Engine
1.9L 4-cyl
How to read this file. Complaint records are unverified owner submissions to the federal safety agency. Counts are raw, not adjusted for sales volume or vehicle age. Recall campaigns apply to the model; only a VIN check shows whether this car is affected or repaired. Parts shown are named by an editorial note or listed as a search directory; none is a diagnosis. Full methodology.
Fault profile
Complaint-component records on this vehicle, grouped by family. A complaint naming two systems counts once in each.
Complaints are owner-reported and not verified by the agency.
When it fails
The timing of this vehicle's reported failures, from the complaint file itself. A cluster tells you what to expect and when; it is shaped by reporting behavior as well as by the vehicle.
Vehicle age when the failure occurred
Years between the model year and the owner's reported failure date. Based on 110 of 122 complaints with a usable failure date.
Odometer when the failure occurred
Owner-reported mileage at failure, in 20,000-mile bands. Based on 46 of 122 complaints reporting a plausible odometer (500 to 500,000 miles; unverified).
Known issues
The component families with the most complaint records against this vehicle. Counts, crash and fire figures belong to the whole family, not to any single named issue. Parts listed are related system parts, not a diagnosis.
Brakes
56 complaint records6 crash reports
"WHILE DRIVING AND WITH NO WARNING BRAKES WENT OUT. THIS COULD HAVE CAUSED AN ACCIDENT. CAUSE UNKNOWN. DEALER NOTIFIED.*AK..."- one owner's federal complaint about this system; it may not describe the issue named above
Parts
No specific part is named for this issue. Browse brakes parts in the directory →
Speed control
17 complaint records3 crash reports
"DEALER/MANUFACTURER CLAIMED THAT NO KNOWN PROBLEMS EXISTED, BUT NHTSA HAD COMPLAINT ODI ID 879358 SINCE 7/1/2000. NO SAFETY DEFECGT LISTED. *AK..."- one owner's federal complaint about this system; it may not describe the issue named above
Parts
No specific part is named for this issue. Browse speed control parts in the directory →
Suspension
15 complaint records
"THE VEHICLE CONTINUALLY PULLS TO THE LEFT OR RIGHT, THE DEALER HAS PERFORMED NUMEROUS ALIGNMENTS BUT THE PROBLEM STILL EXIST. NLM..."- one owner's federal complaint about this system; it may not describe the issue named above
Parts
No specific part is named for this issue. Browse suspension parts in the directory →
Federal defect investigations
Formal investigations opened by the federal safety agency into this vehicle. An investigation is the step between a complaint pattern and a recall; not every one results in one.
| Investigation | Status | Component | Subject |
|---|---|---|---|
| EA02026 opened Sep 2002 | closed Nov 2003 | Service Brakes, Hydraulic | VOLVO S40/V40 MY 2000-2001 - led to recall 03V474000 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... |
| PE02009 opened Jan 2002 | closed Sep 2002 | Service Brakes, Hydraulic | BRAKE POWER-ASSIST |
Recall campaigns
Safety-recall remedies are normally provided at no charge. Under US federal law the mandatory free remedy applies when the vehicle was no more than 15 years old at the time the defect was determined; manufacturers often cover older vehicles voluntarily. Canadian rules differ. Confirm eligibility with the manufacturer using the VIN. Each campaign number links to the federal record.
| Campaign | Component | Summary | Remedy |
|---|---|---|---|
| 03V474000 | Service Brakes, Hydraulic | ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, WATER CAN ENTER THE ELECTRICAL BRAKE VACUUM PUMP, CAUSING THE PUMP TO FAIL. | Normally free |
Service bulletins and warranty extensions
Manufacturer communications to dealers on file with the federal agency: repair instructions, service campaigns, and warranty extensions. A warranty extension means the manufacturer may pay for a repair the recall table does not cover.
