2001 Volvo S40
Not enough comparison years on file yet for a fair verdict.
This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.
COMPLAINTS PER YEAR
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 2000 | 122 |
| 2001 | 84 |
| 2002 | 27 |
| 2003 | 18 |
| 2004 | 48 |
| 2005 | 69 |
| 2006 | 58 |
| 2007 | 25 |
| 2008 | 16 |
| 2009 | 10 |
| 2010 | 9 |
| 2011 | 5 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
11% of complaints: vehicle speed control — 9 distinct reports on file.
CRASHShow complaint excerpts
CONSUMER PUT VEHICLE IN DRIVE AND VEHICLE TOOK OFF. CONSUMER HIT A TELEPHONE POLE WHILE TRYING TO AVOID HITTING ANOTHER VEHICLE.*AK
NHTSA ODI report, 20010116
8% of complaints: service brakes, hydraulic — 7 distinct reports on file.
CRASH INJURY8% of complaints: electrical system — 7 distinct reports on file.
CRASH FIRE INJURYShow complaint excerpts
ME AN MY HUSBAND WAS DRIVING THE CAR AN IT STARTED TO RUN HOT SO WE WENT AN GOT THE PART TO GO ON THE CAR AN WHEN WHEN WE GOT BACK TO MY FATHER IN LAW HOUSE THE CAR CUT OFF AN STARTED TO SMOKE REAL BAD THEN WENT INTO FLAMES AN WHEN WE FIRST GOT THE...
NHTSA ODI report, 20200716
I'VE CONTACTED VOLVO AND DEMANDED MY MONEY BACK AND THEY REFUSED, THIS IS MY NEXT STEP BEFORE TAKING THEM TO COURT FOR A MEASILY 2,500.
NHTSA ODI report, 20160807
7% of complaints: service brakes, hydraulic — 6 distinct reports on file.
6% of complaints: engine and engine cooling — 5 distinct reports on file.
FIRESAFETY TIMELINE
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
Campaign 01V169000 — check if this car was fixed
VOLVO S40/V40 MY 2000-2001
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
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 TA
Campaign 03V284000 — check if this car was fixed
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
2001 Volvo S40 — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for vehicle speed control issues (9 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for service brakes, hydraulic issues (7 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for electrical system issues (7 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 01V169000 (equipment) has been completed.
- Verify recall 03V284000 (equipment) has been completed.
FAQ
Is the 2001 Volvo S40 reliable?
There isn't enough NHTSA complaint data on file yet to give this model year a verdict.
What are the most common problems with the 2001 Volvo S40?
The most-reported component is vehicle speed control, accounting for 11% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2001 Volvo S40 have?
2 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.