Volvo V50
Reliability, estimated running costs, and MOT data across 9 model years from 60,020 MOT tests in 2024.
Avg Pass Rate
71%
Total Tests
60,020
Highest Pass Rate
2012 (75%)
Years Covered
9
About the Volvo V50
The Volvo V50 was MOT tested 60,020 times in 2024 (DVSA data, retests included) across 9 model years (2004 to 2012), with an average pass rate of 71%. That's 11 points below the average of 82% across all models in our data, so check the year-by-year data carefully before buying. Our records list diesel and petrol versions.
Best and Worst Years
Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 2012 model has the highest pass rate at 75% from 6,231 tests. The 2004 model has the lowest at 69%. The 6 point gap means pass rates vary somewhat between years, but no year is dramatically different. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger.
Reliability Trend
The Volvo V50 has maintained consistent MOT pass rates across model years, varying by only 3 percentage points.
Mileage Across Years
The oldest model in our data (2004) averages 133,972 miles, while the newest (2012) averages 118,265 miles. Older models have covered serious mileage, so suspension and drivetrain wear are worth checking.
Compared to the Volvo brand average of 87%, the V50 is 16 points lower, placing it among the less reliable Volvo models.
Estimated Running Costs
Based on 7,400 miles/year, average pump prices of 174.57p petrol and 199.33p diesel (GOV.UK weekly road fuel prices, week of 19 October 2026), and MOT pass rate data. Insurance not included.
Full 2012 detailsHow reliable is the Volvo V50?
Volvo V50 by Year
Click any year to see detailed running costs, reliability data, and comparisons with similar cars.
Questions about the Volvo V50
Is the Volvo V50 reliable?
Across its 9 model years in our data (2004 to 2012), the Volvo V50 averages a 71% MOT pass rate, from 60,020 tests (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That's 11 points below the average of 82% across all models in the same data. The 2012 model has the highest pass rate of the years with at least 100 tests, at 75%.
Which year Volvo V50 has the best MOT pass rate?
Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 2012 Volvo V50 has the highest MOT pass rate at 75%, while the 2004 model has the lowest at 69%, a 6 point gap. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger, so compare years of a similar age.
Are newer Volvo V50s more reliable?
The Volvo V50 has maintained consistent MOT pass rates across model years, varying by only 3 percentage points.
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