| Bulletin | Type | Component | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| 35526.1.8 Apr 2026 | Engine | This is a Technical Journal: Text plus 2 PDFs and 1 .PNG Oil Consumption test. Perform the test. Follow service procedure Description and Service sections updated to clarify that vehicle reports are not required. | |
| 37809.1.1 Apr 2026 | Unknown Or Other | This is a TJ text only - The purpose of this TJ is to be a master reference list to easily identify any components that are on prior approval. | |
| 19245 Dec 2025 | Unknown Or Other | This is a Technical Journal. Vehicle type and platform identification. | |
| 8501 Apr 2025 | Exterior Lighting | This is a Technical Journal: Remote connection, BOMGAR application. Before joining a remote session: •Connect a suitable battery maintainer/charger and verify that the battery voltage indicated in VIDA is between 12.5V and 14.9V. •Connect to the vehicle over a wired... | |
| S10303 Feb 2025 | SERVICE CAMPAIGN | Unknown Or Other | Volvo Cars USA LLC and Volvo Car Canada LTD on behalf of the Volvo Car Corporation has decided to launch Service Action S10303 on certain model year 2025 EX90 vehicles. Volvo Car Investigations have identified that there is a pairing issue with the key fob. As a... |
Show 55 more bulletins
| Bulletin | Type | Component | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| 8501 Jan 2025 | Exterior Lighting | This is a Technical Journal: Remote connection, BOMGAR application. Before joining a remote session: •Connect a suitable battery maintainer/charger and verify that the battery voltage indicated in VIDA is between 12.5V and 14.9V. •Connect to the vehicle over a wired... | |
| 37175 Jan 2025 | Unknown Or Other | This is a Technical Journal: Vehicle/Connectivity report checklist. To provide timely and high-quality feedback to the appropriate department or factory | |
| TJ27536.21.1-2024-08-07 Aug 2024 | Electrical System | Information about valid Software partnumbers to order and download Software for "PDS" Pre-Delivery Service | |
| 26745.13.14 Jan 2024 | Electrical System | This is a Technical Journal: 12V Battery Testing Method | |
| C00009 Jul 2023 | Unknown Or Other | COMPLIMENTARY UPGRADE C00009 DESCRIPTION. | |
| TJ3656330 Jun 2023 | Unknown Or Other | Rubber cushion | |
| Special Tools Bu May 2022 | Unknown Or Other | The Deutronic DBL-1200 is an advanced battery maintainer/charger with the flexibility to be updated as products and repair methods evolve. | |
| Service Manager May 2022 | Equipment | ICUP/Google Built-In Diagnostic Operations | |
| 356EN01 Feb 2022 | Equipment | VIDA QR Scanner Mobile App | |
| Service Manager Feb 2022 | Electrical System | Shipping and Handling of Volvo Lithium-ion 48V Mild Hybrid Battery to Global Battery Solutions (GBS) | |
| SMB00-288-2021-0 Feb 2021 | Equipment | Volvo?s Warranty Department tracks Retailer warranty spending by utilizing the Warranty Retailer Counseling Process (WRCP). The WRCP is used to gauge individual retailer performance on objective measures over time. | |
| ST-001-2020-09-1 Sep 2020 | Equipment Adaptive/Mobility | Mandatory Tool List bulletin: Volvo mandatory Special Tools are necessary for technicians to properly diagnose and repair Volvo cars. They are used in development of Volvo labor operations and repair methods, and promote safety and quality repairs in a timely manner. | |
| SMB00-006-2020-0 Aug 2020 | Electrical System | This is a Service Manager Bulletin: Service 2.0 Software & Total Upgrade Reminder | |
| SMB31-001-2020-0 Jul 2020 | Electrical System | This is a Service Manager Bulletin: Volvo Lithium-ion Hybrid Battery Packs shipping and handling to Volvo Reman | |
| ST-001-2020-06-2 Jul 2020 | Equipment Adaptive/Mobility | Mandatory Tool List bulletin: Volvo mandatory Special Tools are necessary for technicians to properly diagnose and repair Volvo cars. They are used in development of Volvo labor operations and repair methods, and promote safety and quality repairs in a timely manner. | |
| Service Manager Jun 2020 | Electrical System | Battery Charger/maintainer requirement | |
| SMB00-013-2020-0 Jun 2020 | Equipment | Service Manager Bulletin: Vehicle Type and Platform Information | |
| SMB00-006-2020-0 Mar 2020 | Electrical System | This is a Service Manager Bulletin: Service 2.0 Software & Total Upgrade Reminder | |
| ST-001-2020-01-2 Jan 2020 | Equipment | Mandatory Tool List bulletin: Volvo mandatory Special Tools are necessary for technicians to properly diagnose and repair Volvo cars. They are used in development of Volvo labor operations and repair methods, and promote safety and quality repairs in a timely manner. | |
