2004 Volvo V40
Only 4 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 4 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict. The data below is complete but unranked.
COMPLAINTS PER YEAR
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1993 | 1 |
| 2000 | 50 |
| 2001 | 11 |
| 2002 | 4 |
| 2003 | 2 |
| 2004 | 4 |
| 2013 | 1 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
Only 4 complaints on file for this model year -- too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.
1 of 4 total reports mentions: structure.
Show complaint excerpts
DT: CONSUMER STATES WHEN THERE IS A SUN GLARE ON THE DASHBOARD THERE ISN'T ENOUGH ILLUMINATION. THE CONSUMER WAS UNABLE TO SEE THE INSTRUMENTS ON THE DASHBOARD.
NHTSA ODI report, 20050629
1 of 4 total reports mentions: service brakes, hydraulic.
CRASHShow complaint excerpts
ON APRIL 13, 2005 AT APPROXIMATELY 4 PM, I WAS BACKING MY V40 VOLVO 2004 WAGON OUT OF A PARKING SPACE AT THE KOSSMAN GARAGE, LIBERTY AVENUE,PITTSBURGH, PA, GOING SLOWLY BECAUSE IT WAS A TIGHT SPACE, WHEN MY BRAKES DID NOT WORK, AT ALL.
NHTSA ODI report, 20050523
1 of 4 total reports mentions: service brakes.
Show complaint excerpts
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 VOLVO V40. WHILE DRIVING 15 MPH, THE BRAKES MALFUNCTIONED. THE CONTACT DEPRESSED THE BRAKE PEDAL TO THE FLOORBOARD IN ORDER TO STOP THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED NOR REPAIRED.
NHTSA ODI report, 20160624
1 of 4 total reports mentions: air bags.
Show complaint excerpts
THE DRIVER'S SIDE AIRBAG HAS FAILED FOR NO APPARENT REASON. THE COST OF REPAIR WILL BE AROUND $900.00 THE CAR WAS PURCHASED 4 YEARS AGO. THAT IS A VERY COSTLY REPAIR FOR A RELATIVELY YOUNG VEHICLE.
NHTSA ODI report, 20080207
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
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
2004 Volvo V40 — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for structure issues (1 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for service brakes, hydraulic issues (1 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for service brakes issues (1 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.
FAQ
Is the 2004 Volvo V40 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 V40?
The most-reported component is structure, accounting for 25% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2004 Volvo V40 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.