Review: Volvo Mk.2-I V50 (2004-07)

Overview

Released in June 2004, the Volvo Mk.2 Phase I (Mk.2-I) V50 was a five-door wagon. Manufactured in Ghent, Belgium, the Volvo V50 range initially consisted of the front-wheel drive 2.4 and T5 variants. From 2006, however, the V50 T5 was fitted with a Haldex all-wheel drive system and, in 2007, the D5 was introduced.

Engine: B5244S4 (2.4), B5254T3 (T5) and D5244T (D5)

Of the engines,

• For the 2.4 variants, the 2.4-litre B5244S4 five-cylinder petrol engine had an aluminium block and cylinder heads, fracture-split steel connecting rods, double overhead camshafts, four valves per cylinder, continuously variable valve timing for the intake camshaft and a compression ratio of 10.3:1;
• The 2.5-litre B5254T3 turbocharged petrol engine for T5 variants had similar properties but added a K04 Borg Warner turbocharger which provided peak boost pressure of 0.65 bar, an intercooler, continuously variable valve timing for the exhaust camshaft and had a compression ratio of 9.0:1; and,
• For the D5 variants, the 2.4-litre D5244T8 (automatic) and D5244T13 (manual) turbo-diesel engines both had an aluminium block, common-rail direct injection (operating at 1600 bar), variable geometry turbocharger, cooled exhaust gas recirculation, double overhead camshafts, four valves per cylinder and a compression ratio of 17.3:1.

AWD system

From 2006 to 2007, the Volvo V50 T5 had a Haldex-based all-wheel drive system with a multi-plate clutch. In normal conditions, the system provided a 95:5 front:rear torque split. If the front wheels lost traction, however, the multi-plate clutch would engage to provide an even front:rear torque distribution (i.e. a 50:50 front:rear torque split).

Dimensions and body

Co-developed with the Volvo Mk.2 S40 , the Volvo V50 was underpinned by Volvo’s P1 platform. Compared to the Volvo Mk.1 V40 which it replaced, the Mk.2 V50 was 2 mm shorter (at 4514 mm), but was 54 mm wider (1770 mm), 27 mm taller (1452 mm) and had a 78 mm longer wheelbase. The new body achieved a 34 per cent increased in torsional rigidity.

Suspension and steering

The Volvo Mk.2 V50 had MacPherson strut front and independent, multi-link rear suspension. Furthermore, the Volvo V50 had rack-and-pinion steering with hydraulic power assistance.

Safety equipment

Standard safety equipment for the Volvo V50 2.4 and D5 variants included dual front airbags, front side airbags, full-length curtain airbags (i.e. for front and rear occupants), ABS, electronic brake force distribution, traction control, Volvo’ s Whiplash Protection System (‘WHIPS’), anti-submarining seats, seatbelt pretensioners for the front and outer rear seats and load limiting seatbelts for the front seats. The V50 T5 was further equipped with electronic stability control.

From 2006, brake assist was fitted as standard across the range.

Euro NCAP crash testing

In Euro NCAP crash testing , a 2004 Volvo Mk.2 S40 sedan – with which the V50 shared its architecture – fitted with a 2.4-litre engine received a five star adult occupant protection rating with a score of 34.15 out of 37. In the frontal offset crash test, there was a slight risk of serious chest and leg injury for the front occupants. In the side impact and pole tests, however, the S40 received maximum points.

Features: Volvo S50

Initially, standard features for the Volvo V50 2.4 included 16-inch alloy wheels, an six speaker sound system with a CD player, climate control air conditioning, cruise control, front fog lights, a multi-function steering wheel, a 1/3 to 2/3 split and folding rear seat, remote central locking, power windows and mirrors, a tilt and reach adjustable steering wheel, cargo cover, roof rails, and immobiliser.

The Volvo V50 2.4 SE was further equipped with leather seats, a power adjustable driver’ s seat, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, trip computer, floor mats and wood-effect interior inlays (the latter unique within the V50 range).

Beyond this, the V50 T5 added 17-inch alloy wheels with Pirelli 205/50 89W tyres, an eight speaker sound system, bi-xenon headlights with washers and aluminium interior inlays.

