At a Glance
The Volvo V50 has 19 identified common problems across 1 generation, with the Mk1 (2004-2012) being the most affected generation and tyres & wheels the most common problem category. Based on 648K MOT tests from DVSA data.
Problems are patterns in the DVSA data that occur significantly more often on a specific model than the UK average — confirmed at 99% statistical confidence. Read our DVSA MOT data methodology →
Below: generation-by-generation comparison of Volvo V50 common problems, MOT failure types, and pass-rate data drawn from DVSA records. Click any generation to see fuel- and engine-specific fault patterns, mileage-banded repair guidance, and the most common MOT failures testers record.
MOT Tests & Failures by Generation
Volvo V50 generations by MOT tests, failures, and identified problems from DVSA data
Hover over each bar for a full breakdown. Tap any bar to view that generation's problems.
Showing total MOT tests, failures, and known problems per make. Hover over each bar for a full breakdown.
Tell Us About Your Problem
Help other Volvo V50 owners — report a problem and we'll add it to the database
Tell Us About Your Problem
Help other Volvo V50 owners — report a problem and we'll add it to the database
Looking for a garage to repair your Volvo V50?
Search our directory of 12,000+ UK garages by service and postcode — every garage has verified Google reviews.
Browse Volvo V50 Generations
Select a generation to see its specific problems, MOT failures and advisories
Most Common Volvo V50 MOT Failures
Every reason Volvo V50 vehicles fail their MOT, ranked by frequency. Select an individual year to see only that year’s failures, or stay on ‘All time’ for the combined picture across our 20 years of DVSA data. Scroll inside the table for the full list.
| # | Failure | % of failures |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Tyre condition | 11.17% |
| 2 | Suspension joint or bush worn | 10.41% |
| 3 | Number plate lamp not working | 9.08% |
| 4 | Tyre tread depth below limit | 8.14% |
| 5 | Coil spring broken or corroded | 6.32% |
| 6 | Position lamp not working | 4.55% |
| 7 | Brake pads or linings worn | 3.73% |
| 8 | Wiper blades deteriorated | 3.59% |
| 9 | Driveshaft fault | 3.57% |
| 10 | Brake performance below minimum | 2.92% |
| 11 | Headlamp aim defect | 2.90% |
| 12 | Shock absorber worn or leaking | 2.52% |
| 13 | Headlamp fault | 2.40% |
| 14 | Windscreen washer not working | 2.36% |
| 15 | Parking brake performance below minimum | 2.29% |
| 16 | Rear lamp not working | 1.91% |
| 17 | Front lamp not working | 1.87% |
| 18 | Exhaust system fault | 1.61% |
| 19 | Indicator fault | 1.50% |
| 20 | Windscreen damage affecting view | 1.39% |
| 21 | Ball joint dust cover split | 1.35% |
| 22 | Spark ignition emissions above threshold | 1.27% |
| 23 | Track rod end worn | 0.96% |
| 24 | Brake disc or drum worn | 0.88% |
| 25 | Wheel bearing worn | 0.79% |
| 26 | Stop lamp not working | 0.66% |
| 27 | Airbag warning light on | 0.61% |
| 28 | Steering rack fault | 0.54% |
| 29 | Seat belt condition | 0.52% |
| 30 | Parking brake condition | 0.46% |
| 31 | Rear suspension fault | 0.45% |
| 32 | Front suspension fault | 0.45% |
| 33 | Compression ignition emissions above threshold | 0.41% |
| 34 | Mirror damaged or missing | 0.40% |
| 35 | Front suspension joint worn | 0.36% |
| 36 | ABS fault | 0.34% |
| 37 | Brake lever fault | 0.32% |
| 38 | Catalytic converter efficiency low | 0.29% |
| 39 | Suspension linkage fault | 0.29% |
| 40 | Tyre size or type not matched | 0.27% |
| 41 | Electronic stability control fault | 0.25% |
| 42 | Brake pedal fault | 0.23% |
| 43 | Handbrake lever fault | 0.20% |
| 44 | Flexible brake hose damaged | 0.20% |
| 45 | Rear reflector damaged or missing | 0.17% |
| 46 | Rear fog lamp not working | 0.16% |
| 47 | Brake caliper fault | 0.15% |
