Model year guide

2009 Volvo V50

Recalls, most-reported problems, crash-test ratings, fuel economy and what a 2009 Volvo V50 is worth — from official NHTSA and EPA data. 1,646 on record.

2009 Volvo V50 — representative photo
Representative photo · via Wikimedia Commons

2009 Volvo V50 at a glance

Safety recalls3
Owner complaints2

Included: that car's specs and build sheet, model-year recall campaigns and a fair price.

2009 Volvo V50 recalls 3

Seats NHTSA Campaign #10V591000 · manufacturer #R235 · 22/11/2010

VOLVO IS RECALLING CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH POWER FRONT PASSENGER SEATS. THE FRONT SEAT RAIL'S DETECTION SYSTEM WAS MANUFACTURED INCORRECTLY AND MAY PERMIT THE PASSENGER TO FORWARD THE SEAT BEYOND THE INTENDED MAXIMUM.

Fix: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE FRONT POWER SEAT STOPS FOR BOTH FRONT SEATS FOR THE PRESENCE OF AN "END STOP" AND REPAIR THE VEHICLES AS NECESSARY FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON DECEMBER 23, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT VOLVO AT 1-800-458-1552 OR AT CUSTOMERCARE@VOLVOFORLIFE.COM.

Equipment:electrical:navigational System(global Positioning System) NHTSA Campaign #10V566000 · manufacturer #R231 · 08/11/2010

VOLVO IS RECALLING CERTAIN VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH GARMIN 760 PORTABLE GLOBAL POSITIONING SYSTEM (GPS) UNITS BECAUSE THE BATTERIES ON THOSE UNITS MAY OVERHEAT.

Fix: VOLVO ADVISES OWNERS TO PLEASE STOP USING THE GARMIN PORTABLE GPS DEVICE IMMEDIATELY, AND VISIT THE GARMIN WEBSITE TO DETERMINE IF THEIR UNIT IS AFFECTED. THE UNIT'S BATTERY WILL BE REPLACED WITH A NEW BATTERY AND A SPACER WILL BE INSERTED ON TOP OF THE BATTERY NEXT TO THE PCB. THIS SERVICE WILL BE…

Steering:hydraulic Power Assist:hose, Piping, And Connections NHTSA Campaign #08V329000 · manufacturer #201 · 23/07/2008

VOLVO IS RECALLING MY 2008-2009 VEHICLES. A SECTION OF THE POWER STEERING RETURN LINE HOSE WAS NOT PROPERLY VULCANIZED (CURED) AND DOES NOT MEET SPECIFICATIONS. IF THE POWER STEERING RETURN HOSE FAILS, A SUDDEN RUPTURE OF THE HOSE CAN OCCUR.

Fix: DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND REPLACE THE STEERING RETURN LINE HOSE ASSEMBLY FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON AUGUST 13, 2008. OWNERS MAY CONTACT VOLVO AT 1-800-458-1552.

Source: U.S. NHTSA, checked 4 Nov 2026. A campaign covers the model year; to see whether a particular car still needs the repair, check its VIN on NHTSA.gov or ask a franchised dealer.

2009 Volvo V50 common problems

The most-reported problem areas across all 2 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — and what to check before you buy.

Service Brakes
Brakes should feel firm and quiet — no grinding, pulsing or pulling. Check for an ABS light and uneven pad/rotor wear.
Electrical System
Test every electrical feature: windows, locks, infotainment, charging and all lights. Watch for flickering, dead accessories or warning lights.
Structure
Inspect for rust, fresh undercoating, mismatched paint, uneven panel gaps and any sign of prior collision or frame repair.

Dimensions & weight

Length
177.6 in
Width
69.7 in
Height
56.3 in
Wheelbase
104.3 in
Curb weight
3,117 lb
Front track
60.2 in
Rear track
60.6 in

Manufacturer-reported figures for the 2009 Volvo V50. Source: Transport Canada vehicle specifications via NHTSA.

Investigations & service bulletins

Manufacturer service bulletins 188

Technical notes the manufacturer sent to dealers about known issues and fixes. Useful to mention to a mechanic — they are not recalls and repairs may not be covered. Showing the 10 most recent of 188.

This is a Technical Journal: Text plus 2 PDFs and 1 .PNG Oil Consumption test. Perform the test. Follow service procedure Description and Service sections updated to clarify that vehicle reports are not required.

Bulletin 35526.1.8 · Engine · Apr 2026

This is a TJ text only - The purpose of this TJ is to be a master reference list to easily identify any components that are on prior approval. This TJ will be regularily updated as items are added or removed from prior approval. Current items under prior appro…

Bulletin 37809.1.1 · Apr 2026

This is a Technical Journal. Vehicle type and platform identification.