2006: Volvo V50 update

With the introduction of the Volvo V50 2.4 S and 2.4 LE in 2006, standard features were revised. Compared to the original V50 2.4, the 2.4 S and 2.4 LE both had dual-zone climate control air conditioning and heated mirrors, while the 2.4 LE was distinguished by its eight speaker sound system, leather seats, power adjustable driver’s seat and leather-wrapped steering wheel. Released in 2007, the D5 was similarly equipped to the 2.4 S.

The Volvo V50 T5 gained a six-disc CD player, dual-zone climate control air conditioning, heated front seats and rain-sensing wipers.

Related links

• Volvo Newsroom: The new Volvo V50 (December 2003)
• Heritage Models: Volvo V50 (2003-12)
• Wikipedia.org: Volvo Mk.2 S40/V50

Review: Volvo Mk.2-II V50 (2007-12)

Overview

Released in October 2007, the Volvo Mk.2 Phase II (Mk.2-II) V50 introduced an updated interior and slight powertrain changes. For the V50 T5, the B5254T3 engine was replaced by the B5254T7 which had a slightly different turbocharger design and a reprogrammed ECU (resulting in a 7 kW peak power increase).

While a six-speed manual transmission was introduced for the D5, this engine was replaced in September 2009 by the 2.0D unit. Like its predecessor, the 2.0-litre D4204T turbo-diesel engine had common-rail injection (albeit operating at 1800 bar), a variable geometry turbocharger, double overhead camshafts and four valves per cylinder, but was also fitted with piezo-electric injectors and had a higher compression ratio of 18.5:1.

In August 2010, the range was revised: the 2.4, D5 and 2.0D variants were discontinued, while the T5 returned to being front-wheel drive and was offered as an ‘S’ or ‘R-Design’ edition.

Safety equipment

Compared to its Mk.2-I predecessor, standard safety equipment for the Volvo Mk.2-II V50 was largely unchanged. However, the Mk.2-II V50 was fitted with Emergency Brake Lights which would flash rapidly in emergency braking situations when the vehicle’ s initial speed was greater than 60 km/h.

Features

Standard features were largely unchanged with the 2.0D was similarly equipped to the 2.4 S.

V50 R-Design

From 2009, the V50 was available with an ‘R-Design’ pack which included unique 17-inch alloy wheels, R-Design embossed off-black ‘Vulcaflex’ upholstery and cream leather seats’, a sports steering wheel, gearshift and pedals, ‘R-Design’ floor mats, a satin-finished grille and side mirrors, sports bodykit, chrome exhaust tips and rear spoiler.

August 2010: T5 variants only

Compared to the pre-existing T5, the T5 R-Design gained Bluetooth connectivity, auxiliary sound system inputs and the R-Design features described above. The T5 S, however, was fitted with 16-inch alloy wheels, a six speaker sound system and omitted the T5 R-Design’ s bi-xenon headlights, leather seats, leather-wrapped steering wheel and trip computer.

October 2011: Volvo V50 update

In October 2011, standard features extended to include an eight speaker sound system, rear parking sensors, retractable door mirrors and an auto-dimming internal mirror. Furthermore, a T5 Lifestyle edition was released; compared to the T5 S, the Lifestyle edition was further equipped with leather seats and directional bi-xenon headlights with washers.

Technical Specifications

• Technical Specifications: Volvo Mk.2-II V50 (September 2009)
• Technical Specifications: Volvo Mk.2-II V50 (July 2010)
• Technical Specifications: Volvo Mk.2-II V50 (August 2011)

Related links

• Volvo Newsroom: The new Volvo V50 – more dynamic looks (April 2007)
• Volvo Newsroom: The new Volvo V50 – refined sportiness (April 2007)
• Volvo Newsroom: Volvo introducing R-Design for C30, S40 and V50 (June 2007)
• Volvo Newsroom: Volvo V50 – model year 2008 (July 2007)
• Volvo Newsroom: Volvo V50 – model year 2009 (May 2008)
• Volvo Newsroom: Volvo V50 – model year 2010 (March 2009)
• Volvo Newsroom: Volvo V50 – model year 2011 (August 2010)
• Volvo Newsroom: Volvo V50 – model year 2012 (May 2011)

Recalls: Volvo Mk.2 V50

Overview

Manufacturers, or importers, issue recalls for defects or faults which have the potential to cause injury. Generally, manufacturers will inform the original buyers if their vehicle is subject to a recall and of the steps required to remedy the defect or fault. Please note that the recalls below (if any) are for Australian-delivered vehicles only. Furthermore, the number of recalls should not be taken as an indication of a model’s reliability or its safety more generally.

