Skip to content
MotorFiable

Volvo V50 (2004–2012)

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.

Volvo V50 (2004–2012)
Photo: Rudolf Stricker · Attribution · Wikimedia Commons. Reference image for this generation.

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

2 sourcesHow we work

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
Risk index on this car
55
High risk

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 caution

    The 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 caution

    Fiches-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.

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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

All versions and faults of the 2.0 HDi

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)

Other 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.

See the 6 faults outside the engine

Buying a Volvo V50 2.0 HDi?

We will put you in touch with a partner only if you authorise it in the form.

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.

  1. PSA EW/DW engineWikipedia (inglés) · Other source · consulted 27 September 2026
  2. Fiabilité du 2.0 HDIFiches-Auto · Motoring press · consulted 27 September 2026 · in French