Bulletin 19245 · Dec 2025

This is a Technical Journal: Remote connection, BOMGAR application. Before joining a remote session: • Connect a suitable battery maintainer/charger and verify that the battery voltage indicated in VIDA is between 12.5V and 14.9V. • Connect to the vehicle over…

Bulletin 8501 · Exterior Lighting · Apr 2025

Volvo Cars USA LLC and Volvo Car Canada LTD on behalf of the Volvo Car Corporation has decided to launch Service Action S10303 on certain model year 2025 EX90 vehicles. Volvo Car Investigations have identified that there is a pairing issue with the key fob. As…

Bulletin S10303 · Feb 2025

Volvo Cars USA LLC and Volvo Car Canada LTD on behalf of the Volvo Car Corporation has decided to launch Service Action S10303 on certain model year 2025 EX90 vehicles. Volvo Car Investigations have identified that there is a pairing issue with the key fob. As…

Bulletin S10303 · Feb 2025

This is a Technical Journal: Remote connection, BOMGAR application. Before joining a remote session: • Connect a suitable battery maintainer/charger and verify that the battery voltage indicated in VIDA is between 12.5V and 14.9V. • Connect to the vehicle over…

Bulletin 8501 · Exterior Lighting · Jan 2025

This is a Technical Journal: Vehicle/Connectivity report checklist. To provide timely and high-quality feedback to the appropriate department or factory

Bulletin 37175 · Jan 2025

This is a Technical Journal: Software Upgrade / Download Guide. If one control unit is upgraded and not all, it may result in various problems.

Bulletin TJ31543 · Oct 2024

Information about valid Software partnumbers to order and download Software for "PDS" Pre-Delivery Service

Bulletin TJ27536.21.1-2024-08-07 · Electrical System · Aug 2024

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation, listed for the V50 FWD/AWD. Model-year data, not specific to one car.

Canadian recalls 3

Transport Canada recall campaigns for the 2009 Volvo V50. Relevant if the car was first sold in, or imported from, Canada.

Seats And Restraints

On certain vehicles equipped with power front passenger seats, the "end stops" on the seat frame rails may be missing. If the end stops are missing, the maximum allowable seat travel may be exceeded, resulting in an increased injury risk for out of position occupants in the event of a frontal collision. Correction: Dealers will inspect the front seat rails for the presence of a…

Transport Canada #2010423 · Nov 2010

Accessories

On certain vehicles, there is a possibility of overheating issues of batteries in the Garmin nüvi® 760 when certain batteries manufactured within a limited date code range are used in certain Garmin nüvi® 760 models with a specific printed circuit board (PCB) design. The interaction of these factors can, in some circumstances, increase the possibility of overheating, which may…

Transport Canada #2010396 · Nov 2010

Steering

On certain vehicles, an improperly manufactured power steering return hose may suddenly rupture, causing a fluid leak. An unexpected loss of steering power assist may result in a vehicle crash. Correction: Dealers will inspect and, if necessary, replace the power steering return line assembly.

Transport Canada #2008260 · Jul 2008

Source: Transport Canada Motor Vehicle Safety Recalls Database.

About the Volvo V50

The Volvo V50 is the station wagon version of the Volvo S40 small family car ("C-segment") first unveiled at the 2003 Bologna Motor Show, both assembled at Ghent, Belgium. Sharing the Volvo, Ford, and Mazda Global C-car Platform with the European 2nd-gen Ford Focus and the Mazda3, the V50 featured interior "theatre" lighting, a floating center console, and "Volvo Intelligent Vehicle Architecture".

From Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0. Describes the model line in general, not this model year specifically.

2009 Volvo V50 trims & engines on record

Trims
2.4i
Engines
2.4L 5-cyl 168 hp · 2.4L 5-cyl 142 hp

2009 Volvo V50 vehicles on record

Other Volvo V50 model years

2009 Volvo V50 — frequently asked questions

Does the 2009 Volvo V50 have any safety recalls?

NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns for the 2009 Volvo V50. Whether an individual car still needs a recall repair depends on its VIN — check it on NHTSA.gov or ask a franchised dealer. Recall repairs are done at no charge.

What are the most common problems with the 2009 Volvo V50?

Across all 2 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported problem areas are service brakes, electrical system, structure.

Sources: NHTSA (recalls, complaints, crash tests), U.S. EPA (fuel economy). Vehicle data only — CarLogs never shows owner information.