Recalls: Volvo V50

2004-06 model year Volvo V50 T5: potential fuel leak

In May 2006, a recall was issued for model year 2004 to 2006 Volvo V50 vehicles fitted with the T5 engine. For these vehicles, the fuel line connecting to the engine was sensitive to extreme temperatures that may occur in the area where the turbo/exhaust manifold is located. As a result, the fuel line may leak after parking the vehicle. The recall involved the replacement of the fuel line with a component which withstood these temperatures (PRA 2006/8474).

2007 model year Volvo V50: defective roof welds

In April 2007, a recall was issued for model year 2007 Volvo V50 vehicles due to certain spot welds in the roof area potentially deviating from specification; this may weaken the brackets for the front and rear load net fixations. In certain situations – such as sudden braking – the driver and passengers may be exposed to the risk of being hit by cargo (PRA 2007/9206).

2008 model year Volvo V50: incorrect rear wheel studs

In April 2008, a recall was issued for front wheel drive model year 2008 Volvo V50 vehicles in the VIN range 070092 to 070935. In some of these vehicles, the incorrect wheel studs were fitted to the rear wheel hubs. In rear cases, the wheels may become loose during particular forms of low speed manoeuvring (PRA 2008/10001).

2008-09 model year Volvo V50 R-Design: floor mat could interfere with pedal

In July 2008, a recall was issued for model year 2008 and 2009 Volvo V50 R-Design vehicles in the VIN range 0380025 to 0454640. For these vehicles, the driver’s floor mat was too long and could interfere with the R-Design accelerator pedal. In certain circumstances, this interference could lead to the accelerator pedal remaining fully open (PRA 2008/10172).

2008 model year Volvo V50 with roof rails: incorrect bolts

In April 2008, a recall was issued for model year 2008 Volvo V50 vehicles fitted with roof rails. In these vehicles, the roof rails were fitted to the roof with the incorrect bolts (PRA 2008/10003).

2010 model year Volvo V50: inability to change gears

In June 2010, a recall was issued for model year 2010 Volvo V50 vehicles fitted with a 2.5-litre engine, manual transmission and in the VIN range 543653 to 579597. For these vehicles, the ball joint and cylinder pin on the gearshift lever may be mounted with an incorrect torque, which could lead to the ball joint coming loose. As a result, the driver may be unable to change gears which could create an unsafe driving condition. However, the driver would be able to stop the vehicle by depressing the clutch, brake and turning off the ignition (PRA 2010/11719).

2010-11 model year Volvo V50: front seat stop lugs

In December 2010, a recall was issued for model year 2010 and 2011 Volvo V50 vehicles in the VIN range 488548 to 609751. For these vehicles, the front power seat stop lugs may not be assembled to specification. As a result, the maximum allowable seat travel may be exceeded and the positioning of the seat beyond the intended maximum can cause increased risk of injury to the front passengers in the event of a collision (PRA 2010/12228).

2011 model year Volvo V50: cracked engine bay support member

In March 2011, a recall was issued for 2011 model year Volvo V50 vehicles in the VIN range 617057 to 619500. For these vehicles, the right side support member in the engine bay may be cracked. In this situation, the front structure of the car may be adversely affected, reducing its safety performance (PRA 2011/12425).

2011 model year Volvo V50: washer fluid level sender

In April 2011, a recall was issued for 2011 model year Volvo V50 vehicles fitted with a headlight cleaning system and in the VIN range 590046 to 623107. For these vehicles, the headlight cleaning pump may affect the washer fluid level sensor. As such, the driver may not receive information on the instrument panel when the washer fluid level is low, constituting non-compliance with the Motor Vehicle Standards Act 1989, ECE R45 (PRA 2011/12502).

