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NHTSA recalls & complaints · 2000–2011

Volvo S40 recalls, complaints and VIN decoding

NHTSA lists 12 recall campaigns and 491 owner complaints for the Volvo S40, covering model years 2000 to 2011. The 2000 model year drew the most complaints (122), and Electrical System is the component owners name most often.

Source: NHTSA recall and complaint flat files, updated September 25, 2026.

Decode your Volvo S40 VIN

See the model year, plant and build details of one vehicle, then the recalls for its exact year.

  • 12 recall campaigns on file
  • 491 owner complaints (unverified reports to NHTSA)
  • 12 model years with data (2000–2011)
  • most complaints: 2000 (122 for that model year)
  • top component: Electrical System (100 complaints)
  • latest recall 11V186000 (reported Mar 18, 2011)
  • 45 complaints reporting a crash (9.2%)
  • 12 complaints reporting a fire (2.4%)
  • 22 complaints reporting an injury (4.5%)
  • 0 complaints reporting a death (0.0%)

Volvo S40 complaints by model year

12 model years · NHTSA complaints

The 2000 model year has the most complaints: 122 of 491, or 24.8%. Next come 2001 (84) and 2005 (69). The fewest are for 2011, with 5 complaints.

Owner complaints per model yearHighest yearOther years
Volvo S40 owner complaints to NHTSA by model year, 2000–2011Column chart of 491 complaints across 12 model years. The highest is 2000 with 122. The full figures are in the table below the chart.2000: 122 complaints12220002001: 84 complaints8420012002: 27 complaints2720022003: 18 complaints1820032004: 48 complaints4820042005: 69 complaints6920052006: 58 complaints5820062007: 25 complaints2520072008: 16 complaints1620082009: 10 complaints1020092010: 9 complaints920102011: 5 complaints52011
Volvo S40 complaints by model year, with complaints reporting a crash, fire, injury or death
Volvo S40 complaints by model year, with complaints reporting a crash, fire, injury or death
Model yearComplaintsReporting a crashReporting a fireReporting an injuryReporting a death
200012212130
20018411450
2002274020
2003180100
2004485140
2005692010
2006581010
2007254140
2008165020
2009100300
201091000
201150100
All model years4914512220

Crash, fire, injury and death columns count complaints that report at least one of them, not people.

Most-reported Volvo S40 components

top 15 · NHTSA categories

Electrical System is the component named most often, in 100 complaints (20.4% of all 491), followed by Service Brakes, Hydraulic (98) and Engine and Engine Cooling (50).

Components named most often in Volvo S40 complaints (top 15)
Components named most often in Volvo S40 complaints (top 15)
ComponentComplaintsShare of complaints
Electrical System10020.4%
Service Brakes, Hydraulic9820.0%
Engine and Engine Cooling5010.2%
Vehicle Speed Control428.6%
Air Bags387.7%
Visibility306.1%
Engine275.5%
Exterior Lighting255.1%
Power Train255.1%
Structure244.9%
Suspension244.9%
Fuel System, Gasoline234.7%
Fuel/Propulsion System234.7%
Unknown or Other224.5%
Seat Belts163.3%

One complaint can name several components, so the shares add up to more than 100%. Component names are NHTSA’s top-level categories.

What NHTSA owner complaints mean

These figures count complaints that vehicle owners and other members of the public have submitted to NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation. NHTSA uses complaints, together with other data, to spot safety issues that may warrant an investigation and to check whether existing recalls go far enough.

  • They are reports, not findings. Each complaint is the submitter's own account. Its presence in the database does not mean NHTSA has confirmed a defect.
  • Counts are not defect rates. The data doesn't say how many vehicles were sold, so a raw count can't tell you what share of vehicles had a problem.
  • Popular models collect more complaints. A model sold in large numbers will usually gather more complaints than a rare one, simply because more people own it.
  • One complaint can name several components. Totals by component can therefore add up to more than the number of complaints.
  • Coverage starts in 1995. NHTSA's complaint file contains complaints received since January 1, 1995.

