Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (service brakes, ABS, rotors and pads, parking brake).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2000 Volvo S40 owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
It was close to 9 pm. I had exited the freeway to stop in a parking lot to check directions. I had been driving for about an hour, so I got out to walk around and buy a cup of coffee. I came back a few minutes later and drove out of the lot. The on ramp was about 200 yards away and there was a red light at the intersection, so I was only moving at around 20mph. I was the only car in my lane, so about 100 feet away from the intersection I pressed down on my brake pedal, but the for some reason it the car kept rolling. I tried again, but the brakes were no help as I kept rolling. Frantically, I stomped hard, floored the brakes, and my car started to slow down a little, but that time it was too late. I tried to turn to the right to avoid the flow of traffic, but an instant later I had hit an oncoming car. I don't know what went wrong. …
The car has problems starting and takes a few tries before starting up. Have also had a problem where the car was in park with the parking brake engaged and the car was revving on its own. There have also been problems while the car has been slowing down on the freeway, specifically when the brakes are being engaged the car will attempt to move forward as though it is trying to push pass the fact that the brakes are being engaged. As well as the car will accelerate faster than the gas pedal is being pushed e.g when the gas pedal is slightly pushed the car will accelerate quickly as though the gas pedal was being pushed upon firmly.
I was stopped at a red light behind several cars. The light turned green and I took my foot off the brake, but did not put my foot on the accelerator. The car engine revved up and lurched forward despite me attempting to brake heavily. The brakes would not fully decompress causing me to rear end the vehicle in front of me. I purchased the car used with 134,100 miles. I noticed about 5 months after purchase that the engine would rev and the RPM's would remain high without pressing on the accelerator and the car will move approximately 10-15 MPH without pressing on the accelerator. When roads are wet or when it has been raining, the car is difficult in braking and the brakes often "freeze" where the brake pedal cannot be depressed. Brakes were replaced, but the issue persists. Also, at times, the car engine continues to rev when pressing on the brakes. …
I own a 2000 Volvo S40. We just had our fifth trip to the dealer to correct knocking noise/rattle in the front suspension. Problem started at 44,191 miles. Now at 59,800. Two sets of control arm bushings and two sets of sway bar bushings replaced. Noise returns within 2000 mi of service. Also, I have had the rear brakes go out at 17,500 miles. Pads wore thin and cut into the rotors. That one cost $335. Also, air conditioner went out at 9000 miles. I paid the extra money to get a Volvo because I keep my cars for a long time. (I also own a 18 year old Audi 4000.) I bought Volvo for one word: reliability. I have found that Volvo does not stand behind their products. This S40 is hugely expensive to maintain. I am making far too many trips to the dealer to keep trying to get defects fixed.
2000 Volvo S40 would not stop when applied pressure to brakes. The consumer felt that she have plenty of distance between her vehicle and the other vehicle to stop but the vehicle just wouldn't stop. As a result the consumer's vehicle crashed into the other vehicle. Six months after the accident the consumer received a recall notice on the brake pump which described the failure the consumer experienced. The consumer request reimbursement for all expenses incurred.
While driving the consumer used a higher brake force than usual, resulting in extended stopping distance. The dealer replaced the pump at owner's expense of $800.00. Maintenance record show that routine service including rear brake pads at 19580K miles, at 41416K miles, front pads at 28312K miles and was include in the repairs for incident 56739K miles.
2000 Volvo S40 would not stop when applied pressure to brakes. Six months after the accident, the consumer received a recall notice in the mail regarding the brake pump. The consumer is now seeking reimbursement for damages incurred prior to notification of the recall. Recall 03V474000.
2000 Volvo S40 no brakes until car is at operating temperature. I reported this to the manufacturer and they said to continue to drive the vehicle after letting it warm for a few minutes. I have already rolled into numerous intersections due to no brakes.
The vehicle was taken for an oil change when the consumer found out the rear brakes were completely gone. The rear brake pads and rotors had to be replaced. The total cost for all repairs were $545.61. Also the seat belt had to be replaced.
While driving 45 MPH, the driver applied the brakes and it went down to the floor causing the vehicle to crashed into another vehicle. The vehicle was towed to the dealer. The mechanic replaced the brakes three times. Please provide further details.
Related recalls
Service brakes, hydraulic › Power assist › Vacuum
On certain passenger vehicles, water can enter the electrical brake vacuum pump, causing the pump to fail.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the pump with a new and improved version and move the pump to a new location. Owner notification began on March 15, 2004. Owners should contact Volvo at 1-800-458-1552.
NHTSA investigations
Brake power-assist
VOLVO S40/V40 MY 2000-2001
In a November 6, 2003 safety defect report, Volvo indicated that they will conduct a safety-related defect recall of the 2000 model year (my) subject vehicles (about 36,000 vehicles).Volvo will also conduct a service campaign of about 31,000 2001 my subject vehicles.odi investigated both the 2000 and 2001 my vehicles and determined that the 2001 my vehicles experienced substantially lower rates of failures based on…
Brake complaints in other S40 years
Frequently asked questions
How common are brake problems on the 2000 Volvo S40?
NHTSA has 52 complaints about the brakes of the 2000 Volvo S40, 43% of the model year's 122 complaints. The component named most often is antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip (11 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2000 Volvo S40 brake problems?
Yes — NHTSA recall 03V-474 (vacuum, Nov 17, 2003). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
At what mileage do 2000 Volvo S40 brake problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 55,000 miles, and 25% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 6 crashes, 0 fires and 1 injury to brakes problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
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.