2000 Volvo V40 Reliability Score: 6.5 out of 10

50 NHTSA Complaints

1 Recalls

0 Fire Reports

2 Crash Reports

Reliability Score

6.5 / 10

Reliability score

About as many owner complaints as similar compact hatchbacks

The class average is 7.0. Based on complaints owners filed with NHTSA about the engine, transmission or drivetrain.

Owners filed 11 powertrain complaints. A typical compact hatchback fleet of this size and age would have drawn about 7.

Scores this low have often eased: the three years after looked about 0.8 points better in the typical case.

Breakdown

Complaints overall11 complaints against about 7 for similar vehicles

6.5

Last three years

n/aNot enough data

Engine, transmission or drive unit failed or replaced

n/aNot enough data

Oil consumption, fuel in the oil or overheating

n/aNot enough data

Each line scores one view of the same complaints the same way, so the lines overlap. The mark on each bar is the class average. A line needs 20 expected complaints to show a number.

Similar vehicles are others in the same class, compared at the same age and in the same years. The score counts complaints owners filed with NHTSA, per vehicle built, which is different from the share of vehicles that fail. How the score is worked out

On the record

No serious powertrain recall covering 5% or more of this generation and no escalated investigation in NHTSA's files. Warranty extensions and settlements have not been researched.

Complaints by Engine Code

B4204T2

1.9L 4-cyl / 158 hp

36 complaints 36.0 per year Gasoline

View details

Complaint Breakdown

brakes

engine

cooling

electrical

suspension

Same engine used in

VOLVO S40 (2000-2004)

Volvo V40 Unidentified Engine

14 complaints 14.0 per year

View details

Complaint Breakdown

suspension

brakes

engine

cooling

body

Owner Complaints by System

Complaints owners filed with NHTSA about the Volvo V40, counted across every engine. A complaint can name more than one system.

Brakes: 23 owner complaints

Engine: 10 owner complaints

Cooling System: 10 owner complaints

Suspension: 7 owner complaints

What to check on a used 2000 Volvo V40

On a used 2000 Volvo V40, the systems with the most NHTSA owner complaints are the brakes (23), the engine (10) and the cooling system (10). 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 23 owner complaints on the 2000 Volvo V40 about the brakes.
Start the engine cold and listen for the first 30 seconds, then again at idle once it is warm.Costly repair. NHTSA has 10 owner complaints on the 2000 Volvo V40 about the engine.
With the engine cold, check the coolant level and color, then watch the temperature gauge on the drive.Costly repair. NHTSA has 10 owner complaints on the 2000 Volvo V40 about the cooling system.
Drive over a speed bump and a rough patch at 15 to 20 mph with the radio off.Safety. NHTSA has 7 owner complaints on the 2000 Volvo V40 about the suspension.

Open the full inspection checklist for the 2000 Volvo V40

Recalls (1)

03V474000Nov 17, 2003serious

Service Brakes

ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, WATER CAN ENTER THE ELECTRICAL BRAKE VACUUM PUMP, CAUSING THE PUMP TO FAIL.

Alternatives in Compact Hatchback

3 engines / 84 complaints

6 engines / 505 complaints

4 engines / 250 complaints

Lexus

2011-2017

8.5/10

2 engines / 156 complaints

1 engine / 425 complaints

7 engines / 2,605 complaints

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most common 2000-2000 Volvo V40 complaints?

Owners have filed 50 complaints with NHTSA about the 2000-2000 Volvo V40. The systems they name most often are the brakes, the engine and the cooling system.

Is the 2000-2000 Volvo V40 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 50 complaints with NHTSA about the 2000-2000 Volvo V40. Check which systems they name most often and whether a recall is still open on that car.

How many NHTSA complaints does the 2000-2000 Volvo V40 have?

NHTSA has 50 owner complaints on file for the 2000-2000 Volvo V40 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 2000-2000 Volvo V40?

NHTSA lists 1 recall covering some 2000-2000 Volvo V40 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 V40?

Run the VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup and confirm every open recall has been done. Look hardest at the brakes, the engine and the cooling system, 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 V40 have NHTSA crash test ratings?

NHTSA has not published crash test ratings for the 2000 Volvo V40. Not all vehicles are tested each year. For the latest NHTSA safety information, visit nhtsa.gov/ratings.

Data from NHTSA federal complaints database. 50 complaints analyzed. Data confidence: moderate. Last updated: 2026-10-12.