2005 Volvo V50 · 8,068 MOT tests
2005 Volvo V50 reliability
2005 Volvo V50s fail 48.4% of first MOT tests, 7% more MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, ranking 8 of 9 V50 years (8,068 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
Looking at a 2005 Volvo V50?
See its own MOT history and mileage, free.
- first-time fail rate (all Volvo V50s: 44.3%)
- 48.4%
- first-time fail rate (all Volvo V50s: 44.3%)
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- 7% more
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- typical miles at its MOT, aged about 17
- 137,491
- typical miles at its MOT, aged about 17
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
- 8,068
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
Year on year
2005 against the years either side
- 2004 cars: 4% more MOT fails than the average car its age (the 2005 car does worse)
- 2006 cars: about average for its age (the 2005 car does worse)
- Weak spot: tyres, 11.5% of tests fail here (49% above cars of the same age and mileage).
- Strong point: lights and electrics, 21% fewer fails than comparable cars.
- Plates: a 2005 car carries a 54 plate (January–February 2005), or a 05 plate (March–August 2005), or a 55 plate (September–December 2005).
Common problems
What fails on a 2005 Volvo V50
Fail rate by area
- Suspension23%
- Lights and electrics18.2%
- Brakes14.4%
- Body, chassis and structure12.4%
- Tyres11.5%
- Exhaust, emissions and leaks6.8%
- Windscreen, wipers and mirrors6.3%
Average for cars of the same age and mileage
Top failures
CV joint boot split or insecure 7.45%
A split CV boot lets dirt in and grease out, so the joint wears and may need full replacement.
Coil spring fractured or broken 6.05%
A broken coil spring can leave the car sitting low or unstable, so it must be replaced before driving.
Parking brake efficiency below minimum 5.34%
The parking brake holds the car less well than required, so it may roll on a slope and needs repair.
Tyre ply or cords exposed 4.2%
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 3.5%
A failed position lamp makes the car harder to see in poor light and is illegal, so it must be repaired.
Shock absorber serious fluid leak 3.45%
A shock absorber leaking heavily has likely lost its damping, so the car will handle and brake less safely.
Common advisories
Tyre worn close to legal limit (22.1%) · Brake disc pitted or scored (12.47%) · Coil spring showing some corrosion (9.64%) · Suspension arm pin/bush showing wear (8.94%) · Engine oil leak, not excessive (8.22%) · Brake pads wearing thin (7.76%)
Is a 2005 Volvo V50 reliable?
2005 Volvo V50s fail 48.4% of first MOT tests, 7% more MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, ranking 8 of 9 V50 years (8,068 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
What fails on a 2005 Volvo V50 MOT?
Most often cv joint boot split or insecure (7.45% of tests), coil spring fractured or broken (6.05% of tests), parking brake efficiency below minimum (5.34% of tests).
How many miles should a 2005 Volvo V50 have done?
At its MOT aged about 17, a typical 2005 Volvo V50 shows 137,491 miles. Much higher or lower is worth asking about.
What plate is a 2005 car?
A car first registered in 2005 carries a 54 plate (January–February 2005), or a 05 plate (March–August 2005), or a 55 plate (September–December 2005).
Check a 2005 Volvo V50 free
MOT history, mileage record, ULEZ, tax and recalls on any UK car, in seconds. No sign-up, no card.