2009 model year Volvo V50 Diesel: inability to disengage clutch

In September 2011, a recall was issued for 2009 model year Volvo V50 vehicles fitted with a 2.4-litre turbo-diesel engine and manual transmission. For these vehicles, the rod connecting the clutch master cylinder and the clutch pedal may break. If this occurred, it would not be possible for the driver to disengage the clutch. At worst, this may occur suddenly and without warning to the driver. The affected vehicles were in the VIN range 395420 to 627723 (PRA 2011/12798).

2008-11 model year Volvo V50: inability to disengage clutch

In May 2015, a recall was issued for ‘model year 2008’ to ‘model year 2011’ Volvo V50 vehicles that had six-speed manual transmissions. In these vehicles, the clutch cylinder rod may break such that it may not be possible for the driver to disengage the clutch. The clutch cylinder rod could break without warning to the driver and pose an accident hazard to the driver and other road users. The recalled Volvo V50 vehicles had serial numbers (i.e. the last six digits of the VIN) in the range 397984 to 627863 (PRA 2015/14692).

Problems and faults: Volvo V50

Overview

This section identifies potential problems, causes and fixes based on the experiences of owners and repairers, online sources and technical service bulletins. This information is provided solely for reference purposes and AustralianCar.Reviews recommends that only properly qualified persons carry out repairs or modifications. Furthermore, the number of items below should not be taken as an indicator of a model’s reliability or the frequency with which they may occur.

To report a problem or fault to the AustralianCar.Reviews team, please use the Contact Us form. Note that AustralianCar.Reviews does not offer advice on automotive problems or disputes; such enquiries will not receive a reply. For vehicles purchased from dealers after 1 January 2011, please see our Australian Consumer Law fact sheet.

Problems and faults: Volvo V50

• The battery may drain overnight if the ‘infotainment’ system prevents the central control module from entering ‘sleep’ mode.
• Noise from the power steering pump may be due to it coming into contact with the air conditioning accumulator.
• The remote central locking system may only work intermittently because a screw in the unit becomes loose and electrical connections are affected.
• The climate control air conditioning system may blow hot air when cold is selected or all the flaps may close off airflow – these problems are due to a fault in the climate control module software which needs to be recalibrated.
• The anti-theft alarm may be activated while driving and an ‘alarm service required’ message may appear on the driver information centre; if so, the central communications module requires replacement.
• For models with 16-inch wheels, noisy front brakes may be fixed by installing a bigger caliper.
• Rear brake noise may be fixed by fitting revised brake pads.
• For some vehicles, the harness connector inside the A-pillar could get wet and corrode – this could be prevented by pre-emptively replacing the connector or packing it with grease.
• Unwanted noises may come from the speakers if an auxiliary music player is used. A revised cable for the wiring harness was subsequently released to fix this problem, though the audio module may also require replacement.
• If the audio system stops playing music and the display freezes, yet the problems stop when the car is restarted, flashing the control module may resolve the problem.

Problems and faults: Volvo V50 T5

Volvo V50 T5: PCV diaphragm rupture (B5254T3)

For the 2.5-litre B5254T3 turbocharged petrol engine, the positive crankcase ventilation (PCV) diaphragm – located in the oil filter housing – may rupture. Symptoms of a ruptured PCV diaphragm include:

• A high-pitched, whining/whistling noise that increases with engine speed. This noise is caused by excessive crankcase pressure escaping via the oil seals. For reference, this noise stops when the dipstick is removed (since removing the dipstick releases back pressure, see video below);
• A lack of boost pressure in low gears;
• Excessive oil consumption;
• High oil pressure at idle;
• Blue smoke from the exhaust; and,
• Illumination of the engine warning light.

To fix, the air filter housing assembly needs to be removed so that the oil filter housing can be replaced. Sometimes, the breather hose from the assembly to the block may be damaged and also require replacement.

If the PCV diaphragm has ruptured, the vehicle should not be run until the oil filter housing is replaced since doing so could damage the camshaft or crankshaft oil seals and cause oil leaks. If an oil leak occurs at the timing belt end, the timing belt and seals must be replaced. If, however, an oil leak occurs at the crankshaft’s main oil seal, then the gearbox must be removed, the seal replaced and, in extreme cases, the clutch replaced.

