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Volvo V50 Mk1 (2004-2012) reliability

At a glance

Volvo V50 Mk1 built around 2012: fails its MOT more often than average

Volvo V50 Mk1 models built around 2012 fail their MOT more often than similar cars the same age. Look closely at the tyres on any car you view.

Looking at a Volvo V50 Mk1?

Enter its number plate to see its full MOT history, risk rating and running costs.

Key figure

31% of MOT tests on Volvo V50 Mk1 models built around 2012 ended in a fail (retests included), against 24% for similar cars the same age.

Most common issue

The most common MOT issue on Volvo V50 Mk1 models built around 2012 involves the tyres.

Volvo V50 Mk1
No reliability rating: too close to call between ratings2004-2012EstatePETROL / DIESEL

Based on 37,032 tests of V50 models registered 2004-2012.

About 1 in 12 V50 Mk1 MOTs (8.1%) failed and still hadn't passed 3 days later. That's for cars built around 2012 (13 years old), all fuels combined.

Based on 5,263 tests (DVSA MOT results, 2025). A fail that passed a retest within 3 days, even the same day, isn't counted. Nor is a fail with no later MOT on record.

About 1 in 9 V50 Mk1 MOTs (11.6%) found at least one dangerous defect. These are cars built around 2012 (13 years old).

Based on 5,263 tests (DVSA MOT results, 2025). Dangerous is the most serious grade an MOT gives: a direct risk to road safety.

Mk1 fail rate by age

Below typicalAbove typicalHigh (28% or more)Highest fail rateUK average for cars this age
Age / builtFail rateMOT tests
12 yearsbuilt around 2013
1,22228.2%
13 yearsbuilt around 2012
5,26330.7%
14 yearsbuilt around 2011
5,71030.3%
15 yearsbuilt around 2010
6,10031.5%
16 yearsbuilt around 2009
5,68232.8%
17 yearsbuilt around 2008
5,08033.0%
18 yearsbuilt around 2007
3,17333.3%
19 yearsbuilt around 2006
2,78933.3%
20 yearsbuilt around 2005
1,65633.6%
21 yearsbuilt around 2004
35731.6%

Fail rate is the share of MOT tests that ended in a fail. Retests count as tests. How we count fail rates Build years are worked out from age, so they are approximate. Tests counted are 2025 MOTs. Highest fail rate at 20 years old.

How the V50 Mk1 compares

At each age below, see how the V50 Mk1 holds up against other cars the same age. The averages combine all fuel types.

Based on 34,941 tests across 12 Volvo models, built around 2012 (13 years old).

Below typicalAbove typicalHigh (28% or more)Highest fail rateVolvo average
Age / builtFail rateMOT tests
12 yearsbuilt around 2013
1,22228.2%
13 yearsbuilt around 2012
5,26330.7%
14 yearsbuilt around 2011
5,71030.3%
15 yearsbuilt around 2010
6,10031.5%
16 yearsbuilt around 2009
5,68232.8%
17 yearsbuilt around 2008
5,08033.0%
18 yearsbuilt around 2007
3,17333.3%
19 yearsbuilt around 2006
2,78933.3%
20 yearsbuilt around 2005
1,65633.6%
21 yearsbuilt around 2004
35731.6%

Fail rate is the share of MOT tests that ended in a fail. Retests count as tests. How we count fail rates Build years are worked out from age, so they are approximate. Tests counted are 2025 MOTs.

What to check before viewing

The model's most common MOT issues, turned into things you can ask about or look for.

Independent inspection

High priority

Have an independent specialist inspect the car before you commit.

Brake pads

High priority

Ask when the pads were last replaced and check the warning-light history.

Tyres

Worth checking

Check tread depth across the full width on all four; uneven wear suggests alignment or suspension issues.

Suspension bushes and joints

Worth checking

Listen for knocks over speed bumps and ask about recent control-arm or anti-roll-bar work.

Suspension springs

Worth checking

Check ride height is even side-to-side and look for cracked or rusted coils.

Vehicle-specific check

Worth checking

Check the car’s number plate on MOT Wise to see its own MOT history and any recalls for its build years.

