2004 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
Percentages can add to more than 100% -- a complaint can name more than one system.
27% of complaints: electrical system — 13 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing instrument cluster/panel and 12v/24v/48v battery.
FIREShow complaint excerpts
THE KEY DOES NOT TURN ALL THE WAY TO TURN THE IGNITION - IT'S LOCKED AFTER TURNING I AND II (NOT TO III). I HAD TO HAVE THE CAR TOWED. I COULD HAVE BEEN STRANDED IN AN UNSAFE AREA.
NHTSA ODI report, 20180410
Also filed under SUSPENSION and UNKNOWN OR OTHER
25% of complaints: service brakes — 12 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing hydraulic and air.
CRASH FIRE INJURYShow complaint excerpts
I GOT NEW CAR IN NOV 2003 OF THE YEAR 2004 MODEL. IT FEELS LIKE ONE HAS TO PUT FOOT ON BRAKES ALL THE WAY TO APPLY. IT IS PROGRESSIVELY GETTING WORSE.
NHTSA ODI report, 20151117
Also filed under FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
23% of complaints: air bags — 11 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing frontal and sensor/control module.
CRASH INJURYShow complaint excerpts
ON OCTOBER 4TH I WAS INVOLVED IN A CAR ACCIDENT IN WHICH A DRIVER HIT MY CAR ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE PUSHING MY CAR DOWN A PTH IN THE WOODS IN FAIRFAX, VA.
NHTSA ODI report, 20081121
DURING A FRONTAL DRIVERS SIDE CRASH THE DRIVERS SIDE AIRBAG DID NOT DEPLOY CAUSING INJURY TO THE DRIVER. HOWEVER THE PASSENGER SIDE AIRBAG DID DEPLOY, BUT NO PASSENGERS WERE PRESENT AT THE TIME OF THE ACCIDENT.
NHTSA ODI report, 20050726
Also filed under SERVICE BRAKES, AIR
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 VOLVO S40. WHILE THE CONTACT STARTED THE IGNITION, THE AIR BAG WARNING INDICATOR BEGAN TO ILLUMINATE CONTINUOUSLY UNTIL THE ENGINE WAS TURNED OFF.
NHTSA ODI report, 20120313
10% of complaints: fuel system, gasoline — 5 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing fuel pump.
10% of complaints: engine and engine cooling — 5 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing engine.
SAFETY TIMELINE
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
ON CERTAIN SEDANS AND STATION WAGONS, THERE MAY BE A FUEL LEAK FROM THE FUEL RAIL DUE TO INADEQUATE WELDING.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL A V-CLAMP TO THE FUEL RAIL. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN ON JANUARY 28, 2004. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT VOLVO AT 1-800-458-1552.
Campaign 03V424000 — check if this car was fixed
ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, THE NON-RETURN VALVE MAY CRACK DUE TO A POOR WELD CAUSING A VACUUM LEAK.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT, AND IF NECESSARY, REPLACE THE VACUUM HOSE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON NOVEMBER 29, 2004. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT VOLVO CARS AT 1-800-458-1552.
Campaign 04V493000 — check if this car was fixed
ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH T5 TURBO ENGINES, THE POLYAMIDE TUBE IN THE FUEL LINE IS SENSITIVE TO THE EXTREME TEMPERATURES THAT MAY OCCUR IN THE AREA WHERE THE TURBO/EXHAUST MANIFOLD I
Remedy: DEALERS WILL CHANGE THE FUEL LINE MATERIAL TO TEFLON FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JUNE 5, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT VOLVO CARS AT 1-800-458-1552.
Campaign 06V137000 — check if this car was fixed
ON CERTAIN VEHICLES SOLD IN OR CURRENTLY REGISTERED IN THE STATES OF CONNECTICUT, DELAWARE, ILLINOIS, INDIANA, IOWA, MAINE, MARYLAND, MASSACHUSETTS, MICHIGAN, MINNESOTA, MISSOURI, NEW HAMPSHIRE, NEW J
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE PEM AND INSTALL IT IN A NEW LOCATION TO PREVENT CORROSION. THE RECALL BEGAN ON FEBRUARY 20, 2008. OWNERS MAY CONTACT VOLVO AT 1-800-458-1552.
Campaign 08V033000 — check if this car was fixed
VOLVO IS RECALLING CERTAIN VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH GARMIN 760 PORTABLE GLOBAL POSITIONING SYSTEM (GPS) UNITS BECAUSE THE BATTERIES ON THOSE UNITS MAY OVERHEAT.
Remedy: VOLVO ADVISES OWNERS TO PLEASE STOP USING THE GARMIN PORTABLE GPS DEVICE IMMEDIATELY, AND VISIT THE GARMIN WEBSITE TO DETERMINE IF THEIR UNIT IS AFFECTED. THE UNIT'S BATTERY WILL BE REPLACED WITH A N
Campaign 10V566000 — check if this car was fixed
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
2004 Volvo S40 — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for electrical system issues (13 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for service brakes issues (12 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for air bags issues (11 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 03V284000 (equipment) has been completed.
- Verify recall 03V424000 (fuel system, gasoline) has been completed.
- Verify recall 04V493000 (service brakes, hydraulic) has been completed.
- Verify recall 06V137000 (fuel system, gasoline) has been completed.
- Verify recall 08V033000 (fuel system, gasoline) has been completed.
- Verify recall 10V566000 (equipment) has been completed.
FAQ
Is the 2004 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 2004 Volvo S40?
The most-reported component is electrical system, accounting for 27% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2004 Volvo S40 have?
6 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-09-16 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.