NHTSA lists 3 safety recalls and 2 owner complaints for the 2010 Volvo V50. Most complaints involve service brakes, hydraulic (1) and power train (1). The EPA rates it 22–24 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 CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2010-2011 C30, MODEL YEAR 2010 S40 AND V50 VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH 6 SPEED MANUAL TRANSMISSIONS. THE GEARSHIFT LEVER STUD ASSEMBLY MAY NOT HAVE BEEN TIGHTENED TO THE CORRECT SPECIFICATION DURING ASSEMBLY. IF THE GEARSHIFT LEVER CABLE OR STUD ASSEMBLY BECOMES LOOSE, IT MAY NOT BE POSSIBLE TO ENGAGE, DISENGAGE OR SHIFT GEARS.
Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.
“ON 2010 VOLVO,V-50 , WE JUST BOUGHT MY WIFE DOES NOT HAVE ANY TROUBLE SWITCHING HER RIGHT FOOT FROM ACCELERATOR TO THE BRAKE PEDAL, AND BACK AGAIN,BUT IT SEEMS NO MATTER WHICH SHOES I'M WEARING ,I WEAR SIZE 12 D,MY FOOT HAS A TENDENCY TO CATCH BETWEEN THE PEDALS. I BROUGHT THIS TO THE ATTENTION OF THE VOLVO STORE OF WINTER PARK,TODAY APRIL 21,BOTH SALES AND SERVICE MANAGERS,THEY SAID THAT THEY CANT CHANGE THE DISTANCE BETWEEN THE PEDALS BECAUSE OF SAFETY. THEY SUGGESTED DRIVING WITH SOCKS INSTEAD OF SHOES OR USING RIGHT FOOT FOR ACCELERATOR,AND LEFT FOOT FOR BRAKE. I HAVE BEEN TAUGHT IN MANY SAFE DRIVING COURSES INCLUDING THE LAST 55 ALIVE BY AARP,TO AVOID THIS DANGEROUS PRACTICE I WAS WONDERING WHAT NHTSA 'S POSITION WAS ON THIS. WE TRADED IN A 2000 VOLVO S 70 GLTSE THAT DID NOT HAVE THIS CONDITION. THANK YOU FOR YOUR CONSIDERATION. [XXX] *TR”
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 | 21 | 30 | 24 | $2,600 | 370 |
| V50 FWD Man 6-spd, 5 cyl, 2.5 L, Turbo · Front-Wheel Drive | 21 | 29 | 24 | $2,600 | 370 |
| V50 AWD Auto (S5), 5 cyl, 2.5 L, Turbo · All-Wheel Drive | 19 | 27 | 22 | $2,850 | 404 |
| V50 AWD Man 6-spd, 5 cyl, 2.5 L, Turbo · All-Wheel Drive | 20 | 26 | 22 | $2,850 | 404 |
| 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, hydraulic (1), power train (1). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.
The EPA rates the 2010 Volvo V50 at 22–24 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (5 versions rated).