2001 VOLVO S40

2 recalls — 112 complaints

03V284000 Aug 1, 2003
EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS
Defect Description
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.
Consequence
THIS DOES NOT MEET THE REQUIREMENTS OF THE STANDARD.
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. IF THE OWNER WANTS TO TAKE THEIR VEHICLE TO A VOLVO DEALER FOR INSTALLATION OF THE GUIDE, IT WILL BE PERFORMED AT NO CHARGE ... Read more
220,407 vehicles affected
Manufacturer: VOLVO CARS OF N.A. LLC.
01V169000 May 21, 2001
EQUIPMENT:APPLIANCE:AIR CONDITIONER
Defect Description
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: SEDAN AND WAGON PASSENGER VEHICLES. A DIODE IN THE ELECTRONIC CLIMATE CONTROL SYSTEM MAY HAVE A REDUCED SERVICE LIFE.
Consequence
IF THE DIODE FAILS, THE HEATER FAN STOPS OPERATING AND THE DEFROSTER FUNCTION IS AFFECTED.
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 RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT VOLVO AT 1-800-458-... Read more
19,000 vehicles affected
Manufacturer: VOLVO CARS OF NA, INC.

Complaint Statistics

112 total complaints 16 crashes 6 fires 9 injuries

Top Reported Components

ComponentComplaints
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL9
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC7
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM7
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC:PADS6
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING5
ENGINE5
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP4
VISIBILITY:SUN/MOON ROOF ASSEMBLY4
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS3
STRUCTURE:BODY3
ENGINE Jul 16, 2020
Incident date: Jul 15, 2020
ME AN MY HUSBAND WAS DRIVING THE CAR AN IT STARTED TO RUN HOT SO WE WENT AN GOT THE PART TO GO ON THE CAR AN WHEN WHEN WE GOT BACK TO MY FATHER IN LAW HOUSE THE CAR CUT OFF AN STARTED TO SMOKE REAL BAD THEN WENT INTO FLAMES AN WHEN WE FIRST GOT THE CAR WE GOT EVERYTHING FIX ON IT AN THEN WHEN YOU PL... Read more
Fire
STRUCTURE:BODY Jul 16, 2020
Incident date: Jul 15, 2020
ME AN MY HUSBAND WAS DRIVING THE CAR AN IT STARTED TO RUN HOT SO WE WENT AN GOT THE PART TO GO ON THE CAR AN WHEN WHEN WE GOT BACK TO MY FATHER IN LAW HOUSE THE CAR CUT OFF AN STARTED TO SMOKE REAL BAD THEN WENT INTO FLAMES AN WHEN WE FIRST GOT THE CAR WE GOT EVERYTHING FIX ON IT AN THEN WHEN YOU PL... Read more
Fire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM Jul 16, 2020
Incident date: Jul 15, 2020
ME AN MY HUSBAND WAS DRIVING THE CAR AN IT STARTED TO RUN HOT SO WE WENT AN GOT THE PART TO GO ON THE CAR AN WHEN WHEN WE GOT BACK TO MY FATHER IN LAW HOUSE THE CAR CUT OFF AN STARTED TO SMOKE REAL BAD THEN WENT INTO FLAMES AN WHEN WE FIRST GOT THE CAR WE GOT EVERYTHING FIX ON IT AN THEN WHEN YOU PL... Read more
Fire
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM Aug 13, 2019
Incident date: Jul 1, 2018
I BOUGHT A 2001 VOLVO S40 FROM TOM BLEVINS OWNER OF POPPLES GARAGE. THE ODOMETER QUIT WORKING AS SOON AS I BOUGHT IT. THE KEY WOULD GET STUCK IN THE IGNITION AND WOULD HAVE TO BE LEFT IN THE IGNITION. THE DRIVERS SIDE WINDOW GOT STUCK IN THE DOWN POSITION BECAUSE OF A FAULTY CONTROLLER. THE HOOD HY... Read more
STEERING Aug 13, 2019
Incident date: Jul 1, 2018