Use complaint patterns as a prompt for questions: whether a recall covers the issue, whether the vehicle you are considering has had the fix, and what a mechanic finds on inspection. For confirmed safety defects, see the recall list for this model.

Volvo S40 recalls

12 campaigns · newest first

Every vehicle recall campaign NHTSA lists under the model name S40, newest first. The 12 campaigns cover model years 2000 to 2011. The 2004 model year appears in the most campaigns (6).

  • 12 recall campaigns
Volvo S40 recall campaigns covering each model year
DecadeYears ending in 0Years ending in 1Years ending in 2Years ending in 3Years ending in 4Years ending in 5Years ending in 6Years ending in 7Years ending in 8Years ending in 9
2000: 1 campaign2001: 2 campaigns2002: 1 campaign2003: 2 campaigns2004: 6 campaigns2005: 3 campaigns2006: 3 campaigns2007: 2 campaigns2008: 2 campaigns2009: 3 campaigns
2010: 2 campaigns2011: 2 campaigns
Highlighted: the model year with the most campaigns.

  1. NHTSA campaign 11V186000

    Reported

    Structure › Frame and Members

    Model year 2011

    Volvo is recalling certain model year 2011 S40 passenger vehicles. A crack on the top side of the passenger side support member in the engine compartment may have developed during the forming process in component production.

    Consequence:
    The crack could have an effect on the front structure and may reduce the crash performance of the vehicle.
    Remedy:
    Dealers will inspect for cracks on the top side of the passenger side support member in the engine compartment. If no crack is found, no further action is needed. If the inspection reveals that a vehicle has a crack in the side support member, the vehicle will immediately be taken out of service. A new replacement vehicle of equal specification will be provided by Volvo. The safety recall is expected to begin on or before April 15, 2011. Owners may contact Volvo customer care center at 1-800-458-1552, Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. To 5:00 p.m. Est. Or e-mail at customercare@volvoforlife.com.

    Filed by Volvo Car USA, LLC

  2. NHTSA campaign 10V591000

    Reported

    Seats

    Model years 2009–2011

    Volvo is recalling certain passenger vehicles equipped with power front passenger seats. The front seat rail's detection system was manufactured incorrectly and may permit the passenger to forward the seat beyond the intended maximum.

    Consequence:
    Positioning of the seat beyond the intended maximum can cause increased risk of injury to the passenger in the event of a crash.
    Remedy:
    Dealers will inspect the front power seat stops for both front seats for the presence of an "end stop" and repair the vehicles as necessary free of charge. The safety recall began on December 23, 2010. Owners may contact Volvo at 1-800-458-1552 or at customercare@volvoforlife.com.

    Filed by Volvo Car USA, LLC

  3. NHTSA campaign 10V566000

    Reported

    Equipment › Electrical › Navigational System(Global Positioning System)

    Model years 2004–2010

    Volvo is recalling certain vehicles equipped with garmin 760 portable global positioning system (GPS) units because the batteries on those units may overheat.

    Consequence:
    An overheated battery could lead to a fire.
    Remedy:
    Volvo advises owners to please stop using the garmin portable GPS device immediately, and visit the garmin website to determine if their unit is affected. The unit's battery will be replaced with a new battery and a spacer will be inserted on top of the battery next to the PCB. This service will be performed free of charge. The safety recall began on November 18, 2010. Owners may contact garmin at 866-957-1981 or visit garmin's website at www.garmin.com/nuvibatterypcbrecall.

    Filed by Volvo Car USA, LLC

  4. NHTSA campaign 08V329000

    Reported

    Steering › Hydraulic Power Assist › Hose, Piping, and Connections

    Model years 2008–2009

    Volvo is recalling MY 2008-2009 vehicles. A section of the power steering return line hose was not properly vulcanized (cured) and does not meet specifications. If the power steering return hose fails, a sudden rupture of the hose can occur.

    Consequence:
    This can result in a rapid drainage of the power steering fluid in the system and a complete loss of power assistance, increasing the risk of a crash.
    Remedy:
    Dealers will inspect and replace the steering return line hose assembly free of charge. The recall began on August 13, 2008. Owners may contact Volvo at 1-800-458-1552.