Similar cars to compare

Other cars, with each one's figures taken at the same age as the V50 Mk1.

  1. 1

    Audi A6

    Tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    19.5%
    Fail, no pass in 3 days
    5.1%
    Dangerous
    5.4%
    Still registered at 10 years
    79.1%

    Lower fail rate: 19.5%, against 30.7% for the Volvo V50 Mk1, both built around 2012.

    4 critical recall campaigns matching this model/build period.

    9,274 MOT tests on cars built around 2012

  2. 2

    BMW 5 Series

    Tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    21%
    Fail, no pass in 3 days
    6.7%
    Dangerous
    6%
    Still registered at 10 years
    82.6%

    Lower fail rate: 21.0%, against 30.7% for the Volvo V50 Mk1, both built around 2012.

    12 critical recall campaigns matching this model/build period.

    15,045 MOT tests on cars built around 2012

  3. 3

    Honda Accord

    Tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    22.8%
    Fail, no pass in 3 days
    5.2%
    Dangerous
    7.2%

    Lower fail rate: 22.8%, against 30.7% for the Volvo V50 Mk1, both built around 2012.

    4 critical recall campaigns matching this model/build period.

    1,525 MOT tests on cars built around 2012

  4. 4

    Audi A4

    Tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    23.3%
    Fail, no pass in 3 days
    6.1%
    Dangerous
    6.8%
    Still registered at 10 years
    85%

    Lower fail rate: 23.3%, against 30.7% for the Volvo V50 Mk1, both built around 2012.

    4 critical recall campaigns matching this model/build period.

    17,356 MOT tests on cars built around 2012

Fail rate
= the share of MOT tests that ended in a fail. Retests count as tests.
Fail, no pass in 3 days
= the share of MOT tests that failed and still hadn't passed 3 days later. A fail that passed a retest within 3 days, even the same day, isn't counted.
Dangerous
= the share of MOT tests where the tester marked a fault as dangerous. It is against the law to drive the car until it is fixed.
Still registered at 10 years
= the share of cars still registered (taxed or declared off the road) 10 years after they were first registered.

Recall context

24 recalls in all

3 of the 24 V50 Mk1 recalls cover cars built in these years.

  • 3 recalls

Top concerns

  • Exhaust sleeve may detach
  • Loss of drive
  • Windscreen may separate from support areas on impact

For the exact car, check GOV.UK's recall checker with the number plate.

How V50 Mk1 cars have aged

How V50 Mk1 cars have aged

How fail rates have changed as these cars got older. Each line follows cars first registered in about the same year across several years of MOT data. Not a prediction for any one car.

