KnownCarProblems2000 Volvo S40 Problems and Recalls
Owners filed 122 complaints with NHTSA about the 2000 Volvo S40, most often about the brakes (43% of complaints, typically around 49,500 miles). It is the most complained-about S40 model year since 2000 and has 1 recall.
Most common 2000 Volvo S40 problems
Brakes
52 complaints · 43%Half of these problems showed up before 49,500 miles. Parts named most often: foundation components, antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip, power assist, brake fluid low warning.
I own a 2000 Volvo S40. We just had our fifth trip to the dealer to correct knocking noise/rattle in the front suspension. Problem started at 44,191 miles. Now at 59,800. Two sets of control arm bushings and two sets of sway bar bushings replaced. Noise returns within 2000 mi of service. Also, I have had the rear…
While driving the consumer used a higher brake force than usual, resulting in extended stopping distance. The dealer replaced the pump at owner's expense of $800.00. Maintenance record show that routine service including rear brake pads at 19580k miles, at 41416k miles, front pads at 28312k miles and was include in…
Speed control
17 complaints · 14%Half of these problems showed up before 91,500 miles.
Unintended acceleration occurred with car in drive. Car began to accelerate slowly increasing speed with foot off accelerator. Pulled up on accelerator with no results. Put car into neutral and RPM increased to 6000 RPM then back to 750 idle speed. Back into drive and engine accelerated again. Engine shut off via key…
The contact owns a 2000 Volvo S40. The contact stated that the vehicle would sporadically accelerate independently. The contact stated that the throttle was replaced in 2008 and the failure did not recur until 2010. Most recently, the contact was entering a parking lot when the vehicle abnormally accelerated. The…
Suspension
14 complaints · 12%Half of these problems showed up before 63,500 miles. Parts named most often: front, rear.
: the contact stated while turning or driving on an unleveled road, there was a metal grinding noise coming from the front suspension. This caused the vehicle to hit a curb and the vehicle became inoperable. The vehicle was pushed to the cotnact's residence, where it has been parked.
On 3/4/2009, while doing other work to the car, a mechanic discovered that the rear passenger side coil spring was broken. It was broken at the lowest point and the car still sat level, so I was not even aware. I do not know how long it was broken. It looked like it just deteriorated over time. Although over 9 years…
Electrical
13 complaints · 11%Parts named most often: ignition, wiring, alternator/generator/regulator, horn.
This happened yesterday 1/28/16 and in april 2015 (the dealership "fixed it" but it didn't work!!!!) yesterday, while driving home from work, the car did the scariest thing I've ever experienced while driving. All the lights on the dash, all the warning lights flashed several times and the car came to a complete…
Lights
13 complaints · 11%Half of these problems showed up before 59,000 miles. Parts named most often: headlights, tail lights, turn signal.
Both headlamp units need replacement because the adjustment mechanisim has broken out of each unit. Only repair is total replacment of head lamp units.
Turn signals will stop working intermittently. When it happens neither lh nor lh turn signal will illuminate and neither exterior bulb nor dash indicator will illuminate. Turning on the hazard lights will jump start the turn signals to work again. Turn signal relay (under dash near driver kick panel) has been replaced…
Engine
12 complaints · 10%Half of these problems showed up before 83,000 miles. Parts named most often: engine, cooling system.
A slight squeaking or squealing noise could be heard from under the hood of the car, no visible defects apon inspection. The sound was the water pump failing. As I was taking the car to the mechanic the water pump failed (ceased) and caused the belt driving the water pump to snap. The water pump was driven by the…
Tl contact owns a 2000 Volvo S40. While driving 60 MPH the contact smelled oil burning. Three minutes later the engine completely shut off. The vehicle was towed to a mechanic, who determined that the engine overheated due to lack of coolant. The check engine light illuminated, and then quickly dim whenever the…
Seat belts
7 complaints · 6%Parts named most often: front, rear/other.
The vehicle was taken for an oil change when the consumer found out the rear brakes were completely gone. The rear brake pads and rotors had to be replaced. The total cost for all repairs were $545.61. Also the seat belt had to be replaced.
Driver side seat belt badly frayed at shoulder level. Caused by sharp groove worn in plastic trim where belt pulls out from b post. Passenger side not as badly worn because it is not used as much. Wear developed after warranty period. Fraying is now approximately 1/4 the width of the belt.
Visibility and wipers
5 complaints · 4%Parts named most often: windshield wiper/washer, power window devices and controls, windshield.
Complaints are owner reports to NHTSA, not verified defects. One complaint can name several components, so shares add up to more than 100%.
2000 Volvo S40 recalls
Brakes: vacuum
Risk: This could result in loss of power assist and an increase in needed brake pedal force, which could result in a crash.
Fix: Dealers will replace the pump with a new and improved version and move the pump to a new location. Owner notification began on march 15, 2004. Owners should contact volvo at 1-800-458-1552.
Full defect summary
On certain passenger vehicles, water can enter the electrical brake vacuum pump, causing the pump to fail.
Recall repairs are free at any franchised dealer. Enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see which recalls are still open on your car.
NHTSA defect investigations
Volvo s40/v40 my 2000-2001
Summary
In a november 6, 2003 safety defect report, volvo indicated that they will conduct a safety-related defect recall of the 2000 model year (my) subject vehicles (about 36,000 vehicles).volvo will also conduct a service campaign of about 31,000 2001 my subject vehicles.odi investigated both the 2000 and 2001 my vehicles and determined that the 2001 my vehicles experienced substantially lower rates of failures based on the number of owner reports and warranty claims submitted to odi.odi believes that the proposed action is sufficient to resolve this investigation's safety issues. For the crashes, in addition to the 22 submitted by volvo, odi found 10 additional crash allegations in the owner rep
Brake power-assist
Questions about the 2000 Volvo S40
- What are the most common problems with the 2000 Volvo S40?
- By NHTSA owner complaints: brakes (52 complaints, typically around 49,500 miles); speed control (17 complaints, typically around 91,500 miles); suspension (14 complaints, typically around 63,500 miles).
- How many recalls does the 2000 Volvo S40 have?
- 1 recall listed by NHTSA, the latest from November 17, 2003 (brakes). Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see which ones are still open on your car.
- Is the 2000 a bad year for the Volvo S40?
- It is the most complained-about S40 model year since 2000, with 122 complaints. Complaint counts are not adjusted for how many cars were sold, so popular years collect more of them, and the newest years have had less time to.