Volvo V50: common problems, APK failures and recalls
There are 18,902 Volvo V50 cars registered in the Netherlands, first registered between 2004 and 2013.
In a sample of 390 cars, 80.8% had at least one defect at an APK inspection since 2024, more often than average (51.5% across all models).
The most common defect is tyre tread depth insufficient (22.6% of inspected cars).
The RDW lists 2 recalls for this model; 0.1% of registered cars still have an open recall.
2.9% have an odometer reading the RDW marks as illogical, a sign of a rolled-back odometer.
Check a specific Volvo V50
Free: APK expiry, insurance, open recall and odometer verdict. The full report adds every APK inspection with its defects.
Most common APK defects
| Defect | Cars |
|---|---|
| Tyre tread depth insufficient | 22.6% |
| Drive shaft boot damaged and not sealing | 20.3% |
| Spring broken or cracked | 18.7% |
| Dipped beam incorrectly aimed | 14.1% |
| Particulate filter not working properly, particle count too high | 14.1% |
| Rear light not working (properly) | 13.3% |
| Position light not working (properly) | 12.8% |
| Number plate light not working (properly) / missing | 10.5% |
| Tyre pressure incorrect | 8.2% |
| Indicator colour deviates or not permitted | 7.9% |
Share of 390 sampled cars (first registered 2012–2021) with this defect at an APK inspection since 2024. RDW Open Data: Geconstateerde Gebreken.
Common advisories
| Tyre(s) with tread depth of 1.6 to 2.5 mm | 17.9% |
| Mechanical brake parts show wear | 8.7% |
| Steering or kingpin ball joint wear up to 1.0 mm | 1.8% |
| Shock absorber leaking | 1% |
| Rust damage, thickness reduced by more than 15% | 0.3% |
Advisories are noted at the APK but are not a failure.
Fleet figures
| Registered in the Netherlands | 18,902 |
| Open recall (not yet fixed) | 0.1% |
| Illogical odometer reading | 2.9% |
| Used as a taxi | 0.1% |
| First registered | 2004 to 2013 |
All Volvo V50 passenger cars in the RDW register, 2026-10-06.
Recalls
| Published | Component | Risk | Cars in NL |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2014-01-13 | engine, fuel, lubrication and cooling | – | 193 |
| 2013-05-02 | transmission and drivetrain | serious | 123 |
Recalls registered with the RDW for this model; not every recall applies to every car. Check a plate to see if one is open.
Questions
How often does the Volvo V50 fail the APK?
In a sample of 390 cars first registered 2012–2021, 80.8% had at least one defect at an APK inspection since 2024, against 51.5% across all models.
What are common problems with the Volvo V50?
The most common APK defects are: tyre tread depth insufficient (22.6%), drive shaft boot damaged and not sealing (20.3%), spring broken or cracked (18.7%).
Does the Volvo V50 have recalls?
Yes, the RDW lists 2 recalls. 0.1% of registered cars still have an open recall. Check a specific car by licence plate on factline.dev/vehicle.
Other Volvo models
XC40 · XC60 · V60 · V70 · V40 · XC90 · EX30 · S60 · EX40 · V90 · XC70 · C30 · S40 · S80 · C70
Source: RDW Open Data (Gekentekende voertuigen, Geconstateerde Gebreken, Terugroepacties), CC0. Model grouping by Factline from RDW trade names. AI agents: factline.dev/llms.txt.