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2001 Volvo S40Problems, recalls & complaints

NHTSA has logged 84 owner complaints about the 2001 Volvo S40, most often about the service brakes, hydraulic. It is covered by 2 safety recalls.

2001 Volvo S40
35
CarFlaw IndexUse caution1.8× the S40 median · #2 of 10 years by complaints
Safety recalls2Free fix at dealersOwner complaints8420 with a crash, fire or injuryTypical failure mileage57kService brakes, hydraulic, median miles

Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through July 16, 2020. Updated daily. Photo: Bull-Doser, Public domain.

Complaints by system

Where the 2001 Volvo S40 has problems

84 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, hydraulic254
Engine and engine cooling121
Electrical system103
Vehicle speed control91
Air bags76
Structure51
Engine52
Visibility50
Power train40
13 other systems254

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

2 recalls

2001 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

Appliance: air conditioner

Recall 01V-169 · May 21, 2001 · 19,000 vehicles

Risk. IF THE DIODE FAILS, THE HEATER FAN STOPS OPERATING AND THE DEFROSTER FUNCTION IS AFFECTED.

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

2001 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
1 investigation

NHTSA defect investigations

Federal investigations that included the 2001 Volvo S40, and the recalls they led to.

  1. VOLVO S40/V40 MY 2000-2001EA02026 · closed Nov 21, 2003
    Led to recall 03V-474
In owners' words

What S40 owners report

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

I PURCHASED A VOLVO FOR THEIR REPUTATION ON SAFETY. SO WHY DOES OUR VOLVO HAVE AN ACCELERATION PROBLEM? I COULD BE AT A STOP LIGHT AND THE CAR REVS UP TO 2000 RPM'S AND STARTS TO GO WITH MY FOOT ON THE BRAKE WITH ME ALMOST HITTING THE CAR IN FRONT OF ME THEN WHEN WE FIRST START UP THE CAR THE…
Complaint 10449907 · Mar 1, 2012
TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2001 VOLVO S40. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DRIVER WAS TRAVELING APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH WHEN THE BRAKES WERE APPLIED BUT THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT STOP UNTIL CRASHING INTO ANOTHER VEHICLE. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY AND THE SEAT BELT FAILED TO RETAIN THE DRIVER. A POLICE REPORT…
Complaint 10402992 · May 27, 2011 · 114,000 miles
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 VOLVO S40. WHENEVER THE VEHICLE WAS COLD, THE BRAKES WOULD NOT WORK UNLESS THE PEDAL WAS ENGAGED 6 TIMES. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE BRAKE VACUUM NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 63,000. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 74,000.
Complaint 10312216 · Feb 19, 2010 · 63,000 miles

Own a 2001 S40?

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