I BOUGHT A 2001 VOLVO S40 FROM TOM BLEVINS OWNER OF POPPLES GARAGE. THE ODOMETER QUIT WORKING AS SOON AS I BOUGHT IT. THE KEY WOULD GET STUCK IN THE IGNITION AND WOULD HAVE TO BE LEFT IN THE IGNITION. THE DRIVERS SIDE WINDOW GOT STUCK IN THE DOWN POSITION BECAUSE OF A FAULTY CONTROLLER. THE HOOD HY... Read more
VISIBILITY/WIPER Aug 13, 2019
Incident date: Jul 1, 2018
I BOUGHT A 2001 VOLVO S40 FROM TOM BLEVINS OWNER OF POPPLES GARAGE. THE ODOMETER QUIT WORKING AS SOON AS I BOUGHT IT. THE KEY WOULD GET STUCK IN THE IGNITION AND WOULD HAVE TO BE LEFT IN THE IGNITION. THE DRIVERS SIDE WINDOW GOT STUCK IN THE DOWN POSITION BECAUSE OF A FAULTY CONTROLLER. THE HOOD HY... Read more
ENGINE Jun 6, 2019
Incident date: Jun 6, 2019
IGNITION KEY WILL NOT TURN PAST POSITION 2 ALLOWING FOR ENGINE STARTING. THE VEHICLE WITH STATIONARY IN PARK.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM Jun 6, 2019
Incident date: Jun 6, 2019
IGNITION KEY WILL NOT TURN PAST POSITION 2 ALLOWING FOR ENGINE STARTING. THE VEHICLE WITH STATIONARY IN PARK.
EXTERIOR LIGHTING Aug 7, 2016
Incident date: Jun 15, 2016
I'VE CONTACTED VOLVO AND DEMANDED MY MONEY BACK AND THEY REFUSED, THIS IS MY NEXT STEP BEFORE TAKING THEM TO COURT FOR A MEASILY 2,500. THIS CAR HAS CAUSED ME A HEADACHE UNLIKE ANY OTHER, THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM FAILS IN THIS CAR AND PASSES THROUGH IT MALFUNCTIONING ONE THING AFTER THE NEXT, MY BACK W... Read more
Crash 1 injured
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM Aug 7, 2016
Incident date: Jun 15, 2016
I'VE CONTACTED VOLVO AND DEMANDED MY MONEY BACK AND THEY REFUSED, THIS IS MY NEXT STEP BEFORE TAKING THEM TO COURT FOR A MEASILY 2,500. THIS CAR HAS CAUSED ME A HEADACHE UNLIKE ANY OTHER, THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM FAILS IN THIS CAR AND PASSES THROUGH IT MALFUNCTIONING ONE THING AFTER THE NEXT, MY BACK W... Read more
Crash 1 injured
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM Aug 7, 2016
Incident date: Jun 15, 2016
I'VE CONTACTED VOLVO AND DEMANDED MY MONEY BACK AND THEY REFUSED, THIS IS MY NEXT STEP BEFORE TAKING THEM TO COURT FOR A MEASILY 2,500. THIS CAR HAS CAUSED ME A HEADACHE UNLIKE ANY OTHER, THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM FAILS IN THIS CAR AND PASSES THROUGH IT MALFUNCTIONING ONE THING AFTER THE NEXT, MY BACK W... Read more
Crash 1 injured
ENGINE Jan 12, 2016
Incident date: Jan 11, 2016
CAR CAUGHT FIRE WITHOUT WARNING AS I WAS DRIVING IT. CAR HAD 93,000 AND HAD PASSED VA INSPECTION IN AUGUST. I PULLED OVER AND CALLED 911. BY THE TIME THE FIRE DEPARTMENT ARRIVED 3 MINUTES LATER, ENTIRE ENGINE WAS ENGULFED IN LARGE FLAMES. THE TEMPERATURE GAUGE NEVER INDICATED THE ENGINE WAS RUNNING ... Read more
Fire
UNKNOWN OR OTHER Oct 19, 2015
Incident date: Jun 9, 2015
THE VEHICLE IS UNABLE TO PASS INSPECTION. THE FOLLOWING PARTS WERE CHANGE AIR CLEANER ASSEMBLY, AIR CLEANER SENSOR, FUEL SYSTEM FILTER, FUEL SYSTEM VENT HOSE, FUEL SYSTEM GROUND STRAP, FUEL SYSTEM COVER, FUEL SYSTEM GASKET AND FUEL SYSTEM PUMP SENDER ASSEMBLY. MY SON HAD 3 TICKETS FOR NO INSPECTIO... Read more
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM Oct 19, 2015
Incident date: Jun 9, 2015
