RoadVitals

2010 Volvo S40

Recalls, owner-reported complaints, investigations and safety data

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.
9
Latest Jun 17, 2025
Safety recallsA safety recall is issued when a manufacturer or NHTSA determines that a vehicle has a safety-related defect or does not comply with a federal motor vehicle safety standard. Recall repairs are free. Whether a specific vehicle is covered depends on its VIN — a recall listed for a model year does not necessarily apply to every vehicle of that year.
2
Latest Nov 22, 2010
InvestigationsNHTSA opens an investigation to examine whether a safety defect may exist. An open investigation is not a determination that a defect exists, and many investigations close without a recall. Investigations can, however, lead to one.
0
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.
1

Overview

Our database contains 9 NHTSA owner-reported complaints for the 2010 Volvo S40, most frequently naming the body & structure, airbags and visibility categories. 2 safety recalls have been issued covering this model year; and 154 manufacturer communications are on file.

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

What owners report

Complaints grouped by the component NHTSA recorded

  • Body & structure220.0%
  • Airbags220.0%
  • Visibility220.0%
  • Seat belts110.0%
  • Other / unspecified110.0%
  • Electrical110.0%
  • Powertrain (other)110.0%

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

Safety recalls

2 campaigns cover this model year

Recalls apply to specific vehicles, not to every vehicle of a model year. Check your VIN with NHTSA or your manufacturer's dealer to confirm whether a recall affects your vehicle.

Check a VIN on NHTSA.gov
Nov 22, 2010
7,420 units potentially affected
The defect: VOLVO IS RECALLING CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH POWER FRONT PASSENGER SEATS. THE FRONT SEAT RAIL'S DETECTION SYSTEM WAS MANUFACTURED INCORRECTLY AND MAY PERMIT THE PASSENGER TO FORWARD THE SEAT BEYOND THE INTENDED MAXIMUM.
The risk: POSITIONING OF THE SEAT BEYOND THE INTENDED MAXIMUM CAN CAUSE INCREASED RISK OF INJURY TO THE PASSENGER IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH.
The remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE FRONT POWER SEAT STOPS FOR BOTH FRONT SEATS FOR THE PRESENCE OF AN "END STOP" AND REPAIR THE VEHICLES AS NECESSARY FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON DECEMBER 23, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT VOLVO AT 1-800-458-1552 OR AT [email protected].
VOLVO CARS OF N.A. LLC.Manufacturer number R235View on NHTSA.gov

EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:NAVIGATIONAL SYSTEM(GLOBAL POSITIONING SYSTEM)

Nov 8, 2010
416 units potentially affected
The defect: VOLVO IS RECALLING CERTAIN VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH GARMIN 760 PORTABLE GLOBAL POSITIONING SYSTEM (GPS) UNITS BECAUSE THE BATTERIES ON THOSE UNITS MAY OVERHEAT.
The risk: AN OVERHEATED BATTERY COULD LEAD TO A FIRE.
The remedy: VOLVO ADVISES OWNERS TO PLEASE STOP USING THE GARMIN PORTABLE GPS DEVICE IMMEDIATELY, AND VISIT THE GARMIN WEBSITE TO DETERMINE IF THEIR UNIT IS AFFECTED. THE UNIT'S BATTERY WILL BE REPLACED WITH A NEW BATTERY AND A SPACER WILL BE INSERTED ON TOP OF THE BATTERY NEXT TO THE PCB. THIS SERVICE WILL BE PERFORMED FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON NOVEMBER 18, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT GARMIN AT 866-957-1981 OR VISIT GARMIN'S WEBSITE AT WWW.GARMIN.COM/NUVIBATTERYPCBRECALL.
VOLVO CARS OF N.A. LLC.Manufacturer number R231View on NHTSA.gov

Recent owner complaints

Reports submitted to NHTSA, shown in the owner's own words

Airbags
Filed Jun 17, 2025

Hello. The warning of the device is on the dashboard that the SRS is not functional

NHTSA ID
11667325
Incident
Jun 9, 2025
AirbagsElectrical
Filed Feb 5, 2024
Crash reported

I got into a car accident today. The electrical wiring is constantly giving out and I had no idea my airbags wouldn't work until today when they did not deploy. My car hit the other car enough to move it several feet and no airbags.

NHTSA ID
11569920
Incident
Feb 5, 2024
Visibility
Filed Jun 15, 2022

The adhesive and seal on the entire top of my windshield has failed. The glass is shaking while driving and rattles severely if a small bump is driven over on the road. This is a huge safety concern since my window could break or fall off at any given moment.

NHTSA ID
11469496
Incident
Jun 2, 2022
Visibility
Filed Sep 2, 2021

The windshield is coming unglued at the top center and right . I am concerned that the windshield could come out on the highway, I plan to contact a windshield shop and see if they can repair it.