    Filed by Volvo Car USA, LLC

  5. NHTSA campaign 08V101000

    Reported

    Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Foundation Components › Master Cylinder

    Model year 2007

    Volvo is recalling 1,114 MY 2007 C30, C70, S40, and V50 passenger vehicles. A soft anodized layer in the master cylinder may trigger early wear on a rubber seal that can result in internal leakage of brake fluid. If affected, the driver may experience reduced brake performance when applying and maintaining force of the brake pedal.

    Consequence:
    The capacity to brake will gradually deteriorate forcing the driver to use a higher than expected force on the brake pedal when compared to an intact brake system. The deterioration can eventually result in complete loss of the brake system functionality increasing the risk of a crash.
    Remedy:
    Dealers will inspect the master cylinder. The brake master cylinder and brake fluid reservoir will be replaced and certain brake lines cleaned free of charge. The recall began on March 11, 2008. Owners may contact Volvo at 1-800-458-1552.

    Filed by Volvo Car USA, LLC

  6. NHTSA campaign 08V033000

    Reported

    Fuel System, Gasoline › Delivery › Fuel Pump

    Model years 2004–2006

    On certain vehicles sold in or currently registered in the states of Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, West Virginia, Wisconsin, and the District of Columbia, reoccurring, long-term exposure to certain environmental conditions such as salty-wet conditions, it is possible for the pump electronic module (pem) to become corroded internally. This can cause a faulty signal to the fuel pump, resulting in low or no fuel pressure to the engine.

    Consequence:
    If this occurs, the check engine light may illuminate. In some cases, the vehicle may fail to start or may stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
    Remedy:
    Dealers will replace the pem and install it in a new location to prevent corrosion. The recall began on February 20, 2008. Owners may contact Volvo at 1-800-458-1552.

    Filed by Volvo Car USA, LLC

  7. NHTSA campaign 06V137000

    Reported

    Fuel System, Gasoline

    Model years 2004–2006

    On certain passenger vehicles equipped with T5 turbo engines, the polyamide tube in the fuel line is sensitive to the extreme temperatures that may occur in the area where the turbo/exhaust manifold is located.

    Consequence:
    This may potentially result in fuel line leakage. Fuel leakage, in the presence of an ignition source, could result in a fire.
    Remedy:
    Dealers will change the fuel line material to teflon free of charge. The recall began on June 5, 2006. Owners may contact Volvo cars at 1-800-458-1552.

    Filed by Volvo Car USA, LLC

  8. NHTSA campaign 04V493000

    Reported

    Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Power Assist › Vacuum › Hoses, Lines/Piping, and Fittings

    Model year 2004

    On certain passenger vehicles, the non-return valve may crack due to a poor weld causing a vacuum leak.

    Consequence:
    If this occurs, more brake pedal force may be required to stop the vehicle and/or may experience a rough engine idle, which could result in a crash.
    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.

    Filed by Volvo Car USA, LLC

  9. NHTSA campaign 03V474000

    Reported

    Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Power Assist › Vacuum

    Model year 2000

    On certain passenger vehicles, water can enter the electrical brake vacuum pump, causing the pump to fail.

    Consequence:
    This could result in loss of power assist and an increase in needed brake pedal force, which could result in a crash.
    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.

    Filed by Volvo Car USA, LLC

  10. NHTSA campaign 03V424000

    Reported

    Fuel System, Gasoline

    Model years 2003–2004

    On certain sedans and station wagons, there may be a fuel leak from the fuel rail due to inadequate welding.

    Consequence:
    Fuel leakage in the presence of an ignition source could result in a fire.
    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.

    Filed by Volvo Car USA, LLC

Show 2 more recalls

  1. NHTSA campaign 03V284000

    Reported

    Equipment › Other › Labels

    Model years 2001–2004

    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 to the owner. Owner notification began on December 19, 2003. Owners should contact Volvo at 1-800-458-1552.

    Filed by Volvo Car USA, LLC

  2. NHTSA campaign 01V169000

    Reported

    Equipment › Appliance › Air Conditioner

    Model year 2001

    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 1-800-458-1552.