| 48 | Brake hydraulic component worn | 0.14% |
| 49 | Horn not working | 0.14% |
| 50 | Battery loose or leaking | 0.14% |
| 51 | Tyre valve stem damaged | 0.11% |
| 52 | Fog lamp not working | 0.11% |
| 53 | Outline marker lamp not working | 0.11% |
| 54 | Suspension arm worn or corroded | 0.10% |
| 55 | Propshaft fault | 0.10% |
| 56 | Body corrosion or damage | 0.09% |
| 57 | Brake fluid leak | 0.09% |
| 58 | Headlamp levelling device fault | 0.09% |
| 59 | Brake cable, rod, lever or linkage fault | 0.08% |
| 60 | Rigid brake pipe corroded or damaged | 0.08% |
| 61 | Fuel pipe corroded or damaged | 0.07% |
| 62 | Engine oil leak | 0.07% |
| 63 | Fuel cap damaged or missing | 0.07% |
| 64 | Suspension mounting corroded | 0.06% |
| 65 | MacPherson strut worn | 0.05% |
| 66 | Undertray damaged or missing | 0.05% |
| 67 | Brake fluid level low or contaminated | 0.04% |
| 68 | Headlamp washer not working | 0.04% |
| 69 | Bumper damaged or insecure | 0.04% |
| 70 | Power steering pipe or hose leaking | 0.04% |
| 71 | Brake pedal movement restricted | 0.04% |
| 72 | Electrical switch fault | 0.04% |
| 73 | Driver door fault | 0.04% |
| 74 | Exhaust leak | 0.03% |
| 75 | Anti-roll bar worn or corroded | 0.03% |
| 76 | Electrical wiring fault | 0.03% |
| 77 | Steering lock fault | 0.03% |
| 78 | Brake fluid reservoir fault | 0.03% |
| 79 | Engine mounting worn or broken | 0.03% |
| 80 | Bonded suspension condition | 0.03% |
| 81 | Drag link end worn | 0.02% |
| 82 | Front passenger door fault | 0.02% |
| 83 | Hydraulic brake cylinder fault | 0.02% |
| 84 | Fuel hose damaged or leaking | 0.02% |
| 85 | Driver airbag fault | 0.02% |
| 86 | Driver seat fault | 0.02% |
| 87 | Handbrake cable fault | 0.02% |
| 88 | Steering arm worn | 0.02% |
| 89 | Suspension linkage attachment bracket or mounting corroded | 0.02% |
| 90 | Subframe corrosion or damage | 0.02% |
| 91 | Towbar fault | 0.02% |
| 92 | Power steering ram fault | 0.02% |
| 93 | Bonnet catch or hinge fault | 0.02% |
| 94 | Reversing lamp not working | 0.01% |
| 95 | Brake fluid warning light on | 0.01% |
| 96 | Suspension unit fault | 0.01% |
| 97 | Hydraulic fluid leak | 0.01% |
| 98 | Steering free play excessive | 0.01% |
| 99 | Fuel tank corroded or leaking | <0.01% |
| 100 | Vehicle structure corrosion | <0.01% |
| 101 | Passenger seat fault | <0.01% |
| 102 | Boot lid damaged or insecure | <0.01% |
| 103 | Brake master cylinder fault | <0.01% |
| 104 | Body security fault | <0.01% |
| 105 | Transmission oil leak | <0.01% |
| 106 | Brake back plate corroded or damaged | <0.01% |
| 107 | Steering column fault | <0.01% |
| 108 | Mirror or camera fault | <0.01% |
| 109 | Window damaged or won't operate | <0.01% |
| 110 | Exhaust heat shield or sound insulation damaged | <0.01% |
| 111 | Steering operation fault | <0.01% |
| 112 | Brake servo fault | <0.01% |
| 113 | Chassis condition | <0.01% |
| 114 | Suspension rod worn or corroded | <0.01% |
| 115 | Dip switch fault | <0.01% |
| 116 | Tailgate damaged or insecure | <0.01% |
| 117 | Electronic braking system fault | <0.01% |
| 118 | Power steering pump fault | <0.01% |
| 119 | Dashboard warning lamp fault | <0.01% |
| 120 | Electric power steering fault | <0.01% |
| 121 | Speedometer fault | <0.01% |
| 122 | King pin or swivel pin worn | <0.01% |
| 123 | Brake valve fault | <0.01% |
| 124 | Trailing arm worn or corroded | <0.01% |
| 125 | Steering coupling worn | <0.01% |
| 126 | Brake air or vacuum system fault | <0.01% |
| 127 | Passenger airbag fault | <0.01% |
| 128 | Spare wheel fault | <0.01% |
| 129 | Daytime running lamp not working | <0.01% |
| 130 | Rear fog lamp warning light fault | <0.01% |
| 131 | Indicator warning light fault | <0.01% |
| 132 | Main beam warning light fault | <0.01% |
| 133 | Passenger compartment corrosion | <0.01% |
