2009 Volvo V50: common problems and reliability
An average V50 year.
2 owner complaints, most about service brakes. 3 recalls.
Should I buy a 2009 V50?The 2009 Volvo V50 has 2 owner-filed NHTSA complaints and 3 recalls on record. The most-reported areas are service brakes and electrical system.
Safety record for the 2009 model year
Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls filed for 2009 Volvo V50 vehicles (US, public record).
The Year Score compares this year with other V50 years only. How we score it
Is 2009 a good year for the V50?
Across the 6 V50 model years we track, complaint volume runs from 2 (2011) to 18 (2005). With 2 complaints, the 2009 V50 sits below the model's median of 6.
These are raw NHTSA complaint totals, not adjusted for how many cars sold or how long each model year has been on the road. Older and higher-selling years accumulate more complaints.
Where owners report problems
Recalls affecting the 2009 V50
steering:hydraulic power assist:hose, piping, and connections
Campaign 08V329000VOLVO 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.
equipment:electrical:navigational system(global positioning system)
Campaign 10V566000VOLVO IS RECALLING CERTAIN VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH GARMIN 760 PORTABLE GLOBAL POSITIONING SYSTEM (GPS) UNITS BECAUSE THE BATTERIES ON THOSE UNITS MAY OVERHEAT.
seats
Campaign 10V591000VOLVO 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.
What owners say across generations
Mixed sentiment with a clear divide based on engine choice and maintenance history. The V50 is widely appreciated for its comfortable ride, sporty and engaging handling on winding roads, sturdy feel, and practical wagon form.
Owner insights cover all generations of the V50. See the full V50 owner picture and every model year.
Typical used price
Used V50 listings typically run $4,900–$8,138 across 2005 to 2011 model years.
Other V50 model years
Compare every V50 year side by side to see how 2009 ranks against the rest.
Compare the V50 against its rivals
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