2002 Volvo S40: problems, recalls and reliability
1 recall and 27 owner complaints on record; most reports concern service brakes, hydraulic.
Data updated weekly · latest recall Aug 2003
All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.
Common problems
Computed from 27 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“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 80's, all vehicles sold in the united states were to have a dual master brake cylinder. *ln”Owner report · Service Brakes · Sep 2013
“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 been a a higher speed the incident could have been severe. *tr”Owner report · Suspension · Jan 2013
“Tl*the 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 vehicle was repaired. The contact stated that a local mechanic replaced all of the left front lights, the hood, the bumper and the fender. The failure mileage was 104,000 and the current mileage was 104,900.”Owner report · Service Brakes, Hydraulic · Oct 2010
Show 7 more owner reports
“Front end suspension isn't right,pulls when driving and there is a knocking items NHTSA 10016415 and 630879. Check engine has always been on 10003441. There is a clunking noise when shifting 10003398. There was never an accident these are just ongoing things and the suspension may cause an accident and check engine light is hard to get passed for inspection in nc. *tr”Owner report · Electrical System · Jun 2009
“Tl*the contact owns a 2002 volvo s40. The vehicle hesitated when it was started by the contact. The winter weather driving warning indicator arrow and the check engine light illuminated while driving 5 mph. The check engine light remained illuminated after turning the vehicle on an off. On june 23, 2007, the dealer advised the contact not to drive the vehicle until it was diagnosed. The dealer stated that the vehicle had a faulty transmission control module and the original battery was weak. The estimated cost of repair is $1,000, which does not guarantee that the failure will not recur. The current and failure mileages were 42,000.”Owner report · Power Train · Jun 2007
“Tl*- 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 dealer and they could not find the cause of the smoke. The current and failure mileage were 30,000.*ak”Owner report · Electrical System · Feb 2007
“Crack in upper tank of sending unit resulting in gas leakage. 15 month old daughter may have been affected by the toxic fumes. *nm”Owner report · Fuel System, Gasoline · Oct 2005
“Volvo s40 2002 headlights burned out, replaced 4-5 times. *bf the consumer believed this to be potentially dangerous since the head lights were being used as daytime running lights. *jb”Owner report · Exterior Lighting · Mar 2005
“While driving at a very low speed, the vehicle suddenly accelerated. The driver was able to stop the vehicle by pressing on the brake pedal really hard. The vehicle was towed to the dealer. *ak *jb”Owner report · Vehicle Speed Control · Aug 2003
“The consumer sustained major injuries when the vehicle struck a tree. The seat belt didn't hold him in place and the air bags didn't deploy. *ph *sc *jb”Owner report · Seat Belts · Jan 2003
When filing, owners marked a crash in 4 of these complaints and injuries in 2 - self-reported to NHTSA, not verified accident statistics.
Recalls - 1 campaign
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.
Remedy: 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.
Specifications
Factory options offered for the 2002 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 2002 Volvo S40 reliable?
NHTSA has 27 owner complaints and 1 recall campaign on record for the 2002 Volvo S40. The most complained-about area is service brakes, hydraulic.
Does the 2002 Volvo S40 have open recalls?
1 recall campaign has been issued, the latest concerning equipment:other:labels. 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.