Complaints by model year
| Year | Complaints | vs. typical* | Recalls | Top problem | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2011 | 5 | −80% | 2 | Electrical | Good |
| 2010 | 9 | −80% | 2 | Body | Good |
| 2009 | 10 | −64% | 3 | Transmission | Good |
| 2008 | 16 | −44% | 2 | Electrical | Good |
| 2007 | 25 | −20% | 2 | Brake | Average |
| 2006 | 58 | 2.3× | 3 | Electrical | Avoid |
| 2005 | 69 | 2.5× | 3 | Fuel System | Avoid |
| 2004 | 48 | 1.8× | 6 | Brake | Caution |
| 2003 | 18 | −36% | 2 | Transmission | Average |
| 2002 | 27 | 1.3× | 1 | Brake | Average |
| 2001 | 84 | 3.4× | 2 | Brake | Avoid |
| 2000 | 122 | 5.3× | 1 | Brake | Avoid |
* Complaints compared with the median S40 year at the same age, so new and old years are judged fairly. How this works.
Most common Volvo S40 problems
Latest Volvo S40 recalls
Structure › Frame and members
Volvo is recalling certain model year 2011 s40 passenger vehicles. A crack on the top side of the passenger side support member in the engine compartment May have developed during the forming process in component production.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect for cracks on the top side of the passenger side support member in the engine compartment. If no crack is found, no further action is needed.
Seats
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.
Remedy: 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.
Equipment › Electrical › Navigational system(global positioning system)
Volvo is recalling certain vehicles equipped with garmin 760 portable global positioning system (GPS) units because the batteries on those units May overheat.
Remedy: Volvo advises owners to please stop using the garmin portable GPS device immediately, and visit the garmin website to determine if their unit is affected.
Steering › Hydraulic power assist › Hose, piping, and connections
Volvo is recalling my 2008-2009 vehicles. A section of the power steering return line hose was not properly vulcanized (cured) and does not meet specifications. If the power steering return hose fails, a sudden rupture of the hose can occur.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect and replace the steering return line hose assembly free of charge. The recall began on August 13, 2008. Owners May contact Volvo at 1-800-458-1552.
Service brakes, hydraulic › Foundation components › Master cylinder
Volvo is recalling 1,114 my 2007 c30, c70, s40, and v50 passenger vehicles. A soft anodized layer in the master cylinder May trigger early wear on a rubber seal that can result in internal leakage of brake fluid.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect the master cylinder. The brake master cylinder and brake fluid reservoir will be replaced and certain brake lines cleaned free of charge. The recall began on March 11, 2008.
Frequently asked questions
What years of the Volvo S40 should you avoid?
2000, 2001, 2005, 2006 and 2004 — these years have the most complaints relative to other S40 years at the same age, led by brakes problems in the 2000.
What is the best year for the Volvo S40?
2010 has the fewest complaints compared with other S40 years at the same age, followed by 2011 and 2009. Newer years can look better simply because fewer complaints have come in yet, so we compare like with like.
What are the most common Volvo S40 problems?
Across all years, owners report the most problems with the brakes (114), electrical system (100) and engine & cooling (77). Brake complaints peak in the 2000 model year.
How many recalls has the Volvo S40 had?
12 recalls across 2000–2011. The model year with the most is 2004. See all Volvo S40 recalls by year.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.