| SMB00-325-2019-1 Dec 2019 | Equipment Adaptive/Mobility | Service Manager Bulletin TITLE : Service Action Notification Re - Mails GROUP : NO : ISSUING DEPARTMENT : CAR MARKET : Product Safety & Compliance United States and Canada 00 325 REFERENCE BULLETINS : DATE : SMB00 - 323 and SMB00 - 323A YEAR MONTH DAY SERVICE SERVICE WARRANTY... | |
| TJ31946.1.2-2019 Nov 2019 | Electrical System | This is a Technical Journal: Swapping control modules from vehicle to vehicle for diagnostics should be avoided. Swapping control modules may result in consequential damage to the swapped control module and in certain cases several other control modules in the vehicle. | |
| TJ31946.1.1-2019 Nov 2019 | Electrical System | This is a Technical Journal: Swapping control modules from vehicle to vehicle for diagnostics should be avoided. Swapping control modules may result in consequential damage to the swapped control module and in certain cases several other control modules in the vehicle. | |
| SMB00-438-2019-1 Nov 2019 | Equipment | This is a Service Manager Bulletin: Technician Skillset Requirments | |
| SMB00-006-2019-1 Nov 2019 | Electrical System | Software Installation Policy changes. | |
| TJ31543.9.0-2019 Nov 2019 | Electrical System | This is a Technical Journal: This Journal is a guide for performing Software Downloads. Service: *See guide updated Oct. 12, 2016 for relevant P5/SPA Software Download information: P5_SPA_SW_Guide.pdf See VIDA Software tab for all other vehicles.The attached checklists can be... | |
| ST-001-2019-10-1 Oct 2019 | Equipment | Mandatory Tool List bulletin: Volvo mandatory Special Tools are necessary for technicians to properly diagnose and repair Volvo cars. They are used in development of Volvo labor operations and repair methods, and promote safety and quality repairs in a timely manner. | |
| TJ21965.7.0-2019 Oct 2019 | Engine And Engine Cooling | This is a Technical Journal: Oil in cooling system. New cleaning method developed. | |
| SMB00 438 2019-0 Aug 2019 | Equipment | This is a Service Manager Bulletin: Technician Skillset Requirments | |
| SMB00 108C 2019- Aug 2019 | Equipment | Retailers should only use a Volvo part number on claims for items purchased directly from Volvo. Failure to follow this policy will result in claim adjustments. | |
| SMB00 108 2019-0 Aug 2019 | Equipment | Retailers should only use a Volvo part number on claims for items purchased directly from Volvo. Failure to follow this policy will result in claim adjustments. | |
| SMB00 006 2019-0 Aug 2019 | Electrical System | Software Installation Policy changes. | |
| SMB84 001 2019-0 Aug 2019 | Visibility | This is a Service Manager Bulletin: Windshield replacement products. | |
| SPJ34864 2 0-201 Jun 2019 | Electrical System | This is a Service Product Journal: Information Notice. We process the personal data that you provide in connection with the creation of your VIDA account. | |
| PB77-006-2019-05 May 2019 | Wheels | Winter Wheel Applications including rim sizes, steel wheel parts numbers and wheel cover part numbers | |
| ST-001-2019-03-0 Mar 2019 | Equipment | Mandatory Tool List bulletin: Volvo mandatory Special Tools are necessary for technicians to properly diagnose and repair Volvo cars. They are used in development of Volvo labor operations and repair methods, and promote safety and quality repairs in a timely manner. | |
| TJ28941-4-0-2019 Feb 2019 | Equipment Adaptive/Mobility | This is a Technical Journal: When sensitive information, like vehicle speed, brake usage, etc. (customer behavoiur information) of a car is required from Volvo Car Corporation from external sources, either of these two documents should be filled in and attached to the affected... | |
| PB00-013-2019-02 Feb 2019 | Equipment | This is a Parts Bulletin: Hazmat Return Transportation Documentation and requirements | |
| PB77-006-2019-02 Feb 2019 | Equipment | Winter Wheel Applications including rim sizes, steel wheel parts numbers and wheel cover part numbers | |
| SMB00-437-2019-0 Feb 2019 | Equipment Adaptive/Mobility | This is a Service Manager Bulletin: Volvo Special Tool Warranty Coverage and Claims Process | |
| TJ21965-5-0-2019 Feb 2019 | Engine And Engine Cooling | This is a Technical Journal: Oil in cooling system. New cleaning method developed. | |
| SMB00-231-2018-1 Jan 2019 | Equipment | The Volvo Certified Pre-Owned (VCPO) warranty on all vehicles certified and retailed on or after 1/1/05 - 10/31/18 will be administered and paid through the Volvo warranty system. | |
