2000 Volvo V40 problems & reliability
50 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2000 Volvo V40, alongside 1 safety recall campaign. Last verified Aug 7, 2026. Complaints are unverified reports submitted by owners to the federal Office of Defects Investigation.
Each complaint is counted once (by NHTSA case number), even when it names several vehicles.
1 complaint report injuries (2 injured).
Most reported problems
| Component | Complaints | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Service Brakes, Hydraulic → | 23 | 46% |
| Engine and Engine Cooling → | 10 | 20% |
| Suspension | 7 | 14% |
| Electrical System | 5 | 10% |
| Exterior Lighting | 4 | 8% |
| Vehicle Speed Control | 4 | 8% |
| Wheels | 3 | 6% |
| Power Train | 2 | 4% |
| Steering | 2 | 4% |
| Structure | 2 | 4% |
Component groups as classified by NHTSA. A complaint can name more than one component, so shares may sum to more than 100%.
All 14 reported components →Complaints by incident year
What owners report
“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…”
Vehicle Speed Control · filed Jul 12, 2011
“2000 volvo v40 - very well maintained, 2nd owner, approximately 83,000 miles. I started noticing that the car would surge on the highway with the a/c on and when I had steady pressure on the accelerator (I.e. Icruising at a steady speed). The surge in rpm's would be rhythmic, very subtle (100-200 rpms) and continue…”
Power Train · filed Jun 29, 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…”
Service Brakes, Hydraulic · filed Sep 15, 2010
Verbatim excerpts from complaints filed with NHTSA. Reports are not independently verified.
Federal defect investigations
- VOLVO S40/V40 MY 2000-2001
Engineering Analysis EA02026 · opened Sep 10, 2002 · closed Nov 21, 2003 · led to recall 03V474000
- BRAKE POWER-ASSIST
Preliminary Evaluation PE02009 · opened Jan 29, 2002 · closed Sep 10, 2002
Technical service bulletins
190 manufacturer communications (TSBs, service campaigns, warranty extensions) are on file with NHTSA for the 2000 Volvo V40. The 10 most recent:
This is a TJ text only - The purpose of this TJ is to be a master reference list to easily identify any components that are on prior approval. This TJ will be regularily updated as items are added or removed from prior…
37809.1.1 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Apr 7, 2026
This is a Technical Journal. Vehicle type and platform identification.
19245 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Dec 6, 2025
This is a Technical Journal: Remote connection, BOMGAR application. Before joining a remote session: •Connect a suitable battery maintainer/charger and verify that the battery voltage indicated in VIDA is between…
8501 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Apr 10, 2025
Volvo Cars USA LLC and Volvo Car Canada LTD on behalf of the Volvo Car Corporation has decided to launch Service Action S10303 on certain model year 2025 EX90 vehicles. Volvo Car Investigations have identified that…
S10303 · Service Campaign · issued Feb 21, 2025
Volvo Cars USA LLC and Volvo Car Canada LTD on behalf of the Volvo Car Corporation has decided to launch Service Action S10303 on certain model year 2025 EX90 vehicles. Volvo Car Investigations have identified that…
S10303 · Service Campaign · issued Feb 13, 2025
This is a Technical Journal: Vehicle/Connectivity report checklist. To provide timely and high-quality feedback to the appropriate department or factory
37175 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Jan 16, 2025
This is a Technical Journal: Remote connection, BOMGAR application. Before joining a remote session: •Connect a suitable battery maintainer/charger and verify that the battery voltage indicated in VIDA is between…
8501 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Jan 16, 2025
This is a Technical Journal: Software Upgrade / Download Guide. If one control unit is upgraded and not all, it may result in various problems.
TJ31543 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Oct 22, 2024
Information about valid Software partnumbers to order and download Software for "PDS" Pre-Delivery Service
TJ27536.21.1-2024-08-07 · Other · issued Aug 14, 2024
This is a Technical Journal: 12V Battery Testing Method
26745.13.14 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Jan 12, 2024
TSBs are repair guidance manufacturers send to dealers — they are not recalls and repairs are not automatically free. Full documents are available on NHTSA’s site.
Safety recalls
The 2000 Volvo V40 has 1 NHTSA recall campaign — recall repairs are free at franchised dealers regardless of the vehicle’s age.
Check whether your specific vehicle is affected
Recall campaigns often cover only certain VIN ranges. Enter your VIN on the official NHTSA site to confirm whether your vehicle is included and whether the repair is still open.
Check VIN on NHTSA →Buying a used 2000 Volvo V40?
- · Decode the seller’s VIN with our free VIN decoder to confirm the exact year, engine and trim.
- · Check for unrepaired recalls by VIN on NHTSA’s official lookup — recall repairs are free.