2000 Volvo S40: problems, recalls and reliability
1 recall and 122 owner complaints on record; the weakest area is service brakes, hydraulic (37% of complaints); the 2002 model year looks more trouble-free.
Data updated weekly · latest recall Nov 2003
All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.
Common problems
Computed from 122 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“The car has problems starting and takes a few tries before starting up. Have also had a problem where the car was in park with the parking brake engaged and the car was revving on its own. There have also been problems while the car has been slowing down on the freeway, specifically when the brakes are being engaged the car will attempt to move forward as though it is trying to push pass the fact that the brakes are being engaged. As well as the car will accelerate faster than the gas pedal is being pushed e.g when the gas pedal is slightly pushed the car will accelerate quickly as though the gas pedal was being pushed upon firmly.”Owner report · Vehicle Speed Control · Jul 2018
“Tl* the contact owns a 2000 volvo s40. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle accelerated independently without warning. The contact mentioned that the brake pedal was depressed in order to slow down or stop the vehicle. The failure occurred on multiple occasions. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 99,900.”Owner report · Vehicle Speed Control · Oct 2014
“Tl* the contact owns a 2000 volvo s40. The contact stated that the vehicle would accelerate abnormally without depressing the accelerator pedal. The failure occurred intermittently whether driving in reverse or going forward, as well as when sitting at a complete stop. The vehicle was taken to the dealer who advised that they need to repair the electronic throttle control, idle control valve and the brake system. The repairs were not completed. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 74,000.”Owner report · Vehicle Speed Control · Jan 2012
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“Tl* the contact owns a 2000 volvo s40. The contact stated with his foot on the brake pedal there was an increase in engine rpms and the vehicle lunged forward. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer for diagnostic testing. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure and current mileage was 130,000.”Owner report · Vehicle Speed Control · Aug 2011
“I was pulling into my parking garage and my 2000 volvo s40 began to accelerate on its own. It revved up to 3000 rpms and I had to press hard on the brake for it to stop. I pulled over in the garage and placed the car in park. The car continued to rev. I stepped on the gas a couple of times and after about 4 minutes it returned to its normal operating rpm after which I was able to park the car. *tr”Owner report · Vehicle Speed Control · Feb 2011
“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 then it wouldn't start again. Cranked but would not turn over. Dealer replaced ect because of failure of part. *tr”Owner report · Engine And Engine Cooling · Feb 2010
“Unintended acceleration on my 2000 volvo s40. Accelerating in traffic without pressing pedal. Must press brake hard to stop. Continues to rev high. This has happened twice in the last month. After the first time, my service shop replaced the idle air control valve but it occurred again about a week and a half after that. Service technician has indicated he cannot potentially diagnose unless it is occurring when he can drive and look at it. It is a serious risk for crash or injury. *tr”Owner report · Vehicle Speed Control · Oct 2009
“While driving the vehicle the rear of the vehicle swayed & there was a clunking sound that was heard. Upon inspection the rear coil springs were broken on both sides. While driving the car last week with just 130,000 miles the front end started clunking. Upon inspection the front coil springs were also found broken.”Owner report · Unknown Or Other · Sep 2009
“Lugnuts came loose on right front wheel, car is always serviced here and we always hand torque lug nuts. Odd thin is this is the 2nd 2000 volvo s40 we have seen do this and I assume many are not reported and considered installer error. *tr”Owner report · Wheels · Aug 2009
“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 old, the car has less than 64,000 mile, so I would not expect a coil spring to deteriorate like that. The dealer replaced both rear coil springs for $773. *tr”Owner report · Suspension · Mar 2009
When filing, owners marked a crash in 12 of these complaints and injuries in 3 - self-reported to NHTSA, not verified accident statistics.
Recalls - 1 campaign
ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, WATER CAN ENTER THE ELECTRICAL BRAKE VACUUM PUMP, CAUSING THE PUMP TO FAIL.
Remedy: 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.
Specifications
Factory options offered for the 2000 model year, decoded from the NHTSA vPIC database. Individual vehicles have one of each.
How other years compare
Check your exact S40 by VIN
Recalls and equipment differ between individual vehicles. Decode your VIN to see what applies to yours.
Open VIN decoderFrequently asked questions
Is the 2000 Volvo S40 reliable?
NHTSA has 122 owner complaints and 1 recall campaign on record for the 2000 Volvo S40. The most complained-about area is service brakes, hydraulic (37% of complaints).
At what mileage do 2000 Volvo S40 problems usually appear?
Half of the complaints that mention mileage were filed at 73,729 miles or less.
Does the 2000 Volvo S40 have open recalls?
1 recall campaign has been issued, the latest concerning service brakes, hydraulic:power assist:vacuum. Check your specific vehicle by VIN - recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
Source: NHTSA recall campaigns and owner complaints (public domain). Counts reflect reports on file and are not a defect rate.