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 V40 owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
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.
Here is how the problem first starts to occur. It starts out as an intermittent thing and gradually progresses to every time. Car has been off for a period of time. The car is started, placed in reverse to back out of the driveway, the brake pedal is depressed to stop the car and place into drive. During the first braking attempt the brake pedal is depressed to the floor to get the car to stop (the power braking seems to fail). The brakes operate normally at the second braking attempt. This problem progresses over time where braking becomes sluggish at all braking attempts. What has prompted me to issue this complaint is my wife almost rear ended the car in front of her in a quick stop situation. Volvo has replaced components centered around the brake vacuum system. These items have included the vacuum pump (twice), hoses, and a fuse. …
This is an ongoing problem with the brake system in this vehicle, which began in the first weeks of ownership and has continued to the present, and which includes both the brake power assist system which is reflected in a non-response to depression of the brake pedal and an excessive and uneven brake pad problem. Extensive but fruitless communications have been conducted with Volvo customer service and legal representatives resulting in the preparation of a legal complaint for which relief will be sought under colorado's lemon law and under theories of fraud and breach of warranty. Nlm
Brake pads prematurely worn almost to the rotors only 20,000 miles, 90% highway driving. Dealer told us that was abnormal wear and the car was manufactured with softer pads to prevent squealing and will replace at my cost with harder break pads that should last longer. Dealer said this has been a problem with many of the V40's " one lady had to replace them at 11,000 miles".
Brake system in car works poorly when car is cold or left for a few hours. Significantly more brake pressure is required to stop the car when car is cold. Problem has been "fixed" three times but has returned again. Evidently this is related to failure of a vacuum pump used to provide additional brake vacuum for the master cylinder when the engine is cold.
Volvo of no am contacted about wear of brake pads. They offered a 15% discount on the repair bill and claim no liability on their part for the poor wear,lack of quality control in choosing the pad material, failure to alert consumers of the defective wear and potential danger, ESP. Those owners who are not diligent about inspecting their brakes.
While driving home from work and trying to pull into the community development, went to apply brakes, and they depressed about 1 inch. Was not able to stop. Had to take foot off brakes, then slammed on them, and vehicle stopped. Also, steering wheel became very stiff, and engine died for a brief moment, and then functioned normally.
Brakes not depressing, happened on our car and on the loaner we have from Volvo twice in the last week. The engine: a black puff of smoke came out the back, the oil light flashed on and the engine locked before I could pull over to the shoulder. There was not electrical warning and no physical warning (leaking oil etc.).
I have had a problem with my brakes since I purchased the car. When I use the car after it has been sitting for a while, it feels like the brakes aren't working. You have to depress the pedal further and harder than normal for the car to stop. After a few brake applications, the brakes appear to work normally.
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 V40 years
Frequently asked questions
How common are brake problems on the 2000 Volvo V40?
NHTSA has 23 complaints about the brakes of the 2000 Volvo V40, 46% of the model year's 50 complaints. The component named most often is antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip (7 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2000 Volvo V40 brake problems?
Yes — NHTSA recall 03V-474 (vacuum, Nov 17, 2003). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
At what mileage do 2000 Volvo V40 brake problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 29,000 miles, and 33% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 1 crash, 0 fires and 2 injuries 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.