RoadVitals

2005 Volvo S40 Problems

Owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA, grouped by component

Data refreshed

Owner complaintsComplaints are reports submitted to NHTSA by owners and drivers. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a complaint does not establish that a defect exists. Volume is influenced by how many of a vehicle were sold, how long it has been on the road, and how much attention an issue has received.
69
Latest Mar 20, 2024
Components namedHow many of our component categories appear on at least one report for this model year. One report can name several.
16
Crash or fire reportedComplaints whose submitter recorded that a crash or a fire occurred. These are the reporter's own answers on the NHTSA form, not verified findings.
2

What this page shows

Everything below is an owner-reported complaint submitted to NHTSA about the 2005 Volvo S40, grouped by the component NHTSA recorded on the report. These are not confirmed defects, and they are not recalls. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a category with more reports in it is not evidence that a part is defective.

Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.

Reports by component

Ranked by how many owner reports name each component category

  • Electrical1922.1%
  • Engine1618.6%
  • Airbags55.8%
  • Brakes55.8%
  • Visibility55.8%
  • Seat belts33.5%
  • Interior & seats22.3%
  • Other / unspecified22.3%
  • Powertrain (other)22.3%
  • Body & structure22.3%
  • Exterior lighting11.2%
  • Steering11.2%
  • Suspension11.2%
  • Tires & wheels11.2%
  • Driver assistance11.2%

Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.

Each component in detail

What the reports in each category say, in the owners' own words

Fuel system

Reports naming fuel storage or delivery — tanks, pumps, lines, injectors and fuel leaks.

20
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

The contact's wife owns a 2005 Volvo S40. The contact stated the vehicle was difficult to start for several days. Eventually, the failure progressed and the vehicle was not able to start. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was repaired by the contact, a previous Volvo technician. The contact stated the failure was due to the pump electrical module being located out of the vehicle. The contact spoke with the dealer. The contact referenced The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 170,000.

NHTSA ID 11578530 · filed Mar 20, 2024

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 VOLVO S40. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT AN UNDISCLOSED SPEED, THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE FUEL PUMP ELECTRONIC MODULE HAD FAILED DUE TO RUSTING AND CORROSION. THE FUEL PUMP ELECTRONIC MODULE WAS REPLACED AND THE FAILURE WAS REMEDIED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER 08V033000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE). THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE HAD EXPERIENCED THE FAILURE LISTED IN THE RECALL. ADDITIONALLY, THE VEHICLE WAS ORIGINALLY SOLD IN THE STATE OF CALIFORNIA AND HAD BEEN DRIVEN IN THE STATE OF MICHIGAN THE PAST 6 YEARS. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 147,000.

NHTSA ID 11403711 · filed Mar 18, 2021
All 20 reports naming fuel system

Electrical

Reports naming the electrical system — wiring, battery, charging, control modules, infotainment and electrical accessories.

19
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

The contact's wife owns a 2005 Volvo S40. The contact stated the vehicle was difficult to start for several days. Eventually, the failure progressed and the vehicle was not able to start. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was repaired by the contact, a previous Volvo technician. The contact stated the failure was due to the pump electrical module being located out of the vehicle. The contact spoke with the dealer. The contact referenced The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 170,000.

NHTSA ID 11578530 · filed Mar 20, 2024

FUEL PUMP CONTROL MODULE (PEM) FAILS DURING WET CONDITIONS. CAR WILL CRANK LIKE NORMAL BUT WILL NOT START. LET CAR DRY OUT FOR A FEW DAYS AND THEN THE CAR WILL RUN NORMAL AGAIN.

NHTSA ID 10985089 · filed May 12, 2017
All 19 reports naming electrical

Engine

Reports naming the engine itself — including stalling, misfires, oil consumption, cooling and internal engine components.

16
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

2005 VOLVO S40 ENGINE AIR CONDITIONING MALFUNCTIONED. WHEN THE PROBLEM FIRST BEGUN THE CAR WOULD BE COOL AT START THEN GET WARM UNTIL ONE DAY THE AIR CONDITIONING JUST QUIT WORKING. I READ ON THIS FORUM AUTHORIZED VOLVO DEALERSHIP ADMITS THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM IN THIS YEAR/MAKE/MODEL. THE COMPRESSOR CLUTCH OR COMPRESSOR OR BOTH REQUIRED REPLACING. IN A CLASS ACTION LAWSUIT [FILED 2018] HTTP://WWW.AUTOPARTSCLASS.COM/INDEX.PHP INCLUDES THE 2005 VOLVO S40 AIR CONDITIONING UNIT: [SEE BELOW] CONGRATULATIONS! YOUR 2005 VOLVO S40 IS INCLUDED IN THE FOLLOWING AUTO PARTS CASES: IN RE: INSTRUMENT PANEL CLUSTERS IN RE: AIR CONDITIONING SYSTEMS IN RE: ALTERNATORS IN RE: WINDSHIELD WIPER SYSTEMS