THE VEHICLE IS UNABLE TO PASS INSPECTION. THE FOLLOWING PARTS WERE CHANGE AIR CLEANER ASSEMBLY, AIR CLEANER SENSOR, FUEL SYSTEM FILTER, FUEL SYSTEM VENT HOSE, FUEL SYSTEM GROUND STRAP, FUEL SYSTEM COVER, FUEL SYSTEM GASKET AND FUEL SYSTEM PUMP SENDER ASSEMBLY. MY SON HAD 3 TICKETS FOR NO INSPECTIO... Read more
EQUIPMENT Dec 29, 2014
Incident date: Dec 16, 2014
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 VOLVO S40. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE HEATER FAN STOPPED OPERATING AND THE DEFROSTER FUNCTION WAS AFFECTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 01V169000 (EQUIPMENT). THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE... Read more
SERVICE BRAKES Nov 21, 2014
Incident date: Nov 19, 2014
WHILE DRIVING BRAKE WARNING LIGHT WENT ON.BRAKE PEDAL GOT SOFT & SLOWLY WENT TO FLOOR. WHEN VEHICLE WAS CHECKED IT WAS DISCOVERED THAT THE BRAKE LINES TO REAR BRAKES HAD RUSTED THROUGH AND WERE LEAKING FLUID. MASTER CYLINDER WAS ALMOST EMPTY. THE BRAKE LINES ON THIS CAR ARE SUPPOSED TO BE MADE OF A... Read more
AIR BAGS Aug 19, 2013
Incident date: Aug 17, 2013
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 VOLVO S40. THE CONTACT WAS TRAVELING 40 MPH AND CRASHED HEAD-ON INTO ANOTHER VEHICLE. UPON IMPACT, THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED HEAD AND NECK INJURIES. THE POLICE WERE NOTIFIED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A PRIVATE MECHANIC WHERE THE CONTACT WAS AWAI... Read more
Crash 1 injured
WHEELS Apr 21, 2013
Incident date: Mar 13, 2013
MY CAR VIBRATES WHENEVER I REACH 60 MPH AND CONTINUES TO VIBRATES IF I TRY TO ACCELERATE BUT STOPS WHEN I DECELERATE. I WAS TOLD IT COULD BE A BALANCE PROBLEM BUT WHY WOULD THE WHOLE CAR VIBRATE? I WAS ALSO TOLD IT MAY BE WORN OR OLD MOTOR MOUNTS, WHICH I BELIEVE THAT MORE THAN IT BEING A BALANCE PR... Read more
ENGINE Apr 21, 2013
Incident date: Mar 13, 2013
MY CAR VIBRATES WHENEVER I REACH 60 MPH AND CONTINUES TO VIBRATES IF I TRY TO ACCELERATE BUT STOPS WHEN I DECELERATE. I WAS TOLD IT COULD BE A BALANCE PROBLEM BUT WHY WOULD THE WHOLE CAR VIBRATE? I WAS ALSO TOLD IT MAY BE WORN OR OLD MOTOR MOUNTS, WHICH I BELIEVE THAT MORE THAN IT BEING A BALANCE PR... Read more
ENGINE Aug 1, 2012
Incident date: Jul 31, 2012
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 VOLVO S40. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING 35 MPH WHEN THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO RESTART THE VEHICLE. THE ENGINE RPMS INCREASED EXCESSIVELY AS THE VEHICLE STALLED A SECOND TIME. THE FAILURE RECURRED SEVERAL TIMES. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN DIAGNO... Read more
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL Mar 1, 2012
Incident date: Feb 20, 2012
I PURCHASED A VOLVO FOR THEIR REPUTATION ON SAFETY. SO WHY DOES OUR VOLVO HAVE AN ACCELERATION PROBLEM? I COULD BE AT A STOP LIGHT AND THE CAR REVS UP TO 2000 RPM'S AND STARTS TO GO WITH MY FOOT ON THE BRAKE WITH ME ALMOST HITTING THE CAR IN FRONT OF ME THEN WHEN WE FIRST START UP THE CAR THE BRAKES... Read more
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC Mar 1, 2012
Incident date: Feb 20, 2012
I PURCHASED A VOLVO FOR THEIR REPUTATION ON SAFETY. SO WHY DOES OUR VOLVO HAVE AN ACCELERATION PROBLEM? I COULD BE AT A STOP LIGHT AND THE CAR REVS UP TO 2000 RPM'S AND STARTS TO GO WITH MY FOOT ON THE BRAKE WITH ME ALMOST HITTING THE CAR IN FRONT OF ME THEN WHEN WE FIRST START UP THE CAR THE BRAKES... Read more