| 134 | Steering box fault | <0.01% |
| 135 | Steering wheel damaged or insecure | <0.01% |
| 136 | Suspension retaining or locking device fault | <0.01% |
| 137 | Tie bar or rod worn or corroded | <0.01% |
| 138 | Additional braking device fault | <0.01% |
| 139 | Exhaust emissions above threshold (non-catalyst) | <0.01% |
| 140 | Radius arm worn or corroded | <0.01% |
| 141 | Seat belt or padding damaged | <0.01% |
| 142 | Seat belt pre-tensioner fault | <0.01% |
| 143 | Front fog lamp not working | <0.01% |
| 144 | Seat belt anchorage fault | <0.01% |
| 145 | Steering lock stop fault | <0.01% |
| 146 | Steering shaft fault | <0.01% |
| 147 | Body strengthening plate corroded | <0.01% |
| 148 | Brake pressure or vacuum buildup insufficient | <0.01% |
| 149 | Hazard warning light fault | <0.01% |
| 150 | Leaf spring broken or corroded | <0.01% |
| 151 | Transmission drive belt fault | <0.01% |
| 152 | Wheel hub fault | <0.01% |
| 153 | Access panel damaged or insecure | <0.01% |
| 154 | Electronic parking brake fault | <0.01% |
| 155 | Semaphore indicator fault | <0.01% |
| 156 | Spring mounting corroded | <0.01% |
| 157 | Steering intermediate drop arm worn | <0.01% |
| 158 | Torque or reaction arm worn | <0.01% |
| 159 | Full power hydraulic brake fault | <0.01% |
| 160 | Halfshaft fault | <0.01% |
| 161 | Axle corroded or damaged | <0.01% |
| 162 | Brake relay lever fault | <0.01% |
| 163 | Brake wheel cylinder fault | <0.01% |
| 164 | Handbrake mechanism or mounting fault | <0.01% |
| 165 | Steering drive system fault | <0.01% |
| 166 | Universal joint worn | <0.01% |
Showing all 166 reasons — scroll inside the table for the full list.
Volvo V50 MOT Failures by Category
Total MOT failure occurrences for the Volvo V50, grouped by category. Same data as the failures table above — just sliced by category instead of fault title. Hover a slice for the top failures in each category.
Join as a car owner — free
Get MOT reminders, a pre-MOT checklist, and tools to compare garages near you.
MOT Reminders
Free email alerts 28 and 7 days before your MOT expires.
44-Point MOT Checklist
Printable checklist to inspect your car before the test.
Save Favourite Garages
Save garages you trust and compare their ratings side by side.
Already a member? Sign in
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most common Volvo V50 problems?
Based on analysis of 648K Volvo V50 MOT tests from DVSA data, we have 19 identified common problems across 1 generation. The most frequently flagged issue is "Driveshaft fault". Tyres & Wheels is the most common problem category.
Which Volvo V50 generation has the most problems?
The Volvo V50 Mk1 (2004-2012) (2004–2012) has the highest number of identified common problems (20). Click the generation card above for the full breakdown.
How is this data calculated?
We analyse anonymised DVSA MOT test records under the Open Government Licence. An issue is classified as a "Common Problem" when it occurs significantly more often on a specific model than the UK average, confirmed at 99% statistical confidence. Read the full methodology page for details.
Can I report a problem with my Volvo V50?
Yes — use the "Tell Us About Your Problem" form on this page. Your report helps other Volvo V50 owners spot problems early. All submissions are reviewed before being added to the public database.
Search Vehicles With Common Problems
Find common car problems, MOT failures, and advisories for any make and model
Popular makes with common problems
Popular models with common problems
Vauxhall Vivaro
69 problems
Ldv Convoy
98 problems
Land Rover Series
73 problems
Nissan Vanette
69 problems
Ldv Maxus
92 problems
Nissan Navara
90 problems
Ford Transit Connect
113 problems
Nissan Pathfinder
67 problems
Ford Escort
67 problems
Peugeot 405
76 problems
Citroen Relay
80 problems
Daihatsu Fourtrak
119 problems
