Most common 2006 Volvo S40 problems
Share of the 58 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.
Volvo S40 complaints by model year
Best S40 years: 2010, 2011, 2009. Years to avoid: 2000, 2001, 2005, 2006, 2004. Compare all years →
2006 Volvo S40 recalls (3)
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.
Fuel system, gasoline › Delivery › Fuel pump
On certain vehicles sold in or currently registered in the states of connecticut, delaware, illinois, indiana, iowa, maine, maryland, massachusetts, michigan, minnesota, missouri, new hampshire, new jersey, new york, ohio, pennsylvania, rhode island, vermont, west virginia, wisconsin, and the district of columbia, reoccurring,…
Remedy: Dealers will replace the pem and install it in a new location to prevent corrosion. The recall began on February 20, 2008. Owners May contact Volvo at 1-800-458-1552.
Fuel system, gasoline
On certain passenger vehicles equipped with t5 turbo engines, the polyamide tube in the fuel line is sensitive to the extreme temperatures that May occur in the area where the turbo/exhaust manifold is located.
Remedy: Dealers will change the fuel line material to teflon free of charge. The recall began on June 5, 2006. Owners May contact Volvo cars at 1-800-458-1552.
What 2006 Volvo S40 owners say
Electrical system all 24 →
Prior to this incident, my car idled down and pressing the gas did not prevent it from coming to a complete stop. The check engine light illuminated and all of the lights came on to include, warning lights, airbag, stability control, and others including ABS. Fortunately we had just exited the highway to purchase fuel and was in no immediate danger. Because of the vehicles age it was recommended we have the starter, oxygen sensor, spark plugs, 1 coil pack, and battery replaced; and the fuses, fuel pump, fuel filter, alternator and wiring examined, but they did not need to be replaced. After reading other complaints about the electrical problems of this vehicle, I am seriously wondering if this car is safe. …
We had been experiencing rain showers on the way to work the Volvo twice had all the lights on the dash board light up but the car did not stall. I was afraid the air bag might deploy. As soon as I got home I had my husband check to see if he could locate the problem. He found was that the carpet was soaked on the drivers side .and the. Wiring running under the carpet was also wet. We have not moved the car and are trying to dry everything. It has also continued to rain off and on. My husband has found some information on the internet which could be related to this problem and will try to see if this might be the solution to our problem.
Engine & cooling
Found complaints on multiple sites about issue found on my vehicle . The oil filter housing corrugated breathing hose was so badly rotted was only little piece left rest fell off somewhere while operating vehicle. On top of that issue im ssuming due to thiss problem and it on going until I got check engine light it has caused oil filter housing itself to go bad im assuming in part to all oil build up from hose missing causing vacuum issues' why isnt his car that has same issue as others that were recalled with same exact operating and looking part with same exact hose rotting issue causing oil filter housing to become built up with gunk causing leaks both air and oil.. .. Pleae answer these issues for it shows how much Volvo cares about quality of there products
Tl* the contact owns a 2006 Volvo S40. The contact stated that while driving at 65 MPH, the engine stalled while the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was able to restart. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where the failure was not determined. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not aware of the failure and the VIN was not included in NHTSA campaign number: 08V033000 (fuel system, gasoline). The failure mileage was approximately 78,000.
Body & structure
Vehicle passenger rear floor flooding continuously. One day the windshield wipers wouldn't turn off and none of the interior electrical equipment would work, no power windows or locks. Drove to Volvo, they stated clogged sunroof drain and that floormat had affected the ECM under the steering column. They cleared drain and cleaned floor for $1K. A year later the front drivers seat floor started flooding. Experienced many electrical problems since. Including an instance entering the highway when the power steering seemed to go out and the car stalled. The screen told me to pull over safely. Very scary.
Water leaked into my vehicle through the sunroof, destroyed the computer and air airbag system. The carpets are soaked with standing water sitting in the body of the front passenger side of the vehicle. I took my vehicle to the dealership and was told the sunroof drainage tubes where clogged. I was then quoted a price for repairs which totaled in excess of $2000.00.
2006 Volvo S40 engines & fuel economy
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG city / hwy / combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2.5L 5-cyl turbo | 6-speed manual | FWD | 20 / 29 / 23 |
| 2.4L 5-cyl | 5-speed manual | FWD | 19 / 27 / 22 |
| 2.4L 5-cyl | 5-speed automatic | FWD | 19 / 27 / 22 |
| 2.5L 5-cyl turbo | 5-speed automatic | FWD | 19 / 28 / 22 |
| 2.5L 5-cyl turbo | 6-speed manual | 4WD/AWD | 18 / 26 / 21 |
| 2.5L 5-cyl turbo | 5-speed automatic | 4WD/AWD | 18 / 25 / 20 |
EPA ratings. Class: Compact car.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2006 Volvo S40 a good car?
Based on 58 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2006 S40 rates avoid: 2.3× as many complaints as a typical year of the S40 at the same age. It is one of the S40 years we suggest avoiding. Complaint counts don't account for sales volume or individual maintenance, so have any used car inspected before buying.
What is the most common problem with the 2006 Volvo S40?
The electrical system — 24 complaints, 41% of all complaints for this model year, most often about instrument cluster/panel. Next are the engine & cooling (9) and body & structure (9).
How many recalls does the 2006 Volvo S40 have?
There are 3 recalls for the 2006 Volvo S40, the most recent from November 8, 2010 (navigational system(global positioning system)). Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer — check whether yours has been done with the VIN recall check.
What are the best and worst years of the Volvo S40?
The best years by complaints, compared at the same age, are 2010, 2011 and 2009. Years to avoid or approach with caution: 2000, 2001, 2005, 2006 and 2004. See the full Volvo S40 years comparison.
At what mileage do 2006 Volvo S40 problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 75,000 miles; 26% of problems with a recorded mileage started before 50,000 miles.
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.