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM Dec 10, 2011
Incident date: Nov 25, 2011
ENGINE STALLED WHILE THE CAR WAS IN A MOVING MOTION. A CRACKED CASE OF THE BREATHER SENSOR DAMAGED IDLE AIR CONTROL VALVE AND BLOWN THE FUSE FOR THE ENGINE SENSORS.THIS IS A VERY SERIOUS PROBLEM. LUCKILY, I WAS NOT ON HIGH WAY AND RUNNING 65 MILES A HOUR. MY SON AND I WOULD BE KILLED. WITHOUT WARNIN... Read more
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE Dec 10, 2011
Incident date: Nov 25, 2011
ENGINE STALLED WHILE THE CAR WAS IN A MOVING MOTION. A CRACKED CASE OF THE BREATHER SENSOR DAMAGED IDLE AIR CONTROL VALVE AND BLOWN THE FUSE FOR THE ENGINE SENSORS.THIS IS A VERY SERIOUS PROBLEM. LUCKILY, I WAS NOT ON HIGH WAY AND RUNNING 65 MILES A HOUR. MY SON AND I WOULD BE KILLED. WITHOUT WARNIN... Read more
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL Sep 2, 2011
Incident date: Sep 1, 2011
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 VOLVO S40. WHILE ATTEMPTING TO PARK AT APPROXIMATELY 1 MPH, THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY ACCELERATED. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO REMOVE THE KEY FROM THE IGNITION TO SHUT THE ENGINE OFF YET THE FAILURE RECURRED INTERMITTENTLY AND THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED UP TO 80 MPH. THE MANUFACTURER... Read more
SEAT BELTS May 27, 2011
Incident date: May 24, 2011
TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2001 VOLVO S40. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DRIVER WAS TRAVELING APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH WHEN THE BRAKES WERE APPLIED BUT THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT STOP UNTIL CRASHING INTO ANOTHER VEHICLE. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY AND THE SEAT BELT FAILED TO RETAIN THE DRIVER. A POLICE REPORT WA... Read more
Crash 1 injured
AIR BAGS May 27, 2011
Incident date: May 24, 2011
TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2001 VOLVO S40. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DRIVER WAS TRAVELING APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH WHEN THE BRAKES WERE APPLIED BUT THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT STOP UNTIL CRASHING INTO ANOTHER VEHICLE. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY AND THE SEAT BELT FAILED TO RETAIN THE DRIVER. A POLICE REPORT WA... Read more
Crash 1 injured
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC May 27, 2011
Incident date: May 24, 2011
TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2001 VOLVO S40. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DRIVER WAS TRAVELING APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH WHEN THE BRAKES WERE APPLIED BUT THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT STOP UNTIL CRASHING INTO ANOTHER VEHICLE. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY AND THE SEAT BELT FAILED TO RETAIN THE DRIVER. A POLICE REPORT WA... Read more
Crash 1 injured
UNKNOWN OR OTHER Apr 14, 2011
Incident date: Apr 14, 2011
2001 VOLVO S40 SUDDENLY STARTS ACCELERATING ON ITS OWN REGARDLESS OF THE SPEED I AM TRAVELLING. IT CAN HAPPEN AT SLOW SPEEDS OR HIGHWAY SPEEDS. IT HAPPENS REGARDLESS OF WHETHER THE CRUISE CONTROL IS ON OR OFF. IT HAPPENS REGARDLESS OF WHETHER MY FOOT IS ON THE BREAK OR THE ACCELERATOR. IN OTHER ... Read more