NHTSA ID 11246021 · filed Aug 23, 2019

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 VOLVO S40. WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS STARTED, THERE WAS AN ABNORMAL VIBRATION COMING FROM THE VEHICLE. UPON OPENING THE HOOD AND CHECKING THE ENGINE, THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE PASSENGER SIDE OF THE ENGINE WAS FRACTURED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FRACTURE WAS ALONG THE TOP SIDE OF THE ENGINE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO BE DIAGNOSED. A DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 43,000.

NHTSA ID 11057910 · filed Jan 2, 2018
All 16 reports naming engine

Airbags

Reports naming the air-bag system — deployment behaviour, inflators, sensors and warning lights.

5
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

[THIS IS A PREVENTATIVE COMPLAINT. NO INJURY SUSTAINED.] THIS CAR HAS A FAILED PASSENGER SEAT SENSOR THAT WHEN DEPRESSED ACTIVATES THE PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAG. THIS VEHICLE ALSO HAS A DRIVER SIDE SEAT BELT THAT CLICKS AND THEN CAN BE PULLED OUT OF THE LOCKING HARNESS. THESE ITEMS ARE NOT RECALLED BY THE MANUFACTURE BUT, IN MY OPINION, SHOULD BE FOR CUSTOMER SAFETY.

NHTSA ID 10944096 · filed Jan 10, 2017

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 VOLVO S40. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT 55 MPH, THE STEERING WHEEL AND ENTIRE VEHICLE BEGAN TO SHAKE AS THERE WAS AN ABNORMAL NOISE. IN ADDITION, THE AIR CONDITIONER, RADIO, HORN AND SUN ROOF FAILED TO FUNCTION WHEN ACTIVATED. THE SRS WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE ECM, FRONT AXLES AND STRUTS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 194,000.

NHTSA ID 10861933 · filed Apr 28, 2016

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Brakes

Reports naming service brakes, the antilock braking system, brake hoses, master cylinders or the parking brake.

5
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 VOLVO S40. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 40 MPH, THE BRAKE PEDAL TRAVELED TO THE FLOORBOARD AND FAILED TO STOP THE VEHICLE WHEN IT WAS DEPRESSED. THE VEHICLE SHOOK VIOLENTLY WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT LET THE VEHICLE DECELERATE AND THEN SLOWLY DROVE THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER. THE DEALER DIAGNOSED THAT THE BRAKE VACUUM PUMP FAILED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 03V474000 (SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC). THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 70,000.