| SMB88-001A-2018- Dec 2018 | Equipment | This bulletin is a service manager bulletin. Seat Belt Extender. | |
| ST-001-2018-11-2 Dec 2018 | Equipment Adaptive/Mobility | Mandatory Tool List bulletin: Volvo mandatory Special Tools are necessary for technicians to properly diagnose and repair Volvo cars. They are used in development of Volvo labor operations and repair methods, and promote safety and quality repairs in a timely manner. | |
| ST-002-2018-08-1 Aug 2018 | Equipment | This is a Service Manager Bulletin. This bulletin is a list of equipment recommended by Volvo to it's dealer or any shop maintaining or repairing Volvo's. The equipment can be provided by Volvo's equipment supplier | |
| ST-227-2018-08-1 Aug 2018 | Tires | Road Force wheel balancing is the proper tool for diagnosing and repairing such issues and all of our retailers need to be prepared for these issues. | |
| TJ34013-1-2-2018 Aug 2018 | Equipment | This is a Technical Journal: Vehicle Key Not Found | |
| ST002 Jul 2018 | Equipment | This is a Service Manager Bulletin. This bulletin is a list of equipment recommended by Volvo to it's dealer or any shop maintaining or repairing Volvo's. The equipment can be provided by Volvo's equipment supplier | |
| TJ31543 4 6-2018 May 2018 | Electrical System | This is a Technical Journal: This Journal is a guide for performing Software Downloads. Service: *See guide updated Oct. 12, 2016 for relevant P5/SPA Software Download information: P5_SPA_SW_Guide.pdf See VIDA Software tab for all other vehicles.The attached checklists can be... | |
| TJ31543-4-6 May 2018 | Electrical System | This is a Technical Journal: This Journal is a guide for performing Software Downloads. Service: *See guide updated Oct. 12, 2016 for relevant P5/SPA Software Download information: P5_SPA_SW_Guide.pdf See VIDA Software tab for all other vehicles.The attached checklists can be... | |
| SMB00-071-2018-0 May 2018 | Equipment | Description of Goodwill Policy and Guidelines. | |
| SMB00-071 May 2018 | Equipment | Description of Goodwill Policy and Guidelines. | |
| TJ19245114 May 2018 | Equipment | VOLVO CARS SERVICE AND PARTS BUSINESS Technical Journal TITLE : Vehicle type and platform identification REF NO : ISSUING DEPARTMENT : CAR MARKET : United States and Canada TJ 19245 Technical Service PARTNER : ISSUE DATE : 3 US 7510 Volvo Cars North America YEAR MONTH DAY 2014... | |
| PB77-017-2018-03 Mar 2018 | Equipment | This is a Parts Bulletin: Wheel Cross Reference, used to assist in identifying the correct spare replacement wheel, by stamping, name and size. | |
| SMB00-006-2018-0 Mar 2018 | Equipment | Software Installation Policy changes. | |
| SMB00-006C-2018- Mar 2018 | Electrical System | Software Installation Policy changes - Canada |
Showing 60 of 163 distinct bulletins on file for this vehicle.
Before you buy this vehicle
A test-drive checklist generated from this vehicle's own complaint and recall record.
- Brake hard once from speed on an empty road.A pull to one side, a pulsing pedal, a pedal that sinks at a stop, or an ABS light that stays lit are the brake complaints on this vehicle presenting themselves.
- Test the throttle response and the cruise control on an open road.A surge, a hang in engine speed after lifting off, or cruise that will not set or cancel cleanly are the speed-control complaints on this vehicle.
- Find the roughest road nearby.Clunks over bumps, a droning hum that changes when the car leans, or a corner that sits low are this vehicle's suspension complaints. Wheel bearings and control arm bushings lead the parts list.
- Run the VIN against open recalls before you negotiate.This vehicle has 1 recall campaign on file. An open recall needs VIN-specific confirmation. Many are quick, no-charge fixes and worth negotiating over; an unresolved do-not-drive advisory, or a remedy the manufacturer has not yet made available, should stop the purchase until it is resolved.
- Ask for the service history in writing, then read it against this page.The complaint families above are where owners of this vehicle report trouble. Repairs in exactly those systems are evidence the car had the problem; no such repairs could mean it never developed it, or that it was never fixed. The test-drive items above are how you tell those apart.
Parts search directory
The generic parts list for this vehicle has its own page: a search launcher for every system, filtered by fuel type and era but not by engine, trim, or brake type. It is not a diagnosis and not a fitment guarantee.
Open the parts directory for this Volvo S40 →