2001 Volvo V40: problems, recalls and reliability
2 recalls and 11 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 11 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“Tl*the contact owns a 2001 volvo v40. The contact stated while driving he had to apply extreme pressure to the brake pedal in order to stop the vehicle. The vehicle was inspected by an independent mechanic who advised him that the failure was caused by the power assist vacuum. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and offered no assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 154,000. The VIN was unavailable.”Owner report · Service Brakes, Hydraulic · Dec 2010
“Transmission slips, rpm/speed increases at approx 30 mph intermittently and after a turn for approx 1-2 seconds, causing an unsafe, and alarming experience. *ak”Owner report · Power Train · Jul 2003
“Volvo 2001 v-40 sation wagon: rear brake pads completely gone by 17000 miles, leading to rotor damage and unsafe braking. Inspection at 15200 miles showed no brake related abnormalities. Volvo customer relations said fast wearing out of brakes is common in this model. *nlm”Owner report · Service Brakes, Hydraulic · Jun 2003
Show 5 more owner reports
“No brakes upon initial start and shortly therafter, vehicle idled for approximately 6 hours. Dealer reset check valve and said they do not have to replace assembly, computer said okay. *ak”Owner report · Service Brakes, Hydraulic · Apr 2003
“While backing vehicle out of garage in morning the brakes sometimes become very difficult to push (hence, difficult to stop the vehicle). Prior to very recently, the problem only occurred while backing out of our garage down the driveway (1-2% grade, only). Recently, the problem is beginning to occur while traveling forward, again it is only when the vehicle has been sitting for hours and just started. I have yet to call volvo. The problem has been so intermittent up to this point I know what will happen: we will be without a car for a week while volvo drives it and finally reports to us that there is no problem. Have you folks heard anything on this peculiar problem???? Dt”Owner report · Service Brakes, Hydraulic · Nov 2002
“While driving 5 mph on a snowy hill traction control failed. Vehicle was unmoveable. Vehicle towed to dealer, sensor was replaced. Please add further information.*ak”Owner report · Power Train · Dec 2001
“Tl*the contact owns a 2001 volvo v40. The current mileage was 105000. The check engine warning indicator light turns on. The vehicle has been taken to both volvo repair shops and local mechanics numerous times for this failure. They are able to turn the light off; however, it usually comes back on within three weeks. The dealer is unable to diagnose the failure. The failure mileage was 25,000. The engine size is unknown. The VIN was provided but appears to be invalid.”Owner report · Engine And Engine Cooling · Dec 2001
“In a minimal accident with no passenger in the passenger seat air bags deployed causing excessive and needless damage to the car. *ak”Owner report · Air Bags
When filing, owners marked a crash in 1 of these complaints and injuries in 0 - self-reported to NHTSA, not verified accident statistics.
Recalls - 2 campaigns
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: SEDAN AND WAGON PASSENGER VEHICLES. A DIODE IN THE ELECTRONIC CLIMATE CONTROL SYSTEM MAY HAVE A REDUCED SERVICE LIFE.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL AN ADAPTER WITH A DIODE FITTED TO THE HEATER FAN MOTOR. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN JUNE 11, 2001. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT VOLVO AT 1-800-458-1552.
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 2001 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 2001 Volvo V40 reliable?
NHTSA has 11 owner complaints and 2 recall campaigns on record for the 2001 Volvo V40. The most complained-about area is service brakes, hydraulic.
Does the 2001 Volvo V40 have open recalls?
2 recall campaigns have been issued, the latest concerning equipment:appliance:air conditioner. 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.