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2000 Volvo S40Problems, recalls & complaints

NHTSA has logged 122 owner complaints about the 2000 Volvo S40, most often about the service brakes, hydraulic. It is covered by 1 safety recall.

2000 Volvo S40
31
CarFlaw IndexUse caution2.3× the S40 median · #1 of 10 years by complaints
Safety recalls1Free fix at dealersOwner complaints12216 with a crash, fire or injuryTypical failure mileage40kService brakes, hydraulic, median miles

Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through June 30, 2021. Updated daily. Photo: Ethan Llamas, CC BY-SA 4.0.

Complaints by system

Where the 2000 Volvo S40 has problems

122 complaints grouped by the system owners reported.

Box size = number of complaints naming that system. Darker = larger share. One complaint can name more than one system.
Complaints by system
SystemComplaintsCrash, fire or injury
Service brakes, hydraulic494
Vehicle speed control173
Suspension140
Electrical system130
Exterior lighting130
Engine and engine cooling101
Seat belts71
Visibility51
Air bags32
11 other systems225

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Complaints are submitted by the public and are not verified by NHTSA.

1 recall

2000 Volvo S40 recalls and how many were fixed

Each ring shows the share of affected cars repaired, from the manufacturer’s latest quarterly report to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.

–no report yet

Power assist: vacuum

Recall 03V-474 · Nov 17, 2003 · 36,000 vehicles

Risk. THIS COULD RESULT IN LOSS OF POWER ASSIST AND AN INCREASE IN NEEDED BRAKE PEDAL FORCE, WHICH COULD RESULT IN A CRASH.

Problem, fix and repair progress →

Recalls apply to specific cars. To see whether a recall is still open on yours, enter the 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or with Volvo.

Best & worst years

2000 vs. every other S40 year

Bars show complaints per model year. Colors show the CarFlaw verdict: complaints weighted for crashes, fires and injuries, adjusted for years on the road and compared with the S40 median. How we score

'00'01'02'03'04'05'06'07'08'09'10'11
  • Avoid
  • Caution
  • Solid
  • Best
  • Not rated
2 investigations

NHTSA defect investigations

Federal investigations that included the 2000 Volvo S40, and the recalls they led to.

  1. VOLVO S40/V40 MY 2000-2001EA02026 · closed Nov 21, 2003
    Led to recall 03V-474
  2. BRAKE POWER-ASSISTPE02009 · closed Sep 10, 2002
    No recall
In owners' words

What S40 owners report

Recent service brakes, hydraulic complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.

IT WAS CLOSE TO 9PM. I HAD EXITED THE FREEWAY TO STOP IN A PARKING LOT TO CHECK DIRECTIONS. I HAD BEEN DRIVING FOR ABOUT AN HOUR, SO I GOT OUT TO WALK AROUND AND BUY A CUP OF COFFEE. I CAME BACK A FEW MINUTES LATER AND DROVE OUT OF THE LOT. THE ON RAMP WAS ABOUT 200 YARDS AWAY AND THERE WAS A RED…
Complaint 10457440 · May 4, 2012 · 151,278 miles
3/6/2007. VOLVO S40 2000. CONTACT HAS A CONCERN WITH THE BRAKES AND THE HEADLIGHTS.*MC THE HEADLIGHTS AND BRAKES FAILED. *JB
Complaint 10184796 · Mar 6, 2007
2000 VOLVO S40 WOULD NOT STOP WHEN APPLIED PRESSURE TO BRAKES. *TS SIX MONTHS AFTER THE ACCIDENT, THE CONSUMER RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE IN THE MAIL REGARDING THE BRAKE PUMP. THE CONSUMER IS NOW SEEKING REIMBURSEMENT FOR DAMAGES INCURRED PRIOR TO NOTIFICATION OF THE RECALL. RECALL 03V474000. *JB
Complaint 10145343 · Nov 25, 2005

Own a 2000 S40?

Decode your VIN to see the recalls for your exact car, then confirm open recalls with NHTSA.