MYRModel Year Report

2005 Volvo S40

○ Not enough data
2005 Volvo S40
RENDERED 2026-11-01T12:48:17.443Z

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.

How is this computed?

Complaints
69
Recalls
3

Campaigns on file for 2005

Investigations
0

None on file

Top problem
Electrical system

28% of complaints

Complaints per year

2000: 122 complaints 2000 2001: 84 complaints 2002: 27 complaints 2002 2003: 18 complaints 2004: 48 complaints 2005: 69 complaints 2005 69 2006: 58 complaints 2007: 25 complaints 2008: 16 complaints 2008 2009: 10 complaints 2010: 9 complaints 2010 2011: 5 complaints
2000: 122 complaints 2000 2001: 84 complaints 2001 2002: 27 complaints 2002 2003: 18 complaints 2003 2004: 48 complaints 2004 2005: 69 complaints 2005 69 2006: 58 complaints 2006 2007: 25 complaints 2007 2008: 16 complaints 2008 2009: 10 complaints 2009 2010: 9 complaints 2010 2011: 5 complaints 2011
2000: 122 complaints 2000 2001: 84 complaints 2001 2002: 27 complaints 2002 2003: 18 complaints 2003 2004: 48 complaints 2004 2005: 69 complaints 2005 69 2006: 58 complaints 2006 2007: 25 complaints 2007 2008: 16 complaints 2008 2009: 10 complaints 2009 2010: 9 complaints 2010 2011: 5 complaints 2011

2005: 69 complaints

View as data table
YearComplaints
2000122
200184
200227
200318
200448
200569
200658
200725
200816
200910
20109
20115

Known problem areas

Percentages can add to more than 100% — a complaint can name more than one system.

Electrical system

28% · 19 reports
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, 2024-03-20

Also filed under Power train

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, 2012-06-04

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, 2006-07-12

Fuel system, gasoline

17% · 12 reports

Most commonly citing fuel pump.

Engine and engine cooling

16% · 11 reports

Most commonly citing engine.

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, 2012-04-11

Fuel/propulsion system

12% · 8 reports

Visibility

9% · 6 reports

Most commonly citing sun/moon roof assembly and windshield wiper/washer.

Safety timeline

3 recalls · 0 investigations · oldest first

To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →

  1. R
    2006-06-05Fuel system, gasoline06V137000 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…

    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.

    Check if this car was fixed →

  2. R
    2008-02-20Fuel system, gasoline08V033000 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…

    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.

    Check if this car was fixed →

  3. R
    2010-11-18Equipment10V566000 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…

    Check if this car was fixed →

Buy-smart checklist

2005 Volvo S40 — pre-purchase inspection

Inspect

  • Electrical system: 19 reports on file for this year.
  • Fuel system, gasoline: 12 reports on file for this year.
  • Engine and engine cooling: 11 reports on file for this year.

Verify these recalls were completed

  • Recall 06V137000 · Fuel system, gasoline
  • Recall 08V033000 · Fuel system, gasoline
  • Recall 10V566000 · Equipment
Inspected by ______________ Date ______________

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 2026-11-01 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.