Engine complaints by model year
Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (engine, cooling system, oil leaks, timing chain, exhaust).
Mileage when the problem started
What owners report
After buying the vehicle on 7/9/21, the car started having problems with the cooling system. I took it to a repair shop and they said the cooling system was overfilled. The air problem continued. I took it back to the dealership who said they fixed it but it continued. I contacted the prior Manufactuer service center who informed me the computer chip was recommended to be replaced when the dealer had it serviced but they declined, causing all the electrical and cooling issues. I called the dealer and they said they had the alarm disconnected also which was why the computer system wasn't working. The alarm system doesn't work and I have had to replace the key fob 3 times. …
Tl* the contact owns a 2008 Volvo S40. The contact stated that the oil trap and ventilation hose were damaged. The contact stated that the check engine warning indicator illuminated, the vehicle made an abnormal noise, and there was an oil leak in the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic and it was confirmed the failure was in the oil trap and ventilation hose in the engine that needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. There was a technical service bulletin rtj-19745 (engine and engine cooling), which extended the warranty for affected vehicles; however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The approximate failure mileage was 77,800.
Safety concern: 2007 Volvo S40 electronic throttle module failure - causing "reduced engine performance" message and vehicle (2007 Volvo S40) suddenly slows down while in motion, limps and cannot go higher speed. Had barely exited the freeway on 1/24/2017 and this happened as I was on ramp. Could be extremely dangerous if it happened 1 minute before when on freeway. Turned vehicle in right away to local Volvo dealership (which was luckily within 15 minutes) and they diagnosed it to be faulty electronic throttle module needing replacement. Mileage on car 129,000 miles. Wanted to report so this issue can be looked into for safety concern and if the huge cost of replacement can be offset so owners can have peace of mind replacing it timely if there is a recommendation or bulletin (similar to timing belts etc. - which I don't believe there is currently for electronic throttle module).
Tl* the contact owns a 2007 Volvo S40. While driving, there was an abnormal noise coming from the engine and the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the pvc valve failed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 117,000.
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.
2005 Volvo S40 engine air conditioning malfunctioned. When the problem first begun the car would be cool at start then get warm until one day the air conditioning just quit working. I read on this forum authorized Volvo dealership admits this is a common problem in this year/make/model. The compressor clutch or compressor or both required replacing. In a class action lawsuit [filed 2018] http://www.autopartsclass.com/index.php includes the 2005 Volvo S40 air conditioning unit: [see below] congratulations! Your 2005 Volvo S40 is included in the following auto parts cases: in re: instrument panel clusters in re: air conditioning systems in re: alternators in re: windshield wiper systems
Tl* the contact owns a 2005 Volvo S40. When the vehicle was started, there was an abnormal vibration coming from the vehicle. Upon opening the hood and checking the engine, the contact noticed that the passenger side of the engine was fractured. The contact stated that the fracture was along the top side of the engine. The vehicle was not taken to be diagnosed. A dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 43,000.
Frequently asked questions
Which Volvo S40 years have engine problems?
By NHTSA complaints, the 2001 (17), 2005 (16), 2000 (12), 2006 (9) and 2004 (7) model years. Engine complaints make up 20% of all complaints for the 2001.
Is there a recall for Volvo S40 engine problems?
No. NHTSA lists no engine & cooling recall for any Volvo S40 model year. A widespread problem may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin, so ask a dealer.
At what mileage do Volvo S40 engine problems start?
Across all years, half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 78,000 miles; 31% happened before 50,000 miles.
What part fails most often?
Owners most often name the engine (10 mentions), followed by the engine › gasoline (4).
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.