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING Nov 5, 2010
Incident date: Oct 29, 2010
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 VOLVO S40. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING, THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY CAUGHT FIRE. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT EXTINGUISHED THE FIRE AND THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN INSPECTED FOR THE CAUSE OF THE FIRE. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE APPROXIMATELY 8... Read more
Fire
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL Sep 16, 2010
Incident date: Sep 15, 2010
MY 2001 VOLVO S40 HAS ACCELERATING ON IT'S OWN, WHETHER IT IS IN PARK, DRIVE OR NEUTRAL MODE. THIS HAS BEEN HAPPENING ON AND OFF BUT MOST RECENTLY FOR THE PAST TWO WEEKS. MY MECHANIC HAS NOT BEEN ABLE TO RESOLVE THE ISSUE. VERY DANGEROUS SITUATION. *TR
WHEELS Jul 6, 2010
Incident date: Jun 27, 2010
2001 VOLVO S40 SEVERAL TIMES WITHIN THE LAST YEAR OR TWO THE LUG NUTS ON THE TIRES HAVE WORKED THEIR WAY LOOSE TO THE POINT OF ALMOST HAVING THE TIRE FALL OFF DESPITE WORK PERFORMED AT EXPERIENCE VOLVO DEALERSHIPS OR MECHANIC SHOPS. *TR
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:POWER ASSIST:VACUUM Feb 19, 2010
Incident date: Feb 19, 2009
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 VOLVO S40. WHENEVER THE VEHICLE WAS COLD, THE BRAKES WOULD NOT WORK UNLESS THE PEDAL WAS ENGAGED 6 TIMES. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE BRAKE VACUUM NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 63,000. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 74,000.
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL Feb 10, 2010
Incident date: Aug 21, 2009
I'D LIKE TO REPORT UNINTENDED ACCELERATION IN MY VOLVO S40. IT STARTED LAST SUMMER AND OCCURRED SPORADICALLY UNTIL WINTER AND HAS NOT OCCURRED SINCE THEN. NO REPAIRS WERE MADE DURING THIS TIME AND I HAVE NOT TAKEN IT TO THE DEALER. SEVERAL TIMES LAST SUMMER I EXPERIENCED SUDDEN ACCELERATION THAT ... Read more
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC Jan 6, 2010
Incident date: Dec 28, 2009
I BOUGHT A 2001 VOLVO S40 IN JUNE 2009. I NOTICED RIGHT AWAY THAT THE BRAKES DIDN'T SEEM TO WORK PROPERLY, AS THE STOPPING DISTANCE WAS FAR TOO LONG. THEY ASSURED ME THE BRAKES WERE BRAND NEW. AFTER DRIVING IT A FEW WEEKS, I BECAME VERY NERVOUS ABOUT THE BRAKES BECAUSE I HAD COME CLOSE TO REAR ENDIN... Read more
Crash
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC Jan 4, 2010
Incident date: Nov 14, 2007
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 VOLVO S40. WHENEVER THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED LONGER THAN 2 HOURS THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE BRAKES FAILED TO OPERATE. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN DIAGNOSED BY THE DEALER AND THERE WERE NO PRIOR WARNINGS. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 112,131 AND THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS AT 88000.
POWER TRAIN Aug 23, 2009
Incident date: Dec 19, 2007
