VehicleVerdict

2011 Volvo V50 problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just 2 complaints on file for the 2011 Volvo V50 — too few to judge reliability from owner reports alone — but one recall campaign applies to this year, so any used example should have its VIN checked for completed recall work.

2

NHTSA complaints

1

Recalls

0

Investigations

0

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

0

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2011 compare to other V50 years?

V50 NHTSA complaints by model year, 2011 highlighted26 complaints2004: 0 complaints2005: 26 complaints2006: 18 complaints2007: 8 complaints2008: 0 complaints2009: 3 complaints2010: 3 complaints2011: 2 complaints
V50 NHTSA complaints by model year, 2011 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all V50 years to avoid →

What are the most common 2011 Volvo V50 problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Other150%
Tires & Wheels150%

Does the 2011 Volvo V50 have recalls?

1 NHTSA recall campaign on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

10V591000SeatsNovember 22, 2010 · 7,420 units

Defect

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.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“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…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Other · June 3, 2016

“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…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Tires & Wheels · October 30, 2013

2011 Volvo V50 — common questions

Is the 2011 Volvo V50 reliable?

The record is thin — 2 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 1 recall should be verified as completed.

Does the 2011 Volvo V50 have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 2011 Volvo V50. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.