NHTSA lists 1 safety recall and 2 owner complaints for the 2011 Volvo V50. Most complaints involve wheels (1). The EPA rates it 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.
Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.
“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 THE ORIGINAL PART DESIGN. *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, 2.5 L, Turbo · Front-Wheel Drive | 21 | 30 | 24 | $2,600 | 370 |
| 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 |
1 safety recall 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 wheels (1). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.
The EPA rates the 2011 Volvo V50 at 24 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (1 version rated).