Volvo V50 2.0 HDi problems
The Volvo V50 used the 2.0 HDi from 2004 to 2012 (2.0D). 4 documented faults affect it; the most important is “variable-geometry turbo failures (actuator, sensors and clogging)” (high severity, common). Our verdict: “With caution”. Among the documented engines of the Volvo V50, the safest option is the 5 cilindros gasolina.

Engine score on this car
4.5 out of 10Low reliability
Only counting the faults that affect the versions and years of the V50. How we calculate it
Overall score for the Volvo V50
5.6 out of 10Acceptable reliability
Engines, gearbox, suspension, brakes, electronics and the rest of the car. See breakdown
PSA/Ford 2.0 HDi, BlueHDi and TDCi (DW10) · Diesel
- In the V50
- 2004–2012[1]
- Name
- 2.0D
- Faults that affect it
- 4 · 2 of high or critical severity
Verdict for the versions it uses
2.0 HDi 107/110 (DW10ATED / DW10ATED4, 2000-2008)2000–2008 · 107–110 hp · DW10ATED, DW10ATED4, RHZ, RHW
With cautionThe dual-mass flywheel starts to cause problems on this version (83 cases out of 553 opinions collected by Fiches-Auto) and the first significant turbo and DPF cases also appear.[2]
2.0 HDi 136/138/140 DPF (DW10BTED4, 2004-2011)2004–2011 · 136–140 hp · DW10BTED4, RHR, RHF
With cautionFiches-Auto calls it "the era of the unreliable diesel": it concentrates the highest number of turbo, DPF, EGR, injector and, above all, dual-mass flywheel cases in the whole family. It is a viable buy, but you should check the history of these parts first.[2]
Faults that affect the V50
Only those that affect the versions and years that this car used. The 2.0 HDi has 5 documented faults in total.
- High severityFrequency: CommonTurboVariable-geometry turbo failures (actuator, sensors and clogging)On the 107/110 hp and, above all, 136-140 hp 2.0 HDi, the variable-geometry turbo fails relatively often: sometimes it is the whole turbo, but often it is the actuator, sensors or hoses, with loss of power and limp mode.
- High severityFrequency: CommonEmissions controlDPF clogging on additive-type systems (Eolys/cerine)The additive-type diesel particulate filter (DPF) of the 2.0 HDi clogs relatively easily on short journeys, especially on the 107/110 and 136-140 hp versions. The anti-pollution warning light comes on and, if ignored, the car loses power and may end up needing a new DPF.
- Medium severityFrequency: Very frequentClutchPremature dual-mass flywheel wear (from 107/110 hp)The dual-mass flywheel fitted to the 2.0 HDi from 107/110 hp wears out sooner than expected, with more cases the more powerful the version. It causes vibration, knocking and noise, and if ignored it ends up damaging the clutch too.
- Medium severityFrequency: CommonEmissions controlEGR valve blocked by sootThe 2.0 HDi's EGR valve gets coated in soot and sticks, especially on the 107/120 and 136/138 hp versions; it causes jerking, limp mode and the engine warning light, although it can usually be solved by cleaning it.Repair (garage): €200–€350
What to check before buying a used Volvo V50 2.0 HDi
Each point comes from a documented fault that affects this car. You can tick them off as you inspect it.
If it has the 2.0 HDi (2004–2012)
DPF clogging on additive-type systems (Eolys/cerine)
High severityPremature dual-mass flywheel wear (from 107/110 hp)
Medium severityEGR valve blocked by soot
Medium severityOther engines and gearboxes of the Volvo V50
Score for each one with the faults that affect this car, from best to worst.
Faults of the Volvo V50 outside the engine
Suspension, brakes, electronics and the rest of the car: they occur with any engine.
- High severityFrequency: OccasionalGearbox and clutchCracks and possible breakage of the right driveshaft on 2011-2012 Volvo V50sYes: a Safety Gate alert (A12/0501/13) covers the 2011-2012 C30, S40 and V50 because the right driveshaft can crack over time and, in the worst case, break and leave the car suddenly without drive. The UK register limits it to cars built between April 2011 and May 2012.
- High severityFrequency: OccasionalElectrical systemWasher fluid leaking from the windscreen washer pump into the wiring and central electronic module on the Volvo V50Washer fluid can seep into the pump, run down the wires to the central electronic module and affect several functions of the car or, in serious cases, cause a fire. UK campaign R/2011/163 covers the C30, S40, V50 and C70 and replaces the pump's wiring harness.
- High severityFrequency: OccasionalBrakesReduced brake servo assistance because of the non-return valve in the Volvo V50's vacuum pumpOn certain cold starts the vacuum pump can give less brake assistance: the car still brakes, but you have to press the pedal harder. UK campaign R/2009/052 (S40, V50, C30, C70, S80 and V70) replaces the pump's non-return valve.
- Medium severityFrequency: OccasionalGearbox and clutchBreakage of the plastic rod in the Volvo V50's clutch master cylinderThe rod connecting the clutch master cylinder to the pedal can snap suddenly and without warning, after which the clutch no longer disengages. UK campaign R/2011/127 (C30, S40, V50 and C70) replaces the cylinder with one that has a metal rod instead of a plastic one.
- Medium severityFrequency: OccasionalGearbox and clutchGear selector ball joint working loose and able to jam the Volvo V50's gear leverA part of the gear selection mechanism can work loose over time and jam the lever, so that you cannot change gear or select neutral. UK campaign R/2010/071, which includes the S40, V50 and C30, checks that the selector ball joint is properly secured.
Buying a Volvo V50 2.0 HDi?
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The Volvo V50 has 7 documented recalls and campaigns. See which ones and how to find out if they affect you
Frequently asked questions
Is the Volvo V50 2.0 HDi reliable?
The Volvo V50 used the 2.0 HDi from 2004 to 2012 (2.0D). 4 documented faults affect it; the most important is “variable-geometry turbo failures (actuator, sensors and clogging)” (high severity, common). Our verdict: “With caution”. Among the documented engines of the Volvo V50, the safest option is the 5 cilindros gasolina.
What faults does the Volvo V50 2.0 HDi have?
The documented ones that affect this car are: variable-geometry turbo failures (actuator, sensors and clogging) (high severity), DPF clogging on additive-type systems (Eolys/cerine) (high severity), premature dual-mass flywheel wear (from 107/110 hp) (medium severity) and EGR valve blocked by soot (medium severity).
Which engine should you choose for the Volvo V50?
None has a «Buy» verdict; the safest option is the Volvo 5 cilindros gasolina, with a «With caution» verdict.
Own a Volvo V50 2.0 HDi? Tell us what faults you have had and at how many kilometres. Report your fault.
Sources
Every fact on this page links to its source. If you find an error, let us know.
- PSA EW/DW engineWikipedia (inglés) · Other source · consulted 27 September 2026
- Fiabilité du 2.0 HDIFiches-Auto · Motoring press · consulted 27 September 2026 · in French