2002 Volvo S40
Only 27 complaints on file — too few 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.
Only 27 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict. The data below is complete but unranked.
- Complaints
- 27
- Recalls
- 1
- Investigations
- 0
- Top problem
- —
Too few to rank
Campaigns on file for 2002
None on file
Not enough data
Complaints per year
2002: 27 complaints
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
Only 27 complaints on file for this model year — too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.
Service brakes
8 of 27 total reports mention: service brakes, most commonly citing hydraulic.
Show complaint excerpts
I was driving on a main road and my brakes failed. It was determined that a brake line corroded through. It appears that the vehicle has a single master brake cylinder.
NHTSA ODI report, 2013-11-03
Electrical system
5 of 27 total reports mention: electrical system, most commonly citing wiring and horn.
Show complaint excerpts
The horn failed to function properly when horn button was pressed from the left side.
NHTSA ODI report, 2003-10-06
Suspension
4 of 27 total reports mention: suspension, most commonly citing springs and front.
Show complaint excerpts
While driving the right front and right rear coil springs broke and the front coil spring damaged the tire. Dealer stocks these expensive springs (Both front and rear) in larger than normal amounts due to incidences of breakage.
NHTSA ODI report, 2013-01-03
Exterior lighting
3 of 27 total reports mention: exterior lighting, most commonly citing headlights.
Engine and engine cooling
3 of 27 total reports mention: engine and engine cooling, most commonly citing turbo/supercharger.
Safety timeline
1 recall · 0 investigations · oldest first
To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →
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R
2003-12-19Equipment03V284000 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…
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…
Buy-smart checklist
2002 Volvo S40 — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Service brakes: 8 reports on file for this year.
- Electrical system: 5 reports on file for this year.
- Suspension: 4 reports on file for this year.
Verify these recalls were completed
- Recall 03V284000 · Equipment
FAQ
- Is the 2002 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 2002 Volvo S40?
- The most-reported component is service brakes, accounting for 30% of complaints on file.
- How many recalls does the 2002 Volvo S40 have?
- 1 recall on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-11-01 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.