KnownCarProblems2002 Volvo S40 Problems and Recalls
Owners filed 27 complaints with NHTSA about the 2002 Volvo S40, most often about the brakes (26% of complaints, typically around 104,000 miles). It is 6th of 12 S40 model years by number of complaints and has 1 recall.
Most common 2002 Volvo S40 problems
Brakes
7 complaints · 26%Half of these problems showed up before 104,000 miles. Parts named most often: foundation components, antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip, power assist.
Tl 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 front end damages. The…
I was driving on a main road and my brakes failed. It was determined that a brake line corroded through. It appears that the vehicle has a single master brake cylinder. I asked a Volvo dealership about this, and they confirmed to me that the master brake cylinder is a single one. It is my understanding that in the…
Electrical
5 complaints · 19%Parts named most often: horn, wiring.
In september of 2004, I began experiencing problems with my Volvo S40 sedan. The vehicle would shut off while I was operating it for no apparent reason. I took the vehicle to the dealer twice and then contacted the Volvo customer care department following an incident when the vehicle shut off while I was in a very…
- the contact stated that while attempting to drive the 2002 Volvo S40 he turned the key in the ignition and a thick black smoke came from the front driver side door panel and filled the interior of the vehicle immediately. The contact turned the vehicle off and exited the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to a Volvo…
Lights
3 complaints · 11%Parts named most often: headlights.
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 check electrical and…
Engine
3 complaints · 11%Parts named most often: engine.
Vehicle being reported is a 2002 Volvo S40 sedan. Traveling on US route 13 south of dover, de. And slowed down for a traffic light in medium traffic from a speed of approximately 55 MPH. Vehicle stalled without warning during deceleration. Vehicle restarted with some effort. At next light, situation repeated itself -…
- the contact owns a 2002 Volvo S40. The contact stated that the enginewas idling high. Volvo stated that the vehicle was operating normally. The RPM surge occurred frequently when the contactwas driving the vehicle. The check engine light came on periodically. There was a recall for this failure on all Volvo models…
Suspension
3 complaints · 11%Parts named most often: rear, front.
While driving the right front and right rear coil springs broke and the front coil spring damaged the tire. Dealer stocks these expensive springs (both front and rear) in larger than normal amounts due to incidences of breakage. I feel that this was an early failure for this type and age of vehicle and should it have…
Complaints are owner reports to NHTSA, not verified defects. One complaint can name several components, so shares add up to more than 100%.
2002 Volvo S40 recalls
Equipment: labels
Risk: This does not meet the requirements of the standard.
Fix: Owners will receive a letter/package consisting of the second isofix guide with installation instructions, and in certain cases, the corrected owner's manual may be provided. If the owner wants to take their vehicle to a volvo dealer for installation of the guide, it will be performed at no charge to the owner. Owner notification began on december 19, 2003. Owners should contact volvo at 1-800-458-1552.
Full defect summary
Certain passenger cars fail to comply with the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 225, "child restraint anchorage systems." the second isofix guide was not installed in these vehicles and, in certain cases, the owner's manual isofix information is incorrect.
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.
Questions about the 2002 Volvo S40
- What are the most common problems with the 2002 Volvo S40?
- By NHTSA owner complaints: brakes (7 complaints, typically around 104,000 miles); electrical (5 complaints); lights (3 complaints).
- How many recalls does the 2002 Volvo S40 have?
- 1 recall listed by NHTSA, the latest from August 1, 2003 (equipment). Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see which ones are still open on your car.
- Is the 2002 a bad year for the Volvo S40?
- It is 6th of 12 S40 model years by number of complaints, with 27 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.