2005 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
28% of complaints: electrical system — 19 distinct reports on file.
Show complaint excerpts
The contact's wife owns a 2005 Volvo S40. The contact stated the vehicle was difficult to start for several days. Eventually, the failure progressed and the vehicle was not able to start. The check engine warning light was illuminated.
NHTSA ODI report, 20240320
WHILE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY MY CAR BEGAN TO SHOW SIGNS OF AN ELECTRICAL PROBLEM. DIFFERENT WARNINGS WERE COMING UP ON THE CONTROL PANEL, ALERTING ME TO BRAKE FLUID LOW, AS WELL AS MY CURRENT MILEAGE DISAPPEARING.
NHTSA ODI report, 20120604
THE S-40 WAS ON THE HIGHWAY AND THE MESSAGE CAME ON STATING ENGINE FAILURE. I PULLED OVER IN THE BREAKDOWN LANE AND SHUT THE CAR OFF. I RESTARTED THE CAR AND WAS ABLE TO DRIVE HOME.
NHTSA ODI report, 20060712
12% of complaints: fuel/propulsion system — 8 distinct reports on file.
12% of complaints: fuel system, gasoline — 8 distinct reports on file.
12% of complaints: engine and engine cooling — 8 distinct reports on file.
Show complaint excerpts
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 VOLVO S40. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE ENGINE TRAP FLAME BOX WAS LEAKING OIL AND EXHIBITED A WHISTLING NOISE WHEN THE ENGINE WAS STARTED.
NHTSA ODI report, 20120411
7% of complaints: engine — 5 distinct reports on file.
Show complaint excerpts
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 VOLVO S40. WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS STARTED, THERE WAS AN ABNORMAL VIBRATION COMING FROM THE VEHICLE. UPON OPENING THE HOOD AND CHECKING THE ENGINE, THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE PASSENGER SIDE OF THE ENGINE WAS FRACTURED.
NHTSA ODI report, 20180102
CAR LOOSING POWER AND ENGINE MISSING AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS. ENGINE LIGHT WENT ON. FAILURE OF FUEL PRESSURE MONITOR.
NHTSA ODI report, 20171211
CAR IS ALL OF A SUDDEN ACCELERATING ON ITS OWN. IT HAS HAPPENED A HANDFUL OF TIMES WITHIN THE LAST MONTH. I WILL MAKE A TURN, LET OFF THE GAS PEDDLE AND THEN THE CAR WILL JUST JERK FORWARD REVVING UP THE RPMS AND ACCELERATING ON ITS OWN.
NHTSA ODI report, 20171101
SAFETY TIMELINE
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
2005 Volvo S40 — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for electrical system issues (19 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for fuel/propulsion system issues (8 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for fuel system, gasoline issues (8 reports on file for this year).
- 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 2005 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 2005 Volvo S40?
The most-reported component is electrical system, accounting for 28% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2005 Volvo S40 have?
3 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.