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2002 Volvo S40Problems, recalls & complaints

NHTSA has logged 27 owner complaints about the 2002 Volvo S40, most often about the service brakes, hydraulic. It is covered by 1 safety recall.

2002 Volvo S40
64
CarFlaw IndexSolid year43% below the S40 median · #7 of 10 years by complaints
Safety recalls1Free fix at dealersOwner complaints276 with a crash, fire or injuryTypical failure mileage104kService brakes, hydraulic, median miles

Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through December 21, 2017. Updated daily. Photo: IFCAR, Public domain.

Complaints by system

Where the 2002 Volvo S40 has problems

27 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, hydraulic61
Electrical system51
Engine and engine cooling30
Exterior lighting30
Suspension30
Air bags22
Power train20
Visibility20
Service brakes10
4 other systems42

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

1 recall

2002 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.

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

2002 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
NHTSA crash tests

2002 Volvo S40 safety ratings

2002 Volvo S40 4-DR. w/SAB in NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program. Photos are from NHTSA's crash tests.

  • Stability control: Optional
  • Forward collision warning: No
  • Lane departure warning: No
In owners' words

What S40 owners report

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

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 VOLVO S40. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE BRAKES WERE APPLIED WHILE REVERSING AND THE PEDAL TRAVELED TO THE FLOORBOARD ABNORMALLY. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO A LOCAL MECHANIC WHERE THE MECHANIC ADVISED THAT THERE WAS A CRACK IN THE MASTER CYLINDER. THE MASTER CYLINDER…
Complaint 10424125 · Sep 7, 2011 · 150,000 miles
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 VOLVO S40. WHILE DRIVING 30 MPH THE CONTACT ENGAGED THE BRAKES WHEN THE VEHICLE IN FRONT OF HER SLOWED DOWN CAUSING A CRASH. THE VEHICLE FAILED TO SLOW DOWN WHEN THE BRAKES WERE APPLIED. THE CONTACT WAS NOT INJURED. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE CONTACTS VEHICLE HAD…
Complaint 10375160 · Jan 7, 2011 · 104,000 miles
TYPES OF RECURRING ISSUES WITH VOLVO S40: HEADLIGHTS, DRIVER FRONT WINDOW MOTOR, EARLY BRAKE PAD WEAR. HEADLIGHT BULBS WERE REPLACED 2-3 TIMES A YEAR AT CONSUMER'S COST. WHEN BROUGHT TO THE ATTENTION OF VOLVO DEALER THEY REPORTED THAT IT WAS PROBABLY DUE TO LIGHTS BEING USED DURING DAYLIGHT. THEY…
Complaint 10191517 · May 22, 2007 · 2,000 miles

Own a 2002 S40?

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