It is understood that Volvo and Ford (for the XR5 Turbo) subsequently introduced an uprated diaphragm which had an additional vent on the diaphragm cover, though failures of the updated diaphragm do still occur. Failures are more common in low mileage vehicles that:

• Have been used to drive short distances since the engine does not reach its operating temperatures; and,
• Reside in high humidity environments.

Volvo V50 T5: cracked cylinder liners (B5254T3)

The 2.5-litre B5254T3 engine had an open deck block and steel cylinder liners that were press-fitted into the block. For standard B5254T3 engines, however, there have been rare cases of cracked cylinder liners (also known as sleeves). Symptoms of cracked cylinder liners include:

• Misfire when cold;
• Loss of coolant;
• Excessive white smoke; and,
• Rough running on start-up.

Engines that have been modified for greater power are considered more vulnerable to cracked cylinder liners (particularly beyond 240 kW) due to the following factors –

• Excessive boost pressure;
• Aggressive ignition timing from poorly developed aftermarket tunes; and,
• Coolant leaks that have not been rectified (see also ‘coolant leaks’, below).

It has also been suggested that cracked cylinder liners were most common for pre-April 2008 engines, though cracked liners have been observed in all years of B5254T engines.

For B5254T3 engines to produce more than 300 bhp (224 kW), OEM Denied recommends a ‘block mod’ in which the cylinder head is removed and stainless steel shims are fitted in the expansion gaps between the cylinder liners. Although this does not guarantee that cracked cylinder liners will not happen, OEM Denied has not seen this occur in the vehicles they have worked upon.

B5254T3 engine: solenoid boost valve

For the 2.5-litre B5254T3 turbocharged petrol engine, the solenoid boost valve is susceptible to failure. If there is a lack of performance and the boost gauge boost doesn’t go beyond a quarter of the dial, this is indicative of a failed solenoid boost valve. If the valve is operating properly, the dial on the boost pressure gauge should go beyond halfway before settling down in the middle.

Volvo V50 T5: coolant leaks

Volvo V50 T5 vehicles are susceptible to coolant leaks from –

• The thermostat housing at the cylinder head side gasket. Specifically, the leak occurs at the bottom corner and a mirror is required to see it;
• The turbo coolant feed and return; and,
• The radiator top hose joint at the back of the engine on the gearbox side.

The coolant hoses may also experience internal delamination as the vehicle ages. Where internal delamination has occurred, the hoses will appear swollen in size.

Volvo V50 T5: suspension

For the Volvo V50 T5, the following suspension components may wear prematurely:

• The front anti-roll bar drop links;
• The rear bushes on the front wishbones bushes (oil-filled).

It is recommended that the oil-filled bushes be replaced with more durable polyurethane bushes.

Volvo V50 T5: clutch does not return

For the Volvo V50 T5, the clutch pedal may not fully return to the ‘up’ position. This may be due to:

• The seal from the original slave cylinder tearing and becoming stuck in the clutch line – this usually occurs after the clutch has been replaced. To fix, the clutch line has to be removed, blown out with compressed air and then have clean brake fluid poured through it. The brake fluid should flow easily and consistently in both directions; or,
• In the case of hard driving (during or after), hydraulic fluid may boil and cause air bubbles to form. To fix, the clutch should be bled and high boiling-point DOT 5.1 fluid used.

Volvo V50 T5: air conditioning

• During full throttle acceleration, the air conditioning compressor clutch is designed to shut down to reduce accessory losses;
• The air conditioning may stop working due to failure of the air conditioning compressor clutch – this is caused by the spacing shims expanding and preventing the clutch from fully engaging. A common symptom of this fault is the air conditioning blowing cold for 10-15 minutes and then blowing hot; and,
• The air conditioning may stop working due to a refrigerant leaking from the compressor shaft seal.

Volvo V50 T5: drive shafts

For the Volvo V50 T5, the OEM drive shafts have a ball-type CV joint for the outer and a tripod style joint for the inner – this design enables the shafts to have some ‘in and out’ movement with suspension articulation. However, hard acceleration from rest will quickly destroy the original drive shafts.

