2011 Volvo V50 petrol: common problems and MOT failures
What MOT testers find on the petrol Volvo V50 first registered in 2011 (petrol cars only): we looked at the 760 MOTs these cars had during 2023–2025. Plus known faults and what to look at before you buy one.
Common 2011 Volvo V50 petrol MOT failures and advisories
The share of 2011 Volvo V50 petrol MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.
- Suspension31% of testsRough price £120–£400
At the viewing: Listen for knocks over speed bumps, and look behind each front wheel for a snapped coil spring.
- Tyres28% of testsRough price £70–£150
At the viewing: Check the tread on all four tyres, including the inside edges, and look for cracks or bulges.
- Lights and electrics26% of testsRough price £10–£80
At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light, including brake lights and indicators, while you operate them.
- Brakes23% of testsRough price £150–£350
At the viewing: Look for a lip on the disc edges and feel for judder or pulling when braking firmly from about 40mph.
- Wipers, windscreen and mirrors8% of testsRough price £15–£250
At the viewing: Check for chips in the driver's view, and test the wipers and washers.
- Exhaust and emissions7% of testsRough price £100–£1,200
At the viewing: Look for black soot in the tailpipe, listen for blowing from the exhaust and check for an engine warning light.
Known faults on the 2011 Volvo V50 petrol
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.
- All engines
Fuel pipe, handbrake and fan recalls
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.
- All engines
Air con condenser failure
The air con condenser tends to wear through.
At the viewing: Make sure the climate control blows properly cold.
- All engines
Worn suspension arms and drop links
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.
Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2011 Volvo V50 petrol
Ask before you travel to see it. A seller who knows the car will have answers, and receipts.
- Has all the recall work been done?
- Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?
Looking at a Volvo V50?
Check the actual car: its own MOT history, mileage and what to ask the seller. Free, no sign-up.
Other years
Every year of the Volvo V50 compared
| Year | MOT tests | Most flagged |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | – | Too new for MOT data |
| 2012 | 9,302 | Tyres 39% |
| 2010 | 13,706 | Suspension 44% |
| 2009 | 13,588 | Suspension 43% |
| 2008 | 15,587 | Suspension 47% |
| 2007 | 8,361 | Suspension 49% |
| 2006 | 8,223 | Suspension 50% |
| 2005 | 5,901 | Suspension 54% |
| 2004 | 2,503 | Suspension 52% |
Where this comes from: the DVSA's anonymised results for every MOT test done in Great Britain during 2023–2025, counting the MOTs of Volvo V50 cars first registered in 2011. "Flagged" includes advisories, so it isn't the same as a fail rate. How we score