0%10%20%30%9111315171921Age at MOTBuilt around 2012, 9 years old at the time of MOT: 27.6% (3,147 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2012, 10 years old at the time of MOT: 28.2% (3,128 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2012, 11 years old at the time of MOT: 29.3% (3,174 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2012, 12 years old at the time of MOT: 29.5% (3,074 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2012, 13 years old at the time of MOT: 29.9% (2,999 tests, 2025 data)2012Built around 2011, 10 years old at the time of MOT: 28.8% (3,980 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2011, 11 years old at the time of MOT: 31.0% (4,015 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2011, 12 years old at the time of MOT: 30.7% (3,851 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2011, 13 years old at the time of MOT: 31.4% (3,601 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2011, 14 years old at the time of MOT: 30.2% (3,247 tests, 2025 data)2011Built around 2010, 11 years old at the time of MOT: 29.6% (4,780 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2010, 12 years old at the time of MOT: 29.9% (4,568 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2010, 13 years old at the time of MOT: 31.0% (4,240 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2010, 14 years old at the time of MOT: 31.9% (3,830 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2010, 15 years old at the time of MOT: 31.1% (3,259 tests, 2025 data)2010Built around 2009, 12 years old at the time of MOT: 30.2% (4,405 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2009, 13 years old at the time of MOT: 30.3% (4,054 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2009, 14 years old at the time of MOT: 32.4% (3,844 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2009, 15 years old at the time of MOT: 31.7% (3,252 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2009, 16 years old at the time of MOT: 31.5% (2,845 tests, 2025 data)2009Built around 2008, 13 years old at the time of MOT: 32.6% (6,063 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2008, 14 years old at the time of MOT: 31.9% (5,483 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2008, 15 years old at the time of MOT: 33.3% (4,940 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2008, 16 years old at the time of MOT: 33.3% (4,204 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2008, 17 years old at the time of MOT: 33.2% (3,524 tests, 2025 data)2008Built around 2007, 14 years old at the time of MOT: 31.1% (3,237 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2007, 15 years old at the time of MOT: 31.5% (2,865 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2007, 16 years old at the time of MOT: 32.0% (2,466 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2007, 17 years old at the time of MOT: 32.5% (2,091 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2007, 18 years old at the time of MOT: 32.5% (1,687 tests, 2025 data)2007Built around 2006, 15 years old at the time of MOT: 31.7% (3,361 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2006, 16 years old at the time of MOT: 31.2% (2,965 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2006, 17 years old at the time of MOT: 32.1% (2,549 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2006, 18 years old at the time of MOT: 32.9% (2,085 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2006, 19 years old at the time of MOT: 32.7% (1,753 tests, 2025 data)2006Built around 2005, 16 years old at the time of MOT: 34.3% (2,804 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2005, 17 years old at the time of MOT: 33.8% (2,318 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2005, 18 years old at the time of MOT: 33.0% (1,873 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2005, 19 years old at the time of MOT: 33.7% (1,464 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2005, 20 years old at the time of MOT: 33.4% (1,119 tests, 2025 data)2005Built around 2004, 17 years old at the time of MOT: 35.1% (1,057 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2004, 18 years old at the time of MOT: 33.5% (852 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2004, 19 years old at the time of MOT: 31.4% (644 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2004, 20 years old at the time of MOT: 31.8% (490 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2004, 21 years old at the time of MOT: 31.7% (357 tests, 2025 data)2004
First registered around 2012First registered around 2011First registered around 2010First registered around 2009
Mk1 variants compared

V50 Mk1 variants built around 2012

The fail rate for each V50 Mk1 variant, grouped by fuel. Each row counts fails per MOT test, the same way as the main fail rate chart.

Diesel

  • V5031.1%4,963 tests

Petrol

  • V5023.6%297 tests
All generations of this modelPlenty of data

Most common issues on Volvo V50 models of this age

This list covers every Volvo V50 built around 2012, whichever generation it is. We don't have a defect list for the Mk1 on its own.

Most common advisories and fails

In order of the share of MOT tests that recorded each one

  1. 1
    Advisory

    Tyre worn close to the legal limit or worn on the edge

    29.0%
    Advisory: 2,222Fail: 169 (7% of the times it was found)
  2. 2
    Advisory

    Suspension arm pin or bush worn, but not moving too much

    21.9%
    Advisory: 1,376Fail: 421 (23% of the times it was found)
  3. 3
    Advisory

    Tyre slightly damaged, cracking or perishing

    11.6%
    Advisory: 497Fail: 329 (40% of the times it was found)
  4. 4
    Advisory

    Brake pads wearing thin

    11.4%
    Advisory: 624Fail: 99 (14% of the times it was found)
  5. 5
    Advisory

    Coil spring corroded

    11.1%
    Advisory: 455Fail: 342 (43% of the times it was found)

Based on 5,263 tests

Looking at a Volvo V50 Mk1?

Enter its number plate to see its full MOT history, risk rating and running costs.

Frequently asked questions

Built around 2012 (13 years old), the Volvo V50 Mk1 (2004-2012) fails MOTs noticeably more often than typical for this age. This is based on 5,263 13-year-old MOT tests from DVSA data. Each retest counts as a test.

*The build year is worked out from the date a car was first used on UK roads. For most cars this matches when it was registered, but imports may differ by a few months.

Data sourced from DVSA MOT History API. From 37,032 MOT tests on Volvo V50 models first registered between 2004-2012. These figures are a guide, not a guarantee.