I HAVE A 2001 VOLVO S40. AT ABOUT 90,000 MILES THE GEAR SHIFT BUTTON BROKE. NOW YOU CAN CHANGE THE GEARS WITH OUT PRESSING THE BRAKE PEDAL. I HAVE SMALL CHILDREN SO I HAVE TO KEEP MY CAR LOCKED AT ALL TIMES WHEN I'M NOT IN IT. IF THEY WERE TO BE IN IT THEY COULD PULL IT OUT OF PARK WITH NO PROBLEM ... Read more
SERVICE BRAKES, ELECTRIC Aug 23, 2009
Incident date: Nov 15, 2007
I HAVE A 2001 VOLVO S40 WITH BRAKE PROBLEMS. IN THE MORNINGS WHEN I GET IN MY CAR AND BACK UP I HAVE TO ALMOST STAND UP ON THE BRAKES TO STOP MY CAR. I HAVE ALMOST WENT OUT IN FRONT OF OTHERS CARS BECAUSE MY BRAKES WILL NOT HARDLY STOP. THIS OCCURS DAILY. IF MY CAR SITS FOR A FEW HOURS IT DOES IT AL... Read more
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM Feb 12, 2009
Incident date: Feb 4, 2009
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 VOLVO S40. WHILE DRIVING AT AN UNKNOWN SPEED, THE CONTACT HEARD A LOUD NOISE COMING FROM THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE. HE INVESTIGATED AND NOTICED THAT THE EXHAUST PIPE WAS LOOSE FROM THE BASE. THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT A WARRANTY WAS OFFERED FOR THE DEFECT; HOWEVER, THE ... Read more
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING Oct 14, 2008
Incident date: Sep 10, 2008
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 VOLVO S40. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 45 MPH, THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE FOLLOWING DAY, THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT START. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER AND THEY STATED THAT A COOLANT FLUSH WAS NEEDED. THE REPAIRS WERE ... Read more
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING Sep 11, 2008
Incident date: Sep 11, 2008
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 VOLVO S40. SHORTLY AFTER PURCHASING THE VEHICLE, AND DRIVING AT ANY SPEED, THERE WAS EXCESSIVE VIBRATION INSIDE THE PASSENGER COMPARTMENT. THE FAILURE OCCURRED MOSTLY WHILE IDLING AND HAS PROGRESSIVELY WORSENED OVER TIME. THE DEALER STATED THAT THERE WERE NO FAILURES WI... Read more
STRUCTURE Aug 4, 2008
Incident date: Apr 18, 2008
SOMETHING, POSSIBLY A RAIL, FLEW OFF OF MY VOLVO S40 (2001) ON THE HIGHWAY. SUBSEQUENTLY, THE SUNROOF WAS UNABLE TO CLOSE BECAUSE OF GETTING HUNG UP ON THE SUNSHADE. WHEN I BROUGHT IT INTO THE SHOP, I LEARNED THAT THE RAILS WHICH HAD HELD THE SUNROOF IN PLACE HAD BECOME DETACHED FROM THE GLASS BEC... Read more
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:POWER ASSIST:VACUUM Oct 29, 2007
Incident date: Jul 11, 2007
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 VOLVO S40. EACH MORNING, THE BRAKES WOULD FAIL. THE CONTACT HAD TO LEAVE THE VEHICLE RUNNING FOR APPROXIMATELY FIVE MINUTES BEFORE THE BRAKES BECAME OPERATIONAL. HE TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER AND THEY STATED THAT THE PUMP NEEDED TO BE REPLACED AND THE VIN WAS NOT IN... Read more
EQUIPMENT:APPLIANCE:AIR CONDITIONER Apr 27, 2007
Incident date: Feb 1, 2007
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 VOLVO S40. THE CONTACT WAS NOTIFIED THAT THIS VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN RECALL # 01V169000 CONCERNING EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:AIR CONDITIONER DUE TO THE VIN ACCORDING TO THE MANUFACTURER. WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS BROUGHT TO DEALER TO BE SERVICED, VOLKSWAGEN INTERNATIONA... Read more
