Most common 2000 Volvo V40 problems
Share of the 50 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.
Volvo V40 complaints by model year
Best V40 years: 2003, 2004. Years to avoid: 2000. Compare all years →
2000 Volvo V40 recalls (1)
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 defect investigations
Federal safety investigators have looked into 2 possible defects involving the 2000 Volvo V40:
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…
What 2000 Volvo V40 owners say
Brakes all 23 →
Dt*: the contact stated while driving at 55 MPH the brakes failed resulting in a crash. A police report was filed at the scene and the driver and passenger sustained minor injuries. The dealership determined on certain vehicles water can enter the electrical brake vacuum pump, causing the pump to fail. There is a NHTSA recall, # 03V474000, regarding the service brakes hydraulic power assist vacuum. The VIN was not included in the recall.
Brakes failed coming into my driveway. Able to stop car by using emergency brake. Could have caused a crash. Brought to be serviced. Mechanic reported that it was failed left front brake hose due to spring support rubbing through. This hose has been replaced and the old part is available. Mechanic also reported that right front brake hose needs to be replaced because of same reason. An appointment for this has been scheduled and part will be available. He feels this will be a design issue.
Engine & cooling
On July 19,2008, our 2000 Volvo V40 lost power while driving 65 MPH on us 29 in virginia. The car was still running, but it did not respond to the accelerator. We were able to safely pull off the road, and have car towed to our mechanic. We were told the problem was a sensor failure. According to our service records, the boost pressure sensor and camshaft reset valve was replaced. Three days later, on July 26, 2008, the same thing happened - this time in the middle of a busy intersection. Again, fortunately, the car remained running and seemed to limp along to get out of the way of traffic. Again, the car was towed to our mechanic, where they have been unable to diagnose the problem. A little internet search on our part uncovered a series of similar complaints regarding what appears to be the problem - an etm failure. We are in the process of working with our mechanic to get this fixed.
Ever since I bought the 2000 Volvo V40 stationwagon from a private dealership I've had nothing but problems trying to start the car. When trying to crank up vehicle it takes a couple of seconds before the car actually starts and it smells like gas afterwards. I've taken it to the mechanics and they have given it a full tune up and replaced the injectors but still I have the same problem.
Suspension
Upon returning to the dealership for the third time for a complaint about a suspicious sounding thump or clunk in the passenger-side rear of our 2000 Volvo V40, it was discovered that both coil springs had broken. The vehicle at the time of repair has 50,080 miles on it; when the noise was first reported to the dealer on 12/09/04 the car had 37,448 miles. Both springs broke identically at the first coil where they sit in the base plate of the strut assembly. Both fractures are a spiral cut through the coils wire, like a fatigue or stress fracture. The dealer replaced the coils at my expense which included the extra cost of replacing both control arms and strut assemblies because of the difficulties they had removing the bolts due to corrosion ($1103). After my complaint, they offered to cover the cost of the springs only ($200) which allowed them to keep the springs. …
Failure of upper strut mount bushings causing loss of suspension / steering. Replaced for the third time on 2000 v-40 Volvo. Recently Volvo offered a newly designed heavy duty mount at three time the replacement cost demonstrating that original equipment mount was severely under designed.
2000 Volvo V40 engines & fuel economy
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG city / hwy / combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1.9L 4-cyl turbo | 4-speed automatic | FWD | 19 / 26 / 21 |
EPA ratings. Class: Wagon.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2000 Volvo V40 a good car?
Based on 50 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2000 V40 rates avoid: 9.6× as many complaints as a typical year of the V40 at the same age. It is one of the V40 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 2000 Volvo V40?
The brakes — 23 complaints, 46% of all complaints for this model year, most often about antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip. Next are the engine & cooling (10) and suspension (7).
How many recalls does the 2000 Volvo V40 have?
There is 1 recall for the 2000 Volvo V40, the most recent from November 17, 2003 (vacuum). 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 V40?
The best years by complaints, compared at the same age, are 2003 and 2004. Years to avoid or approach with caution: 2000. See the full Volvo V40 years comparison.
At what mileage do 2000 Volvo V40 problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 65,000 miles; 33% 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.