NHTSA ID 10821737 · filed Jan 22, 2016

(S40 2.4I) INITIAL CAR MESSAGE: "BRAKE FAILURE, PULL OVER SAFELY." I CONTINUED TO DRIVE HOME SINCE I WAS A FEW BLOCKS AWAY. MESSAGE CHANGED TO "ANTI SKID SERVICE REQUIRED" THEN BACK TO BRAKE FAILURE AGAIN. DIFFICULTY ACCELERATING AFTER STOPPING, FELT LIKE THE PARKING BRAKE WAS ON BUT DROVE OK ONCE ACCELERATED. ATTEMPTED TO TURN OFF CAR BUT MESSAGE CHANGED TO "IMMOBILIZER, CHECK MANUAL" AND COULD NOT TURN KEY TO OFF POSITION. FROM WHAT I READ IN THE MANUAL, IT APPEARED THAT THE CARD DIDN'T RECOGNIZE IT WAS IN PARK. TURNED PARKING BRAKE ON AND OFF A FEW TIMES AND WAS ABLE TO TURN OFF CAR. BROUGHT TO LOCAL MECHANIC WHO REPLACED BRAKE PAD SENSOR AND ANTI-STOP SWITCH. --IN AND OUT OF AUTO REPAIR SHOP 4X OVER THE PAST MONTH W/THE SAME ISSUES AND NEW SYMPTOMS: WIPERS TURNED ON AUTOMATICALLY AND DON'T SHUT OFF AND NEW MESSAGE: ENGINE SYSTEM SERVICE URGENT. --MECHANIC REPLACED SOME RUSTED WIRES, BROUGHT TO A VOLVO DEALER WHO RESET COMPUTER AND DID NOT FIND ANY PROBLEMS. --STILL HAVING SAME ISSUES. CANNOT PUT CAR INTO DRIVE OR TURN OFF CAR WHEN BRAKE FAILURE OR ANTI-SKID MESSAGE APPEAR BUT IF I WAIT A FEW MINUTES, I CAN TURN THE CAR OFF AND ON A COUPLE OF TIMES TO GET TO THE ENGINE SYSTEM SERVICE URGENT MESSAGE AND I CAN THEN PUT IT INTO DRIVE. SOMETIMES ALL MESSAGES GO AWAY AND IT IS FINE FOR A FEW DAYS BUT THEN THE CAR JERKS FORWARD AS IF SOMEONE BUMPED THE CAR AND ALL MESSAGES APPEAR AGAIN. NEW MESSAGE: POWER STEERING MESSAGE FLASHED BRIEFLY .. ALTHOUGH THERE WAS NO PROBLEM W/THE STEERING. BRINGING TO ANOTHER VOLVO DEALER.. THE SAGA CONTINUES. --I READ PRIOR CONSUMER COMPLAINTS ON THIS SITE AND I ALSO HAD THE SUNROOF LEAKAGE PROBLEM IN 2013. ENTIRE FLOOR OF CAR WAS SOAKED, ESPECIALLY PASSENGER SIDE. TOOK 3 VISITS, WEEKS AND $900 TO GET IT FIXED. VOLVO FIRST CLEANED OUT THE CLOGGED LINE BUT CARPETS WERE WET AGAIN SO THEY THEN REPLACED THE ENTIRE LINE. *JS

NHTSA ID 10598364 · filed Jun 15, 2014

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Visibility

Reports naming windshields, glass, wipers, defrosters and mirrors.

5
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 VOLVO S40. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WATER WAS LEAKING INTO THE REAR PASSENGER SIDE FLOOR BOARD. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE THE TECHNICIAN DIAGNOSED THAT THE SUN ROOF LINES NEEDED TO BE CLEANED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED AND THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 34,500 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 34,900. UPDATED 06/24/14*LJ UPDATED 06/25/2014 *JS

NHTSA ID 10576913 · filed Apr 2, 2014

2005 VOLVO S40. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO DEFECTIVE SUN ROOF DRAINAGE THAT LEAD TO VEHICLE ELECTRICAL DAMAGE. *SMD THE CONSUMER NOTICED WATER LEAKING IN THE VEHICLE AND SOAKING THE FLOOR MATS BEHIND THE DRIVER'S SEAT. YEARS LATER, THE DEALER INFORMED THE CONSUMER THERE WAS KNOWN DEFECT IN THE SUNROOF DRAINS, THAT CAUSED THEM TO BECOME CLOGGED AND FLOOD THE FLOOR, WHERE ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS WERE STORED. ALTHOUGH, THE DRAINAGE CLOGS COULD BE CLEARED, IT WOULD ONLY BE A TEMPORARY FIX DUE TO THE DEFECT, AND THE DEALER INFORMED THE CONSUMER THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM WAS LIKELY ALREADY DAMAGED FROM ALL THE LEAKING AND IT WOULD COST $5,000 TO FIX. THE CONSUMER STATED OVER THE YEARS, HE NOTICED RELATIVELY MINOR PROBLEMS DUE TO THE LASTING WATER DAMAGE, SUCH AS REDUCED AND INCONSISTENT PERFORMANCE, AND RANDOM ERROR MESSAGES APPEARING AND DISAPPEARING .

NHTSA ID 10532516 · filed Jul 30, 2013

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Seat belts

Reports naming seat belts, buckles, retractors and pretensioners.

3
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

The drivers seat belt does not lock/latch in properly. Everytime I enter the vehicle I reach for my seat belt and buckle myself, well so I thought I did. When I insert the belt it seems as though its buckles however once I start to drive the belt comes un done and it i always have to pull over to put it back on becsuse it locks the seat belt so I'm not able to just buckle back in.

