Volvo S40 problems by year
433 owner complaints filed with NHTSA across 12 Volvo S40 model years. Last verified Aug 7, 2026. Complaint totals are lifetime counts — years that have been on the road longer accumulate more reports.
| Year | Complaints | Recalls | Most reported problem | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2011 Fewer complaints | 5 | 2 | — | |
| 2010 Fewer complaints | 9 | 2 | — | |
| 2009 | 10 | 3 | — | |
| 2008 | 16 | 2 | — | |
| 2007 | 25 | 2 | Electrical System | |
| 2006 | 58 | 3 | Electrical System | |
| 2005 | 69 | 3 | Electrical System | |
| 2004 | 48 | 6 | Air Bags | |
| 2003 | 18 | 2 | — | |
| 2002 | 27 | 1 | Service Brakes, Hydraulic | |
| 2001 Most complained | 84 | 2 | Service Brakes, Hydraulic | |
| 2000 Most complained | 122 | 1 | Service Brakes, Hydraulic |
How to read this. Complaints are unverified reports owners file with NHTSA’s Office of Defects Investigation, counted once per case number. Raw totals are not adjusted for sales volume, and recent model years have had less time on the road. “Most complained” flags years well above the model’s median; treat it as a signal for deeper research, not a verdict. This page is not affiliated with Volvo.