    Filed by Volvo Car USA, LLC

Recall text is shown as NHTSA publishes it; older campaigns, which NHTSA stores in capital letters, are shown in sentence case. NHTSA’s Vehicle Safety Hotline, 1-888-327-4236, also answers recall questions.

How to read this recall list

This list shows every safety recall campaign NHTSA has on file for this make, model and model year. It is not specific to one vehicle: a recall often covers only vehicles built in a certain date range or with a certain part, and many of the vehicles it covers will already have been repaired.

What each recall field means
What each recall field means
FieldWhat it tells you
Campaign numberNHTSA's unique ID for the recall, such as 20V771000. Quote it to a dealer or when searching NHTSA's site.
ComponentThe system or part involved, for example air bags, brakes or electrical software.
SummaryWhat the defect or non-compliance is and which vehicles are covered.
ConsequenceThe safety risk if the problem isn't fixed.
RemedyWhat the manufacturer will do, such as a repair, replacement or software update, and whether it is free.
  • Some recalls carry an NHTSA consumer advisory, “Do Not Drive” or “Park Outside”. Follow it until the repair is done.
  • A single campaign often covers several models or model years, so the same campaign number can appear in more than one list.
  • Recalls are shown as NHTSA publishes them. Very recent campaigns may take time to appear.

Does your vehicle have an open recall? Only a VIN check can tell you. Enter the VIN at NHTSA's recall lookup (opens in a new tab) or on the manufacturer's website. Our VIN recall check guide explains what each option covers.

Volvo S40 questions

5 questions

How many recalls does the Volvo S40 have?

NHTSA lists 12 vehicle recall campaigns for the Volvo S40, covering model years 2000 to 2011. The most recent, 11V186000, was reported on March 18, 2011 and is filed under “Structure”. The 2004 model year is covered by the most campaigns (6).

Which Volvo S40 model year has the most complaints?

The 2000 model year, with 122 of the 491 complaints in NHTSA’s file (24.8%). The next are 2001 (84) and 2005 (69). Complaint counts also reflect how many vehicles of each year were sold and how long they have been on the road, so they are not a reliability ranking.

What is the most common Volvo S40 complaint?

Electrical System is the component named most often: 100 complaints, or 20.4% of all 491. Service Brakes, Hydraulic (98) and Engine and Engine Cooling (50) follow. Complaints are unverified reports from owners, not confirmed defects, and one complaint can name several components.

Does every recall on this page apply to my Volvo S40?

Not necessarily. Each campaign lists specific model years, and many cover only vehicles built in a certain period or fitted with a certain part; repairs already carried out aren’t shown. To see whether a recall is open on your vehicle, enter its VIN at NHTSA’s recall lookup (opens in a new tab) or ask a Volvo dealer.

How many Volvo S40 complaints report a crash, fire, injury or death?

Of the 491 complaints, 45 report a crash, 12 a fire, 22 at least one injury and 0 at least one death. These figures count complaints, not people, and each complaint is the submitter’s own unverified account.

Other Volvo models

8 models · most complaints first

The Volvo models with the most NHTSA complaints, and the Volvo VIN decoder with every Volvo model page, WMI code and VIN note.

  • Volvo XC90 2003–2025 · 35 recalls · 1,521 complaints
  • Volvo S60 2000–2025 · 40 recalls · 1,264 complaints
  • Volvo S80 1999–2016 · 27 recalls · 954 complaints
  • Volvo V70 1996–2016 · 22 recalls · 933 complaints
  • Volvo XC60 2009–2025 · 36 recalls · 647 complaints
  • Volvo S70 1995–2002 · 6 recalls · 593 complaints
  • Volvo XC70 2001–2016 · 19 recalls · 417 complaints
  • Volvo 850 1995–2000 · 4 recalls · 413 complaints

All Volvo models and WMI codesLook up recalls by year

Data: NHTSA recalls and complaints flat files, updated September 25, 2026. Recall campaigns are vehicle (V) campaigns listed for this model name; complaints are counted once per NHTSA ODI number and model year.