The NCT record
Volvo V50
Estate. Measured from 18,281 NCT tests in Ireland.
Reliability · measured from test data
Reliability: About average
About average for its age. A sensible buy if the inspection and history check out.
NCT pass rate: 52% (About average for its age)
52 in 100 pass the NCT first time at ten years old. Mechanical faults: 1.07× the average car of the same age.
Version research
Known problems for this version
Based on published reliability sources and recall notices, not NCT data. Answer what you know and the verdict gets firmer.
Checking published reliability sources…
How it holds up with age
More than half still pass first time up to 11 years old — a 2015 or newer is the oldest we would suggest.
| Year | Age | Passes first time | Average car |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 4 | 82% | 82% |
| 2021 | 5 | 70% | 76% |
| 2020 | 6 | 72% | 75% |
| 2019 | 7 | 60% | 67% |
| 2018 | 8 | 59% | 64% |
| 2017 | 9 | 55% | 57% |
| 2016 | 10 | 54% | 53% |
| 2015 | 11 | 50% | 50% |
| 2014 | 12 | 47% | 46% |
| 2013 | 13 | 42% | 42% |
| 2012 | 14 | 36% | 38% |
| 2011 | 15 | 37% | 36% |
| 2010 | 16 | 37% | 35% |
What tends to fail on it
Engine, noise & exhaust
smoke on start-up, exhaust leaks and corrosion, engine noise
€100–400 for an exhaust section, or worse — up to €1,000 at worst.
Suspension performance
bounce test each corner, uneven ride height, knocking over bumps
€250–450 for shock absorbers, in pairs — up to €700 at worst.
Steering & suspension
worn ball joints, track rod ends, shock absorbers, bushings
€100–600 for joints, bearings and arms — up to €900 at worst.
Wheels & tyres
tread depth across the width, uneven wear, tyre age, alloy damage
€65–150 for tyres, per corner — up to €600 at worst.
What the repairs cost
€65–125 in NCT-related repairs is typical for a car this age. It is a figure for comparing models, not a quote.
Irish garage prices for the common jobs are on the repair costs page.
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Other estate options
Other Volvo models
- CVolvo S40(About average)
- CVolvo S60(About average)
- CVolvo XC60(About average)
- CVolvo 40 Series(About average)
- DVolvo XC90(Below average)
- CVolvo V40(About average)
See every model we have measured
Where these figures come from
Test and failure figures: National Car Test statistics published by the Road Safety Authority and the National Car Testing Service, 12.5 million tests, 2015 and 2017–2025. Repair prices: Irish garage quotes and The AA Ireland servicing guides, reviewed September 2026 — see our repair cost guide. Motor tax bands: motortax.ie.
Based on published NCT results and typical Irish repair prices for this model and age. It reflects the condition of cars presented for test, not manufacturer build quality, and cannot tell you about a specific vehicle's history. Repair figures are estimates, not quotes.