In contrast, aftermarket drive shafts tend to have inner and outer ball type CV joints which restrict the ‘in and out’ movement. As a result, however, most aftermarket shafts cause vibrations during driving as they lock up on themselves.

As Volvo V50 T5 vehicles age, the CV boots can split – these need to be replaced promptly or grease will be flung out of the driveshaft as it rotates and the shaft will require replacement.

Volvo V50 T5: front wheel bearings

For the Volvo V50 T5, the front wheel bearings are:

• A complete hub and bearing setup;
• An interference press fit into the knuckle with no retaining clips; and,
• Not serviceable.

Over time, the hub assembly can start to ‘walk out’ of the hub. When this occurs, the gap between the ABS trigger wheel and the sensor is too great for the sensor to get a reading so it causes the ABS and TC warning light to illuminate; vehicle performance is also greatly reduced.

Volvo V50 T5: other problems and faults

• Difficulty starting the vehicle and poor engine performance – including entering ‘limp home’ mode – may be due to the Power Control Module (PCM) cluster gateway not closing properly and draining the battery; reprogramming the PCM should fix the problem.
• Engine vibration, ‘engine malfunction’ warnings and entering ‘limp home’ mode may be due to a fault in the throttle body switch which requires replacement. In the interim, stopping the vehicle, turning the engine off and waiting five minutes should re-set the switch and enable the journey to be completed.

AustralianCar.Reviews thanks OEM Denied for their contributions to this page.

Released in June 2004, the Volvo Mk.2 Phase I (Mk.2-I) V50 was a five-door wagon. Manufactured in Ghent, Belgium, the V50 range initially consisted of the front-wheel drive 2.4 and T5 variants. From 2006, however, the T5 was fitted with a Haldex all-wheel drive system and, in 2007, the D5 was introduced… Read full Volvo V50 review

volvo_v50_mk2_ser1_01

volvo_v50_mk2_ser1_02

volvo_v50_mk2_ser1_03

volvo_v50_mk2_ser1_04

volvo_v50_mk2_ser1_05

volvo_v50_mk2_ser1_06

volvo_v50_mk2_ser1_07

volvo_v50_mk2_ser1_08

volvo_v50_mk2_ser1_09

volvo_v50_mk2_ser1_10

volvo_v50_mk2_ser1_11

volvo_v50_mk2_ser1_12

Images: Volvo Mk.2-II V50 (2007-12)

Released in October 2007, the Volvo Mk.2 Phase II (Mk.2-II) V50 introduced an updated interior and slight powertrain changes. For the V50 T5, the B5254T3 engine was replaced by the B5254T7 which had a slightly different turbocharger design and a reprogrammed ECU which resulted in a 7 kW peak power increase. In August 2010, the Volvo V50 range was revised: the 2.4, D5 and 2.0D variants were discontinued, while the T5 returned to being front-wheel drive and was offered as an ‘S’ or ‘R-Design’ edition.

volvo_v50_mk2_ser2_01

volvo_v50_mk2_ser2_02

volvo_v50_mk2_ser2_03

volvo_v50_mk2_ser2_04

volvo_v50_mk2_ser2_05

volvo_v50_mk2_ser2_06

volvo_v50_mk2_ser2_07

volvo_v50_mk2_ser2_08

volvo_v50_mk2_ser2_09

volvo_v50_mk2_ser2_10

volvo_v50_mk2_ser2_11

volvo_v50_mk2_ser2_12

Euro NCAP: 2004 Volvo S40 2.4 crash testing

In Euro NCAP crash testing, a 2004Mk.2 S40 sedan – with which the V50 shared its architecture – received a five star adult occupant protection rating with a score of 34.15 out of 37. For more information about this testing, please see the Euro NCAP website. Videos are provided with the permission of Euro NCAP.

Fifth Gear: Volvo V50 T5 vs Subaru BP Liberty (Legacy) 3.0R-B

Note

Please note that these videos are applicable to vehicles as they are supplied to their respective markets. As such, the features, prices and performance of the vehicles in these videos may differ from those which are supplied in Australia. In international markets, for example, the Subaru Liberty is sold as the Subaru Legacy.