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:EMISSION CONTROL Mar 20, 2007
Incident date: Oct 18, 2002
TL* - THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 VOLVO S40. THE VEHICLE HESITATED WHEN ACCELERATING. THE VEHICLE IDLED ROUGHLY. THE DEALER COULD NOT FIND ANYTHING WRONG. THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT STARTED TURNING ON. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 36,000. THE DEALER REPLACED THE O2 SENSOR THE VEHICLE CONTINUED TO HESITATE ,... Read more
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM Mar 12, 2007
Incident date: Mar 9, 2006
A DEFECT HAS OCCURRED SINCE I PURCHASED THE CAR IN 2005. THE VEHICLE IS A 2001 VOLVO S40 . THE DEFECT IS WITH A RESISTOR FOR THE HEATER BLOWER MOTOR THAT OPERATES ERRATICALLY. THIS TYPE OF DEFECT WAS IDENTIFIED AS NHTSA RECALL NUMBER 01V169000. THE DEALER REFUSES TO REPAIR FOR FREE. THE RESISTOR... Read more
SEAT BELTS Dec 16, 2006
Incident date: Nov 8, 2006
SEAT BELT ISSUE. *JB
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL Dec 11, 2006
Incident date: Nov 16, 2006
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED THE VEHICLE LOST POWER WHILE DRIVING 50 MPH AND ENTERED THE LIMP HOME MODE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A PRIVATE REPAIR SHOP, WHO WAS UNABLE TO DETERMINE THE PROBLEM. THE MANUFACTURER WAS ALSO NOTIFIED. THERE WAS A NHTSA RECALL #06V441000, WHICH PERTAINS TO THE VEHICLE SPEED... Read more
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL Nov 29, 2006
Incident date: Aug 5, 2005
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED THE VEHICLE LOST POWER AT ANY SPEED DURING ACCELERATION. THERE WERE NO WARNINGS PRIOR TO THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE SERVICE DEALER, WHO COULD NOT IDENTIFY THE CAUSE OF THE PROBLEM.*AK
UNKNOWN OR OTHER Mar 6, 2006
Incident date: Feb 25, 2006
2001 VOLVO S40. WHEN YOU START THE CAR AIR BLOWS HARD INSIDE THE CAR EVEN THOUGH THE FAN KNOB IS ON "0". WILL NOT TURN OFF, DRIVE OR PARK. PROBLEM APPEARED ALL OF A SUDDEN 10 DAYS AGO AND IS PERSISTENT AND CONSISTENT. OTHER OWNERS OF THIS MODEL HAVE IDENTICAL ISSUE, FROM VOLVOFORUMS.COM. *JB

Showing 50 of 112 complaints.

NHTSA Safety Investigations — VOLVO S40

Investigations opened by NHTSA into potential safety defects. These are separate from recalls and may or may not result in a recall.

EA02026 Opened: Sep 10, 2002 — Closed: Nov 21, 2003
EA — Closed — Model Year: 2001
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 AN... Read more

VOLVO S40 — All Years Overview

Complete safety history for the VOLVO S40 across all model years (2000–2011).

29 Total Recalls
677 Total Complaints
1 Investigations
65 Reported Crashes
18 Reported Fires
0 Reported Deaths

VOLVO S40 — Year by Year

Compare recalls and complaints across model years. Click any year to see full details.

Year Recalls Complaints
2011 2 7 View
2010 2 11 View
2009 3 14 View
2008 2 27 View
2007 2 36 View
2006 3 81 View
2005 3 91 View
2004 6 75 View
2003 2 23 View
2002 1 34 View
2001 (current) 2 112
2000 1 166 View

Other VOLVO Models

Model Recalls Complaints
VNL 232 176 View
VHD 192 20 View
VNM 142 13 View
VN 125 150 View
S60 122 1,657 View
XC60 121 864 View
XC90 113 2,165 View
V70 92 1,181 View