DecodedCars2011 Volvo V50
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2011 models.
- Class
- Small Station Wagons
- Body styles
- 4dr Wagon FWD 2.4i/T5
- Engines
- 2.5L 5-cyl turbo
- Drivetrain
- Front-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Regular Gasoline
- MPG (best)
- 24 combined · 21 city / 30 hwy
- Length
- 177.6 in
- Curb weight
- 3,117 lb
- NHTSA rating
- Not rated
- Recalls
- 1 campaign
Overview
The 2011 Volvo V50 is a small station wagon offered with a 2.5L 5-cyl turbo engine and front-wheel drive.
It measures about 178 inches long and 70 inches wide on a 104-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 3,117 lb.
EPA rates its most efficient version at 24 MPG combined (21 city / 30 highway), 2% worse than the 2011 small station wagon average of 24.4 MPG, for an estimated $2,800 a year in fuel.
NHTSA has not published a 5-Star overall rating for this model year.
It has 1 recall campaign on file and owners have filed 1 complaint with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the unknown or other.
What changed for 2011
- Engine dropped: 2.4L 5-cyl
- All-wheel / four-wheel drive no longer offered
Compared with 2010; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2010 V50 →
Dimensions & weight
| Body | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Track F / R | Curb weight | Weight F/R |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4dr Wagon FWD 2.4i/T5 | 177.6 in | 69.7 in | 56.3 in | 104.3 in | 60.2 / 60.6 in | 3,117 lb | 58/42 |
Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.
Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →Engines, MPG & running costs
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Drive | City / Hwy / Comb | vs. class | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| V50 FWD | 2.5L 5-cyl turbo | Automatic (S5) | Front-Wheel Drive | 21 / 30 / 24 | -2% | $2,800 | 370 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2011 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2011 Volvo V50.
Similar 2011 small station wagons
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2011 Volvo V50 (this car) | 24 MPG | Not rated | 1 |
| 2011 Audi A3 | 32 MPG | Not rated | 4 |
| 2011 Infiniti EX35 | 20 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
Recalls (1)
Seats · Nov 22, 2010
NHTSA campaign 10V591000 · 7,420 vehicles
- Problem
- 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.
- Risk
- POSITIONING OF THE SEAT BEYOND THE INTENDED MAXIMUM CAN CAUSE INCREASED RISK OF INJURY TO THE PASSENGER IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH.
- 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 [email protected].
Not every 2011 Volvo V50 is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2011 Volvo V50 buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 1 recall this year — ask for proof of repairs.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 45,000 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
- Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.
Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2011 Volvo V50. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.
Other V50 years
Compare all years →Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Volvo. How we calculate this →