S40 (VS)
Reliability Score
Complaints by Engine Code
B4204T3
View details
Complaint Breakdown
B4204T2
1.9L 4-cyl / 158 hpView details
Complaint Breakdown
B5244S4
2.4L 5-cyl / 168 hpView details
Complaint Breakdown
B5254T3
2.5L 5-cyl / 217 hpView details
Complaint Breakdown
Owner Complaints by System
Complaints owners filed with NHTSA about the Volvo S40, counted across every engine. A complaint can name more than one system.
What to check on a used 2000-2004 Volvo S40
On a used 2000-2004 Volvo S40, the systems with the most NHTSA owner complaints are the brakes (94), the electrical system (41) and the engine (39). Each one has an inspection step below, with counts as of 2026-10-12. A complaint is an owner report, not a confirmed defect, and counts rise with sales.
- On an empty road, brake firmly from 40 mph with a light grip on the wheel.Safety. NHTSA has 94 owner complaints on the 2000-2004 Volvo S40 about the brakes.
- Switch on every electrical item in turn: lights, windows, locks, wipers, climate fan, screen and power outlets.Costly repair. NHTSA has 41 owner complaints on the 2000-2004 Volvo S40 about the electrical system.
- Start the engine cold and listen for the first 30 seconds, then again at idle once it is warm.Costly repair. NHTSA has 39 owner complaints on the 2000-2004 Volvo S40 about the engine, all engines combined.
- With the engine cold, check the coolant level and color, then watch the temperature gauge on the drive.Costly repair. NHTSA has 29 owner complaints on the 2000-2004 Volvo S40 about the cooling system, all engines combined.
- Switch the ignition on and watch the airbag light. On the drive, check the backup camera and any collision or lane warning.Safety. NHTSA has 25 owner complaints on the 2000-2004 Volvo S40 about the airbags and driver-assist systems.
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 PASSENGER VEHICLES, WATER CAN ENTER THE ELECTRICAL BRAKE VACUUM PUMP, CAUSING THE PUMP TO FAIL.
Show 3 older recalls
ON CERTAIN SEDANS AND STATION WAGONS, THERE MAY BE A FUEL LEAK FROM THE FUEL RAIL DUE TO INADEQUATE WELDING.
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 complaints?
Owners have filed 297 complaints with NHTSA about the 2000-2004 Volvo S40. The systems they name most often are the brakes, the electrical system and the engine.
Is the 2000-2004 Volvo S40 a good used car?
That depends on the model year, the mileage and the maintenance history of the car in front of you. Owners have filed 297 complaints with NHTSA about the 2000-2004 Volvo S40. Check which systems they name most often and whether a recall is still open on that car.
How many NHTSA complaints does the 2000-2004 Volvo S40 have?
NHTSA has 297 owner complaints on file for the 2000-2004 Volvo S40 as of the latest data pull. A complaint is an owner's report, not a confirmed defect, and counts rise with sales.
What recalls affect the 2000-2004 Volvo S40?
NHTSA lists 8 recalls covering some 2000-2004 Volvo S40 vehicles. Which ones apply depends on the VIN: enter it at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see the open campaigns on a specific car.
What should I check before buying a used Volvo S40?
Run the VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup and confirm every open recall has been done. Look hardest at the brakes, the electrical system and the engine, the systems owners complain about most. Ask for maintenance records, have an independent mechanic inspect the car and run a vehicle history report for prior accidents and 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. 297 complaints analyzed. Data confidence: high. Last updated: 2026-10-12.