2000 Volvo V40: problems, recalls and reliability
1 recall and 50 owner complaints on record; the weakest area is service brakes, hydraulic (44% of complaints); the 2001 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 50 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“Tl* the contact owns a 2000 volvo v40. The contact shifted into reverse with the brake pedal engaged when the vehicle unintentionally accelerated and drove over a plastic trash receptacle, ceramic pot and then crashed into the side of a nearby house. There was no personal injury and the exterior side of the house sustained minor damage. A police report was not filed. The rear bumper completely detached and the vehicle was in the process of being towed to a collision center. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was unavailable. Updated 10/04/11*lj updated 3/22/12 *cn”Owner report · Vehicle Speed Control · Jul 2011
“Brakes failed coming into my driveway. Able to stop car by using emergency brake. Could have caused a crash. Brought to be serviced. Mechanic reported that it was failed left front brake hose due to spring support rubbing through. This hose has been replaced and the old part is available. Mechanic also reported that right front brake hose needs to be replaced because of same reason. An appointment for this has been scheduled and part will be available. He feels this will be a design issue. *tr”Owner report · Service Brakes, Hydraulic · Aug 2010
“Vehicle idle increase on braking to about 1500 rpms. When put in park, idle increased to 4500 rpms. I tried taping the gas to see if rpms would go down. Instead rpms increased even higher to over 5500 rpms. Turned the car off. Tried to restart car and rpms immediately went high again. Turned the car off a second time. Could not restart the car. A similar incident happened 36 hours later after the car had been at the repair ship. That incident happened after driving around a parking lot looking for a space. Rpm's increased. When put in park the rpm's increased to over 4000 rpms. Car towed to repair shop. *tr”Owner report · Vehicle Speed Control · Mar 2010
Show 7 more owner reports
“Failure of upper strut mount bushings causing loss of suspension / steering. Replaced for the third time on 2000 v-40 volvo. Recently volvo offered a newly designed heavy duty mount at three time the replacement cost demonstrating that original equipment mount was severely under designed. *tr”Owner report · Suspension · Nov 2008
“Ever since I bought the 2000 volvo v40 stationwagon from a private dealership I've had nothing but problems trying to start the car. When trying to crank up vehicle it takes a couple of seconds before the car actually starts and it smells like gas afterwards. I've taken it to the mechanics and they have given it a full tune up and replaced the injectors but still I have the same problem. *tr”Owner report · Engine And Engine Cooling · Feb 2008
“The vehicle both accelerated and decelerated without input, placing me in a very unsafe situation. When I stopped the car the engine, which had overheated, the radiator hose blew out. The radiator hose was replaced. I am currently discussing correction to the electronic throttle module which appeared to be a problem with this make and model. *ak”Owner report · Vehicle Speed Control · Jun 2007
“Dt*: the contact stated while driving at 55 mph the brakes failed resulting in a crash. A police report was filed at the scene and the driver and passenger sustained minor injuries. The dealership determined on certain vehicles water can enter the electrical brake vacuum pump, causing the pump to fail. There is a NHTSA recall, # 03v474000, regarding the service brakes hydraulic power assist vacuum. The VIN was not included in the recall.”Owner report · Service Brakes, Hydraulic · Mar 2006
“Motor mounts broke while being serviced by the dealer. Consumer felt the part was defective upon delivery. *ak the left and right engine motor mounts collapsed. The right and left side upper engine mount was replaced. *sc *jb”Owner report · Engine And Engine Cooling · Dec 2004
“The rear suspension was rough for about a year. Found both rear coil springs cracked at 65,000 miles, and replaced. *ak”Owner report · Suspension · Aug 2004
“Brake system in car works poorly when car is cold or left for a few hours. Significantly more brake pressure is required to stop the car when car is cold. Problem has been "fixed" three times but has returned again. Evidently this is related to failure of a vacuum pump used to provide additional brake vacuum for the master cylinder when the engine is cold.*ak”Owner report · Service Brakes, Hydraulic · Aug 2003
When filing, owners marked a crash in 2 of these complaints and injuries in 2 - 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 V40 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 V40 reliable?
NHTSA has 50 owner complaints and 1 recall campaign on record for the 2000 Volvo V40. The most complained-about area is service brakes, hydraulic (44% of complaints).
At what mileage do 2000 Volvo V40 problems usually appear?
Half of the complaints that mention mileage were filed at 65,000 miles or less.
Does the 2000 Volvo V40 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.