Equipment: navigational system(global positioning system)
Free remedy
VOLVO IS RECALLING CERTAIN VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH GARMIN 760 PORTABLE GLOBAL POSITIONING SYSTEM (GPS) UNITS BECAUSE THE BATTERIES ON THOSE UNITS MAY OVERHEAT.
Research · Small Station Wagons
2006 Volvo V50Recalls, problems, MPG & safety
NHTSA lists 3 safety recalls and 12 owner complaints for the 2006 Volvo V50. Most complaints involve fuel/propulsion system (3) and electrical system (2). The EPA rates it 20–23 mpg combined.
Combined MPG
20–23mpg
EPA · 6 versions
NHTSA overall
—
Not rated by NCAP
Safety recalls
3campaigns
Latest Nov 2010
Owner complaints
12
Top: fuel/propulsion system
Fuel cost / yr
$3,350est.
EPA estimate, best version
Safety recalls
3 NHTSA campaigns · applies to some vehicles, check your VIN
Fuel system
Free remedy
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.
Fuel system, gasoline
Free remedy
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.
Data from NHTSA Recalls API · synced Nov 10, 2026 · All recall detailsNHTSA vehicle page
Owner complaints by component
12 complaints filed with NHTSA · Dec 2005 – Jan 2025
- Fuel/propulsion system3
- Electrical system2
- Suspension2
- Engine1
- Air bags1
- Visibility/wiper1
- Wheels1
- Steering1
- Fuel system, gasoline1
Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.
Data from NHTSA Complaints API · synced Nov 10, 2026 · Full problem breakdownNHTSA vehicle page
What owners report most
Verbatim excerpts from NHTSA complaints, by component
Fuel/propulsion system
3 reports
“WHEN I DRIVE MY CAR IT STALLS OUT ON ME ALL THE TIME.. I AM AN 88 YEAR OLD WOMAN WHO HAS ONE CAR FOR MYSELF MY GREAT GRAND DAUGHTER WHO IS 15 AND MY SON WHO IS 50. THIS IS EXTREMELY SCARY BECAUSE I HAVE TO GET ON HIGHWAY 50 TO GET TO ANY STORES. IT HAS STALLED OUT ON ME 4 TIMES IN ONE TRIP BEFORE AND THERE ARE TIMES WHEN IT CAN TAKE OVER AN HOUR TO RESTART, OTHER TIMES IT MAY TAKE A FEW MINUTES. I AM DESPERATE FOR SOME HELP. BY ME USING ME OWN CAR I AM ENDANGERING NOT ONLY MY FAMILY BUT OTHERS. CAN YOU PLEASE HELP ME.”
Electrical system
2 reports
“I DOVE MY CAR IN THE MORNING WHEN STOP IN THE MIDDLE OF STREET AND CALL TO AAA FOR TOWING TO FIX I BROUGHT THE ALTERNATOR I THINK THE WAS FIXED BUT I PUT THE NEW BATTERY DECEMBER 3 STILL MY CAR MAKE SOME NOISE I THINK IS ELECTRICAL PROBLEM BUT I DISCOVER HAS LEEK INSIDE THE PASSENGER SIDE BACK AND FRONT IS LIKE POOL I REALLY UPSET AND I DON'T KNOW HOW MUCH MONEY I HAVE TO SPENT TO FIX, AND I DON'T WHAT PLACE KNOWS TO FIX”
Suspension
2 reports
“3 SEPARATE ISSUES: 1. ELECTRICAL: POWER WINDOWS AND POWER LOCKS SPORADICALLY STOP WORKING. THIS STARTED HAPPENING AROUND MARCH OF 2011. THIS HAPPENS WITHOUT WARNING AND DOES NOT MATTER IF THE CAR IS IN MOTION OR NOT. 2. SUSPENSION: AFTER ONLY 33,000 MILES OF DRIVING IN SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA MILD WEATHER, SEVERAL PARTS OF THE SUSPENSION SYSTEM ARE BROKEN, INCLUDING THE STRUTS, CONTROL ARMS, AND ENGINE MOUNT. 3. VISIBILITY: SINCE PURCHASING THE VEHICLE, I HAVE EXPERIENCE POOR VISIBILITY WHILE DRIVING DUE TO THE FRONT DASH REFLECTING IN THE WINDSHEILD. THIS IS ESPECIALLY BOTHERSOME DURING SUNNY WEATHER, WHICH IS NEARLY EVERY DAY WHERE I LIVE. *TR”
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Nov 10, 2026
Engines, transmissions & drive
6 versions rated by the EPA
- EPA class
- Small Station Wagons
- Engines
- 2.5L 5-cyl turbo · 2.4L 5-cyl
- Transmissions
- Manual 6-spd · Automatic (S5) · Manual 5-spd
- Drive
- Front-Wheel Drive · 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Premium Gasoline
Towing, payload and dimensions aren’t in the EPA or NHTSA data, so we don’t list them.
Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Nov 10, 2026EPA listing
EPA fuel economy by version
City / highway / combined, annual fuel cost and CO₂
EPA
| Version | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| V50 FWD Man 6-spd, 5 cyl, 2.5 L, Turbo · Front-Wheel Drive | 20 | 29 | 23 | $3,350 | 386 |
| V50 FWD Auto (S5), 5 cyl, 2.4 L · Front-Wheel Drive | 19 | 27 | 22 | $3,500 | 404 |
| V50 FWD Auto (S5), 5 cyl, 2.5 L, Turbo · Front-Wheel Drive | 19 | 28 | 22 | $3,500 | 404 |
| V50 FWD Man 5-spd, 5 cyl, 2.4 L · Front-Wheel Drive | 19 | 27 | 22 | $3,500 | 404 |
| V50 AWD Auto (S5), 5 cyl, 2.5 L, Turbo · 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 18 | 25 | 20 | $3,850 | 444 |
| V50 AWD Man 6-spd, 5 cyl, 2.5 L, Turbo · 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 17 | 24 | 20 | $3,850 | 444 |
- 23mpg comb.
- 22mpg comb.
- 22mpg comb.
- 22mpg comb.
- 20mpg comb.
- 20mpg comb.
Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Nov 10, 2026 · Fuel cost is EPA’s annual estimate (15,000 mi, 55% city)
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings
1 tested variant
NHTSA has not published 5-Star Safety Ratings for the 2006 Volvo V50 as of Nov 10, 2026.
Data from NHTSA NCAP Safety Ratings API · synced Nov 10, 2026Vehicle 1974
Maintenance basics
General guidance, not the OEM schedule. Check your owner’s manual.
General guidance
| Item | Miles | Time | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine oil & filter | 5,000–10,000 mi | 6–12 months | Follow the oil-life monitor if fitted |
| Tire rotation | 5,000–7,500 mi | Every oil change | Check pressure monthly |
| Engine air filter | 15,000–30,000 mi | 1–2 years | Sooner in dusty areas |
| Cabin air filter | 15,000–25,000 mi | 1–2 years | |
| Brake fluid | — | 2–3 years | Absorbs moisture over time |
| Coolant | 60,000–100,000 mi | 5–10 years | Long-life coolants last longer |
| Spark plugs | 60,000–100,000 mi | — | Iridium/platinum plugs at the long end |
| 12V battery | — | 3–5 years | Heat shortens battery life |
- Engine oil & filter5,000–10,000 mi
6–12 months - Tire rotation5,000–7,500 mi
Every oil change - Engine air filter15,000–30,000 mi
1–2 years - Cabin air filter15,000–25,000 mi
1–2 years - Brake fluid—
2–3 years - Coolant60,000–100,000 mi
5–10 years - Spark plugs60,000–100,000 mi
— - 12V battery—
3–5 years
Typical intervals for modern cars. Severe service (towing, short trips, extreme heat or cold) shortens them.
2006 V50 questions
How many recalls does the 2006 Volvo V50 have?
3 safety recalls as of Nov 10, 2026, according to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at a dealer. Check your VIN to see whether your car is included and whether the repair was done.
What are the most common 2006 Volvo V50 problems?
Owners filed 12 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are fuel/propulsion system (3), electrical system (2), suspension (2). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.
What MPG does the 2006 Volvo V50 get?
The EPA rates the 2006 Volvo V50 at 20–23 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (6 versions rated).
Data from NHTSA & EPA · synced Nov 10, 2026