S40 (VS)
Engine Reliability Ratings
B5244S4
2.4L 5-cyl / 168 hpView details
Complaint Breakdown
Known Issues
B5254T3
2.5L 5-cyl / 217 hpView details
Complaint Breakdown
Known Issues
B4204T3
View details
Complaint Breakdown
Known Issues
B4204T2
1.9L 4-cyl / 158 hpView details
Complaint Breakdown
Known Issues
1 additional engine variant with fewer than 10 complaints not shown.
Vehicle-Level Issues
These issues affect the Volvo S40 regardless of engine variant.
Recalls (8)
VOLVO IS RECALLING CERTAIN VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH GARMIN 760 PORTABLE GLOBAL POSITIONING SYSTEM (GPS) UNITS BECAUSE THE BATTERIES ON THOSE UNITS MAY OVERHEAT.
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.
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.
ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, THE NON-RETURN VALVE MAY CRACK DUE TO A POOR WELD CAUSING A VACUUM LEAK.
ON CERTAIN SEDANS AND STATION WAGONS, THERE MAY BE A FUEL LEAK FROM THE FUEL RAIL DUE TO INADEQUATE WELDING.
ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, WATER CAN ENTER THE ELECTRICAL BRAKE VACUUM PUMP, CAUSING THE PUMP TO FAIL.
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.
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: SEDAN AND WAGON PASSENGER VEHICLES. A DIODE IN THE ELECTRONIC CLIMATE CONTROL SYSTEM MAY HAVE A REDUCED SERVICE LIFE.
All Generations
Alternatives in Compact Sedan
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most common 2000-2004 Volvo S40 problems?
The 2000-2004 Volvo S40 has accumulated 321 NHTSA complaints. The most frequently reported problem areas are Brakes, Electrical System, Engine. As with any used vehicle, a pre-purchase inspection and vehicle history report are recommended.
Which Volvo S40 engine is most reliable?
The 2000-2004 Volvo S40 was offered with 5 engine options. Based on NHTSA complaint data, the ?L ?-cyl has the lowest complaint density and is considered the most reliable choice for buyers.
Is the 2000-2004 Volvo S40 a good used car?
The 2000-2004 Volvo S40 can be a solid used car purchase depending on trim, mileage, and maintenance history. With 321 total NHTSA complaints on record, prospective buyers should review the known problem areas and check for open recalls before buying.
How many NHTSA complaints does the 2000-2004 Volvo S40 have?
The 2000-2004 Volvo S40 has 321 complaints filed with NHTSA as of our latest data pull. Complaint counts reflect owner-reported issues and do not necessarily indicate defects or safety risks on their own.
What recalls affect the 2000-2004 Volvo S40?
There are 8 NHTSA recalls affecting some 2000-2004 Volvo S40 vehicles. Recall status varies by VIN — check the NHTSA recall database at recalls.nhtsa.dot.gov with your specific VIN to confirm which campaigns apply.
What should I check before buying a used Volvo S40?
Before buying a used Volvo S40, verify all open recalls are completed via the NHTSA VIN lookup tool. Pay particular attention to Brakes, Electrical System, Engine, which are the most commonly reported problem areas. Request maintenance records, have an independent mechanic inspect the vehicle, and run a vehicle history report to check for prior accidents or title issues.
Does the S40 have NHTSA crash test ratings?
NHTSA has not published crash test ratings for the 2000-2004 Volvo S40. Not all vehicles are tested each year. For the latest NHTSA safety information, visit nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Data from NHTSA federal complaints database. 321 complaints analyzed. Data confidence: high. Last updated: 2026-04-07.