2004 Volvo V50 · 3,481 MOT tests
2004 Volvo V50 reliability
2004 Volvo V50s fail 47.1% of first MOT tests, 4% more MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, ranking 3 of 9 V50 years (3,481 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
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- first-time fail rate (all Volvo V50s: 44.3%)
- 47.1%
- first-time fail rate (all Volvo V50s: 44.3%)
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- 4% more
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- typical miles at its MOT, aged about 18
- 131,094
- typical miles at its MOT, aged about 18
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
- 3,481
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
Year on year
2004 against the years either side
- 2005 cars: 7% more MOT fails than the average car its age (the 2004 car does better)
- Weak spot: tyres, 10.8% of tests fail here (47% above cars of the same age and mileage).
- Strong point: seat belts and airbags, 56% fewer fails than comparable cars.
- Plates: a 2004 car carries a 53 plate (January–February 2004), or a 04 plate (March–August 2004), or a 54 plate (September–December 2004).
Common problems
What fails on a 2004 Volvo V50
Fail rate by area
- Suspension21.3%
- Lights and electrics18.8%
- Brakes15.1%
- Body, chassis and structure12.6%
- Tyres10.8%
- Exhaust, emissions and leaks8.1%
- Windscreen, wipers and mirrors5.3%
Average for cars of the same age and mileage
Top failures
CV joint boot split or insecure 8.04%
A split CV boot lets dirt in and grease out, so the joint wears and may need full replacement.
Parking brake efficiency below minimum 7.04%
The parking brake holds the car less well than required, so it may roll on a slope and needs repair.
Coil spring fractured or broken 5.63%
A broken coil spring can leave the car sitting low or unstable, so it must be replaced before driving.
Engine warning light inoperative or lit 4.45%
An engine warning light that is lit or not working can hide faults, so diagnosis is needed before buying.
Tyre ply or cords exposed 3.5%
Exposed ply or cords can let the tyre fail suddenly, so the tyre must be replaced before the car is driven.
Position lamp not working 3.42%
A failed position lamp makes the car harder to see in poor light and is illegal, so it must be repaired.
Common advisories
Tyre worn close to legal limit (19.68%) · Brake disc pitted or scored (10.43%) · Suspension arm pin/bush showing wear (8.88%) · Coil spring showing some corrosion (8.47%) · Brake pads wearing thin (7.9%) · Linkage ball joint slight play (7.15%)
Is a 2004 Volvo V50 reliable?
2004 Volvo V50s fail 47.1% of first MOT tests, 4% more MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, ranking 3 of 9 V50 years (3,481 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
What fails on a 2004 Volvo V50 MOT?
Most often cv joint boot split or insecure (8.04% of tests), parking brake efficiency below minimum (7.04% of tests), coil spring fractured or broken (5.63% of tests).
How many miles should a 2004 Volvo V50 have done?
At its MOT aged about 18, a typical 2004 Volvo V50 shows 131,094 miles. Much higher or lower is worth asking about.
What plate is a 2004 car?
A car first registered in 2004 carries a 53 plate (January–February 2004), or a 04 plate (March–August 2004), or a 54 plate (September–December 2004).
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