NHTSA lists 3 safety recalls and 2 owner complaints for the 2009 Volvo V50. Most complaints involve service brakes (1) and electrical system (1). The EPA rates it 20–24 mpg combined.
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.
VOLVO IS RECALLING CERTAIN VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH GARMIN 760 PORTABLE GLOBAL POSITIONING SYSTEM (GPS) UNITS BECAUSE THE BATTERIES ON THOSE UNITS MAY OVERHEAT.
VOLVO IS RECALLING MY 2008-2009 VEHICLES. A SECTION OF THE POWER STEERING RETURN LINE HOSE WAS NOT PROPERLY VULCANIZED (CURED) AND DOES NOT MEET SPECIFICATIONS. IF THE POWER STEERING RETURN HOSE FAILS, A SUDDEN RUPTURE OF THE HOSE CAN OCCUR.
Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.
“I HAD THE BRAKE PADS REPLACED, THEN THE PUMP ONLY TO NOT BE ABLE TO STOP THE CAR BECAUSE OF THE BOOSTER PUMP! I WENT RIGHT THROUGH A STOP SIGN. THE MECHANIC SAID HE SEES THIS PROBLEM ALL OF THE TIME WITH THESE CARS.”
“FAILURE TO NOTIFY OWNERS OF A POTENTIALLY DEADLY, KNOWN DEFECTIVE PART THAT RESULTS IN MASSIVE CORROSION OF ELECTRONICS AND CEM CAUSING ENGINE TO QUIT WORKING. ELECTRONICS BEGAN TO QUIT WORKING WHILE TRAVELING. WE TOOK THE CAR INTO A DEALERSHIP SERVICE GARAGE AND TURNED THE IGNITION OFF. THEY WERE UNABLE TO START THE ENGINE, AND COULD NOT FIND THE PROBLEM. THEY CALLED VOLVO WHO TOLD THEM THE V50 HAD A KNOWN DEFECTIVE WATER PUMP THAT CAUSED OTHER PARTS TO CORRODE. VOLVO SECRETLY CHANGED TO A DIFFERENT WATER PUMP IN NEW CARS AFTER DISCOVERING THIS DEFECT : BUT DID NOT NOTIFY OWNERS OR ISSUE A RECALL. THIS PUMP LEAKS WASHER FLUID, DRIPPING ONTO THE MAIN WIRING HARNESS AND CEM MAINFRAME COMPUTER WHICH CONTROLS THE ENGINE, CAUSING THE INABILITY TO START OR SHUT DOWN THE ENGINE, SECURITY ALARM TO ACTIVATE INTERMITTENTLY WITH NO PROVOCATION, DISABLED KEY FOB ENTRY, AND OTHER INTERMITTENT ISSUES RELATED TO ELECTRONICS. THESE PARTS WERE COMPLETELY CORRODED AND FRIED. IF THIS FAILED WHILE DRIVING AND HAD STOPPED THE ENGINE, THE SAME RESULTS WOULD HAVE OCCURRED AS THE GM CHEVROLET IGNITION PROBLEM. WITH NO ENGINE, THE CONTROLS TO POWER BRAKES, POWER STEERING AND AIRBAG…”
Towing, payload and dimensions aren’t in the EPA or NHTSA data, so we don’t list them.
| Version | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| V50 FWD Auto (S5), 5 cyl, 2.4 L · Front-Wheel Drive | 20 | 31 | 24 | $2,600 | 370 |
| V50 FWD Auto (S5), 5 cyl, 2.5 L, Turbo · Front-Wheel Drive | 19 | 28 | 23 | $2,700 | 386 |
| V50 FWD Man 5-spd, 5 cyl, 2.4 L · Front-Wheel Drive | 20 | 28 | 23 | $2,700 | 386 |
| V50 FWD Man 6-spd, 5 cyl, 2.5 L, Turbo · Front-Wheel Drive | 19 | 28 | 23 | $2,700 | 386 |
| V50 AWD Auto (S5), 5 cyl, 2.5 L, Turbo · 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 18 | 26 | 21 | $2,950 | 423 |
| V50 AWD Man 6-spd, 5 cyl, 2.5 L, Turbo · 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 17 | 25 | 20 | $3,100 | 444 |
| 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 |
3 safety recalls as of Nov 9, 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.
Owners filed 2 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are service brakes (1), electrical system (1), structure (1). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.
The EPA rates the 2009 Volvo V50 at 20–24 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (6 versions rated).