2011 Volvo V50 · 14,794 MOT tests
2011 Volvo V50 reliability
2011 Volvo V50s fail 43.3% of first MOT tests, 11% more MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, ranking 9 of 9 V50 years (14,794 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
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- first-time fail rate (all Volvo V50s: 44.3%)
- 43.3%
- first-time fail rate (all Volvo V50s: 44.3%)
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- 11% more
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- typical miles at its MOT, aged about 12
- 120,293
- typical miles at its MOT, aged about 12
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
- 14,794
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
Year on year
2011 against the years either side
- 2010 cars: 6% more MOT fails than the average car its age (the 2011 car does worse)
- 2012 cars: 6% more MOT fails than the average car its age (the 2011 car does worse)
- Weak spot: body, chassis and structure, 9.5% of tests fail here (85% above cars of the same age and mileage).
- Strong point: exhaust, emissions and leaks, 42% fewer fails than comparable cars.
- Plates: a 2011 car carries a 60 plate (January–February 2011), or a 11 plate (March–August 2011), or a 61 plate (September–December 2011).
Common problems
What fails on a 2011 Volvo V50
Fail rate by area
- Suspension19.3%
- Lights and electrics16.8%
- Tyres10.8%
- Body, chassis and structure9.5%
- Brakes7.4%
- Windscreen, wipers and mirrors5.2%
- Exhaust, emissions and leaks2.7%
Average for cars of the same age and mileage
Top failures
CV joint boot split or insecure 7.47%
A split CV boot lets dirt in and grease out, so the joint wears and may need full replacement.
Coil spring fractured or broken 6.23%
A broken coil spring can leave the car sitting low or unstable, so it must be replaced before driving.
Position lamp not working 4.7%
A failed position lamp makes the car harder to see in poor light and is illegal, so it must be repaired.
Tyre ply or cords exposed 3.93%
Exposed ply or cords can let the tyre fail suddenly, so the tyre must be replaced before the car is driven.
Suspension arm pin/bush excessively worn 3.6%
Worn suspension arm bushes allow the wheel to move unpredictably, affecting steering, handling and tyre wear.
Tyre tread below 1.6mm 2.7%
Tread below 1.6mm is illegal and reduces grip in wet conditions, so the tyre must be replaced.
Common advisories
Tyre worn close to legal limit (21.71%) · Suspension arm pin/bush showing wear (11.84%) · Brake pads wearing thin (7.98%) · Brake disc pitted or scored (7.95%) · Tyre slightly damaged or cracking (5.36%) · Slight play in steering rack joints (4.34%)
Is a 2011 Volvo V50 reliable?
2011 Volvo V50s fail 43.3% of first MOT tests, 11% more MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, ranking 9 of 9 V50 years (14,794 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
What fails on a 2011 Volvo V50 MOT?
Most often cv joint boot split or insecure (7.47% of tests), coil spring fractured or broken (6.23% of tests), position lamp not working (4.7% of tests).
How many miles should a 2011 Volvo V50 have done?
At its MOT aged about 12, a typical 2011 Volvo V50 shows 120,293 miles. Much higher or lower is worth asking about.
What plate is a 2011 car?
A car first registered in 2011 carries a 60 plate (January–February 2011), or a 11 plate (March–August 2011), or a 61 plate (September–December 2011).
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