2012 Volvo V50 · 11,036 MOT tests
2012 Volvo V50 reliability
2012 Volvo V50s fail 38.4% of first MOT tests, 6% more MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, ranking 6 of 9 V50 years (11,036 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
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- first-time fail rate (all Volvo V50s: 44.3%)
- 38.4%
- first-time fail rate (all Volvo V50s: 44.3%)
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- 6% more
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- typical miles at its MOT, aged about 11
- 108,364
- typical miles at its MOT, aged about 11
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
- 11,036
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
Year on year
2012 against the years either side
- 2011 cars: 11% more MOT fails than the average car its age (the 2012 car does better)
- Weak spot: body, chassis and structure, 9.2% of tests fail here (111% above cars of the same age and mileage).
- Strong point: steering, 55% fewer fails than comparable cars.
- Plates: a 2012 car carries a 61 plate (January–February 2012), or a 12 plate (March–August 2012), or a 62 plate (September–December 2012).
Common problems
What fails on a 2012 Volvo V50
Fail rate by area
- Suspension16.2%
- Lights and electrics12.1%
- Tyres9.5%
- Body, chassis and structure9.2%
- Brakes6.7%
- Windscreen, wipers and mirrors4.9%
- Exhaust, emissions and leaks2%
Average for cars of the same age and mileage
Top failures
CV joint boot split or insecure 7.05%
A split CV boot lets dirt in and grease out, so the joint wears and may need full replacement.
Coil spring fractured or broken 6.25%
A broken coil spring can leave the car sitting low or unstable, so it must be replaced before driving.
Suspension arm pin/bush excessively worn 3.72%
Worn suspension arm bushes allow the wheel to move unpredictably, affecting steering, handling and tyre wear.
Tyre ply or cords exposed 3.33%
Exposed ply or cords can let the tyre fail suddenly, so the tyre must be replaced before the car is driven.
Tyre tread below 1.6mm 2.55%
Tread below 1.6mm is illegal and reduces grip in wet conditions, so the tyre must be replaced.
Brake pads worn below 1.5mm 2.11%
Pads worn below 1.5mm lose stopping power and can damage discs, so replacement is needed before the car is driven.
Common advisories
Tyre worn close to legal limit (20.13%) · Suspension arm pin/bush showing wear (11.56%) · Brake pads wearing thin (8.08%) · Brake disc pitted or scored (7.09%) · Tyre slightly damaged or cracking (5.52%) · Indicator lens slightly discoloured (3.34%)
Is a 2012 Volvo V50 reliable?
2012 Volvo V50s fail 38.4% of first MOT tests, 6% more MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, ranking 6 of 9 V50 years (11,036 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
What fails on a 2012 Volvo V50 MOT?
Most often cv joint boot split or insecure (7.05% of tests), coil spring fractured or broken (6.25% of tests), suspension arm pin/bush excessively worn (3.72% of tests).
How many miles should a 2012 Volvo V50 have done?
At its MOT aged about 11, a typical 2012 Volvo V50 shows 108,364 miles. Much higher or lower is worth asking about.
What plate is a 2012 car?
A car first registered in 2012 carries a 61 plate (January–February 2012), or a 12 plate (March–August 2012), or a 62 plate (September–December 2012).
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