NHTSA ID 11546212 · filed Sep 24, 2023

[THIS IS A PREVENTATIVE COMPLAINT. NO INJURY SUSTAINED.] THIS CAR HAS A FAILED PASSENGER SEAT SENSOR THAT WHEN DEPRESSED ACTIVATES THE PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAG. THIS VEHICLE ALSO HAS A DRIVER SIDE SEAT BELT THAT CLICKS AND THEN CAN BE PULLED OUT OF THE LOCKING HARNESS. THESE ITEMS ARE NOT RECALLED BY THE MANUFACTURE BUT, IN MY OPINION, SHOULD BE FOR CUSTOMER SAFETY.

NHTSA ID 10944096 · filed Jan 10, 2017

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Interior & seats

Reports naming seats, latches, locks, linkages and interior fittings.

2
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

3 OF THE 4 DOOR LOCK ACTUATORS ON MY CAR HAVE STOPPED WORKING. THIS HAPPENED RIGHT AFTER THE WARRANTY EXPIRED. THE LOCKS WILL NOT LONGER LOCK OR UNLOCK. THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE. PLEASE LOOK AT REQUIRING VOLVO TO FIX THIS ISSUE. IT IS A KNOW ISSUE DUE TO FAULTY PARTS. *TR

NHTSA ID 10578969 · filed Apr 10, 2014

DRIVER'S SIDE SEAT WILL SQUEAK WHEN MAKING LEFT OR RIGHT TURNS AS BODY WEIGHT SHIFTS. VOLVO HAS PUT 2 "BANDAGES" AROUND THE METAL PARTS THAT MAKE THIS NOISE. THEY KNOW ITS A PROBLEM AND ITS A DESIGN FLAW, AS THEY SHOULD HAVE USED BRONZE BUSHING OR SOMETHING SIMILAR TO AVOID THE 2 METALS CONTACTING EACH OTHER. IS THIS A SAFETY CONCERN? MAYBE, WHAT HAPPENS WHEN METALS CONSTANTLY RUBS OVER TIME? THEIR BANDAID SOLUTION IS POOR SINCE THE TAPE WILL WEAR AND TEAR BETWEEN EACH SERVICE. MILEAGE IS APPROX. 35,000, PROBLEM HAS BEEN THERE SINCE DAY 1. *TR

NHTSA ID 10236935 · filed Aug 4, 2008

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Other / unspecified

Reports whose component NHTSA recorded as unknown, or that do not map to one of the categories above.

2
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

PURCHASED A VOLVO OVERSEAS IN 2005 AND IT RECENTLY BROKE DOWN LAST WEEK IN THE MIDDLE OF AN INTERSECTION. I HAD IT TOWED TO THE VOLVO DEALER IN FORT WALTON BEACH AND THEY TOLD ME MY PART WAS FAULTY AND WILL HAVE IT RUNNING BY THE NEXT DAY. I CALLED MY WARRANTY COMPANY AND THEY TOLD ME THAT PART HAD BEEN RECALLED AND VOLVO SHOULD PAY FOR IT BUT THEY DENIED THERE WAS A RECALL AND CALLED IT AN EXTENDED WARRANTY. MY WARRANTY COMPANY AMERICAN GUARDIAN SENT A 3RP PARTY MECHANIC TO VOLVO AND VERIFIED IT WAS CORRODED. THE RECALL IS ALL OVER THE WEBS/INCLUDING YOURS NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID #08V033000 SO I CALLED VOLVO AND THEY SAY THERE IS NO RECALL. THE PART AND LABOR WAS $800.00. MY VIN WASN'T LOADED IN THE US SYSTEM UNTIL THIS WEEK. CURRENTLY THE VOLVO DEALER REPLACE THE PART AND MOVED IT TO A DIFFERENT LOCATION AND SAYS IT CAN'T COVER IT UNLESS VOLVO PUT THAT SPECIFIC VIN NUMBER AND LOAD IT AGAINST IT (EXTENDED WARRANTY) BUT HOW IF THERE IS NO RECALL. NEITHER VOLVO OR THE WARRANTY COMPANY WILL PAY FOR THE PART. IF ITS AN OFFICIAL RECALL AND IT HAPPENED JUST LIKE THE DESCRIPTION ON THE RECALL STATES THEY SHOULD BE OBLIGATED TO COVER IT. ITS ONLY GOT 53000 MILES ON IT WHICH IS 3000 OVER THE MANUFACTURE WARRANTY. I FEEL VOLVO NEEDS TO ADD MY VIN TO THE LIST BECAUSE OBVIOUSLY ITS A PROBLEM TO MINE ALSO. I HAVE REFUSED TO PICK UP THE CAR THE LAST WEEK UNTIL I HEARD BACK FORM VOLVO BUT THEY SAID THERE IS NOTHING THEY CAN DO AND I HAVE TO PAY FOR IT. *TR