NHTSA ID
11431520
Incident
Sep 2, 2021
Body & structure
Filed Nov 21, 2020

I WAS DRIVING 65MPH ON HIGHWAY 101, JUST SOUTH OF WILLITS, CALIFORNIA, WHEN MY SUNROOF EXPLODED. I HEARD A LOUD EXPLOSION SOUND AND IMMEDIATELY PULLED OVER TO FIGURE OUT WHAT JUST HAPPENED. I COULD SEE THAT MY SUNROOF WAS MOSTLY GONE AND THERE WAS PIECES OF GLASS FALLING ON ME. I CALLED MY HUSBAND TO HELP CALM ME DOWN, AS MY HEART WAS RACING AND I WAS SHAKING. I PUT MY HAZARDS ON AN PULLED OVER A LITTLE MORE FOR SAFETY. JUST THEN I NOTICED A MAN WALKING TOWARD ME FROM FURTHER UP THE HIGHWAY. I GOT OUT OF THE CAR AND COULD HEAR THE CONVERSATION THAT THE MAN WAS HAVING WHILE ON HIS PHONE. WHEN HE HUNG UP THE PHONE, HE STATED THE HE CALLED 911. THE MAN EXPLAINED THAT HE WAS PASSING ME AND WITNESSED WHAT LOOKED LIKE ICE COMING UP OUT OF MY SUNROOF AND IT HIT HIS CAR. THE MAN WAS VISIBLY UPSET, BUT COULD SEE THAT I WAS NOT AT FAULT, AND ACTED APPROPRIATELY. THE MAN SAID THAT THE GLASS HAD CHIPPED THE CAR THAT HE WAS DRIVING. HE APPEARED AS SURPRISED AS I WAS ABOUT THE SITUATION. THE MAN HELPED ME TO PICK UP THE LOOSE GLASS AND THE GLASS ON MY SEATS. HE THEN SUGGESTED MOVING UP THE ROAD A FEW HUNDRED FEET WHERE HE WAS PULLED OFF, AS THE HIGHWAY PATROL WERE IN ROUTE. THE HP MADE SURE THERE WERE NO INJURIES AND ASKED THAT WE EXCHANGE INSURANCE. WE BOTH TOOK PICTURES, I GAVE MY INFORMATION TO ONE OF THE CHP OFFICERS AND DROVE HOME. I IMMEDIATELY CALLED MY INSURANCE COMPANY. WHEN EXPLAINING WHAT HAPPENED TO THE AGENT HE STATED THAT HE HAD NEVER HEARD OF THIS HAPPENING, WHICH PROMPTED ME TO RESEARCH "EXPLODING WINDSHIELDS" AND LED ME TO SEVERAL ARTICLES ON THE MATTER. I AM NOW RESPONSIBLE FOR NOT ONLY FIXING MY CAR, BUT ALSO THE PAINT JOB ON THE CAR OF GENTLEMAN WHO WAS PASSING ME ON THE HIGHWAY WHEN IT OCCURRED.

NHTSA ID
11375719
Incident
Nov 20, 2020
Mileage
100,100 mi
Powertrain (other)
Filed Oct 7, 2020

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 VOLVO S40. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE FAILED TO SHIFT FROM REVERSE TO DRIVE AS THE GEAR SHIFTER WAS STUCK IN NEUTRAL. THE CONTACT WAS UNAWARE OF ANY WARNING LIGHTS ILLUMINATING. THE DEALER ALAN BYERS (1230 W GENESEE ST, SYRACUSE, NY 13204) WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE HOWEVER, THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TOWED TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSIS OR REPAIRS. THE CONTACT RESEARCHED THE FAILURE ONLINE AND FOUND NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 10V255000 (STEERING). THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND A CASE WAS OPENED. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED BY THE MANUFACTURER THAT THE RECALL COULD NOT BE FOUND IN THEIR SYSTEM. THE MANUFACTURER RECALL NUMBER WAS: R227. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FAILURE OCCURRED A YEAR AGO, AND WAS CORRECTED BY AAA ROADSIDE ASSISTANCE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 74,000.

NHTSA ID
11363255
Incident
Oct 2, 2020
Mileage
74,000 mi
Other / unspecified
Filed Nov 9, 2016

I WAS PROMPTED TO ADD AIR TO MY FRONT TIRE DUE TO THE LOW TIRE PRESSURE LIGHT COMING ON. AFTER I ADDED AIR I ATTEMPTED TO PUT THE TIRE VALVE CAP BACK ON THE WHEEL AND IT BEGAN FORCEFULLY BLOWING OUT AIR. I ATTEMPTED AGAIN TO SECURE THE CAP AND THE VALVE STEM SENSOR CAME OUT OF THE VALVE STEM COMPLETELY. THIS IS A HUGE SAFETY RISK, AND I AM NOW CONCERNED THIS COULD HAPPEN AGAIN. I URGE VOLVO TO HONOR THE REPLACEMENT OF THEIR FAULTY TIRE STEM VALVES IMMEDIATELY

NHTSA ID
10925156
Incident
Nov 8, 2016
Mileage
78,000 mi
Body & structure
Filed Jul 31, 2016

