Complaints by model year
| Year | Complaints | vs. typical* | Recalls | Top problem | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2004 | 4 | −58% | 3 | Brake | Good |
| 2003 | 2 | −67% | 2 | Seat Belt | Good |
| 2001 | 11 | 2.4× | 2 | Brake | Average |
| 2000 | 50 | 9.6× | 1 | Brake | Avoid |
* Complaints compared with the median V40 year at the same age, so new and old years are judged fairly. How this works.
Most common Volvo V40 problems
Latest Volvo V40 recalls
Service brakes, hydraulic › Power assist › Vacuum › Hoses, lines/piping, and fittings
On certain passenger vehicles, the non-return valve May crack due to a poor weld causing a vacuum leak.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect, and if necessary, replace the vacuum hose. The recall began on November 29, 2004. Owners should contact Volvo cars at 1-800-458-1552.
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.
Fuel system, gasoline
On certain sedans and station wagons, there May be a fuel leak from the fuel rail due to inadequate welding.
Remedy: Dealers will install a v-clamp to the fuel rail. Owner notification began on January 28, 2004. Owners should contact Volvo at 1-800-458-1552.
Equipment › Other › Labels
Certain passenger cars fail to comply with the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 225, "child restraint anchorage systems." the second isofix guide was not installed in these vehicles and, in certain cases, the owner's manual isofix information is incorrect.
Remedy: Owners will receive a letter/package consisting of the second isofix guide with installation instructions, and in certain cases, the corrected owner's manual May be provided.
Equipment › Appliance › Air conditioner
Vehicle description: sedan and wagon passenger vehicles. A diode in the electronic climate control system May have a reduced service life.
Remedy: Dealers will install an adapter with a diode fitted to the heater fan motor. Owner notification began June 11, 2001. Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not…
Frequently asked questions
What years of the Volvo V40 should you avoid?
2000 — this year has the most complaints relative to other V40 years at the same age, led by brakes problems in the 2000.
What is the best year for the Volvo V40?
2003 has the fewest complaints compared with other V40 years at the same age, followed by 2004. 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 V40 problems?
Across all years, owners report the most problems with the brakes (30), engine & cooling (13) and suspension (7). Brake complaints peak in the 2000 model year.
How many recalls has the Volvo V40 had?
5 recalls across 2000–2004. The model year with the most is 2004. See all Volvo V40 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.