complaints are counted once per NHTSA ODI number and model year.