MY HUSBAND AND I BOTH OWN 2010 VOLVOS. MINE IS S40, HIS XC60. WE HAVE BOTH HAD LEAKS RELATING TO FAULTY SUNROOF DRAIN. DEALER REPAIRED AND REPLACED FOR MY HUSBAND AT NO COST, BUT FOUGHT WITH ME - BECAUSE I AM A WOMAN - UNTIL MY HUSBAND CAME WITH ME TO DEALERSHIP. EVEN THOUGH THEY ULTIMATELY FIXED THE SUNROOF DRAIN, THERE IS STILL THE STENCH OF MOLD OR MILDEW IN MY CAR. MY HUSBAND ALSO HAD A LEAK DEVELOP IN HIS WINDSHIELD. DEALER TOLD HIM THAT THERE WAS A FAULTY COATING ON WINDSHIELDS THIS MODEL YEAR AND THEY REPLACED HIS WINDSHIELD AT NO COST. JUST NOW, I WAS OUT DRIVING, IT STARTED RAINING, AND WATER STARTED POURING IN THROUGH MY WINDSHIELD. (LUCKILY I WAS JUST ARRIVING AT MY DESTINATION, AND I WAS ABLE TO WAIT UNTIL THE RAIN SUBSIDED BEFORE DRIVING HOME, BECAUSE THERE WERE MULTIPLE STEADY STREAMS OF WATER POURING ON TO ME AND THE STEERING WHEEL WHEN THE RAIN WAS AT ITS PEAK.) APPARENTLY MY WINDSHIELD HAS THE SAME PROBLEM THAT MY HUSBAND'S HAD. I KNOW THERE IS ALREADY A CLASS ACTION LAWSUIT BREWING ABOUT THE LEAKY SUNROOF DRAIN, AND I SEE THAT THERE ARE HUNDREDS OF PEOPLE ONLINE COMPLAINING ABOUT THIS. I ALSO SEE THAT THERE ARE LOTS OF PEOPLE ONLINE COMPLAINING ABOUT THE WINDSHIELD LEAK. THIS IS RIDICULOUS. HOW CAN VOLVO KNOWINGLY LET BUYERS OF ITS CARS DRIVE AROUND KNOWING THAT THEY ARE IN DANGER OF HAVING RAIN POUR IN ON THEM AS THEY ARE DRIVING? OR THAT THE INTERIORS OF THEIR CARS WILL BE SOAKED AND POLLUTED WITH MOLD AND MILDEW? IS NHTSA GOING TO DO SOMETHING ABOUT THIS????

NHTSA ID
10891923
Incident
Jul 31, 2016
Mileage
40,000 mi

Manufacturer communications

A bulletin sent by a manufacturer to its dealers. Not a recall, and repairs are not necessarily free.

35526.1.8

ENGINE

This is a Technical Journal: Text plus 2 PDFs and 1 .PNG Oil Consumption test. Perform the test. Follow service procedure
 Description and Service sections updated to clarify that vehicle reports are not required.

37809.1.1

This is a TJ text only - The purpose of this TJ is to be a master reference list to easily identify any components that are on prior approval. This TJ will be regularily updated as items are added or removed from prior approval.
 Current items under prior approval are listed in the "Service" section

19245

This is a Technical Journal. Vehicle type and platform identification.

8501

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

This is a Technical Journal: Remote connection, BOMGAR application. Before joining a remote session:
 •Connect a suitable battery maintainer/charger and verify that the battery voltage indicated in VIDA is between 12.5V and 14.9V.
 •Connect to the vehicle over a wired connection using a VOE (Volvo OBD to Ethernet) adapter and perform a NEW vehicle readout.

S10303

Volvo Cars USA LLC and Volvo Car Canada LTD on behalf of the Volvo Car Corporation has decided to launch Service Action S10303 on certain model year 2025 EX90 vehicles.
 Volvo Car Investigations have identified that there is a pairing issue with the key fob.
 As a result, there is a possibility that the customer’s key fob is not paired to the vehicle.
 The corrective action is to download SP Software.
 S10303 affects 151 vehicles in the U.S and 5 in Canada.

S10303

Volvo Cars USA LLC and Volvo Car Canada LTD on behalf of the Volvo Car Corporation has decided to launch Service Action S10303 on certain model year 2025 EX90 vehicles.
 Volvo Car Investigations have identified that there is a pairing issue with the key fob.
 As a result, there is a possibility that the customer’s key fob is not paired to the vehicle.
 The corrective action is to download SP Software.
 S10303 affects 151 vehicles in the U.S and 5 in Canada.

Manufacturers file copies of the bulletins they send to dealers with NHTSA. These often describe diagnostic or repair procedures for a known condition. They are not recalls: repairs described in a bulletin are usually only free if the vehicle is still under warranty or the manufacturer has extended coverage.

Compare model years

Complaint and recall counts across every year of this model

Volvo S40 by model year
YearComplaintsRecallsInvestigationsIssue Index
2012000
2011520
2010Viewing920
2009103055.1
2008162053.7
2007252050.1
2006583043.5
2005693043.1
2004486052.0
2003182041.4
2002271044.1
2001842156.8
20001221250.1
1993000

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. Older model years have had longer for reports to accumulate.