2006 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
40% of complaints: electrical system — 23 distinct reports on file.
Show complaint excerpts
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 VOLVO S40. THE CONTACT STATED WHENEVER THE AIR CONDITIONER WAS ACTIVATED, HOT AIR EMITTED THROUGHOUT THE VENTS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER FOR DIAGNOSIS.
NHTSA ODI report, 20130422
DRIVING IN RAIN, BRAKE FAILURE MESSAGE BEGAN FLASHING ON DASH, THEN AIRBAG FAILURE. SLOWED TO A STOP AND TURNED OFF CAR, TURNED BACK ON AND DROVE SLOWLY HOME. MESSAGES CONTINUED TO FLASH.
NHTSA ODI report, 20121008
WHILST DRIVING, THE INSTRUMENTS ON THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER DROPPED TO ZERO AND THE WARNING LIGHTS STARTED FLASHING. AFTER SHUTTING DOWN THE CAR, AND THEN RESTARTING, THE FAULT CLEARED.
NHTSA ODI report, 20120329
12% of complaints: fuel/propulsion system — 7 distinct reports on file.
Show complaint excerpts
RECALL ON- FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE: DELIVERY: FUEL PUMP VOVLVO RECALL NO. 190
NHTSA ODI report, 20190727
10% of complaints: structure — 6 distinct reports on file.
9% of complaints: engine — 5 distinct reports on file.
Show complaint excerpts
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 VOLVO S40. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING AT 20 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO RESTART THE VEHICLE AFTER SEVERAL MINUTES AND SEVERAL ATTEMPTS. THE VEHICLE WAS DRIVEN TO THE RESIDENCE.
NHTSA ODI report, 20200318
FOUND COMPLAINTS ON MULTIPLE SITES ABOUT ISSUE FOUND ON MY VEHICLE . THE OIL FILTER HOUSING CORRUGATED BREATHING HOSE WAS SO BADLY ROTTED WAS ONLY LITTLE PIECE LEFT REST FELL OFF SOMEWHERE WHILE OPERATING VEHICLE.
NHTSA ODI report, 20190802
7% of complaints: visibility — 4 distinct reports on file.
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
2006 Volvo S40 — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for electrical system issues (23 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for fuel/propulsion system issues (7 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for structure issues (6 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 2006 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 2006 Volvo S40?
The most-reported component is electrical system, accounting for 40% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2006 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.