NHTSA ID 10265614 · filed Apr 16, 2009

1) I HAD TO CHANGE A FLAT TIRE AND USED THE VEHICLE SUPPLIED SCISSOR JACK. I NOTICED THAT IT GOT INCREASINGLY DIFFICULT TO TURN THE JACK TO RAISE THE CAR. EVENTUALLY IT GOT SO STIFF THAT IT REQUIRED BOTH ARMS TO TURN THE LEVER. 2) THE JACK SUDDENLY FAILED AND THE CAR CAME CRASHING DOWN ONTO THE PAVEMENT. NO DAMAGE TO THE VEHICLE AS THE TIRE WAS STILL ON THE AXLE. NO PERSONAL INJURY AS BOTH ARMS WERE ON THE JACK'S LEVER ARM. UPON CLOSER INSPECTION, I NOTICED THE WORM SCREW WAS SOMEHOW STRIPPED. 3) REPORTED TO VOLVO CUSTOMER SERVICE AND WAS TOLD TO BRING THE JACK BACK TO THE DEALERSHIP FOR A WARRANTY REPLACEMENT. *JB

NHTSA ID 10183110 · filed Feb 21, 2007

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Powertrain (other)

Powertrain reports that are not specifically the engine or transmission — driveshafts, axles, transfer cases and differentials.

2
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

The contact's wife owns a 2005 Volvo S40. The contact stated the vehicle was difficult to start for several days. Eventually, the failure progressed and the vehicle was not able to start. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was repaired by the contact, a previous Volvo technician. The contact stated the failure was due to the pump electrical module being located out of the vehicle. The contact spoke with the dealer. The contact referenced The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 170,000.

NHTSA ID 11578530 · filed Mar 20, 2024

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 VOLVO S40. THE CONTACT STATED THAT VEHICLE STALLED WITH THE ILLUMINATION OF THE INFORMATION SENSOR LIGHT. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED NOR WAS THE MANUFACTURER NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 84,000. *TR

NHTSA ID 10512825 · filed May 20, 2013

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Body & structure

Reports naming the vehicle structure, frame, body panels, doors, hood and trim.

2
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 VOLVO S40. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE REAR PASSENGER SIDE CARPET WAS SATURATED WITH WATER AFTER A RAIN STORM. THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE WAS NOT DETERMINED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE LOCAL DEALER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 45,506. *BF CONSUMER STATED THE FOAM IN ROOF OF CAR IS CRUMBLING AND ROOF SEAMS ARE NO LONGER INTACT.*JB

NHTSA ID 11194589 · filed Apr 8, 2019

CAR STALLS WITH OUT WARNING WHEN TRAVEL AT SPEEDS OF 0-65 MPH VERY DANGEROUS!! THERE ARE RECALLS RE: FUEL PRESSURE SENSORS FOR NEARLY ALL VOLVO MAKES EXCEPT THE S40 2005 THIS PART IS TRULY A DEFECTIVE ITEM AND NEEDS TO BE RECALLED BEFORE A DEATH OCCURS ON THE HIGHWAY!! I THOUGHT VOLVO WAS A SAFE RELIABLE CAR BUT I CAN HONESTLY SAY THIS CAR IS THE BIGGEST PIECE OF JUNK I HAVE EVER SPENT A LOT OF MONEY ON. THE TIRES BLEW OUT ON THE SIDES WHICH ALSO PUT ME IN DANGER THE INTERIOR HEADLINER FELL OFF AS WELL AS ALL OTHER MATERIAL ON THE DOORS ALL LEATHER IS LOOSE GEAR SHIFTER COVER FELL APART. GAS CAP BROKE GAS BUILDS TOO MUCH PRESSURE LOOSENING THE GAS CAP FREQUENTLY THESE ARE JUST SOME OF THE ISSUES I HAVE. VERY DISAPPOINTED IN THIS VEHICLE I KEEP MY CAR IN THE GARAGE. ONLY DRIVE TO AND FROM GROCERY SHOPPING AND DR APPTS PLEASE CONSIDER RECALLS ON THE IMPORTANT PARTS OF THE VEHICLE THAT CAN SAVE LIVES! *JS

NHTSA ID 10592271 · filed May 18, 2014

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Exterior lighting

Reports naming headlights, tail lights, turn signals and other exterior lighting.

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

OFTEN, THE HEADLAMPS BULBS FAIL, AFTER A FEW YEARS CHANGING BULBS, I FOUND OUT THAT DUE TO CONTACT BETWEEN DETACHMENT OF THE WIRING HARNESS COVER IS THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE BULBS IN RIGHT AND LEFT HEADLAMPS. THE WIRING HARNESS INSTALLED BY THE MANUFACTURER DO NOT RESIST VOLTAGE AND HEAT. *TR

NHTSA ID 10621166 · filed Aug 9, 2014

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Steering

Reports naming the steering system — racks, columns, power-steering assist and steering linkage.

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 VOLVO S40. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE STEERING WHEEL LOCKED WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED. THE FAILURE RECURRED SPORADICALLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER WHO REPAIRED THE LOCK MECHANISM AND REPROGRAMMED THE VEHICLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 86,000 AND THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 80,000.

NHTSA ID 10397289 · filed Apr 25, 2011

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Suspension

Reports naming suspension components — springs, struts, shocks, control arms and related hardware.

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 VOLVO S40. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT 55 MPH, THE STEERING WHEEL AND ENTIRE VEHICLE BEGAN TO SHAKE AS THERE WAS AN ABNORMAL NOISE. IN ADDITION, THE AIR CONDITIONER, RADIO, HORN AND SUN ROOF FAILED TO FUNCTION WHEN ACTIVATED. THE SRS WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE ECM, FRONT AXLES AND STRUTS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 194,000.

NHTSA ID 10861933 · filed Apr 28, 2016

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Tires & wheels

Reports naming tires, wheels, hubs, or the tire-pressure monitoring system.

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

CAR STALLS WITH OUT WARNING WHEN TRAVEL AT SPEEDS OF 0-65 MPH VERY DANGEROUS!! THERE ARE RECALLS RE: FUEL PRESSURE SENSORS FOR NEARLY ALL VOLVO MAKES EXCEPT THE S40 2005 THIS PART IS TRULY A DEFECTIVE ITEM AND NEEDS TO BE RECALLED BEFORE A DEATH OCCURS ON THE HIGHWAY!! I THOUGHT VOLVO WAS A SAFE RELIABLE CAR BUT I CAN HONESTLY SAY THIS CAR IS THE BIGGEST PIECE OF JUNK I HAVE EVER SPENT A LOT OF MONEY ON. THE TIRES BLEW OUT ON THE SIDES WHICH ALSO PUT ME IN DANGER THE INTERIOR HEADLINER FELL OFF AS WELL AS ALL OTHER MATERIAL ON THE DOORS ALL LEATHER IS LOOSE GEAR SHIFTER COVER FELL APART. GAS CAP BROKE GAS BUILDS TOO MUCH PRESSURE LOOSENING THE GAS CAP FREQUENTLY THESE ARE JUST SOME OF THE ISSUES I HAVE. VERY DISAPPOINTED IN THIS VEHICLE I KEEP MY CAR IN THE GARAGE. ONLY DRIVE TO AND FROM GROCERY SHOPPING AND DR APPTS PLEASE CONSIDER RECALLS ON THE IMPORTANT PARTS OF THE VEHICLE THAT CAN SAVE LIVES! *JS

NHTSA ID 10592271 · filed May 18, 2014

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Driver assistance

Reports naming forward-collision avoidance, lane keeping, back-over prevention, cruise control and related electronic driver-assistance systems.

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

AS I ACCELERATED TO PASS ANOTHER CAR THE OVERDRIVE GOT STUCK. EVEN AS I HIT THE BRAKES THE CAR DIDN'T STOP. I PUT IT IN NEUTRAL AND IT STARTED MAKING A SOUND AS IF SOMETHING WAS HOLDING IT BACK AND WOULD NOT STOP. AFTER APPROXIMATELY 5 MINUTES OF HITTING THE BRAKES THE OVERDRIVE FINALLY LET GO. I CALLED THE VOLVO AND TOLD THEM ABOUT THE INCIDENT AND THEY SAID IT MUST BE THE COMPUTER AND THAT I SHOULD JUST TAKE THE CAR TO GET IT FIXED. THIS COULD HAVE CAUSED A SERIOUS ACCIDENT AND EVEN DEATH. WHAT IS WORSE I HAD MY GRANDDAUGHTER, WHO IS JUST A TODDLER, IN THE BACK SEAT. *TR

NHTSA ID 10351864 · filed Aug 25, 2010

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers.

Elsewhere on this vehicle

Data sources

Data on this page last refreshed .